Clara snorted, “Umm ok. Google has nothing on that other than some video game character. That’s a cat though.” Not everything was in google, Aunt Haley would be devastated. I came to attention when Odette said her not dog killed a rogue.
I looked at Emmett who looked astonished. Odette pulled the conversation to Palicoes. I linked Emmett, “Did we know that the dog killed a rogue?” Emmett growled, “No. I’m guessing Jag cleaned it up.” Jag. UGH! We’d find him now though since we could explain to Odette who he was.
It was clear Odette didn’t want to move. The pack was safer than her apartment though. Ken could keep her safe, with me, if she didn’t want though. Aunt Haley was assuring Odette this could work. Then I figured out Nathan wanted me in a different room.
Channing snorted, “We can just sneak into mate’s room.” That was true. Aunt Haley was having none of it though. Emmett linked me, “You gotta love Aunt Haley.” You really did. I was touched that mom had already started making space for Odette in my room too.
I caught Odette’s gaze on my family, so I looked over. They were all trying not to laugh. I linked them, “You guys suck.” Keith winked. Dad linked, “I’m watching the strongest Alphas I know be strong armed by a tiny little Fairy. I’ve seen it time and time again, but this time it’s extra hilarious.”
Aunt Haley had even thought of the Sargasso’s. I linked Emmett, “How the hell is this going to work with me taking over in a few weeks? I can’t let Odette go to the Siren realm alone. Luke is there.” Emmett assured me, “We’ll work it out. You’ll be an Alpha and make sure your mate is safe.”
Aunt Haley was not so subtly cutting off all conversation around what happened by listing off everything Odette had been through. It was way too much. Odette agreed and her feelings told me she wanted to have some fun, so she asked Melanie what she knew about Sirens.
I actually wanted to know that too. Caspian was even entertained. That changed on a dime when Melanie said they were related to the Merrick’s. Channing snarled, “RELATED?!” I looked worriedly at Odette.
Emmett linked, “Point of reference, Merrick is the name of the ex-boyfriend, is it not?” I replied, “It is.” Emmett winced. Dad was staring at Eric, who was starting to turn red with anger given Odette’s response. Melanie was floundering, something she was clearly not used to.
Alexander linked me, “Tell me that’s not about what I think it is?” I growled, “If you think the dead fucker named Luke Merrick seduced Odette without telling her his age or that they were related; you’re correct.” Alexander’s eyes blazed gold.
Emmett linked, “Ok, so we eviscerate this guy. He was already dead, but we can end him for doing this to my future sister in law. How fucking dare that cretin take advantage of Odette! He’s older than me for god’s sake.”
“She didn’t even know about Supernatural’s. You showed more restraint in your pinky toe with her than he did. Jesus Christ. You’re an Alpha managing to not mark your mate. On the plus side, the scary techy Luna is team axe the ex. That will go heavily in our favor of getting it accomplished.”
More than my big brother knew. It might be time to have a chat with Melanie about me going out officially with the Resistance. Channing cheered, “YES!” Luke was way older than Emmett. I linked, “FORTY?!” to my dad who seemed at a loss for words.
Uncle Eric looked enraged. There was a vein in Nathan’s head that was actually bulging out. I was worried he might have an aneurysm. Caspian didn’t want to tell my mate how old Luke actually was. I linked Emmett, “Tell me he’s in his thirties.”
Emmett replied, “I’m not getting that feeling.” Odette felt so awful when Luke’s age was said, I wanted to throw up. Aunt Haley popped Odette away. I had to sit down. Dad came over, “Keaton?” I whispered, “I feel sick.”
Caspian explained, “Because Odette does, it will pass in a second.” Nathan growled, “What?” Dad sighed, “Nathan, I’m really trying to be understanding here, but lose your attitude with my son immediately.”
Dad turned and growled, “This situation isn’t Keaton’s fault and he’s not your enemy, and I’m going to need you to remember that.” I grabbed my dad’s hand letting him know it was ok. Melanie said, “I can totally… get a lead on the real…. Merrick sized enemy.” Thank god.
Caspian said, “I can tell you.” Melanie made a face I could not begin to interpret. Malachi interjected, “I have a subject change. Do Sirens not care if they are related to their sexual partners? Or is what he did taboo to you all too?”
Caspian answered, “It’s taboo and highly unlikely, even if Odette hadn’t met her song boy, that she’d have been able to give Luke a child. We have a god and goddess. Luke’s actions would’ve spurred our god into action.”
“Not to mention, I would’ve gotten my little sister back. The second Odette was in our realm I would’ve felt her presence and gone to war to get her back. Which I believe was my mother’s goal. That was the long winded answer of, no we don’t have sex with our cousins.”
“Or relatives of any kind. Luke has always been a disgusting individual. Delana’s clan didn’t know him like ours as they aren’t related to him. I would’ve cautioned her on moving in with him. Delana’s still seeking asylum in our clan and we’ve given her a room. She has covertly contacted her brother and dad. They are quite upset.”
I linked Emmett, “I think I know the look Melanie was giving Caspian a second ago. Delana isn’t home yet, and her family would clearly accept her back.” Emmett agreed, “That does appear to be the case.” I reasoned, “Then the Siren realm moves slowly, and Melanie would hate that with a fiery, burning passion.” Emmett inclined his head agreeing.
Caspian was quiet then added, “Luke hates me so I’m sure he wanted to throw it in my face that he’d been with Odette. She’d have been in his snare, unable to resist Luke’s suggestions. It wasn’t her fault, and no one should ever say it is.” His tone flipped to deadly in a second.
Alexander said, “Since Odette is worried Keaton won’t like her anymore, maybe we dial it down.” I frowned, “What?” Melanie chimed in, “The way Odette’s…. mom…” Melanie made a face that said she hated Morgana.
Melanie continued, “raised her, that logic makes sense. Odette thinks that you’ll…. find her gross... since she slept with her cousin. Which is absurd… given she didn’t know… they were related… but Luke… and her mom… for that matter, did. That’s on him and Morgana… not Odette. A lot of humans would judge her for that though… even some Supernatural’s.”
I growled, “Luke’s a dead man. I’ve already threatened him.” Dad asked, “Excuse me, you’ve what now?” Emmett said, “Ditto, old man. Huh, little brother?” I sighed, “Luke sent me a note after I got in that accident saying he caused it.”
Keith shouted, “What?” I snorted, “Yeah, the idiot wanted me to back off of Odette. I sent him a letter back letting him know I’d hunt him down and kill him.” Channing snorted, “Among other things.” Emmett growled, “THIS FUCKER ARRANGED FOR YOUR CAR ACCIDENT?!” I nodded.
Dad growled, “You didn’t mention that.” Channing grumbled, “I’m getting yelled at by multiple wolves.” I sighed, “I thought you’d tell me to stay away from Odette, and I couldn’t do that.” Emmett’s face went through a range of emotions.
Dad pinched the bridge of his nose, “So, you taunted this, unknown at the time, Supernatural without telling us?” I frowned, “If we are being specific, he taunted me. I was serious.” Melanie jumped in, “Plus… if Keaton was in danger… I would’ve known. Luke… is not exactly… the threat he believes himself to be.”
I pointed out, “They arranged for my accident.” Melanie hummed, “Not by using your name on any… known channels… which suggests… a pack traitor… because they don’t have you bugged… so someone told them where you were… and what time you were there.” Holy shit. That got several growls.