Page 140 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I incredulously asked, “That’s all I had to say?! REALLY?!” Immy said, “Uhh that was awesome.” Emmett commented casually, “That’s a word to use, Immy.” Something about the casual statement screamed it was not a casual comment. Somehow.

Keaton grabbed me and gripped me tightly. My boyfriend asked, “Are you ok?” I pulled my dress down answering, “I’m fine, Key.” Bryce and the other guy were checking on Immy. I asked, “Who is that guy?” The man in question answered, “I’m Malachi Miller.”

Oh my god. I was surrounded by Mob Don’s and their right hand men. Holy shit. Keaton’s brother was TOTALLY a Don. Oh my god. Was Malachi his enforcer or like underboss? Maybe his concierge. I had so many thoughts.

Despite this revelation I found myself smiling, “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Ya know, so what they were in the mob? My family was clearly in it too. We could work this out. Malachi smiled, “Likewise.” Immy asked, “Did Annie bring you here? Because you guys got here fast given I only umm contacted you a few minutes ago.”

Well, my friend was the best and stealthiest texter of all time. The FBI should absolutely hire her. Though, Immy would probably turn them down since her family is TOTALLY in the mob too. Emmett and Malachi shared a look.

Malachi said, “If we could NOT share Emmett and I were here with, well, everyone that would be great.” I snorted, “That’s such a Daniels line. Maybe it’s a Miller and Daniels line.” Emmett asked, “What does that mean?” Oops. I couldn’t tell them Chase said it to me.

I winked, “Figure it out. Everyone around here says you know all the things.” Thankfully, they all laughed. Emmett introduced himself, “I’m Emmett Daniels, by the way. I’m Keaton and Keith’s older brother. It’s very nice to meet you.” I grinned, “Nice to meet, but I did know who you were.”

May came up to Keith before I could reply, “Ok, new plan. There is no meeting up later, I’m just coming with you two. I missed this whole scene.” I shook Emmett’s outstretched hand, “I’m Od…Katie Karlton.” He raised an eyebrow. STOP ALMOST TELLING THEM YOUR REAL NAME! UGH! Malachi said, “We know your name.” I laughed, “I figured.”

May asked Emmett and Malachi, “What are you guys doing here?” Emmett answered, “We aren’t actually here, officially.” May snorted, “Right. My eyes deceive me.” I snickered. Keaton growled, “Emmett.”

Emmett answered the unspoken question that had apparently been asked. “We don’t know why these guys were here.” Malachi added, “Or how they got in.” I explained, “Someone told them Immy was up for a fun time. Why that means they should come up from LOUISIANA.”

“Which I still do not understand. Surely, there are girls willing to have sex in Louisiana. One does not make that drive because a girl MIGHT be down for a good time. Guys live here. Why wouldn’t she just have fun with one around here? That is the STRANGEST teenage boy penis logic of all time.”

Everyone stared at me. I asked, “What? It is. They had a better shot with literally any girl in Louisiana than they did coming up here at Immy like that. Is that what’s going on with the guys in our grade too? The school needs to have a serious conversation about consent and rumors.”

“Like so what if someone is gossiping about Immy? That doesn’t mean it’s true. They should ask her about it. Why are they taking some random information, not from Immy, as gospel? That’s weird and predatory. This was attempting kidnapping and rape.” That got a lot of growls.

Immy said, “It is weird.” Malachi growled, “I’m sorry, someone is spreading it around that my sister is into a good time?! That’s what’s going on?” I tapped my chin then gasped, “Wait! What if it’s more than that?” Immy asked, “Huh?”

Malachi now snarled and I sank back into Keaton. I whispered, “I’m sorry that’s….” Emmett interrupted, “No need to be sorry, whatever you think is actually going on, that response means Malachi thinks it has some merit. Which is what, Malachi?”

Malachi’s eyes were now pitch black. I HAD to see an ophthalmologist about this problem I was having. Malachi ground out, “Katie thinks someone circulated that Immy likes it rough. Maybe even a role play where she pretends not to want them.” I whispered, “That’s actually exactly what I was thinking.”

Immy sighed, “How annoying.” I said, “I have some mace I carry around, it’s even pink. I have extras, you can have one.” Melanie was very strict about such things and had given them to me. Emmett commented, “That’s very nice of you, OdKatie.” Oh shit. He definitely knew Katie wasn’t my name.

Keaton growled at him as I paled. Malachi said, “It couldn’t hurt to carry around mace, Immy. Bryce will be sticking with you until we figure it out.” My friends face fell. Immy whispered, “I am not a child.” Malachi frowned, “We don’t think you are.”

I pulled out of Keaton’s grip to hug her knowing this was about Sean. Immy didn’t want Bryce to see her secret boyfriend. I squeezed her trying to convey that we would figure it out. My friend smiled up at me sadly.

Emmett cleared his throat, “Malachi and I need to get back before our mate’s figure out we are here. NO ONE will EVER tell anyone in my family that I met Katie.” I asked, “Umm why not?” Emmett snorted, “Because my mom will kill us all. She wants to meet you first.”

So, Chase was going to be in trouble then. That’s why we kept all our meetings between us. The Daniels’ men were just something else. Immy teased them, “Yes, why were you here?” Neither man answered while Immy snickered and Keaton rolled his eyes.

May and Keith acted like they knew too. What was going on? Emmett and Malachi left, but not with their heads hung low like they’d been caught at something. Nope, they still somehow had swagger. They literally got caught spying on a school dance by a bunch of teenagers and they still had swagger.

Their wives must have a handful to deal with. This seemed to be a pattern with Daniels men. I observed Bryce, noting it was probably the Millers too. I couldn’t help but smile as we walked out to the truck. Keaton dropped May, Keith, and Immy off before driving me, Bryce, and his date back to my apartment complex. I felt bad I hadn’t really talked to her.

When we got back Keaton nodded to Kenneth who smirked at me. What? Kenneth told me, “I took Tatum out, I believe she’s sleeping now.” I smiled, “Thanks, Ken!” I was trying that name out. Kenneth observed, “That’s a very smart dog you have.” I nodded, “She definitely is.”

Tatum was somewhat vicious too, apparently. She’d still taken that wolf down that had threatened me and Jag. Tiny but dangerous definitely applied when it came to my dog. Keaton and I got into my apartment without running into anyone.

I quickly checked on Tatum who was asleep. When I turned around Keaton was right behind me. Sassy was content and singing her song happily. I whispered, “Keaton.” He growled and backed me up against the wall.

I asked, “Are we doing a replay of the classroom? Do you want me to call you Channing?” My boyfriend’s eyes flickered black and he chuckled. It wasn’t his normal chuckle though. Keaton was really leaning into this roleplay thing.

My boyfriend whispered, “You are keeping secrets.” I asked, “Huh?” Keaton said, “You didn’t see Immy going into the bathroom. What are you two up to?” I tapped his nose, “You’ve got to have your friend’s back. My friends from Nashville taught me that.”

Keaton teased, “Won’t you tell me, little mate?” I snorted, “Channing Tatum isn’t Australian. I’m your girlfriend, not your mate. I guess you could have a different roleplay in your head though. I still can’t tell you.”

Keaton nuzzled my neck, “I see. You are my mate. I think I could persuade you, but if you say my name again I could let it go.” I teased, “Keaton.” He nipped my neck. I gasped, “Channing.” My boyfriend chuckled, “Fine. Have your secrets.”