Page 42 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

How could this man know, Odette? Stop being so comfortable and weird with strangers. Beatrice asked, “What about your mother?” I snorted, “She doesn’t really even like me. She wants me to stay with my abusive ex-boyfriend.”

“Honestly, she’s never around. She doesn’t even want me to live with her when she’s not traveling. Which is rare. She’s always jetting off with some new guy and had said boyfriend of the month pays for a separate apartment for me.”

“After Lux left I pretty much raised myself. Mom didn’t even come back when I got kidnapped. She only came back because she didn’t like my friends. Which my abusive ex told her all about. I guess he rates getting her number when I don’t.” STOP TALKING ODETTE!

Mr. Vennox hissed, “You were kidnapped?!” I clapped a hand over my mouth gasping, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I said that.” Beatrice interjected, “Since you did, do you know who kidnapped you?” I shrugged, “I honestly don’t know. My friend saved me and they were collateral damage of that rescue. They were crazy though. They thought they were Demons. Can you imagine? Demons?”

Both of them exchanged looks that told me they were angry. Mr. Vennox touched my arm gently. A noise I could only describe as a whistle came out of both our mouths. Both their heads whipped to me in shock. What was wrong with me now? I could hear the hum of a soft song playing somewhere.

Wait, what was wrong with Mr. Vennox? He’d made the same sound as I did. Mr. Vennox asked, “You’re sixteen?” I nodded. Beatrice whispered, “She’s in danger. That’s the only way for that to have happened.” What to have happened? What was going on?

Mr. Vennox said, “Not necessarily. Katie, do you have a boyfriend?” I snorted, “No, I have a psychotic ex.” Mr. Vennox asked, “Does he call you his soulmate? Or sing a lovely song?” I laughed, “No, not even kind of.” Mr. Vennox muttered, “Danger it is then.” What?

I frowned, “I’ve taken up enough of your time, I’m sorry.” Mr. Vennox murmured, “Please, wait. Can I ask you another question? Beatrice booked you for an hour so you’re not taking up any time I don’t have.” I conceded, “Ok.”

Mr. Vennox asked, “What do you think about Supernatural’s?” I asked, “The books? I love them. Well, loved. I had a lot of books on Supernatural’s in a couple places we lived. My mom was really mad when she found out about them though.”

“She said no daughter of hers would be into that kind of thing. Then she proceeded to throw them at me until one hit me in the head. I passed out and when I woke up, they were all gone. So, I only get library cards and read them there now.”

Well, I worked in a bookstore now, so I didn’t have do that this time. Both of them hissed, which had me shrinking back into my chair. I whispered, “I’m sorry.” Beatrice put her hand on Mr. Vennox, which instantly calmed him down.

The lawyer said, “You have nothing to be sorry for. How old were you when your brother’s dad took him?” I whispered, “Five.” Beatrice gasped. I kept talking, “It seems strange, but I swear to you I somehow remember Lux feeding me as a baby. He’d often ask his dad for money so the both of us could eat. I’d swear he bought my formula too, but that’s crazy. I couldn’t actually remember that.”

Mr. Vennox’s voice was tight, “How old was your brother when his father took him away?” I wiped away tears answering, “He was sixteen.” Mr. Vennox and Beatrice looked at each other. Eventually he said, “If you could wait here, I’d like to buy you dinner. We could all eat it here in the office. You were my last appointment of the day.”

Beatrice touched me on the shoulder as she walked by, but I didn’t whistle. At least I was going back to normal. Mr. Vennox studied me until I nodded my agreement to dinner. They both left together. I crept to the door.

Somehow, I could hear them whispering. Mr. Vennox said, “It’s not possible.” Beatrice said, “Clearly, it is. We need to take her home. They need to see her, and we need to find her brother.” My hand flew to my mouth.

Why did I ever trust my instincts? Now I’d put Lux in danger! Mr. Vennox asked, “What the hell is Morgana playing at?! How could she not tell the girl about us? Can you imagine how angry Caspian will be?”

Beatrice laughed, “Caspian? Lux, he will pale in comparison to Noxus. Can you imagine your Song doing this to you?” Mr. Vennox snorted then I heard them kissing. He whispered, “You would never.” My eyes widened because I knew this was bad.

These people knew my mom. I was going to get in so much trouble if she found out I’d been here. I had to get out of here. I quietly crept to the other door and noiselessly opened it. I crawled back out the main door and quickly got to the stairwell.

Once there I ran as quickly as I could down the stairs my feet flying all the way to the bus station. I’d already gotten my ticket online. My bus wasn’t supposed to leave for a few hours, but one bus was about to leave.

I ran to the driver and asked, “Can I get on this bus?” He shook his head no. I grabbed his arm and looked into his eyes whispering, “Please let me on this bus.” He looked entranced as he answered, “Sure, pretty lady.” I let go of his arm and ran to find a seat.

Several buses pulled out at once. I saw Mr. Vennox and Beatrice running to the bus station. My heart caught in my throat as they hit the side of the bus right beside us. Our driver kept going but the other bus stopped. They ran onto that one and I breathed in relief.

I was tense the rest of the way home. Who was Caspian? Who was Noxus? Were they going to find Lux before I did? Tears filled my eyes. What if they told my mom I’d come looking? No, that didn’t sound right. They seemed upset with her.

Shame filled me as the realization sank in that were mad at mom over me. What was a Song? I must have misheard them because that didn’t make any sense. Mom said I wouldn’t be like the others. Were Mr. Vennox and Beatrice the others? That had merit.

Which meant there was no way they were contacting her. I got back and walked around for hours thinking about what I’d done. I had really messed up this time. By the time I made it back to my apartment it was New Year's Day.

I opened the door to the foyer and found a worried Kenneth was standing there. My building manager frowned when he saw me. He asked, “Katie, are you alright?” I nodded. The man stood in front of me looking me up and down.

Kenneth asked, “Did someone hurt you?” I shook my head, whispering, “No.” His frown deepened, but he helped me up to my apartment. I closed the door and locked it then slid down to the floor and sobbed. Why couldn’t I just find my brother?

Why did I keep finding people I feel safe with? Heck, even Kenneth made me feel safe. He does guard the building though, so that had some merit. Keep your walls up, Odette. People always hurt you. Stop thinking people will be nice to you.

Melanie and my friends in Nashville were the exceptions. My heart panged thinking of them all. Olivia and I bonded the most. I missed my other hermit crab soul sister. I hoped my disappearing didn’t set her back on her recovery. I knew Melanie saved her too, but Olivia was in some facility for a while before Melanie got her out.

Your own mother doesn’t like you, Odette. Your father possibly doesn’t want you. Your brother doesn’t like you so much he’s made himself impossible to find. If he wanted you to, it would be easier. I pushed myself up off the floor and got into my bed.

I didn’t wake up until I heard pounding on my door. I pulled the sheet over me as if it would help and make the person go away. Did Mr. Vennox and Beatrice find me? Terror gripped me until I heard, “Katie, open up! Kenneth said you were sad this morning! We are here to cheer you up!”