Page 64 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I had been there for a few hours when I heard someone shuffling around. I asked, “Immy is that…?” I trailed off when I looked up into the eyes of Keaton’s dad. He smiled, “I’m not Immy, I actually snuck by her.”

I giggled nervously, “I know you, you’re Key’s dad.” The man smiled brightly, “You call my son Key?” I nodded. He asked, “Why?” I sighed, “That’s complicated, it works though.” Key’s dad chuckled, “I suppose it does. I’m Chase Daniels.” He stuck out his hand.

I took it and said, “Od… Katie. I’m Katie.” Why did I have such problems not telling members of the Daniels family my name? Chase tilted his head as if he didn’t believe me. Which was fair considering I was lying.

Chase said, “I actually came here to meet you. There’s something very familiar about you.” I laughed, “I get that a lot around here.” Chase said, “Yes, my friend Matt said the same thing. It’s driving him crazy trying to figure out why.”

I shrugged, “I promise you I’ve never met any of you before.” Chase shrugged, “Matt will figure it out what it is eventually.” I asked, “Did you want to see Immy? No, that’s not it you said you came to meet me.” Chase laughed, “I was hoping we could keep this meeting between us. God, I’m turning into my father.”

I blurted out, “Your dad is my landlord.” Chase laughed, “Yes, he is. Like I said, I actually came to meet you.” I blushed, “Oh. Why?” The man smiled, “You’ve made quite the difference in my son in just a few days. He’s smiling again, standing tall, and being proud of who he is. Keaton’s laughing and taking charge of his life.”

I sighed, “I’m pretty sure I made him mad a little bit ago. His eyes flickered…” I trailed off and waved my hand, “No, I’m sorry. I have an overactive imagination. My mom always said that when I was little and I happened to see her.”

Chase asked, “Why do you think Keaton was mad?” I shrugged, “I told him a little bit about my life. Some of my mom’s boyfriends have sucked and it upset Key.” Chase’s eyes flickered black now. I needed to schedule an eye doctor appointment. Something was wrong with me.

Chase apologized, “I’m sorry to hear that. I really just came by to meet and to thank you. For making my son realize he doesn’t need to be ashamed of himself or uncertain of who he is. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I hate that Lisa girl with a passion. Keaton is…” He trailed off.

I smiled offering, “Key’s great. You and your wife raised an amazing man.” Chase replied, “Thank you.” I added, “We can keep this whole, you and I meeting thing a secret. I won’t tell anyone.” Chase smiled, “Thank you. I’m sure it will come out one day. My dad will give me such shit for it, but I very curious. You’re lovely and suit my son quite well.”

I flushed, “We just started dating.” Chase laughed, “I hope to see you again soon, OdKatie.” Yeah, he easily clocked Katie isn’t my name. Chase winked at me and left. I whispered, “Yeah, well at least my head doesn’t sing around you, just your son.”

My phone beeped. I smiled seeing it was Keaton. I frowned and the song in my head turned sad when I read that he might not take me to school. Why not? I began to get anxious. What was going on? Was he ok? Was he sick? Should I check on him?

I was about to go see if I could catch Chase when Immy came in. My friend commented, “Wow, you work fast!” I nodded. She asked, “What’s wrong?” I sighed, “Keaton said he might not be able to pick me up for school. I was just hoping he’s ok.”

Immy’s phone beeped. My friend checked her messages then promptly dropped her phone. She looked at me then picked up her phone. Immy began texting rapid fire. I asked, “What? Is Key ok?” Immy held up one finger.

My friend gaped at me, “Damn girl. You’ve got some magical juju about you. That’s what you have.” I asked, “Huh?” Immy laughed, “Keaton’s fine.” The song in my head and I were not settled by that comment. Immy urged, “Now, let’s go pick out your date outfit.” I nodded, “Alright.”

We locked up and left the bookstore. We were walking when I got bumped into. I took a step back and looked into the face of a man I didn’t recognize. The hissing sounded in my head. I didn’t say anything but moved around him quickly and kept moving.

Immy asked, “Uh what are we doing? You don’t….” I whispered, “Shhh.” I led us to a different apartment complex and walked in. Immy whispered, “You don’t live here. You know that right?” She didn’t see the guy we bumped into take a picture of the place and keep walking.

I answered, “Yes, I know. That guy just gave me the creeps.” Immy said, “He’s a creep for sure. That guy has a bad aura.” We doubled back to my apartment. I was looking over my shoulder every so often, but the guy never came back. Kenneth frowned at us but didn’t say anything.

When we got up to my apartment Immy disappeared into my closet while I yanked all the blinds shut. My friend came back out with a maroon fitted V neck sweater dress with white stripes. I gasped, “Immy! It’s an ice skating date, I can’t wear a dress! He’ll see my underwear when I fall.”

Immy snorted, “Keaton won’t let you fall. Trust me.” She put out knee high stockings with black ankle boots. I stared at her incredulously while she added a long green jacket with a white fur lining. Immy insisted, “Trust me.”

I snorted, “When I fall on my ass, I’m calling you. You will have to share in my shame of showing my underwear to Keaton. Then you’ll have to kiss the bruise on my ass.” Immy cackled, “Ohh come on, you’ll show your underwear to Keaton sooner or later. I heard you guys were humping in his truck.” I gasped and threw a pillow at her. My friend laughed as she caught it.

I yelled, “We were not humping, we were making out! That’s totally different.” Immy snickered, “It’s not really that different. You were in his lap. I’m just helping you get him all hot and bothered with the outfit.”

I snorted, “I’m still saying when I fall….” Immy cut me off, “Keaton has excellent reflexes, he won’t let you fall.” We hung out for a bit longer before she left. Which unfortunately meant I was left alone with all my thoughts.

I changed into sweats and went to the other room where my computer sat. Don’t look, Odette. Which started me on wondering where Keaton was again. Was he ok? What was he doing? To avoid those thoughts, I sat down at my computer.

I sighed and opened it. I reasoned with myself that talking to Lux Vennox was better than worrying about Keaton. I saw his reply right away. I clicked on it.

Odette,

That’s such a beautiful name and it suits you. Now that I think about it, you do resemble the last member of the family with that name. We are in fact family,. I’m your second cousin. The relationship our family has with your mother is complicated.

In truth, it’s not exactly email sharing content. We need to meet in person. The sound both of us made when we touched is normal, I assure you. Who did you trust, Odette? What place are you talking about? Did someone hurt you?

You heard a song? A beautiful song that calls to you and someone else? I know quite a bit about that. We should discuss that more. Hissing could mean a few things. Anger causes the hissing, but, and this is important, if you hear hissing and you are not angry, or there is no reason you should be angry, you need to get somewhere you know is safe. When the hissing stops you are safe, that’s very important, Odette.

All of this is not hypothetical, I’m very serious. Please meet me at my office again. We need to talk, you’re not safe. We, your family, can help keep you safe. I do not know what your mother is up to, but it’s not good.