Page 158 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Kenneth frowned, “No one mention your back, so I’m guessing you didn’t tell them. That’s not going to go over well. Next time, take me with you. I can help you.” I reminded him, “You were working.” Kenneth replied, “Keaton is family to me, and I care about your wellbeing. Keaton’s grandpa owns the building. I won’t get in trouble for making sure he is safe, and I can drive.”

I acknowledged, “Ok, so I’m sort of an awful driver, BUT GPS’s are the DEVIL INCARNATE! That damn computer just kept saying recalculating and telling me to turn too late. That’s on whoever made the software.” Kenneth snorted, “That’s a fair point. I’ve cursed my share of GPS instructions.”

I tried to unlock my door when we got to my apartment, but my hands were shaking too badly. Kenneth said, “I’ve got it, Katie.” He unlocked it and stepped inside with me. I told him, “I guess my adrenaline is fading. I just need a shower.”

Kenneth nodded, “I’ll wait for Keaton in the living area. If you need me, just yell.” I huffed, “Keaton shouldn’t be driving. He was unconscious a few hours ago. I don't understand why…” Kenneth cut me off, “I promise Keaton is just fine.” I sighed.

Tatum whined and I picked her up, consoling my dog, “I’m ok girl.” I put her down and walked into my bedroom. I took off my clothes and turned on the shower. All that emotion just came out, and I started sobbing. I slowly sank down until I was sitting as the water hit me.

Tatum sat beside me, so I pulled her into my lap. I went over the events in my head. I saw Keaton’s truck get hit, and it felt like something inside me died. Then I fought with my rabies wolf. The disaster that was the car ride to the hospital. Not knowing if Keaton or Sassy were ok while I was stuck in that cell. Hell, Sassy was still pretty quiet for her. Did I hurt her somehow? What did I do?

I’d never had a gun pointed in my face, even when I was kidnapped. They just tossed me in a van after overpowering me. I’d used a gun before, but having at least five guns pointed at your face was just too much.

Sassy came back to full power to happily sing. I quickly shut off the shower. I grabbed Keaton’s shirt off the floor along with some sweats, putting them on before I ran out into my living area. Keaton was talking to Kenneth. My boyfriend’s shoulder was in a sling, but he looked fine.

I burst into tears and ran to him as fast as I could. Keaton growled, “What the FUCK happened to your face?!” I buried my face in his chest and inhaled. I cried, “I was so worried, but I got you to the hospital in time. You’re ok?”

Keaton pulled back and took off the sling around him. I gasped, “Don’t do that! You need to wear…” I trailed off when he pulled me into his arms. Keaton assured me, “I’m fine. I just remember getting hit then it goes blank.”

I wiped away tears, “Your truck rolled several times. I was so scared you weren’t going to be ok. Then those rabies wolves showed up. I tried to drive, but the stupid GPS is stupid. You wouldn’t wake up even though I did tell you I was terrorizing the village. Those cops pointed guns at me and…”

Keaton snarled, “THEY WHAT?!” Kenneth whispered, “Why am I always standing right here for the ‘oh shit’ moments?” I cried, “They wouldn’t help me get you inside. The poor nurse at the desk tried to stop them, but it hurt really bad when they tackled me the second you were on a gurney.” Ken groaned.

Keaton nearly roared, “Tackled?” For some reason I couldn’t seem to stop talking, “That hurt my face too. Officer Grabby Hands McGee kneeled on my back. Then he slammed me on the hood of his car. They tried to say I hit your car, or I stole mine. He groped me.” Kenneth growled now.

Keaton shouted, “HE FUCKING WHAT?!” I cried, “Officer Grabby Hands said it was a search, but he just kept groping me. The nurse was telling him to stop, then he cracked my head on the car. They wouldn’t tell me if you were ok, they didn’t process me or anything. The cops just threw me in the cell with the cuffs on. If your grandpa didn’t come, I….”

I trailed off and gathered myself saying, “This isn’t about me. Are you sure you’re ok?” Kenneth said, “Keaton, she’s in shock.” Keaton growled, “Do not leave her.” Then my boyfriend stalked off. I could hear him yelling at someone in the hallway. I should be able to hear the exact words, but my ears were ringing. Kenneth was right, I was in shock.

I said, “I made Key mad.” Kenneth disagreed, “No, you didn’t other people did.” I heard that pop sound again. I told Kenneth, “You need to look into that sound because it keeps happening. Do you prefer Ken or Kenneth?”

Ken smirked, “Professional, Kenneth. My friend and family call me Ken, so you go ahead and do that too.” Ken wanted me to cry, obviously. Frank, Isaac, Immy, Keith, May, and another woman I hadn’t met entered the room.

I joked, “Gang’s all here.” The woman stepped forward smiling as she introduced herself. “Hi, my name is Rya Daniels.” I asked, “Huh? I thought Keaton’s sister’s names were Emma and Allison. You do not look old enough to be his aunt.”

Rya smiled, “I’m Keaton’s older cousin, definitely not his aunt. I’m a doctor though. My older brother, Tyler, heard Keaton was upset and offered the solution of me doing a quick exam. Let’s step into your room. Ok?”

Keaton growled but Rya just gave him a look. I started to follow Rya, but Immy jumped in and gave me a hug first. I squeezed her tightly. My friend whispered, “You’re such a badass.” I whispered, “Thanks, Immy.”

I walked into my room, seeing that Rya was clearly studying my face. I asked, “So, Chase has a brother?” Rya smiled, “He has two. My dad’s name is Cameron, and my other Uncle is Ollie. I’m the second oldest in my family, Tyler is the oldest. My brother Colton works directly with Emmett. Tyler was more into security than he was running things. Less paperwork.”

So, Tyler was like Fion or Finn in my mob books. Got it. I laughed, “I guess that makes sense.” Rya took out a light and had me follow it. Rya declared, “Ok, you do not have a concussion. Let me see your back.” I lifted my shirt. Rya sucked in a breath then gently touched my back while I winced in pain.

Rya gently said, “Ok, it’s just a bad bruise, but I bet that really hurts.” It did. I crawled into my bed and started crying. God, I was so emotional right now. I felt Keaton’s arms around me and heard voices around me, but I faded into blissful sleep.

I woke up in the water, and for once I deeply grateful for being here. I swam for all I was worth. I wanted my brothers. I swam through the entrance and started running when I was on dry land. I ran into the main room and found Trit pacing.

I cried, “Trit!” My brother whirled around right before I launched myself into his arms. I started sobbing again. Trit began to hum a soothing melody. It was a beautiful tune that Sassy began to hum along with him. Soon I felt other hands on me humming the same song.

I felt more balanced and stable hearing the song. No, it wasn’t the song, Odette. It’s obviously your families presence. It’s definitely not the song that has nothing to do with our mood. Do not be crazy right now, but you have a slight pass given you’ve had quite the day.

When I pulled back, all my brothers and Noxus were there. Caspian’s eyes danced with anger. My oldest brother asked, “What the fuck happened to your face?” I jumped back out of Trit’s arms asking, “You can see me?” Caspian answered, “Yes.”

Trit added, “I saw you the second I turned around.” I started crying again, “You can really see me?” Caspian walked over and picked me up and spun me around, “Yes, we really can. We’ve been calling you. One might say repeatedly. You called to me, and I couldn’t fucking find you. I have never felt more useless in my entire life.”

I frowned, “Did the cops really call you? They wouldn’t let me have my phone. I said I would call you, but they said I was lying about having a brother. They just left me in the dark in that cell.” Trit yelled, “THEY DID FUCKING WHAT?! WHO?” Cadence offered, “She said cops, brother.”

Noxus yelled, “BOYS!” They all stopped talking. Noxus smiled at me, “You are beautiful.” I happily asked, “You can see me too?” Noxus nodded and opened his arms for a hug. I ran to him and he held me. Caspian asked, “Who DARED to call my little sister a liar and stop her from calling me?”