Page 194 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I clapped, “Wow! You look amazing.” Immy beamed, “Don’t I? Seriously, be my date.” I laughed, “Doesn’t someone else want to be your date?” She sighed, “We can’t do that. Let’s talk later.” I nodded, “Right. Too many ears.”

Everything was clear to me now. Immy needed girl time. Once we made our purchases we went to eat. We got ice cream first because Immy said it was necessary. We were having fun when Lisa walked up. My boyfriend’s ex sneered, “Oh look, it’s two rejects. Now you two are a perfect pair.”

I shot back, “You look very much alone today. They do say evil can’t travel in pairs.” Lisa growled, “Go back to where you came from. No one wants you here.” Immy snorted, “You don’t want her here, Lisa. The rest of us love Katie and all her mojo.”

I told Immy, “I got this. I have it on good authority she’s going to run away screaming.” Lisa snorted, “As if you could scare me.” I laughed, “I think we both know I scare you or you wouldn’t see me as such a threat.” Before she could reply I began to hum the song Caspian told me to.

Lisa gasped, shrank back from me, began to pale, then ran away. Immy screamed, “Oh my god! You can HUM and she runs away?! Do it again. I’m going to memorize that and pass it around the pac….” Then corrected, “I mean our friend group.” I laughed and taught it to her and noted our security detail even seemed to be memorizing the song.

Eventually, I could tell Immy was holding back. I quickly grabbed two hats and wigs and pulled her into a dressing room. I planned all this to happen right after two girls with the same hair color had walked in. My Melanie skills were on point lately. I’d seen Melanie do this actually.

I handed the wigs to Immy. To her credit, my friend didn’t ask questions. Yup, it was official. Everyone I knew was in the mob. Immy and I switched clothes wordlessly then walked out with our heads down. Immy navigated the back entrance to the mall. When she yelled, “Run!” we took off for the woods. I laughed with her as we ran.

When we stopped, I asked, “What is going on? Why are you so sad?” Immy admitted, “I miss Sean. I haven’t gotten to see him for a few days. I want to be able to go to prom with him, but it’s not possible.” I asked, “Why not? I mean your dad’s seem super awesome. They would probably understand. You said your sibling’s mom is yours too.”

Immy sighed, “Momma Joanie is the best. I think I could tell her, but right now only a few people know.” I pointed dramatically at myself, “Moi of course.” Immy laughed, “Yes, you.” I thought over what she said. I realized, “Oh my god, Haley is helping you and Sean!”

Immy blushed, “I didn’t say that.” I jumped up and down, “You kind of did! She is. What is Haley doing?” Immy sighed, “It's complicated. I shouldn't have involved her, but she means a lot to me. Haley has always helped me, and I’ve always looked up to her.”

I asked, “Why shouldn’t you have involved her?” Immy sighed, “Ultimately the bad blood is with her family and Sean’s. Haley’s helping us and keeping it a secret. It’s going to blow up in her face. I feel awful, but I need Sean. She met him, and he really does just want me. Haley likes him too. She’s helping his siblings. They don’t want to involve more people right now because they are afraid.” That was fair.

I said, “Well, this is good, right? Since Haley’s helping them that means she’s on your side.” Immy agreed, “It’s really good. Who knows? Maybe it will be resolved by prom.” I declared, “If it’s not, you’ll be my date.”

Immy laughed, “No, it’s ok. I’ll third wheel it with our crew. I wouldn’t want to take you from Keaton.” I insisted, “We’d love to have you with us. Why don’t you go see Sean now? Tell him you got your prom dress. You can sneak out to see him like you did at Courtwarming if this isn’t resolved.”

Immy agreed, “Yes, I can.” I said, “Or maybe Haley will solve the issues by prom.” Immy sighed, “She’d have to take it to her brother, and Sean and his siblings don’t know if they are ready for that step. They’re scared.”

I frowned, “Why? What would Haley’s brother do? Take the law into his hands and go all Hatfield and McCoy on them?” Immy frowned, “Haley says no.” We were back at them all being in the mob. I laughed, “Then Haley is probably right, and everyone else is being weird.”

Immy whispered, “I hope so.” Immy waved her hands then asked, “So, what do you want for your birthday? It’s at the end of May, and I need time to get you the perfect present.” I snored, “My birthday is May first.”

Immy gasped, “What? Your application had it at the end of May. You are saying your birthday is in two weeks?” I said, “It must have been a typo. Don’t worry about it. My brother always got me a present when he saw me. My mom made sure he was with his dad on my actual birthday. It’s just another day to me that is nothing special.”

Immy frowned, “But it’s your birthday.” I snorted, “It’s still just another day. There’s no need to make a big deal about it. Now, go see Sean.” My friend sighed but nodded. I wandered around and ended up buying a hamburger for my rabies wolf.

I went to where I always saw him and left it. I yelled, “I hope you’re doing ok, rabies wolf!” Someone cleared their throat. I screamed and whirled around, putting a hand on my chest yelling, “JAG!” Sassy seemed amused when she should NOT be.

Jag laughed, “It’s not my fault you’re unobservant.” I argued, “I am very observant.” Jag smiled, “So I see.” He sat down by me. I said, “We probably shouldn’t stay here, it’s kind of a dangerous area.” People kept dying here.

Jag said, “I’m sure the wolf isn’t going to come by for a bit. We’re fine.” I retorted, “You don’t know my rabies wolf. He could be around and he’s not the danger I was referring to.” Jag growled then shook himself.

My secret friend said, “Maybe you should call him something else.” I shrugged, “What else would I say?” Jag said, “Maybe Rolfe.” I snorted, “Rolfe the wolf? It does start with an R.” I thought about it, “Fine, I’ll call him Rolfe. He should have a name.”

Jag sighed, “Thank you.” I laughed, “Why would you thank me for naming a wolf?” Jag didn’t reply. I pointed out, “I haven’t seen you around lately.” Jag eventually said, “I just appreciate you naming the wolf.” That didn’t even remotely have to do with what I said.

I shrugged, “You named him. Where have you been?” Jag smiled, “You’re a hard lady to get a hold of lately. You’ve got extra people on you. I like the steps your boyfriend is taking to protect you.” I smiled, “If you’d like to come out of the shadows; I’ll introduce you to him.”

Jag smiled sadly, “Maybe one day that will be possible. For now, though, I’ll stay in the shadows.” I asked, “Is that Haley lady helping you like she is Sean and his siblings?” Jag laughed, “I’m not like them. I’d need her husband to help me.” Good lord. Were they all part of the Conners mob clan?

Jag admitted, “Actually, having Haley on my side would sway everyone to mine. I’m just not in the same situation Sean is. I’m happy for him though. They’ve lived in the shadows so long it’s scary for them to think of living otherwise.”

“Then there’s their own family to consider. If they come out into the light with their rival family their family also knows where they are. That could get complicated very quickly and quite messy if I’m being honest.” Yup, ok Jag was in the mob too. My god the mob was so much bigger than I’d thought.

I said, “Sean and his family could change their name. I’d know all about that.” Jag smiled, “Something to consider.” I nudged his shoulder, “Maybe you could even consider it for yourself.” Jag was noncommittal, “Maybe someday. You should get back. I’m sure your boyfriend is losing it after you and Immy ditched the guys he had on you at the mall.”

I snorted, “Key’s not here right now, so you’re wrong.” Jag smirked, “Your man is back and he’s looking for you. The guys that were following you and Immy are in big trouble.” I frowned, “No, he can’t be. Keaton would’ve called me.” I dug in my purse for my phone.

I winced admitting, “It’s dead.” Jag smiled, “I’m sure Keaton will be completely chill by the time you get back to talk to him.” I shoved him playfully, “He’s fine. I’ll see you later, Jag.” Sassy felt smug for some reason.