Page 55 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I laughed, “Mom.” She said, “I’ve wanted to do that for years. God, it felt good.” Mom kissed the top of my head, “I love you, Keaton.” Then flashed away. Emmett said, “Speaking of making out in your truck.”

I sighed, “Why is everyone so stuck on that detail?” Alexandria explained, “Because you’ve never done it.” I snorted, “You two get caught making out everywhere.” Emmett agreed, “We do but you do not. You’ve had a girlfriend since you were thirteen, and not once has anyone talked about you two kissing.”

I shrugged, “I like Katie.” Channing chimed in, “She’s ours, Keaton.” I replied, “I know that, but they don’t.” Channing argued, “Lightning has asked me like six times. They know.” I retorted, “They think they know.”

Emmett said, “Soooooo, tell me about Katie.” I snorted, “From what I hear, there was a background check done on her that the family all looked at.” Emmett replied, “A background check that was surprisingly sparse, and it’s not like I ordered one. Katie works for a business we own.”

I told him, “Well, she’s sixteen. It’s not like she has…” I was about to say much work history, but she did. Katie wasn’t her real name. Which meant she probably didn’t go by Katie everywhere she’d lived. God. Was her mom having her change names in every town they went to? That sounded exhausting. Was her mom running from someone?

I asked, “Where else has Katie worked?” Emmett narrowed his eyes, “Nowhere. This is her first job.” Channing growled and it slipped out. Emmett asked, “Or is it?” I admitted, “No, it’s not.” Emmett said, “With as young as she is, they might have paid Katie under the table.” He didn’t believe that, but I didn’t correct him.

I said, “Well, thanks for shutting down the rink. I’m going to bed.” Emmett called, “You know…” I interrupted, “I can tell you anything. I know, Emmett.” My big brother nodded. Channing asked, “Why aren’t we telling them?”

I explained even though my wolf knew the answer, “I’ve been having miserable arguments with them about Lisa for five years. Odette is ours. When we thought Lisa was ours, they hated her. What if they don’t like Odette? I’d lose my family because I’ll pick her.”

Channing pointed out, “Keith and Immy like her. Everyone will like mate because she’s perfect. Stone also likes her.” I was still scared. Allison was waiting in my room. I greeted, “Hey little rascal.” Allison held her head high emphatically stating, “I’m not even sorry.”

I laughed, “I don’t need you to be.” Allison whispered, “I want to meet Katie.” I said, “I’ll talk to her about it, ok? It will be our secret.” Allison squealed, “I’m SUCH a good secret keeper.” I laughed, “I know.” My little sister sped out of my room as I fell on my bed.

I tossed and turned all night. Channing grumbled, “We are going to have to start staying at Odette’s place.” Sure, let me just jump to that stage. That won’t freak her out. Eventually I just got out of bed, shifting for a run.

I ended up outside my mate’s apartment, like a stalker. Odette’s curtains moved and she peaked out. She couldn’t see me, but she was looking for something. I couldn’t help but notice my mate looked tired before she shook her head and closed the curtains. I did a patrol of the area before heading back home.

I slowly slipped inside, completely shocked when the light flipped on. Dad, Emmett and Grandpa Frank were there. Channing huffed, “Since when are the halls monitored?” I had no idea. Dad asked, “Where did you go, son?”

I answered, “For a run. I couldn’t sleep.” Grandpa coughed, “Karma.” Dad rolled his eyes. Emmett offered, “I’ll go with you next time.” I questioned, “Is there some threat I don’t know about? It was just a run.” Emmett admitted, “There’s always a threat against our family, Keaton. We’ve gotten several against you since your birthday. After what happened with the Werebengals and Emma….”

My big brother’s throat tightened up as he trailed off. Dad put a hand on his back. I sped over and gave Emmett a hug. I couldn’t imagine what he went through. If something happened to Keith and I wasn’t able to get to him; if I had to watch Keith in pain, I’d be a wreck.

I told Emmett, “I’ll bring you next time, big brother. I didn’t know there was a threat.” Emmett hugged me tighter. I pulled away adding, “Even though I can take care of myself.” Emmett retorted, “I know you can.”

Dad said, “At least tell me if you’re going out. Once the threat is clear then go about your late night runs, I guess.” Grandpa was chuckling again. I looked at Emmett with a clear question in my eye, but my brother shrugged.

I asked, “What’s with you two?” Grandpa answered, “Just a little karmic justice for your grandpa with your dad. Nothing you need to worry about. Hopefully one day soon, I’ll tell you all about the story.” I asked, “When?”

Dad muttered, “That depends on you.” Emmett huffed, “I have to wait for the story because of Keaton?” Grandpa gleefully said, “Yup. I had to suffer. I got kicked out of the house for being a meddling prick. God, I was an ass, but I was worried. Nope. I was just an ass. Let’s hope your mom doesn’t have to kick your dad out.”

I gasped, “Grandma Nadine kicked you out of the house?” Grandpa nodded, “I deserved it. Now, let’s all go to bed. That’s a story for another day.” My mind was reeling because I couldn’t imagine Grandma Nadine kicking grandpa out. What happened?

Channing told me, “Ratchet won’t tell me either.” I wonder what I had to do to get the story. I managed to get an hour of sleep before I got up to go pick up Odette. I parked in the garage for her building and went upstairs.

I knocked on the door then berated myself. “She could be sleeping. I should’ve texted her. I’m early.” I heard heels on the floor indicating my mate was running toward it. Odette opened the door, and all I saw were legs. She had on a maroon skirt with a tight cream and blue striped off the shoulder shirt.

I growled, “Odette.” I looked into her blue eyes and slammed my mouth on hers. My mate moaned into my mouth. I moved us backwards into the apartment, kicking the door shut with my foot. Odette jumped up and warped her legs around me.

I turned and backed her into the door while running my hands up her sides. I was almost to her boob when her phone rang. I groaned, “Come on.” Odette laughed and tapped me on the chest to let her down. I did not want to but I did.

Channing grumbled, “If that’s someone we know let’s make them run laps. Will we ever get to touch mate’s breasts? GOD! It’s like a conspiracy.” I actually agreed with him. Odette went over to her phone answering, “Good morning, Lee.”

I growled because I did know him. Why was Lee calling?! Odette turned to me with wide innocent eyes. Lee asked, “Uhh who was that?” Odette was flustered, “Umm it’s…” I answered, “Me.” Lee laughed, “So you don’t need a ride to school then. Immy forgot to charge her phone last night. She was going to have Bryce swing by to get you.”

I answered, “I’ve got her, Lee.” Odette was staring at me open mouthed. Lee said, “Cool. See ya later.” Odette hung up asking, “How did you hear him?” Shit. I told her, “I have excellent hearing.” Odette laughed, “No joke.” Channing chuckled in my head. My wolf was a goner for our mate.

Odette studied me closely. It seemed like she almost asked something then she ran and got her backpack. I sighed glaring at it. School was now my nemesis. I took her hand and led her to my truck. I helped her inside then we left.

Ken was at the door of the complex. The man linked me, “How interesting it is to see you again, Keaton.” I shot back, “Good morning, blabbermouth. Expect to see me often. She’s going to be my girlfriend.” Ken replied, “Girlfriend? Is that what you pups say these days?” I rolled my eyes but didn’t reply.

When we got to school, I walked Odette inside. I had my arm around her which had several people from the pack gawking at us. A few threw glares were thrown Odette’s way, but I snarled at them. Channing told me, “I’ve warned their wolves.” Good.