Page 56 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Odette laughed, “Chill there, Fenrir.” My head snapped to her. I asked, “Fenrir?” Odette laughed, “Yup. Don’t look so surprised. I know Norse history. I had a friend that gave me some books on all that. You sound like you could be the god of the Wolves when you growl at people like that, Key. I can handle the stares.”

My mate touched my nose, “Don’t you worry about me.” If only the Werewolves had a god. We’d be in a better place than with our goddess. I pointed out, “Fenrir isn’t exactly the most popular Norse god to know about.”

Odette shrugged, “I used to have a thing for Wolves.” I pinned her against her locker. Channing growled in my head, “Mine!” I asked tightly, “What Wolves?” Odette laughed, “Just wolves. Like Werewolves in the books, I loved fictional Supernatural books.”

My mate gasped and slapped her hand over her mouth. Channing purred, “Mate is so cute.” I told her, “That’s hot.” Odette’s eyes widened as she whispered, “Do you like Supernatural stuff?” I admitted, “More than you could imagine.”

Odette asked, “Really what’s your favorite series? I liked Eva Chase’s series.” I’d have to look that one up. I shrugged, “I don’t have a favorite, but I’ll check out Eva Chase.” I dropped her off at her first period with a kiss.

The pack link was buzzing. Lisa linked me, “You dick! You’re kissing the new girl in school for everyone to see?! You just met her! You never kissed me in school.” I replied, “You didn’t like PDA when we were together. You never wanted me to kiss you in school and berated me for an hour the one time I tried.”

I went to my first period where Keith was waiting. My twin teased, “So, you’re just not giving me rides this year.” I snorted, “You and May get alone time. Pretend not to be excited I’m not your third wheel.” Keith rolled his eyes, “You’re my twin. You’ll never be a third wheel. On a totally separate note, that’s not really your shade of lipstick, little brother.” I wiped my lips off.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Odette in my English class. Keith said, “Well, look at that. Aren’t you an overachiever, Katie? What will you do next year for class?” Odette answered, “I’m hoping to take a few college classes.”

I kissed the top of her head and sat next to her. When the teacher came in I recognized him from the pack. He always did a seating chart. I linked him, “Mr. Peters if you made a seating chart, I want to be next to Katie Karlton.” He glanced up startled but simply nodded.

I was thinking over a nickname for Odette. Given the fact she liked Norse gods and goddess I could go with something like that. Our teacher didn’t do his usual seating chart. Keith linked me, “Are you trying to make the fact that Katie’s your mate the worst kept secret ever?”

I replied, “No one has actually asked if she’s my mate. You do know that, right?” Keith groaned, “You’re ridiculous. I love you but you are ridiculous.” I shrugged. Once class ended, I walked with Odette to the cafeteria.

I told her, “I’ll go grab us lunch, what do you want?” She said, “Oh umm just a salad.” Immy sat down disagreeing, “Nope, get my girl a cheeseburger with fries.” Odette laughed, “Immy.” Immy said, “Your mom’s idea of a diet is dumb! You’ve got killer curves. I bet you’re one of those girls who eats things like a cheeseburger and gets bigger boobs and an ass.”

My pants were getting smaller and harder to fit in. I asked in a strained voice, “Do you want a cheeseburger, Hathor?” Odette gasped and looked at me. Immy said, “Uhh Keaton, your new girlfriend's name is Katie. Someone, get his head examined.”

Odette whispered, “Hathor is the goddess of music in Egyptian culture. Also, he hasn’t asked me to be his girlfriend.” Immy sighed, “That’s not a good nickname, Keaton. I’ll help you, don’t worry.” Odette smiled, “I thought it was beautiful.”

I kissed her hand asking, “Do you want a cheeseburger?” She nodded. I walked away only to find Justin was in line with Isla. My ex’s little sister smiled softly at me. I nodded to her then heard Odette call to them, “Justin! Isla! Come sit with us.” I wanted to groan but didn’t.

Justin linked me, “We don’t have to.” I replied, “Go ahead.” I got Odette and myself a cheeseburger. I walked back to the table. It was a little tense but not bad. Odette made introductions, “Key, these are my new friends Isla and Justin.” Oh, goodie.

Channing huffed, “Why is he, of all people, her friend?” I had no idea. I asked my mate, “When did you meet Justin?” Immy answered, “With me.” Odette added, “Justin and I ran into each other on Christmas too. Isla is a really talented sketch artist. Did you know that?” That surprised me.

I asked, “Isla?” My ex’s sister blushed, “I just dabble.” Odette argued, “Nonsense! You are the most talented sketch artist I’ve seen in all the schools I’ve been in. I’ve been in and out of schools all over the country. Your drawings are amazing!”

Justin asked, “You saw her sketchbook, Katie? I’ve been asking to see it for years and never get the privilege of a peek.” Isla said, “Oh well that was kind of an accident, and Katie was so nice about it.” Odette smiled at her. Isla linked me, “I told her whose sister I was, but she didn't care.” I couldn’t hide my pride for my mate.

Even if being at the same table as Justin made me want to eat glass. I was an Alpha though. Channing agreed, “We are and he’s trying to follow our advice.” True. Justin was part of the pack and that meant I looked out for him. Everyone relaxed the longer lunch went on.

When lunch ended, I walked Katie to her next class and begrudgingly went to the counselor’s office. My counselor, Leon, was actually a Werewolf in our pack. I sat in his office. Leon greeted, “Keaton, good to see you.”

I asked, “Is there any chance you could just say I was here and I not be here?” Leaon smiled, “Sorry but no.” I groaned, “You know I wasn’t in a physically abusive relationship, Leon.” Leon frowned, “To be blunt, I don’t know that. Your reactions to Lisa lately tell me you are very angry. I feel it’s rightfully so, but it seems to me there’s a lot of resentment and anger in your actions lately.”

“I know there is concern about coming off those cookies, but you’re the angriest Alpha about that. Keith is his usual self. I also know an Alpha would have the most trouble admitting they were in an abusive relationship.”

“You’re obviously strong enough to stop someone from hitting you. From what I’ve observed lately, it’s clear to me you were in, at best, an emotionally abusive relationship. Now, I can’t make you talk about that. For this period though, I’m going to sit here with you. This space is where you can say whatever you want.”

I snorted, “My brother is your Lead Alpha so I can’t tell you anything.” Leon leaned forward, “In these halls, in this room unless your safety is a concern what you say remains between us. Even if your safety is at risk, that’s all I would tell Alpha Emmett. I would never tell him the specifics of what you say. The same applies to the Former Alpha and Luna, as well as your grandparents.”

We stared at each other for several minutes. I sighed, “This is ridiculous. Lisa is possessive and jealous. That’s all that’s going on.” Leon sat back disagreeing, “I think there’s a lot more going on than that. Given Lisa has no reason to be possessive of you.”

I snorted, “Agreed.” Leon continued, “She’s not your mate and even has a new boyfriend. You and Justin don’t act the same around Lisa as you do without her. You always seemed to think and rethink everything you were going to say before you said it around her.”

“You looked at Lisa when you spoke up for her. As if you were afraid you’d made a mistake. You were with Lisa during a very impressionable time in your life. She’s your only dating experience. It’s fair if she’s colored your actions dating wise.”

I closed my eyes because I did not want to be here. We sat in silence until the bell rang. Leon smiled, “See you Thursday, Keaton.” I waved. Joy. Channing huffed, “That seemed wasteful, but his wolf was talking to me too.” I would expect nothing less.

I heard people talking in the hallway, “What a freak! Lisa is right. Keaton’s finally done with her though, and he doesn’t need to be with whatever the new girl is.” I growled and came around the corner. I saw several wide eyes. Channing demanded, “SHIFT AND HURT THEM!” I almost did.