Page 100 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I muttered, “I noticed.” Grandpa half growled, “I knew what was really going on, but Ken linked Tyler who told Emmett. I happened to hear them both. They think you’re trying to impress the new girl. They don’t know the real reason, but I do. I told you those reports were lies.”

I sighed, “I talked to Uncle Eric just a little bit ago. He said a lot of what Lisa said about me was wrong. I know you wouldn’t lie to me, but you’re my grandpa; you could be biased.” Grandpa snorted, “I love you, Keaton. I’m sorry I didn’t do more about Lisa, I never liked that girl.”

I asked, “Who did?” He responded, “You.” I asked, “Did I though? Did you see Katie when you did your patrol?” Grandpa said, “No, your Katie wasn’t at the window. Immy was worried something fierce about her.” I smiled saying, “She’s ok now.” Grandpa laughed, “I’d hope so given your scent.” He clapped me on the shoulder and walked out.

I waited in Emmett’s office. He flashed in after an hour, looking surprised despite smelling me in here. Alexandria came in and shut the door. My big brother asked, “Keaton, what’s going on?” I told him, “Melanie pointed out I can ask you for help as the Lead Alpha.”

Emmett eyebrows raised, “Of course you can, I’m not just your brother.” I sighed, “Lisa is making things hard for Katie. I didn’t get the full story yet, but I heard Katie say Lisa locked her in a closet.” Emmett growled, “That wasn’t in the police report, I’ll look into it. Ted and Matt heard her talking about it so I’ll ask them.”

I frowned, “That doesn’t make sense. A pack member was the police officer talking to her.” Emmett rubbed his face repeating, “I’ll look into it. Katie doesn’t understand how we handle things. She could press charges against Lisa.”

“She’d deserve it too, but Lisa seems to love saying Katie isn’t Supernatural. Then turns around and treats her like she is one. That girl is going to give me a coronary. I’ll look into what happened, Keaton. If Katie tells you the full story, let me know. I’ll figure out why it wasn’t reported.” I nodded.

I started to leave. Emmett said, “You know I’ll talk to you about anything you want.” I turned, “You want to know what Grandpa knows.” Emmett nodded, “Yes. I also wonder why you looked relieved when I said Melanie didn’t hear you guys. It’s like there’s something she didn’t hear that you’re relieved about.”

I whispered, “It’s embarrassing.” Emmett frowned, “I don’t understand what that means, little brother. You had an elaborate surprise Lisa didn’t like, but she’s a very materialistic person. That’s not embarrassing.”

I told him, “I’m not embarrassed she didn’t care for it. I feel dumb thinking my ex would like it. I’d been dating her for two years. I knew Lisa didn’t like cabins. I should’ve known better.” Emmett told me, “You are many things, but dumb is not one of them. Our Warriors told me you were talking to Eric at the border, I’ll talk to you too.”

I snorted, “You’d be pissed.” Emmett replied, “From what I heard, Eric wasn’t happy. He got in the ring with his brothers when he got home and wouldn’t talk about what pissed him off.” I was touched that Uncle Eric cared that much about me.

I told him, “We talked about Katie and Lisa. If you know I talked to Eric, then dad does too. Is he mad?” Emmett shook his head, “No, dad’s not mad.” I asked, “Then what is he?” Emmett snorted, “Have you been hanging out with the Beta’s? Dad’s a little sad you don’t think you can talk to him, but he’s happy you’re talking to someone.”

I told him, “It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you guys. It’s just…” I trailed off. Channing took over, “My human thinks it’s embarrassing because you guys are strong Alpha wolves.” I linked him, “Normally, I’d be pissed at you for that but I wasn’t going to tell him.”

Emmett responded, “You’re also a strong Alpha along with Eric. So, I’m not seeing what is embarrassing about it.” I took over saying, “I’m not like you, Emmett. You’ve always been fast and strong; whereas I’ve had to work really hard to be strong.”

Emmett tilted his head, “What are you talking about? I’m the fastest wolf around, besides Melanie. The little goddess wolf just swooped in and stole my thing.” He winked at me causing me to laugh. Channing snorted, “Lightning wants to try and be faster.” That was a little funny.

Alexandria spoke, “Lisa told you that, didn’t she?” Emmett asked, “Told him what?” Alexandria said, “That’s what happened yesterday. You came home ready to fight, then Lisa was linking you and you deflated.” True.

Alexandria growled, “Just like you did when Emmett would put missions together and ask if you would go. You always started out excited. Then you and Lisa would link, and you’d hunch your shoulders and back down. She told you that you weren’t good enough.”

Emmett snorted, “That’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t even ask if I didn’t think my brother could do it, Alexandria. He knows that.” Alexandria didn’t break eye contact with me, and I felt my cheeks heating from embarrassment. Channing offered, “I’m not embarrassed.” My wolf was gaining a lot of confidence lately, I liked it.

Emmett growled, “SHE’S RIGHT?! Keaton, I would never place you in danger. You have to know that.” I whispered, “I thought you didn’t want to hurt my feelings even though I’m weaker than you.” I looked at the floor.

Emmett demanded, “Look at me, little brother.” When I did, he told me, “You are not weak, and you never have been. Son of bitch. I hate that girl. Lisa has to go, Alexandria, she has to. Every time I turn around, she’s done something else to Keaton. She made him think I was being fucking nice?!”

“Keaton, when have I not pushed you guys in training? If anything, I’m too hard on you guys because I never want to see you get hurt. I would never ask you to do something out of any sort of kindness if I thought there was remote chance you could get hurt.”

I shrugged, “You could cover me with Keith and then one of you would get hurt. Or dad.” Alexandria snarled then took a deep breath. Emmett pointed out, “You handled yourself just fine yesterday. You know that, right? We didn’t cover you, the opposite happened.” That was a good point.

Emmett emphatically stated, “We are stronger together, Keaton. There have been times, we’ve needed your strength and didn’t have it. I can think of a few instances where there were patrols that got hurt that wouldn’t have happened with you there.”

“I had no idea you were not going because you thought you weren’t strong enough. That’s insane. Is that why you work out and do so much cardio? You think you’re not as strong, so you have to work harder at it?”

I honestly answered, “No.” Emmett sighed, “Ok. Then why do you do so much cardio?” I told him, “I don’t really want to talk about that yet.” Emmett growled, “So it’s about Lisa. What am I saying? Of course it is. I’m going to join grandpa’s quest to find your ex a new pack. He’s offering money yet no one wants her.”

I asked, “Is he really?” Alexandria answered, “Frank’s trying to get Lisa’s dad a job offer out of state. Packs don’t mind him, it’s Lisa that’s the problem.” I snorted, “She sucks so I can’t say I blame them. I’ll see you guys later.”

Emmett told me, “My door’s always open.” I got up to leave when my brother announced, “The two of us have a date in the gym tomorrow morning, little brother.” I turned around, “What? Why?” Emmett smiled, “Just be there.” I nodded.

A weight I didn’t realize I had around me lifted because Emmett didn’t think I was a liability. I ran outside and shifted into Channing then heard screaming. I linked Emmett, “Screaming on the north border.” I hung my head realizing who it was. I sighed adding, “Lisa is being attacked.”

Channing sighed, “If only I didn’t have Alpha blood, I’d just run the other way.” I ran faster. I linked the pack, “Ten rogues on the north border, I need Warriors now.” I jumped in and attacked, saving Lisa again. Was she a rogue magnet?

They attacked me all at once. Lisa screamed, “RUN, KEATON! YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM ALL!” Channing snarled at her. I rolled my eyes because she could think I was a bad fighter all she wanted, but she couldn’t fight her way out of a paper bag. My ex should be running, not me.