“Andrew said I owed him because he paid for the place. I still can’t believe I didn’t break my leg getting away from him. I went out a window and dropped down to the ground and called Luke. He was useless.”
I asked, “Is Luke your ex’s name?” Odette laughed, “Maybe we should set Lisa and Luke up.” She sobered, “No, actually no one deserves someone like him.” I told her, “He’ll never hurt you, again. I promise.” Channing snarled, “If he DARES show his face, I WILL KILL HIM!” Agreed.
My mate smiled at me, “I learned how to defend myself from this one girl. She was so badass. We became really good friends. I miss her.” I frowned asking, “Did he hit you?” Odette nodded. I growled and pulled her into my lap.
Odette whispered, “Key?” I pulled her close to me and inhaled deeply along her neckline. I let her scent calm me down. Channing said, “I WILL NOT CALM DOWN! I WILL KILL!” Yeah, I was definitely killing people and I knew exactly who help me do that.
Eventually I pulled back. Odette asked, “Are you ok? It was a long time ago. Well, Andrew wasn’t so long, but it feels like a while now.” I told her, “I will never be ok with people hurting you.” My mate flushed.
I decided to change the subject before I shifted and ran to Wyoming, “Is the ice skating date ok? I can change it.” Odette gasped, “What? Why would you change it? I’m so excited!” I asked, “Really?” I studied her realizing she was serious.
My mate nodded, “I think it will be a lot of fun. You just can’t let me fall on my ass an embarrassing number of times.” I laughed, “I won’t let you fall at all.” Odette asked, “Why would you want to change it? Oh gosh. Do you hate ice skating?”
I admitted, “I like ice skating. Lisa might have killed me with the back of an ice skate if I took her there. She liked fancy dates.” Odette shrugged, “I’m not really fancy. I haven’t even been to a school dance.”
I said, “I will not believe for one second that no one asked you to a dance.” Channing growled, “Which I will KILL THEM for.” I could get behind that. My mate giggled, “I got asked. I was just always working and couldn’t take time off.” I told her, “Well I can guarantee for court warming, and prom this year, you’ll have it off.”
Odette laughed, “You don’t think you’ll be tired of me by prom?” I said, “I could never be tired of you. I’m going to ask you in some big way too. It will be cheesy and you’ll blush.” Odette giggled, “You don’t have to do that.” I told her, “I want to.”
Odette admitted, “It always looked so fun, those big gestures in books and movies.” I would go so big she’d think she was in a movie. My mate looked at my watch then said, “I have to get back. Immy’s coming over to walk to work together. Then she’s raiding my closet for a date outfit.”
I asked, “Immy has a date?!” Odette playfully slapped my shoulder, “No, silly our date.” I smiled and kissed her lightly. We walked back hand in hand to her apartment. Once we got inside, she led me to the couch. We made out until Immy burst into the apartment.
Odette had left the door unlocked. Immy said, “Oh my, umm I’m so sorry but you did know I was coming. This is really on you two.” I laughed, “I’ll drive you guys to the bookshop.” Immy said, “Nope, we are walking and talking. We couldn’t possibly talk about you in the way we girls need to talk about boys if you were present.”
I laughed, “Of course not.” I kissed Odette, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She blushed and nodded. I called Clara once I got in my truck. My Beta answered without preamble, “So, is it the Andrew Lochard we know about?” I growled, “Yes.”
Clara said, “Ok, based on that tone you’re in luck. Since I’m special, and have access to the Hood’s database, I know your cousin would like to kill the Warlock named Andrew Lochard. He’s putting together a mission for it and wants it done quickly.”
I said, “Thanks, Clara. I’ll see you later.” My Beta asked, “Aren’t you coming home?” I answered, “No, I’m going to the Shroud.” Clara whispered, “Keaton.” I growled, “He’s fucking dead, Clara.” I hung up the phone and drove the Shroud in record time.
I parked outside Joe’s office. I saw my second Cousin Jasper and his son Killion outside. Killion was Joe’s lieutenant. Jasper raised an eyebrow at me. Killion said, “Wow Keaton, you look angry.” I growled, “Is Joe free?”
Killion answered, “Yes, he’s got a half hour open.” I nodded and walked inside. I knocked before I went into Joe’s office. My cousin yelled, “Come in.” I walked in and he sat back in his chair commenting “This is a surprise. Hello, cousin.”
Channing huffed, “People need to stop saying that! WE NEED TO KILL!” I greeted, “Hi, Joe.” As I sat down. Joe asked, “To what do I owe the pleasure? Since you look angry, I’m guessing you want to fight someone. Why didn’t you ask Emmett?”
I told him, “Because I want to kill someone. I want to go out as my moniker for you.” Joe asked, “You want to go out as the Silver Blade? To kill who?” Channing huffed, “We said as our moniker. THAT IS OUR ONLY MONIKER!” My wolf was ready to detonate with me.
I growled, “Andrew Lochard.” Joe folded his hands, “How do you know Andrew Lochard? He doesn’t live here.” I answered, “Emmett took a trip to Wyoming, and I did a threat assessment for him. Which you know.”
Joe raised an eyebrow, “Andrew didn’t go for Emmett.” I agreed, “No, he didn’t. You still want him dead and so do I.” Joe acknowledged, “I do want him dead. You’re one of the best, even if you don’t go out much. I’m just curious, does this have anything to do with a certain new girl I heard about? I swear the text said she came from New Mexico, not Wyoming.”
I asked, “Does the whole family have nothing better to do than talk about who I date?” Channing huffed, “Clearly not. Everyone should talk about mate though, she’s amazing.” Joe laughed, “We have family group texts. What else would they be for if not to know the ins and outs of everything. You not answering the question tells me things. What did Andrew do to your new girl?”
I growled, “He tried to rape her. I didn’t get all the details, but I know Katie went out the window of her apartment and ran away. As I know Andrew, I’m sure he hit her. I’m going to return the favor.” Joe asked, “Can you get this done alone or do you need me to send someone to keep your anger in check? I need it done fast.”
I told him, “I have a date tomorrow night, and I’m not going to miss it.” Joe nodded, “Alright. Get to the airport. The jet is fueled and ready.” I asked, “Who were you going to send?” Joe said, “Thurston.” Thurston was good. He was Tate and Kylie’s son, and Ted Miller’s nephew. Joe handed me a file.
I texted Odette that I might not be able to pick her up, but someone would for school if I couldn’t. I called my dad. He answered, “Hey Keaton, are you coming home anytime soon?” I flashed into my Uncle Heath’s house.
I answered, “No, I’m going out on a moniker mission.” Dad said, “We usually have more notice than….” I interrupted, “I volunteered for this one. I’ll be home probably early tomorrow morning.” Dad replied, “Alright. Is anyone going with you?” I answered, “Nope, it’s just me.”
Dad groaned, “Ok. I’ll tell your mom.” I laughed, “Best of luck with that, old man.” Dad snorted, “Thanks. I’ll see you when you get home.” I told him, “I don’t know what time I’ll…” Dad cut me off, “When you pups go out like this, I always wait up. That’s not going to stop. I’ll see you when you get home, son. Stay safe.”
I hung up and went to the closet in my room in my aunt and uncle’s house and grabbed my gear. I put on the pants that had three gold lines at the thigh, knees and calf. I pulled on my coat next. It had a red lining with gold embellishments. I pulled the buckles tight across my chest and attached the belt. I threw my blade on my back. Lastly, I grabbed my mask.
When I turned around my Uncle Heath was standing there, leaning against the doorframe. My Uncle commented, “Your mom called me.” I said, “So, dad already told her.” Uncle Heath laughed, “He did. What’s going on, Keaton? Joe wouldn’t send you out without more notice.”