Page 63 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I snorted, “Yes, I do have to stand up for you. Heck, you should stand up for yourself too.” Isla said, “We have our own system here.” I shrugged, “Screw that system. These girls are getting away with being bullies. I’m guessing that’s because they are protected by your sister.”

I wiped away a few traitors tears that fell down my face for Isla. She was a shy, quiet girl, and that used to be me. This clearly wasn’t a first time offense with those girls. Isla had been quietly dealing with this for what sounded like years. Why did the world always put down nice people? Where was the karmic justice in that? As if high school didn’t suck enough.

Isla thought about it before answering me, “Yes and no. The stuff they do is minor, so it doesn’t seem like a big deal.” I frowned arguing, “Yes, it is. Bullies are bullies. They don’t stop unless you stand up to them or speak up. We are speaking up. Let’s go.”

Isla said, “Uhh, it’s ok. I’ll just go with our system.” I shook my head, “Nope, come on.” I took her to the office. Riley was there. She smiled greeting, “Hello, Katie.” I smiled, “Hi, Riley. Some girls in our gym class ripped up Isla’s clothes.”

I gave the ripped clothes to her and her jaw dropped. I said, “I gave her my spare clothes, but those girls should at least have to replace what they ripped.” Riley snorted, “Yes, they should. I’ll take care of this.” She winked at Isla, who smirked like they knew the plan.

I shrugged, “Let’s go, Isla.” Isla said, “Thank you Gam…” then shook her herself, “Riley.” She laughed, “Of course, Isla.” Isla and I parted ways as the bell rang for class to end. I wondered if there had been another person in the position with Riley given what Isla said to her.

I smelled Keaton, smiled, and took off towards him. He was confronting those girls. Why did everyone talk so loudly here? I told Keaton it wasn’t a big deal. They whispered about me being a freak. I mean they weren’t wrong. I had a singing hissing voice in my head, but they growled all the time. So, I wasn’t alone in that department.

I was stunned Keaton didn’t know Lisa had friends. Of course she did. People wanted to be around him and used her. Clearly. I hadn’t even been here that long and I knew that. Keaton’s eyes began to flicker black. I shook myself, because that was crazy.

I looked around the halls. Several people observed Keaton, then gave him a wide berth. They were looking at each other and then me. Keaton brushed it off when I brought him back to the moment. We ended up being in the same class.

Keaton was glaring at everyone except me. Keith was in this class with us too. He mouthed to me, “What happened?” I shrugged, “Lisa.” He rolled his eyes. Keaton and Keith seemed to be having some twin conversation.

I was taking notes and told Keaton the right answer when the teacher asked him. The teacher clearly wanted to make an example of him, but then he’d gotten the answer right. The song in my head did not like this teacher.

When school ended Keaton was still upset, even when we got back to my place. I thought some fresh air would do us good. We made it to the bench I was beginning to frequent. I started asking questions. The song in my head contentedly and quietly sang.

Was that ever going to stop? Keaton got really mad about my mom’s grabby boyfriends. I had to shake myself again because I swore his eyes went all black. My overactive imagination was on overdrive. I couldn’t help but remember Lux used to threaten mom’s boyfriends.

Flashback

Odette was scared. Mom’s new boyfriend was smiling at me. At least that is who he said he was. I backed up. He cooed, “Don’t be like that, little girl.” A snarling growl came from the door. The man whirled around and I saw my big brother. I squealed, “GATOR!”

Lux greeted, “Hello, Odette.” He was glaring at the man in front of him. The man stammered, “I’m your mom’s new boyfriend.” Lux put the groceries he’d got on the counter. He must have brought them from his dad’s house.

Lux snarled, “Get AWAY from my baby sister.” The man said, “I was introdu…” Lux shouted, “DID I ASK YOU?!” I giggled, “Gator, you’re so growl-y.” Lux held out his hand saying, “Odette, come over here.” I quickly ran over behind my brother and grabbed onto his shirt.

Lux asked, “Did he scare you?” I whispered, “He wouldn’t go away and he kept coming forward saying something about my underwear.” Lux growled louder and demanded, “Get the hell out!” He slammed the guy into the wall and choked him.

He led him outside. I swore I heard him say, “You come back and I’ll kill you. Run. I’m the big bad wolf.” Then he came back in and slammed the door shut. I giggled, “You’re silly.” Lux tapped my nose, “You and me kid, always. You tell me if any of mom’s boyfriends bother you. Ok? I’ll make sure they don’t.” I beamed at him, loving my overly protective big brother.

Flashback Ends

I came back to the present to sadly discuss Luke. I sighed, knowing Keaton and I had a lot of emotional baggage with our exes. When I told him I had been hit my man was murderously angry. It should’ve scared me, but I felt completely safe. I actually felt excited that he was upset for me. What on god’s earth was wrong with me?

Keaton looked like he was about to murder someone and I was excited. I needed to speak to a therapist as soon as possible. That’s what I needed to do. Except Keaton’s reaction reminded me of how Lux used to protect me. I never did see that boyfriend of mom’s again.

Keaton wanted to change our date, I couldn’t deny I was disappointed. I’d really been looking forward to it. It ended up being Lisa baggage. I should rip her face off. WHOA THERE, ODETTE! We do not rip people’s faces off. Jesus.

I was pulled out of those thoughts by Keaton saying we’d be going to dances together, even prom. I’d seen girls get asked in fun ways. Keaton said he was going to do some big cheesy thing. He was too much. No part of me was upset at the thought considering I was a serious romantic.

I didn’t want to be with someone for what they could do for me. I wanted someone I had fun with who loved me. I was pretty sure Keaton and I were on our way to that. We made our way back to my place then made out until Immy came charging in. My friend looked entirely too excited about catching us.

My friend practically shooed Keaton out. I knew I was pouting once he was gone. Immy said, “You guys are so damn cute!” I changed and we walked to work together. Immy demanded, “So, tell me everything.” I laughed, “Key’s great. We both have a lot of ex baggage though.”

Immy snorted, “You invited Justin to sit with us.” I frowned, “They were both used by Lisa. Justin said they were like moths to the flame determined to be burned.” Immy sighed, “She did manipulate him as it turns out.” I asked, “How?” Immy said, “Uhhhh that’s complicated to explain.” I shrugged.

Immy asked, “So, how are Keaton’s kissing skills?” I laughed, “Is this what girlfriends talk about?” Immy answered, “Duh.” I laughed, “He’s the best kisser I’ve kissed.” Immy asked, “What’s the number we are comparing to here?”

I laughed, “He’s the tenth guy I’ve kissed. I got signed up for a kissing booth at one school.” Immy sighed, “You’re so young and you have such a low number. At least it’s an even number to end on. It would’ve been a disaster to have a bad, odd number.”

I was laughing when we walked inside the bookstore. Immy said, “You organize the new books in the backroom. Sadly, I’ll be up front even though I did not get enough details yet.” I laughed and headed to the back room.