Page 202 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

We watched in awe as the sword came to life in the woman’s hand. It had a flame coming out the other side. I said, “I don’t know why it works for her, but that’s seriously cool. A sword with a flame is pretty bad ass. Maybe there’s a charm that will do that for us.”

I wanted the Silver Blade’s sword to have a fire on them that had its own thoughts. I was pretty sure I’d know by now if that would be a possible charm though. Someone could work on it. Immy would probably love if I asked about that.

Melanie finally went after Slade. Emmett gasped, “Oh, shit.” Yeah, this was not the best moment to go after him. Channing snorted, “You knew she would.” I did but the building was going to blow any minute.

To our collective shock, Melanie jumped off the roof and managed to grab the helicopter runner then hurl herself inside said helicopter. A Warrior in our pack gasped, “Holy shit that chick is crazy. Awesome but crazy. Best of luck to Alpha Alexander with his super cool crazy mate.” I snorted.

Emmett linked, “This does not shock me, nor should it shock anyone who read Keaton’s assessment. He said she was obsessed with Slade dying to the point of recklessness.” I admitted, “Not shocked and oddly not happy to be right. That was something.” Dad agreed, “It was that.”

The helicopter went down, but we had a clear view of Melanie and Slade landing in the pond. The Ring people were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. They clearly didn’t know what to do or how to run for their lives.

Some of them were clearly in on the exit plan, but others weren’t. Those people were easy to identify because they had no idea what to do. I linked Emmett, “Why would only some of them have the exit plan? Why not give it to everyone?”

Emmett replied, “Because you’re thinking like an Alpha who cares about his people. They don’t care enough about everyone involved in their organization. Everyone is expendable to them.” That was just a sad way to live.

Melanie surfaced but Slade didn’t. I admitted, “She killed him so much faster than I thought she would.” Keith argued, “You said that if it happened in the field, it could be quick.” I conceded, “That’s true. I’m pretty sure I see fingerprints on her neck.” Dad snorted, “I see nothing.” I glanced and my dad was staring at the sky.

Several people busted up laughing from our pack. Channing snorted, “Bolt said he can’t report what he doesn’t see.” Alrighty then. Emmett commented, “The Holloran’s are having the worst family reunion of all time.”

I snorted, “I mean most of them sucked that we know about. So, is it really surprising they would be involved?” Dad answered, “Not really, but It always stings when it’s blood.” That was true. I couldn’t imagine being betrayed how the Holloran’s constantly were.

Their mom was Satan incarnate. Fabian was horrible and depraved beyond measure. Psychotic and sick didn’t begin to describe him. Hexxus was exactly like his father. Arion was complicated for lack of a better word. Now, the Holloran’s had more awful family members.

Finally, the barrier came down, and I quickly shifted into Channing. I was fighting beside Keith and May. Arrows were flying all around until they weren’t. That didn’t sit well with me. I linked Keith, “I’m going to find mom.” He nodded.

I found my mom with ease, but she was surrounded and fighting. I snarled and jumped on several wolves. I linked dad, “They’ve pinned mom down a mile back from the main fight.” I heard Bolt snarl. Soon, other wolves joined me.

Mom in her BA gear spoke, “A helping hand is always appreciated, but I had this under control. Thank you, Keaton Daniels.” Channing walked over to her and let her pet him. Dad linked, “Good job, son.” Channing linked, “Mom could’ve gotten hurt if we weren’t here.”

I argued, “Mom is capable.” Channing replied, “Yes, and she would’ve won. It was twenty-five on one. Your instincts brought you over here. We are an Alpha wolf who is more than capable, and we are an asset to this family.”

If I’d been in human form, I might have shed a tear from my wolf’s words. Channing was right. The only reason our family was vulnerable over the years was because of all the times I’d flaked on them. I’d taken something away from them; myself. The guilt that came with that realization was immense.

I threw myself back into the fight and ended up helping Justin of all people. We fought well together. The allies won the battle. Something told me, we were at the beginning of the battles that would be fought.

Melanie’s army quickly pulled back except the wolves. It was probably a good thing Dylan had met so many of them. Channing linked, “We could go talk to them.” I answered, “I don’t think someone with Alpha blood is the solution to that.”

Channing reasoned, “We are not like most Alpha wolves.” I argued, “They have probably been taught to fear men in charge. That’s what this group we just fought wanted. These are groups that have hidden from everyone. They showed up for Melanie and subsequently got on people’s radar.”

I admitted, “That is the type of leader I want to be. Melanie may have her scars and her misguided notions, but that woman certainly has a way of uniting people. Now that she’s with us, she’s going to have the guidance she should. Maybe then we can meet all the groups she has. We don’t need to push their trust right now.”

Channing replied, “I am very proud to have you as my human, Keaton. You are already a good Alpha.” My wolf was just trying to get me to cry. Emmett shifted back and I followed suit. Annie snapped us clothes.

Emmett announced, “We have a lot of information on the Ring now. We have some names of those in charge.” Emma snorted, “Finn is next level about one of the Ring leaders being a turned partial Fairy.” I snorted, “You’re joking.” Emma shook her head.

Damn. I did not see that one coming after the way Aunt Haley was treated. A partial turning full bloods against themselves was a whole type of crazy. That made not liking yourself have a new spin. I looked around and realized someone was missing.

I asked, “Where’s Melanie?” Emmett laughed, “She got popped out by her mate. The purple haired woman was portaled out by the Crown Prince right after her, taking that super cool sword to the Hackura realm.” It was probably best it was there for now.

Uncle Eric came over, “Thank you all for coming.” Emmett shook his hand, “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be, Eric.” Uncle Eric smiled and gave Emmett a hug then started to walk away. I flashed over to him. I said, “Thank you.”

Uncle Eric asked, “For what?” I answered, “I don’t think I’d be here with the group if not for you. I’ve missed a lot of moments, not big ones like this, still big moments. Plus, things are going really well with the other thing.”

Uncle Eric winked, “Your girlfriend?” Channing huffed in my head. I smiled, “Yeah, her.” Eric told me, “I’m glad. You deserve the best, Keaton. You’re a good man with a good heart. You’ve grown up into a young man I am very proud to know.”

Uncle Eric put a hand on my shoulder, “I’m glad you were here. This is where you belong, Keaton. With your family, and with us, standing for what’s right.” I gave him a hug. Uncle Eric clapped his hand on my back then squeezed before letting go.

I flashed back over to my group. Emmett was meeting with several Alphas before we were popped back. We popped back into pure chaos. Kreed asked, “What’s going on here?” I saw Herford, one of the Warriors assigned to Odette.