Page 14 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Lisa practically foamed at the mouth, “I hate her.” I frowned asking, “Why?” Lisa groaned, “Fairies. She’s not even a partial Werewolf / Fairy. She’s just a Hood / Fairy mix. Annie doesn’t belong in the pack”

I argued, “Yes, she does. She’s a member this pack. Bryce and Tony Jr. Bryce told Keith you came onto them. So, it’s clearly not that you don’t just dislike non-Werewolves. It’s just Annie though you two have never been friends so that tracks.” Annie had never liked her, but she didn’t practically spit nails at Lisa either.

Lisa slapped my arm, “I only flirted with Bryce because you were flirting with that visiting team’s cheerleader in front of me!” I countered, “I didn’t flirt at all. The girl dropped her sign, which I handed back to her. We didn’t flirt. Her boyfriend was the opposing team’s captain for god’s sake.”

Lisa pouted, “You’ve become very argumentative since your birthday. I don’t like it. You’re changing and it’s not for the best.” I retorted, “If you don’t like me, then there’s no reason to be around me.” Her jaw dropped and tears filled her eyes.

Lisa wiped away a few tears and reached for me, but I backed up. Which by all appearances enraged her. Channing said, “Lady is yet again asleep meaning I have no insight for you.” Lisa pointed at me, “I don’t like when you’re so hurtful. You’ve been so angry with me since you discovered I wasn’t your mate. You blame me, don’t you? You don’t think I’m good enough to be a Luna.”

I told her, “Those are your words, not mine.” Lisa huffed, “Well, you certainly aren’t denying them now are you? Your family finally got to you.” I argued, “My family has nothing to do with this. This is about you and me. We don’t make each other happy, and we haven’t for a long time. Name one thing you like about me.”

Lisa crossed her arms, “That’s ridiculous. Of course we make each other happy. We are high school sweethearts. We are both very attractive people who have a good relationship. You know when you come back the second semester of school and basketball season, you’ll remember how good we are together. Then you’ll have to grovel for my forgiveness over how you’ve treated me.”

I bit back, “What about you? How about the groveling you’d have to do for running around the pack saying we are still together while you make out with Justin everywhere you go? You’d never forgive me if I were doing what you are.”

Lisa smirked victoriously saying, “So that’s what your attitude is. You’re jealous.” I honestly replied, “Not even a little bit. I think you two make a lot of sense as a couple. You’ve always said he’s your best friend. Now you’ve made it public that he’s more.” Lisa started to pale.

Eventually my ex asked, “This is about your public perception in the pack? How shallow can you be?” Channing growled in my head. I shot back, “As shallow as I want, but that’s not what this is.” Lisa warned, “You’ll be sorry you treated me this way. You always are when we fight. You’ll be apologizing to me, and this time I’m really going to make you earn my forgiveness.”

I asked, “When have you not, for my perceived failures? I’m always making something up to you. My favorite was when I made you a desk from wood I gathered, spent months carving designs into, and you screamed at me for not spending enough money on you.”

I tapped my chin saying, “If I recall correctly, I spent five thousand dollars on you before I was forgiven. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s a day to spend with family. Lunch is over so you and your family need to go.” Lisa raised her hand.

Channing snorted, “I will clock her this time, Keaton.” I warned, “Don’t even think about slapping me.” One, I would catch her hand. Two, I would throw her out of this house. Channing added, “Three, your wolf would RAKE HIS CLAWS DOWN HER FACE!”

I reasoned, “You’ve never cared that much before.” Channing replied, “Well, now I do.” We both really needed that space I was taking from Lisa. My ex huffed, “You keep digging yourself deeper into a hole, Keaton.”

I disagreed, “I’m not digging anything. We aren’t together and you’ve officially moved onto Justin. I wish you both happiness.” Lisa frowned, “I’m not with Justin, I’m with you.” I snorted, “The facts point to the contrary, since we aren’t together.”

Lisa huffed, “So you say. Then when you come home, you’ll want me back. I’ll see you soon, Keaton.” Annie popped back to me muttering, “God, her voice is shrill.” I defended Lisa, “She can’t help it, Annie.”

Annie shrugged noncommittally, “Maybe. Maybe not.” We stood there for several seconds. I asked, “Are you ok?” She didn’t answer me for a while, “Well, the dark cloud of doom left the building. Let’s go have drinks and have fun and some actual fun. My sister has been mopey without her sidekick.” I snorted, “I’m sure Clara has been fine.”

Annie argued, “My Beta blood sister misses her Alpha, and she was avoiding the dark cloud of doom who doesn’t like her. It was unpleasant enough with the daggers in her eyes she was sending your way. I must say I like this new, take no bullshit from Lisa, version of you. He should stick around.”

I laughed, “I’m here to stay. Let’s go have those drinks.” Annie clapped and popped us to the living room. The mood was definitely lighter. Hopefully Kreed showed up soon so Annie would be in a better mood.

Grandpa linked me, “I voted to throw your ex out, but I was overruled.” I bit my lip, so I didn’t laugh. I was pretty sure Grandpa would’ve literally thrown Lisa out by her hair. Channing linked me, “Ratchet told me he almost took over himself and did it.” I smiled because I had a great family. One day, my mate would be here with us and the moment would feel complete. Now, I just had to find her and protect her.

Lonely Life

Odette was looking around her apartment. I sighed because I actually liked this place yet here I was packing up again. For once, mom was ending her relationship because she was on a timeline. She wasn’t breaking up with him for several more weeks, but I was packing up all the same.

I remembered when she burst into my place in Nashville utterly furious. Mom yelled, “What the hell is this place? Why aren’t you at your apartment I helped set up for you?” I frowned, “Mom, I emailed you what happened. Men broke in and…”

Mom instantly grew concerned, “What men? What did they say to you?” I answered, “They were obviously crazy. They thought they were Demons.” Mom relaxed immediately saying, “You’re very dramatic.”

I ignored that jab, “They abducted me. My friend Ashley…” I’d nearly said Melanie but something in me cautioned me not to give her real name to my mom. I continued, “saved me and set me up with this place so I would be safe.”

Mom was breathing heavily again, and I realized she was angry. I asked, “Wait. How did you know I was here if you didn’t read my email?” Mom glared at me, “I’m your mother.” I raised an eyebrow in response, because that did not answer my question. I couldn’t help but remember my kidnapping.

Flashback

Odette hated this apartment. It was dull, drab, and should be condemned. I’d just been released from that psychiatric ward with no explanation. They just tossed out and a car brought me here. Luke wasn’t here, but that was for the best. We were definitely over after what he did to me.

I wasn’t as sad as I should be about the ending of my first relationship. Luke was my first boyfriend, who was my literal first everything but we were over. He’d injected me with something that burned and Tatum stopped talking.

I dug my nails into my skin, “No, Odette. You don’t miss a voice in your head, that’s crazy.” I let myself cry because I missed Lux, my half-brother. Sometimes, I’d dream I was younger and we were together again.