Page 220 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Trit said, “Ahh, we don’t call it that.” That was odd. Prom was pretty universal. It was the winter dance that varied in name. I smiled, “Anyway, my song boy asked me in the most romantic way.” I told him all about it.

Trit smiled, “It sounds like your song boy is doing things right.” I heard the door opening and Sassy started singing. I told my brother, “I’ll talk to you later, Trit.” He said, “I’ll expect you to send pictures of you wearing your Prom dress.” I smiled, “I can do that, but I don’t think you’ll like it.” Trit groaned, “Great.” I laughed and hung up.

When I turned around Keaton was in the doorway, just out of the camera’s frame. I greeted, “Hi.” Keaton asked, “Was that your brother?” I nodded, “One of them.” My boyfriend sighed, “I didn’t recognize him.” I laughed, “He doesn't live here.”

At least, I didn’t think he did. Keaton frowned. I said, “Maybe he recognized you.” Keaton shook his head, “No, I wasn’t in frame.” I did think that earlier. I sighed, “Oh.” He laughed and kissed me. Keaton offered, “If you want them to meet me, I’m more than happy to sit on a call with you.”

I asked, “Really? That’s great! I’ll ask Caspian if we can set up a call for them to meet you.” Keaton questioned, “Caspian?’ I nodded, “Yes, that’s my oldest brothers name.” Keaton admitted, “I don’t recognize that name either.”

I snorted, “I’m sure he owns businesses and is a mob boss. So, he can’t be that hard to find if you wanted to.” Keaton smirked, “I’ll just google Caspian the mob boss.” Why hadn’t I googled my own brother? I even had his last name now too.

The next few days passed in a blur. I was working, with Keaton, and running with Rolfe in the morning. I was worried about Jag because I hadn’t seen him. We’d texted though. I finally found myself sitting at my computer. An email caught my eye. It was from a Lux that I’d emailed.

Katie,

I would be glad to meet with you for your school project. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I know it’s the end of the school year, but if you still need to meet with a CEO for your class, we could set something up.

Sincerely,

Lux Bartlett

My hands were shaking for some reason. This Lux probably wasn’t my brother since no one I ever reached out to ended up being my brother. It could lead me to Caspian and my other brothers though. Or it could really be my Lux. With that in mind, I replied.

Mr. Bartlett,

I would still love to meet with you. It doesn’t have to be during school. That project did pass by, but I’m interested in your field of work. I’d love to set up some time to ask you some questions. I appreciate the reply. If you can’t make time, I understand.

Katie Karlton

I was about to read a few more emails when I got an instant response.

Katie,

Please call me Lux. My dad’s name is Mr. Bartlett. I have a meeting coming up that I’ll be out of town for, but my secretary will send you details for a meeting when we get back. I look forward to discussing your questions in person.

Lux Bartlett.

I was nervous because the date his secretary sent me was close. I confirmed everything with her and put it on my calendar. Time had flown by so fast I couldn’t believe it was already close to prom weekend. My schedule was prom, meeting this new Lux, then it was Keaton’s graduation. Time used to pass by slowly for me, but it felt like it was going at warp speed now.

A call on my computer brought me out of my reverie. I smiled answering, “Hi Caspian, I have a request.” My brother laughed, “Do you want me to encase someone in cement? That’s not my usual way of handling things, but I will make an exception for you.”

I teased, “AH HA! What I heard you just say was that you have a way of killing people. I knew it. Let’s put a pin in that and the fact that you are the Don. I actually wanted to ask you guys if you could all get together after graduation, which is in May here, for a call with my song boy.”

Caspian asked, “You want us to meet him?” I nodded, “Yes, and he wants to meet you too. He was quite disappointed he didn’t recognize your name or Trit’s. I teased him about thinking he knew everyone.”

Caspian laughed, “I doubt very much he would know me. He probably knows people who would recognize my name though.” I asked, “Really? Who do you think he knows?” Caspian answered, “Anyone named Holloran or Cambridge would recognize my name.”

I sighed, “I don’t know anyone by those names. Are they last names?” Caspian nodded, “We would be thrilled to meet your song boy. Just name the time and place.” I smiled, “Well, like I said, it has to be after graduation. We are busy, there’s prom, and I don’t want him to stress out before his graduation ceremony.”

“Which is totally the chick we ARE encasing in cement’s fault. His ex really messed him up. He and I have that in common. I think his ex could rival Luke. They could destroy the confidence of anyone if they teamed up.”

Caspian snorted, “Odette, you may think Luke destroyed your confidence, but he didn’t. That whelp merely tried to do so. Luke might have made some nicks or dings in your armor, but he didn’t break you. You left him, and that’s impressive.”

I snorted, “Only after he had me locked me up and had me pumped full of drugs.” Caspian gritted his teeth, “Luke still wasn’t expecting you to leave him, but you did.” I sighed, “I don’t understand that logic in any way, shape, or form. Luke had to know that was the end of us. We should’ve ended before then, I was just tired of being lonely.”

Caspian said, “That you recognized that you shouldn’t be with Luke at all is impressive. Many people do not realize they are in abusive relationships until they are looking around wondering how it happened. Many do not find the strength to leave, but you did. You refused to give in to Luke.”

I shrugged. My brother told me, “You are so brave, beautiful, and strong. Never forget that.” I heard my door open and Sassy started singing. I waved, “Thanks, big brother.” Caspian winked and signed off. I went out and found Keaton.