Page 215 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Adlee gushed, “Aww, she calls him Key.” I blushed furiously. Emmett winked, “Happy birthday, Not Katie.” I snorted “Don’t all the Daniels and Miller’s know my name is Odette?” Or did Keaton not explain his tattoo?

Emmett laughed, “We do. Happy Birthday, Odette.” Adlee smiled, “I hope you enjoy my gym, I used to compete.” I asked, “In what?” Adlee answered, “Gymnastics. It’s how I met Malachi here. I came for a competition Annie was in.” Annie was Immy’s sister that was engaged from what I recalled.

Alexandria teased, “Yes, you came then never left.” Adlee laughed, “This is true.” I smiled, “I should get back before Key realizes I got out of the truck.” Malachi snorted, “He knows.” I winced, “Great, but really that wasn’t my fault. Lisa just screams so loud it notified the area.” They all busted up laughing.

I trailed off then smiled triumphantly, “But it’s my birthday. I’ve gotten to use that twice today already. This whole celebrating my birthday thing is fun.” Alexandria laughed, “You’re going to fit in so well with our group.”

I shrugged, “I don’t know about that, I’ve never really fit anywhere. The one group I did fit with didn’t pass my mom’s test for friends. Which is solely because she wants me alone and miserable.” Adlee said, “Your mom sounds like a bitch. So, who cares what she likes?” Alexandria snorted, “Adlee.”

Adlee shrugged, “Look Odette, sometimes you just have to go no contact with people. My mom is awesome. Hell, she was basically a single mother. My mom did everything and anything for me. My dad on the other hand, was a deadbeat who barely showed up for me.”

“When he did, it was because my mom brow beat him into it. Now that I’m with Malachi, the man wants to have a relationship. The answer is no. It’s fine to forgive people for what they did to you, but you don’t have to let them in your life.”

“Toxicity is everywhere and sadly it can be in our relatives by blood. There’s no need to invite someone into your sphere you know is toxic. You think over that, but for now you better run back to Keaton. He’s about to pace a hole in my parking lot.”

I laughed, “I’ll do that.” Emmett chuckled, “Happy Birthday again and we’ll see you soon.” I smiled awkwardly, “Thanks.” I took off running back to my boyfriend’s truck. Keaton growled and pushed me into the truck asking, “What did Lisa do?”

I said, “Don’t worry, your ex didn’t land a single hit. I know self-defense and maybe now Lisa will stop stalking us.” Keaton growled, “Emmett had it under control.” I smirked, “I’m pretty sure he was in the tree line, and I was the one who had it handled.”

Keaton raised an eyebrow. I cupped his face, “She hurt you, and I find that’s unacceptable. Something tells me you can understand that.” Sassy was happily humming in my head. Keaton kissed me hard. Emmett yelled, “Get inside, Keaton!” My boyfriend groaned, “Everyone’s gotta be a cockblock today. Who’s next? Dad?” I laughed, “We can’t have sex out in the open like this.” Keaton smirked, “Yes, we could. Come on.” He yanked me by my hand, pulling me inside.

We walked in and everyone yelled, “SURPRISE!” I gasped. There were banners that said Happy Birthday Odette, everywhere. There was even a massive cake with my name on it. Malachi and Adlee walked in with Alexandria and Emmett. They could’ve told me they were coming to my party.

Adlee apologized, “Sorry we missed yelling surprise, we had to deal with the trash.” Malachi laughed, “Adlee.” She kissed his cheek. Immy jumped into my arms and I reflexively caught her. My friend shouted, “Happy Birthday! I can't believe I wasn’t the first to know your real name. I’m so offended.”

I went to apologize but Immy charged on, “You’ll have to make it up to me. Anyway, this is my sister, Annie, and her ma…” Then she corrected, “husband, Kreed. They are childhood sweethearts.” Her sister that recently got engaged already got married? Damn. They moved fast.

Immy waved, “You met Malachi before and this is his wife, Adlee, she owns this place. My sister Judy couldn’t make it. She recently got married, and she’s settling into life. Judy does want to come meet you though. You know Clara, and this is her fun time guy.” All their brother’s groaned.

Clara snorted, “Immy!” Immy shrugged, “What? That’s what he is and we all know it.” I thought I heard a growl. Oh, no. That sounded like my rabies wolf. No, that was crazy. I couldn’t tell someone’s growl. Rolfe wasn’t here.

Emmett and Malachi said, “Excuse us.” Then ran outside with Keith while Keaton looked conflicted. I laughed, “I’m not sure what they are doing, but go after them Key. You clearly want to, and I’ll be fine at my party.” My boyfriend nodded then left with Kreed.

Immy sighed, “This is my older brother Tony Jr. He’s best friends with Keith; he graduated last year. You already know Bryce.” I smiled, “Right. I picked out his next girlfriend and everything.” Immy laughed, “Did you?”

Bryce answered, “Quite possibly.” Immy hummed, “I see. Well, Emma and Finn couldn’t make it. He’s quite disappointed because the man has a literal notebook of questions for you.” I snorted, “Why?” Immy shrugged, “It’s Finn.” Was that supposed to answer the question?

Annie hugged me, “It’s so nice to see someone encourage Keaton to follow his instincts.” Umm, ok? I just told him to go check on something. The guys came back and looked a little frustrated. Immy warned, “No, absolutely not. Turn those frowns upside down because there will be no frustrated looks at Odette’s first birthday party. To the wall!”

I laughed, “What wall?” I quickly found out my friend meant a rock wall. All of them started climbing like they were part monkey. Keaton jumped over to our group. I panicked, “Umm aren’t you supposed to use harnesses?” Keaton smirked, “We’ll be fine.”

He climbed to the top in an actual flash. Keith yelled, “Look out.” I screamed when they jumped down, but they landed just fine. I blinked several times because I was completely aware that was not normal or human.

Immy grabbed me, “Our turn.” I looked at her like she was crazy but found myself walking over to the wall. I took a deep breath and began to climb. Immy practically flashed to the top. Annie yelled, “Catch me, Kreed!” Then she just fell back off the wall.

I gripped my rock tighter, but Kreed caught Annie then kissed her possessively. The men in this town were just next level. One by one the girls fell back off the wall. Bryce and Tony Junior caught Immy. Keaton winked at me, “I’ll catch you, my Song.”

Adlee cooed, “Aww. How cute are they? It’s so adorable and I love it.” Malachi laughed, “You love love.” Adlee agreed, “Guilty as charged.” I grumbled, “Only crazy people jump off a wall several feet in the air. Oh well, I guess I’m crazy.” I screamed and let go.

I closed my eyes, then felt myself slam into Keaton. My boyfriend smirked, “See? I caught you.” I laughed, “Good thing, or I’d be pretty pissed.” He laughed and took off running with me in his arms. Keaton jumped into the foam ball pit.

I laughed and threw one of the cubes of foam at his head. He smirked and slammed his lips on mine. When we pulled apart Keaton declared, “I love you, Odette.” I bit my lip, “I love you too.” I got out and ran over to the tunnel area.

I laughed when I saw the look on his face. I stuck my tongue out at Keaton while everyone laughed. I wound through all the tunnels and hid. I thought it was a pretty good spot, but the man found me within a minute.

Keaton growled, “You ran away from me.” I smirked, “You made me fall off a wall, sounds like we are even.” My boyfriend nipped my neck. I whimpered, “Key.” He told me, “You’ll have to be quiet.” I gasped, “You can’t be serious, your whole family is here. Shit!” His thumb was playing with my nipple.

I threw my arms over my mouth. Keaton chuckled and moved it growling, “Mine.” He lowered his lips onto mine. He shifted his weight on top of me. I felt his fingers at the top of my yoga pants. I whispered, “Are you really doing this?”