Page 73 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I took Odette’s hand and we skated around for a bit before we left. I was stunned when Odette wanted to stop at the small diner dad owned. Then I got pissed she’d only ever had two milkshakes. Channing snarled, “You get mate a milkshake right now!”

I was going to bring her to this diner as often as she wanted for a milkshake. We caused quite a stir among the staff when we walked in. I guess it had been a while since I’d been here. Lisa thought diners were beneath her and she deserved better than a dingy booth.

Not that anything here was dingy. Dad kept this place very nice. I looked nervously at Odette, but her eyes were bright as she took everything in. I sighed in relief, then took her to a booth and sat down. The waitress said she was here when my parents first came in.

Interesting. I hadn’t heard this story. I’d have to ask them about it sometime. The waitress linked me, “Is she your mate, Keaton?” I evaded, “Why do you ask?” The waitress laughed, “I asked your dad the same question when he brought your mom in here the first time. You are so your father’s son.”

I questioned, “Why do people keep saying that? Grandpa and dad are being weird about it.” She laughed in reply but didn’t answer me. I shoved all that aside. Odette and I talked while we ate. Once we were done, I was dreading leaving her at her apartment.

Channing demanded, “Don’t you dare.” I replied, “Well, Odette thinks she’s human.” Channing grumbled, “Stupid human hang ups.” No joke. Damn my mate’s mother to hell for not telling her about the Supernatural world. I wouldn’t have to do this shit if she had.

When we reached her apartment, I kissed her for all I was worth. I forced myself to pull back. My mate needed to go inside and lock the door, or I was going to lose it. I was resigning myself to leaving when she invited me in.

Channing purred in my head because Odette wanted to make out. I was more than happy to oblige. Channing linked me, “If we are about to get to second base and someone calls, or knocks on the door, I’ll shift. I’ll do it and snarl at someone.”

I reasoned, “You’d scare Odette.” Channing said, “Well, then we could tell her about Supernatural things, and she could come home with us.” Wolves. Everything was so simple in their minds. Channing answered, “Yes, because it is. You humans have to complicate everything that does not need to be complicated.”

My wolf might have a point. Not completely, but somewhat. Odette turned on the T.V. and I could tell something was wrong. I tilted my mate’s face back towards me. I saw the unshed tears in her eyes. I asked, “What’s wrong?”

Odette tried to smile, “Oh, nothing.” I whispered, “Hey, talk to me.” My mate closed her eyes and a few tears slipped out. Channing snarled, “Kill someone right now.” I snorted, “I need to know who first.” Channing huffed and paced in my head.

Odette tried to brush it off, “It’s silly. We had such a great date and…” I cut her off, “We will have plenty more. What's going on inside that pretty little head?” My mate whispered, “I’m worried about tomorrow.”

Channing demanded, “Cancel tomorrow.” I rolled my eyes at my wolf. I asked, “What about tomorrow?” Odette explained, “Your ex will be in school. Her friends have made it clear I’m enemy number one. I feel like this bubble we’ve been in is going to burst and…” My mate trailed off.

I pressed, “And what?” Lisa’s friends were going to get it. They should not be making Odette feel that way. Odette leaned her forehead on mine whispering, “What if you go away?” Channing snarled, “You tell mate that will never happen!”

I didn’t understand the logic that was going on right now. I told her, “I’m not going anywhere, my beautiful song.” Odette wiped her tears and whispered, “Everyone leaves me. My mom, my brother or I leave them, I guess. I didn’t want to leave my friends behind, but we are always leaving in the middle of the night. I never get to say goodbye and…”

I growled, “You’re not leaving. I’d come find you if your mom tried to take you from me. I won’t leave you. I have no excuse for your mom or brother, but I will never leave you. Lisa is not a problem for us. She is the past, and I’ve made that clear.” Channing demanded, “Kill so many people!”

Odette’s lips were on mine in the next second so killing was officially on hold. I put my hand behind her head pulling her closer. My mate straddled my lap which had me getting painfully hard. I slid my hand up her side.

I could swear I heard Angels when I touched Odette’s breast through her shirt and bra. I gave it a gentle squeeze, earning me a moan. My mate’s hands began to explore my chest. Channing linked, “Don’t play favorites, touch the other one.”

My wolf yet again had a point. I began to run my hand up and down her again. I used my other hand to slide up her chest. By some miracle no one called or knocked on the door. When we both needed air, I pulled back.

Odette’s lips were swollen. I wanted to keep going, but she looked so tired. I said, “You need to sleep, Odette.” My mate yawned, “I haven’t been sleeping well.” She leaned her head down into my shoulder and before I could say anything her breathing evened out.

No way. She can’t have fallen asleep that fast. Channing purred, “Mate did. Mate feels safe with us.” I leaned my head back, looked down, confirming my mate was asleep. I picked her up and walked into her bedroom.

I tried to set her down, but she clung to me. Channing demanded, “Don’t leave.” I couldn’t really. I kicked my shoes off and laid us both down. I’d just close my eyes for a second then leave when she let me go. That was a solid plan.

I heard a banging noise and wanted to groan because it was annoying. An alarm went off. Odette sighed and I pulled her closer to me. My mate gasped which had me opening my eyes. Odette whispered, “You must have fallen asleep here. Oh god, your parents are going to be so mad at me!”

I kissed her knowing that was not true. My mate jumped up and squealed, “I have morning breath.” I laughed, “I didn’t notice.” Channing purred, “We stayed with mate.” I pulled down the block on my link. Keith was linking me, “Answer the door, I smell you in there.”

I replied, “Coming.” My twin snorted, “Finally.” I opened the door and Keith handed me some clothes, a toothbrush, and a hairbrush. I smiled, “Thanks, Keith.” Odette yelled, “Tell him to come in. There should be some frozen stuff for breakfast. Immy texted me she put something in there.”

Keith linked, “She can hear me?” I nodded, which had my twin shrugging. I linked my dad, “Hey, dad.” Dad immediately answered, “Keaton, I don’t mind if you stay at Katie’s place, but a heads up would be nice.”

I apologized, “I’m sorry, I just closed my eyes for a second. Spending the night wasn’t the plan.” Dad snorted, “You’re eighteen, son. If you want to stay there, you can. I called Ken and he told me that you hadn’t left.” My dad was being very understanding, suspiciously so actually. It was probably because I was eighteen.

Odette stuck her head out of her door, “Do you need to use my shower, Key?” I said, “If you wouldn’t mind. My brother brought me some things.” Odette smiled, “I’m done, so the bathroom is free.” I walked back into the room and pulled her in for a kiss.

My mate’s towel dropped between us, so she was only in her underwear. I pulled back breathing hard. I smirked, “That’s a hell of a view.” Odette flushed and grabbed her towel off the ground. I chuckled and walked into the bathroom.

When I came out Keith had been joined by May. The group of three were all talking. Keith linked me, “Lisa knows you didn’t come home so she’s in rare form this morning.” Great. Odette was already worried about her.