Page 218 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Rolfe titled his head. I explained, “His name is Jag. He’s human like me, so don’t growl or bite him if you see him. Jag is staying off the radar, so I don’t get to see him often. I’m not even sure I’m a good friend to him.”

I winced, “Ok, I’m probably not. In my defense, I’ve never really had friends. I didn’t have any for a long time, then they were ripped away from me. Now, I have more. The point is just look out for Jag if you see him. Ok?”

The wolf nodded very seriously and looked grateful. I rubbed between his ears. I said, “You’re not scary. Maybe you just have some disorder that has your eyes red, and don’t actually have rabies.” Rolfe huffed as if offended.

I nudged him, “Hey, I said you might not have rabies. That’s pretty good.” Rolfe rolled his eyes. I picked up Tatum’s leash and left. I called, “Think about finding those black wolves. I bet they’d let you into their pack.” Rolfe hung his head.

I assured him, “They’d be crazy not to have you join. You’re great and very loyal. You’ve helped me a lot. So, if you need me to give them what for, I will. The prettiest one liked me.” That amused Rolfe deeply.

I walked away feeling a bit like I’d lost it, but I think I helped Rolfe. At least I hope I did, since I essentially just told a wolf I’d be a reference for him. Sassy was happily humming a tune and Tatum had some pep in her step.

When I got back, I met Keaton at the door. My boyfriend smiled, “Hey, I was coming to find you guys.” I said, “Here we are.” Keaton asked, “Where do you guys go walking?” I shrugged, “Around. I like that pond we had sex in. Which is odd since I saw someone die there, but you know what? I’m embracing my weirdness.”

Keaton snorted, “It’s not weird. I think we changed the memory of that place the other night.” I smiled, thinking that I’d started to change the memory when I did that weird thing after he’d started shimmering blue and froze. Then I spit up blue sparkly water for hours breathing underwater like a fish.

Sassy huffed in my head. Jesus. It’s a comparison, woman! You don’t like being called a Mermaid. Sassy hissed again. I groaned thinking at her, “Fine. No Mermaid or fish comparisons, duly noted.” That seemed to mollify her.

I put Tatum’s food out for her. Keaton was frozen in front of my new wolf picture. I joked, “Don’t freak out on me. I didn’t go track the beautiful wolf down to get his picture. Ken gave that to me for my birthday. I know it’s crazy, but I swear I met that wolf. I don’t know why, but he’s so distinctive to me.”

Keaton’s eyes were black again, “My little mate.” I smiled, “You’re going Aussie on me again.” He smirked, “I love you.” I replied in kind, “I love you too. This was easily my best birthday.” His lips descended on mine.

We were all over each other all over again. When he fell asleep, I forced myself to stay awake. I just wanted to sleep, not whatever weirdness was waiting in my dreams. I gently traced my fingers over Keaton, outlining his body. Man, he was like photoshop perfect.

I whispered, “I’ll never let Lisa hurt you again, Key. You were never a disgrace, and your family loves you. Hell, I love you and I haven’t known you as long. Your family sees the amazing person you are. I’ll totally commit murder for you too. It’s crazy but I will.” I would absolutely encase Lisa’s feet in cement and toss her in the pond for my man.

I got up early and grabbed Tatum. We went to our spot to run with my rabies wolf. Rolfe came out and we ran. I kept up pretty well. What shocked me was that Tatum could keep pace with Rolfe. I panted, “Are you some sort of mutant puppy? Jesus.”

I collapsed on the field, “I should’ve taken Mel’s cardio more seriously. God, she was militant and I thought she was crazy. She was not.” Rolfe’s head snapped to mine. I said, “I need to get back. Come on, Tatum. I’ll see you later, Rolfe.” I jogged back to my apartment with Tatum.

I walked inside to utter chaos. Chase, Emmett, Ken, Kreed, Kincade, several other guys that looked like Ken, Kevin, Malachi, and Clara were all there. I asked, “Where’s the fire?” Keaton was in the center of the group that parted like the sea.

My boyfriend slammed into me. When Keaton pulled back, he whispered, “You were gone when I woke up.” I smiled, “I have a new running resolution. My friend had a very serious cardio routine. I found out I should’ve been more diligent with it. Tatum can apparently run forever and never get tired. What is everyone doing here?”

Emmett laughed while Keaton glared at him. Chase said, “I’m glad you’re alright.” I asked, “Why wouldn’t I be?” Keith answered, “Well, your ex is a crazy person who did just try to abduct you on our vacation.” He was right.

I gasped, “Oh my god, Key, I’m so sorry. I should’ve left a note. I didn’t take my phone and…” Keaton interrupted, “It’s fine.” I grabbed his hand disagreeing, “No, it’s not. I should’ve left a note or something. I’m just very used to being on my own, I’m sorry.”

Keaton kissed my cheek, “You’re ok. That’s what matters.” I blushed, “I’m so sorry I pulled everyone away from their morning.” They all shrugged as if it was no big deal. Clara looped her arm with mine, “Well, I would like a shower before school.”

I laughed, “I can get you clothes too. I was just sent a whole new wardrobe by my mom’s boyfriend.” Clara clapped, “Woohoo!” She threw concealer at Keaton. I frowned, “What’s that for?” Keaton sighed, “I’ve been putting concealer on…” My boyfriend trailed off.

Emmett asked, “On what?” My eyes widened because that meant Keaton’s family didn’t know about his tattoo. Clara covered, “Hickies. Keaton keeps getting hickies. Come on love birds.” Emmett and Chase looked like they didn’t buy Clara’s lie at all. Their gaze narrowed on me. I flushed and practically ran upstairs.

I asked Keaton, “You didn’t tell your family about your tattoo?” Keaton winced, “Keith knows, but I was thinking graduation would be a better time to tell the rest of them.” I asked, “Why?” Keaton shrugged so I dropped it.

While I was in the shower Immy showed up and went through my new wardrobe. My friend picked out outfits for me and Clara. I picked mine up and snorted, “Immy, it’s just school.” My friend declared, “You will put it on!” I laughed.

Immy’s pick was a cute green mid-thigh skin tight dress with drawstrings on each side. I put it on then grabbed the thigh high black boots she’d paired it with. I flipping my hair around going for a windblown hair look. I nodded to myself in the mirror because I nailed it.

When we came out of my bedroom Bryce was waiting for us. He groaned, “Why Immy?” Immy giggled, “Isn’t it perfect? You should see her prom dress.” Bryce covered her face, “Oh, god. What is it? What did you do, little sister?”

Immy declared, “It’s STUNNING! People’s tongues will roll out. Let’s go. We can’t be late!” I asked, “Where’s Key?” Bryce shrugged, “School.” I frowned. Did I really upset him that much by not leaving a note? I should’ve considered how Keaton would feel. Sassy was sadly humming in my head.

Everyone was whispering when we walked in. Several leers were thrown my way. I didn’t see Keaton anywhere though. I was at my locker when someone caged me in, but it wasn’t Key. I turned easily seeing it was another senior.

I asked, “Can I help you? You’re in my way and in my personal space.” The senior smiled, “You’re always attached to Daniels, but not today. Did you finally break up?” I answered, “No.” I shut my locker and stared at him, “Please, move. I’d like to go to class.”

The senior wiggled his eyebrows, “How about a kiss first?” I countered, “How about a knee to the balls?” A growl cut off any reply the guy could’ve had. Before I could blink, Keith had the senior pinned against the locker.