Page 176 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I unwrapped my legs and got down. There were several black wolves staring at us. I asked, “Is there a pack of black wolves that hang out? Because I saw one earlier. I mean he was prettier than them though.” I swear to god Keaton purred. The other wolves snorted and ran off. Ok, that was weird.

Keaton grabbed my hand, “Come on, let’s get back to your place.” I asked, “Are you just running around town without a shirt? Because I could get used to the view.” Keaton took me back to my place. He winced, “I actually need to go. My mom was supposed to be back a while ago, but she’s not. I’m going with my brothers and dad to check with my uncle.”

I frowned, “I hope you find her.” Then muttered, “Hopefully she stays away from the crazy long nailed people.” Keaton put his hand in the door. I shrieked, “Keaton, what the hell?! I could’ve hurt you!” My boyfriend looked terrified, in fact now I felt frantic.

Keaton asked, “What long nailed people?” I said, “Well, I saw this woman with really long nails and….” Keaton interrupted, “Where?” I answered, “In the woods.” He kissed me hurriedly and ran out. Did Keaton know the Robin Hood people?

Maybe he knew that BA lady. I felt a little bad I’d given up the long nailed chick. I didn’t say I saw her or the Robin Hood dude though. I texted Keaton.

Me: Let me know if your mom is ok.

My phone rang. I smiled answering, “Hello, Jag.” He said, “Man, you are the most interesting person I have ever met. I had to follow that Hood guy around for days to get close to him, and you just met him randomly.”

I told him, “That’s not his name. He’s Robin Hood, I’ve decided.” Jag howled with laughter. I asked, “Did you see the body?” Jag answered, “Yes, but their people took care of it.” I yelled, “I KNEW IT! They ARE a society of Robin Hood’s.”

Jag considered then answered, “I mean that’s not an entirely accurate description, but it could be worse.” I asked, “You know them?” Jag corrected, “I know of them.” I asked, “And they are….?” I trailed off intentionally.

Jag replied, “Complicated and hard to explain. Your boyfriend should do that, but I don’t think you’re telling him you met them. Some of those people should be avoided. You met two of the leaders and they liked you though.”

I asked, “Is the Robin Hood woman BA in charge?” He laughed, “No, she’s high up though. The Robin Hood guy used to be in charge. The new crop of their group are not to be crossed. The Silver Blade doesn’t go out that much, but whoever he is he’s quite deadly. Avoid him.”

I got a warm feeling in my chest and Sassy hummed happily. Why did I like the name the Silver Blade? Jag continued, “Crimson Death is intense too.” I snorted, “Of course he. His name has the word death in it.”

Jag corrected, “It’s a Moniker.” I snorted, “Whatever it is, it’s literally got death in the name.” Jag told me, “Black Knight is also one to avoid. I doubt they would be involved with you in a bad way as close as they are to the Daniels though.”

I asked, “Why are they close to Daniels?” Jag said, “That’s a complicated answer.” I snorted, “What’s not? I’m not shocked though. Oh my god! Do the Robin Hood people work for the mob around here? That’s totally it. They are mercenaries.”

Jag laughed, “Oh my god, this is hilarious. You’re not wrong about things being complicated.” I asked, “Do you know the Robin Hood new leaders name?” Jag replied, “Everyone does.” I retorted, “Well, by all means tell me so I can be included in everyone.”

Jag laughed, “His name is The Axe.” I snorted, “Ok, these people and their Monikers that quite clearly spell out like to kill things are TOTALLY part of the mob scene around here.” Jag laughed, “It’s a rumor that his sister is the Kusarigama.”

I mumbled, “Sure because it goes with an Axe. When I used to play Nioh I would always pair my axe with my Kusarigama.” Jag shrieked, “YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES?” I snorted, “Not all of them. I had a job when I was fourteen in a gaming store, but also an arcade throwback place.”

I explained, “They had PS4’s, Wiis, arcades, Xboxes’, and pretty much all the game consoles. I was there a lot, and they decided a cute girl playing would keep guys there. So, I got really good at a few games.”

Jag teased, “Not a driving game.” I winced, “No, I was actually always terrible at those.” Jag laughed, “We will talk soon.” I replied, “Sure. Stay safe, Jag.” My friend joked, “I should say that to you. Goodnight, Odette.” He hung up.

I went downstairs to get my mail and found a box with some letters. I knew this box. My new set of pills were here. I nodded to Ken and went back upstairs. I opened them and threw the box away then frowned.

Tatum whined at my feet. I went and got my other pills. They were red, but the new ones were blue. I called the number on them. I was surprised someone picked up. “Hello, how can I help you?” Who didn’t say their company name when answering their phone?

I said, “Um, hi I just got my auto-refill on my prescription. The pills are blue instead of red. Did I get the wrong ones?” The girl answered, “No, the manufacturer changed the color.” She hung up without saying anything else. I shrugged, “Ok then. You didn’t even ask for my name.”

I put the new pills on my counter. I took my last red one and threw it away. I told Tatum, “I have to take them.” My puppy whined. I laughed, “I have a blood disorder. I’m pretty sure it made me hear a voice in my head and I got locked up.” Tatum growled.

I said, “Yeah, it wasn’t great.” I shivered and went back to opening my mail. I had another black envelope. I snorted and threw it away. I was not entertaining Luke anymore. My ex belonged in the trash. My phone buzzed.

Key: My mom is fine. I’ll be back over later.

Me: We should get you a key to my place, key ;)

Key: Maybe I’ll talk to the building manager. Don’t wait up if you’re tired, my Song.

Me: I’ll do my best to stay awake.

I put my phone down and put on a TV show to watch. The next thing I knew, I was in the ocean. I swam down, but I went back to that dark place. I panicked. Could they see me now like Caspian and everyone there could?

Several people just walked right past me. Whew, they didn’t see me. I waved my hand in front of one girl’s face, but she didn’t move. I yelled, “BOO!” She didn’t flinch. Ok then. I studied her realizing she looked so sad.