Page 28 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I replied, “So, Lisa’s the girl who cries wolf. Got it.” Immy laughed, “God, you’re so funny! I like you.” I acknowledged, “I like you too.” Immy instantly said, “Let’s exchange numbers.” I sighed, “I don’t have a phone. Well, actually I might. My mom’s new boyfriend got me a laptop and a car. I wouldn’t put getting me a phone out of the running.”

Immy urged, “Let’s head back to your place and see.” My new friend clapped when we walked up saying, “Grandpa Isaac owns this building.” I nodded, given I knew that because the building manager had mentioned it.

Kenneth smiled at Immy when she walked in. He must know she’s one of the owner’s granddaughters. We did in fact find a phone in my apartment in a drawer. A brand new, top of the line phone. Jarchi pulled no punches.

Immy programmed her phone number and texted herself declaring, “There. We are in each other’s phones now. There will be no escaping me.” I didn’t want to. I asked, “So, what’s your story? Do you have a boyfriend?”

Immy laughed, “Yes, I do but don’t tell my brothers. Or my dads.” I asked, “How do they not know? It seems you all run this town.” Immy winked, “Us women have our ways. He’s my fun for now guy.” I smiled at her loving how open and honest she was.

We hung out a little bit longer before Immy said she needed to pop on home. I actually missed her when she left. Immy was such a happy person it was like I had no choice but to be cheerful with her. I got online and finished some work for my old school.

I got an email from Isabella Miller with my hours and e-forms to fill out so I could work for her. It took a while because I had to go through the papers my mom had left for me for the information. I was happy when it was completed though.

The days passed quicker than I’d expected. I’d hung out with Immy several times leading up to Christmas. My new friend boasted while talking about her big family get together, which I envied. I wished I had that. Immy actually insisted we decorate my apartment.

We’d gotten a tree and put ornaments on. My new friend even snuck over some alcohol. It was my first time having it. We laughed and danced around my apartment all night. I couldn’t help but think that Melanie and my Nashville friends would be proud of me.

When Christmas rolled around I wasn’t going to leave my bed, but then a knock came. I groaned and begrudgingly got up. Kenneth, the building manager, was there with a cart full of presents. I gasped, asking, “What is this?”

I’d exchanged presents with Immy the day prior. Kenneth pulled the cart in answering, “Compliments of your mother and Mr. Jarchi.” Tears filled my eyes even though I knew they were all from Jarchi. My mother didn’t care about Christmas.

I took out my phone and sent him a text thanking him profusely. I’d call but I didn’t really know if my mom knew about all the things he’d gotten me. I didn’t want her to take this phone like my last one. Kenneth unloaded the presents and put them under the tree.

I asked him, “You said your name was Kenneth, right??” He answered, “Yes, it is.” I teased, “Miller?” Kenneth laughed, “No, Ms. Karlton. I live on the Daniels’ land though. They are great employers.” They seemed like they were.

I urged, “Well, go on. Get out of here and spend time with your family.” Kenneth snorted, “I’m good. If I did that then I’d have heard my grandparents going on and on about how I need to travel and focus on finding my soulmate. I worked really hard to become the building manager of this property. I paid my dues and worked my way up. I’m proud of it, and I don’t want to travel just yet.”

I told him, “What if your soul mate came here while you were gone traveling?” Kenneth laughed, “That’s an excellent argument. I’m going to use it and try to get them off my back.” I smiled at him hoping I helped, because he was nice.

Kenneth left me alone with my presents. I laughed while happily opened them all. Jarchi had gotten me clothes for school, wireless Bluetooth headphones, a backpack, and several other things. This man was too good for my mom in every conceivable way.

I went over to the fridge and got out some sparkling grape juice. I poured two glasses like I did every year and whispered, “Merry Christmas, Lux.” I clinked the glass together like he’d taught me and drank mine.

A tear slipped out of my eyes and before I knew it, I was sobbing. I cried saying to the walls in full broken sobs, “I miss you so much, Gator.” I looked around my fancy apartment, and it reaffirmed everything for me. I’d rather be alone in a shoebox than lonely in a relationship with someone like Luke.

Mom might care about what someone can provide her, but I didn’t. I just wanted to be loved. I shoved those thoughts aside.

First, I was going to find Lux. That was my main goal for the New Year. I was going to find my big brother. Hopefully when I did he wouldn’t leave me again. I just knew everything would fall into place if I could just find Lux.

Cinnamon Rolls

Keaton looked around the living room, enjoying being home. I went into the kitchen surprised when mom flashed in and crossed her arms. I held up my hands, “Whoa. I didn’t do whatever you’re mad about. I swear.” Mom asked me, “You didn’t invite Lisa her?” I snorted, “No.”

Mom gritted her teeth, “The only reason I didn’t kick her out is she said you invited her and I want you kids to make your own decisions in life.” I told her, “Mom, from here on out, if Lisa ever says I invited her somewhere, she’s lying. I’m done.”

Mom gently said, “You’ve said that before.” I winced, “Yes, I know but I mean it this time. Lisa’s with Justin and it’s all over the pack. She’s not my mate so it’s over.” Mom tried not to show her relief. I snorted, “You can say what you want to. I can tell something is on your mind.”

Mom admitted, “Lisa was never my choice for you. I know you, which means I know there are things you kept to yourself about her. I don’t like how that girl made you feel. You shrunk and hunched your shoulders when she was around.”

Mom put her hand on my shoulder, “You are my sensitive child, but you are fierce. Lisa is the type of girl who makes a man afraid to cast a shadow. No one needs that in their life.” I hugged her saying, “Thanks, mom.”

Mom confided, “I just want what’s best for all my kids.” I smiled, “I have hope I’ll find my mate one day.” She studied me then nodded. We walked back out where everyone was still recovering from all the Turkey Sally made for Thanksgiving.

May flashed over to me and I smiled at her. May was one of Sally and Derrick’s pups. She was seventeen and had a serious crush on my twin that Keith was oblivious too. Which was hilarious since he’d been in love with May all our lives. Keith just tried not to show it.

I greeted, “Hi, May.” She grinned at me and gave me a hug saying, “We’ve missed you around here, Keaton.” I laughed, “I’m sure you missed someone else more.” May blushed bright red muttering, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I whispered, “He missed you too.” My twin had mentioned it once or twice. If those two didn’t end up being mates, I’d be stunned. May asked, “Really? He did? I mean….” She trailed off as Keith walked in the door.