Page 163 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I asked, “Where did Immy go?” Keith shrugged, “Probably home. I know I was annoying her.” Channing snorted, “No, he wasn’t annoying. He was about to send Immy into orbit.” I asked Wylder, “Does May have any idea what’s going on?”

Wylder answered, “Not yet. Mom’s going to tell her before they come in.” Joe walked in smiling as he walked over to us. Keith said, “Thanks for doing this for us, Joe.” Joe told him, “You’re family, not to mention I am also your leader as a Hood member. Are we doing this for you tonight too, Keaton?” I replied, “Uhh, no. I’m good.” Joe snorted, “I’ll just bet you are.” I didn’t comment.

Joe finally asked, “So, how’s your girlfriend? When I heard what happened with your accident and found out you were fine; I had someone going to get her out. Your grandpa just beat my guy there.” I smiled, “Thank you, Joe.”

My cousin smiled at me, “I’m starting to think we need to keep a closer eye on this girl.” I said, “She’s fine.” Joe laughed, “She’s certainly interesting. When will I meet her?” I laughed, “I think if anyone else meets her before mom we are all in a world of trouble.” Joe snorted, “Just you, I would be fine.” I playfully shoved him.

When Uncle Heath walked up, everyone left us alone. Channing said, “That was suspicious.” I knew that. I asked, “What was that?” Uncle Heath asked, “Is there anything you want to tell me?” I frowned, “Uhh, about what specifically?”

Uncle Heath laughed, “Are you really pulling that shit on me? Being the former leader of the Shroud, I know things.” I snorted, “Well, you and Uncle Eric should get along well.” Uncle Heath said, “We do. I always liked him. Once your mom and his mate started hanging out, we became fast friends.”

Uncle Heath waved his arms, “That’s not the point though. You can tell me anything, Keaton. If you don’t want whatever you say to go any further than me, it won’t.” I shrugged, “Ok.” Uncle Heath pressed, “I’ve never said shit about you and Lisa. Believe me, I wanted to.” Channing said, “I do believe that.”

Uncle Heath continued, “Your mom doesn’t say anything because her friends didn’t like her and her ex together because he didn’t treat her right. I never saw that because he was my friend. I don’t have those blinders about anyone any of you date.”

“I just saw how you dug your heels in when people said things about Lisa. So, I never did. Being afraid the family won’t like your girlfriend is fair in my opinion. Not to your mom because she didn’t say anything. There is a point where you just have to bite the bullet though.”

I winced knowing my uncle was right, my mom hadn’t said anything. I asked, “It doesn’t go farther than us?” Uncle Heath promised, “Not until you’re ready. I assume Keith already knows.” I snorted, “Emmett isn’t even pretending he doesn’t know. All of you keep saying girlfriend in a tone.”

Uncle Heath smirked, “Emmett isn’t pretending he doesn’t know what?” I said, “My girlfriend is…” I was interrupted by the door bursting open. Uncle Heath sighed. His former Lieutenant said, “Uh, I was leaving, that’s what I was doing.”

I snorted, “It’s fine. You can talk to Uncle Heath, Isaiah.” Uncle Heath said, “It feels magical at this point.” I snorted while Isaiah rubbed the back of his head. I walked out to go find my cousins but found Keith instead.

My twin was alone and pacing again. I told Keith, “For the love of god man, stop pacing.” Channing snorted. Keith turned to me. I said, “You and May have loved each other forever. You were simply pretending you didn’t because you didn’t want to ruin your friendship. May’s going to love this. Now, get your ass back into your string ceremony and go get your mate / string.”

Keith snorted, “My mate / string?” I shrugged, “I’m sure Beta Dylan could come up with a combined name for you. I’m actually stunned he hasn’t.” Keith actually laughed and calmed down. We walked back into the space together where everyone in our family and May’s, were waiting. I squeezed Keith’s shoulder and walked over to where everyone stood for string ceremonies.

Derrick came over to Keith. My twin yet again looked nervous. Channing said, “Stone has lost his mind.” I agreed. Derrick laughed, “I’ve known you since you came into this world, Keith Daniels. You treat my pup as she deserves, she’s always loved you.”

Derrick paused then added, “I’m glad you’re doing this. You’ve given me ideas too. Sally cried when she found out you wanted to do the whole string ceremony. I never realized how much it bothered her that we didn’t get to do this.” Then he linked Keith who smirked.

I linked my brother, “What did he say?” Keith answered, “That I even gave dad the idea to do this. Wolves don’t have a ceremony like this so it didn’t occur to dad that mom would want it. Particularly after he found out about the disaster that was her string ceremony.” We’d heard the story about her terrible ex.

I personally wish everyone had let Aunt Haley at said ex. It would’ve been funny, and he would’ve deserved it. Plus, he wouldn’t have been around to harass my mom later. Keith started to get antsy. I asked, “Is May coming?”

I heard Sally explaining to May what was going on. My twin replied, “Yes, her mom just told her what this was.” I snorted, “I heard that, Keith.” He cut me a look, and I smirked. May flashed into the room, already crying.

Joe chuckled, “Wolves and their sense of smell. It takes the surprise away. May already knew it was Keith in here waiting.” Keith walked over to her and growled, “MINE!” May touched his face whispering, “Mate.” My twin whispered, “You have no idea how hard it was to walk over here and not run.” May kissed him.

Joe said, “Well, as you have figured out, this is your string ceremony. Keith believes you would like everyone to witness your joining together as strings before marking each other the wolf way.” May wiped her tears after she pulled away from Keith’s kiss.

May asked, “Really?” Keith nodded. She laughed, “Thank you, I love this.” Joe smiled, “Yes, my cousin is oh so romantic, and he’s been nervous all day. If you two would come over here.” Joe had a bowl with two strings already out.

I noticed Sally had a box of tissues and even my mom had a wistful look on her face. Uncle Heath looked at my mom with a pained expression before he felt my gaze. My Uncle quickly schooled his face. I was sure he’d given the same look to Sally.

I knew Uncle Heath had nothing to feel bad about. What happened wasn’t his fault, and I knew mom never blamed him. The only person to blame was long since dead according to TeleTed. That ex was lucky he was because Emmett, Keith, and I had creative things we’d have done to him. Don’t even get me started on Emma. My sister is not someone to piss off.

Keith and May flashed over to Joe who gave them both the strings. My cousin said, “What the War Goddess has strung together never be torn apart. Intertwine your strings as this symbol.” Both began to braid their strings around each other.

The wood pan flute began to play as they wound their strings together. Keith spun May into him, and they swayed to the music until it stopped. They handed their combined strings to Joe. My cousin held them over an open flame to fuse them together then handed the string back to them.

Joe declared, “What the goddess chose, and you fused is now one. Congratulations, cousin.” He winked at May, “Congratulations.” It was a simple but meaningful ceremony. I walked over to my brother and May. I hugged them both, “Congratulations.”

Keith linked me and asked, “Will you do this with not Katie?” I shrugged. Maybe one day when I could explain the significance. I told him, “I’m going to duck out.” Keith smirked, “Same.” I laughed out loud then linked, “Good luck with that.” My twin wiggled his eyebrows.

I was sure he had a plan to mark his mate and ditch the party. They’d join later. Channing snorted, “No, they won’t.” I asked, “What do you mean? It’s May’s birthday.” Channing retorted, “If we got to mark mate, would we be hanging out at a party? Or claiming her all night?” I didn’t even have to think before I answered, “Claiming her.” Channing replied, “There you go.” My wolf was pretty smart.

I left and drove Odette’s. Channing was getting anxious. I asked, “What’s wrong?” My wolf growled, “I don’t know. Get to mate!” I parked and took off for her apartment. I knocked on her door harder than was necessary. I could hear her talking to her brother. He wanted her to show me some letter.