Page 147 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I reasoned, “I didn’t act like she was wiped from my memory.” Leon raised an eyebrow, “Katie left and came back a few hours later, but no one can figure out where she went.” She left when I fell asleep? I wondered why.

I couldn’t help but smile thinking of her Sexy Deadpool outfit. I asked, “Why would Emmett tell you that?” Leon answered, “He didn’t. My son pulled the feed for Ken since he works there.” That’s right. Leon’s son was quite techy.

Leon urged, “Trust Katie. You want to and you should follow that instinct. I think you should seriously consider her being around your family. You yourself admit they had reasons to dislike Miss Kipner. She’s done herself no favors in our pack from the moment she arrived.”

“Justin’s siblings also hate her, with valid reason. Let’s be blunt, Lisa’s own siblings hate her. Which is nearly impossibly among wolves. The Warriors are furious about what Lisa did to Kreed. I think she’d have more people’s respect if she’d rejected him immediately so he could be with Annie.”

“Lisa didn’t want him anyway and the pack’s opinion is she’s lying that she agreed to try for her wolf. Everyone thinks she did it to hurt Kreed and Torque by keeping him away from Annie. They think Lisa did it to hurt several people, I can’t say I disagree either.”

I said, “Actually, that makes sense.” Leon laughed, “Keaton, a few months ago you’d have taken anyone’s head off for that assessment.” He wasn’t wrong. I said, “I honestly feel nothing for Lisa.” Leon smiled, “The Katie detox is everyone’s favorite term for that.” I snorted because that’s certainly what my twin called it.

The bell rang. I said, “Wow, I guess our time is up already.” Leon told me, “My door is always open to you, Keaton. Let Katie surprise you. I think you’ll have a good Valentine’s Day. Maybe your first good one since you were fourteen.”

If it was a good day, then Leon would end up being correct. I left his office. Malachi linked, “I’m supposed to tell you not Katie is working in the bookstore, so she does not require a ride home.” I asked, “Why are you telling me?” Malachi huffed, “I don’t know, Keaton. This gives me hives. Immy asked me to let you know.” Why didn’t she tell me herself? Also, that sounded evasive.

I went home and started working on my present for Katie that night. Clara came into the garage and commented, “Wow. This is amazing, Keaton.” I smiled, “Thanks.” Clara whispered, “It’s been…” Then she trailed off, “That’s not the point. I did research on Katie’s disease. I’m not sure they’ve diagnosed her correctly.” That was my concern as well.

Clara continued, “Once your girl knows about us, we should have our pack doctor run a panel. I couldn’t find a case where anyone required daily medication.” I nodded, “Thanks for doing this.” Clara smiled, “Of course.”

I read through it and concurred with Clara’s assessment. The doctors hadn’t diagnosed Odette properly. I just didn’t know how to bring up something this sensitive with my mate. Channing growled, “Tell her that the humans don’t understand her perfect genetic makeup and they could be HARMING HER!” I don’t know if Odette would be offended by that assessment. There was clearly a lot to this story that I didn’t know yet.

On Friday Keith cornered me during the last period. My twin gave me a look, “Dude let Katie, whose real name you still haven’t told me, do what she wants on Valentine’s Day. She’s got this planned because it was a special deal with her brother.”

“They would cook together when he was at their mom’s. Not Katie said mostly he did it for her. This is the way she knows how to show her love because her brother taught her. I know Lisa fucked you up, but this is special to Katie.”

I felt some tension I’d been holding inside me ease. I know Katie’s not like Lisa, and if she went to the effort of telling Keith, then the least I could do is listen. I was waiting for Odette after school. Immy skipped over announcing, “Katie’s not here.”

I asked, “What? Why not?” Immy winked, “Uh tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. She was working on last minute things.” I wondered what that meant. Immy clearly thought it was fun whatever it was. Ken linked me later, “Your girlfriend has sex shop bags again.” I nearly choked on my water.

I replied, “Ken!” Ken snorted, “Hey, I’m just helping prepare you.” I snorted, “Stop spying on my girlfriend.” Ken said, “Hey, not Katie walked through the lobby and didn’t try to hide the bag. I don’t think she cares.” I snorted, “That name is really catching on.” Ken replied, “Yes, because we all know it’s not her name. I’m heading out for the day, so hopefully Katie stays safe.” Of course she would.

A little later Emmett growled. I asked, “What’s wrong?” He sighed, “Lisa was arrested for trespassing, I guess. Malachi is going to look more into the situation. A pack member said the charges were dropped. He said it seemed weird.” I asked, “Why is it weird? Lisa has gone off the rails.” Emmett groaned, “Don’t I know it.”

I tried to call Odette, but she didn’t answer. Given the hour, my mate was probably sleeping. I went out to the garage and worked to perfect my present. Mom came out and gasped. I quickly whirled around when she came over to my workspace.

Mom put her hands on it, “Keaton, this is beautiful. Is that Channing?” I nodded, “Yeah, Katie likes books, but her mom took the Supernatural ones away. I bought her the series she likes and a few other Supernatural themed books.”

I explained, “It’s technically a hanging bookshelf, but she could put other things on it.” I had carved the bookshelf and the half-moon over the side. There were mountains and then there was a wolf at the end, which was Channing.

Mom whispered, “You haven’t carved in years.” I smiled, “Well, Katie is making me dinner. Leon said he and his mate make each other personal gifts, and Katie inspires me. I had the idea and I just ran with it.” Mom asked, “Is this what you’ve been working on out here?”

I answered, “Yup.” Mom kissed the top of my head, “Well, I bet Katie will love this and the books. The bookshelf definitely more than the books. I’m so proud of you, it looks incredible.” I gave her a hug, “Thanks, mom.” I sat back down and put the final touches on my gift.

I kept making little changes until Emmett came out. My big brother sat down smiling, “This is amazing, Keaton. When Alexandria sees it, she’ll want one. With Lightning instead of Channing.” I smiled, “If Katie likes it then I could do that.”

Emmett winked, “You mean OdKatie. Malachi is certain he’s narrowed her real name down.” I told him, “Just let it go.” Emmett tilted his head back laughing. Eventually, he gathered himself, “You think my Beta is going to let that go?” I sighed, “No.”

Emmett grinned, “Here are his guesses, Odella, Odette, Oda, and Odessa. See, I think it’s Odette because it just matches her.” Yes, it did but I showed him nothing. Emmett stood, “I’m definitely right though, not Katie will love the gift.”

I muttered, “Lisa would hate it.” Emmett snorted, “What doesn’t she hate?” I asked, “Did you ever figure that thing out with her getting arrested?” Emmett frowned, “Not exactly.” I shrugged and let it go. I didn’t care about Lisa anymore.

The next day everyone was buzzing about the event my mom and Ted held at the pack. They’d held it every year since my mom became Luna, after Ted and Matt got married. No one expected me at said event anymore since I hadn’t gone since Lisa and I started dating.

Maybe I should’ve invited Odette over for it. Channing said, “You just aren’t ready for that step, it’s ok.” I told him, “I just don’t want to live in fear, but you’re right. I’m not ready.” Channing said, “Our family will wait until we are.” I snorted, “Or just show up, like Emmett did, to meet her.” Channing conceded, “Or that.”

I put my present for Odette in my truck and headed out. I slammed on my breaks when Lisa appeared behind my truck. I got out and slammed the door shut. I shouted, “Are you INSANE?! I could’ve killed you!” Channing grumbled, “We should’ve. People saw her get behind the truck, it was hardly our fault.”

Lisa asked, “Well, you didn’t come find me at all day. I don’t know what you got me yet.” My mind stalled. Channing sighed, “She is actually delusional.” I already knew that. I answered my ex slowly like she was a pup who was being taught to look before crossing the street.