Page 93 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

“Isla’s explanation of this event didn’t make anyone not like her. Quite the opposite, actually. She’s quite brave. Katie doesn’t know about rogues, but she knew they could hurt her. In your girlfriend’s mind, they are still wild animals.”

“She still ran towards them and interfered to protect Justin and Isla. They are with us because she intervened. They would’ve died, which Isla and Justin know. Lisa wouldn’t have told anyone about the attack in time. Isla is good, but she can’t take that many rogues alone.”

I sounded bitter in my reply, “Yeah, well tell Emmett that.” Dad patiently said, “Your brother does know that. You have this defense mechanism to be upset with one of us the instant something is said, that you don’t like, about the girls you date. I’m perfectly aware of whose fault that is, but you can’t keep thinking we are your enemy. We are your family and we love you.”

I looked at the ground and nodded. Channing whined, “Mate.” I told him, “I know, buddy.” Dad told me, “There are Warriors around you.” I asked, “Why?” I could slip them easily. Dad looked away then answered, “The rogues are targeting you, Keaton.”

I snorted, “Then they suck at getting to their targets. I don’t look like Isla or Justin.” Dad laughed, “That’s true. Before Emmett ripped that rogue to pieces, he told us they were coming for you.” I asked, “Emmett killed him?”

Channing grumbled, “I was going to kill him.” Dad nodded, “Yes, your brother killed him. The rogue said not nice things about you and their plans.” I snorted, “I’m perfectly capable of defending myself.” Dad laughed, “As if you’d handle anyone detailing their plans to kill your siblings well.”

I growled in reply. Channing said, “WE WOULD KILL THEM!” We would. Dad nodded, “Exactly. How did you smell them?” I looked away then admitted, “They smelled like Katie.” Dad raised an eyebrow commenting, “That’s quite the impression of her scent you have. I didn’t smell her on them.”

I shrugged then told him, “I’m going for a run.” Dad hugged me until I pulled back and took off. I ended up at the border with Black Mountain. I thought I heard a pop, but I didn’t see anyone. A massive black wolf came running up to the border. It was Thor.

Uncle Eric shifted back. I smiled greeting, “Hey, Uncle Eric.” I switched on whether I called him Uncle or not since it wasn’t by blood. He’d never minded though and nodded to me. Uncle Eric said, “My wife said she spotted you.”

I shrugged, “Aunt Haley didn’t say anything.” Uncle Eric sat beside me saying, “My Angel told me she thought you could use a male ear. I know you call me Uncle, and I do see you as a nephew even though we aren’t actually related.”

“Haley thought you could use someone to talk to. You know I keep my word, I won’t tell your family anything you want to say. That goes for anything you ever want to tell me. You are always welcome to cross our border to talk, Keaton.”

I told him, “My girlfriend is upset with me. Emmett seemed to think the worst of Katie the second he had the chance. I’m tired of them not liking who I do.” Eric told me, “While I don’t think Emmett dislikes your new girlfriend.” He gave me a look. Jesus did the man ever not know something?

Channing snorted, “Girlfriend is offensive. Odette is our mate.” I rolled my eyes at my wolf. Uncle Eric continued, “I have dealt with that in my family. My mother was awful to Haley.” My jaw dropped. I asked, “She was?” He nodded.

Eventually he said, “Your family hasn’t met your girlfriend, well some of them have.” I said, “Keith has, but that’s it.” Eric smiled asking, “Is that so?” I was getting the feeling he knew something I didn’t. The man winked at me then offered, “I think more than Keith have met her.” Which means someone did.

Uncle Eric added, “Anyway, your family isn’t like my mom. She had her ideals and ideas for me. You have to decide what you want in life. Sometimes it’s hard becoming the Alpha. Your emotions are more heightened towards aggression than others.”

“That's just the reality of our blood. When we perceive someone to be offending our girlfriend’s,” He shot me another look then added, “it’s harder. Particularly you, because you have the background of the girl you’ve been dating since you were thirteen not being liked among your family.”

I sighed, “Lisa messed things up for me again. I fucked up by not being there for Katie when she needed me.” Uncle Eric said, “I don’t suppose you have a picture of this girl since I can’t find one.” I snorted, “Of course you looked.” He smirked at me.

I told him, “I don’t have her picture yet.” Uncle Eric laughed, “Of course not. I know you. So I know if you could’ve, you would’ve been there for Katie. She just doesn’t know you that well yet.” I sighed, “I’m not a good enough Alpha.”

Uncle Eric frowned saying, “You’re not an official Alpha yet, Keaton. We all make mistakes. Some are more costly than others, but we do the best we can. If you want to know who bad Alphas are, there are a few in my dungeons.”

“They whipped and abused my daughter in law. They let their pack be forced to mark people against their will, underage pups even. They also cheated on their mates and tried to drug and rape my daughter in law. Those are bad Alphas, Keaton. To err is human. I’ve made my fair share mistakes.” I snorted.

Uncle Eric looked away then admitted, “Haley being kidnapped by Damon was my fault. I left her behind when I shouldn’t have.” I frowned. Mom had told me that a while before I was born Aunt Haley had been kidnapped, but not that it was Uncle Eric’s fault.

Uncle Eric rubbed his temples, “I made a tactical decision, and it nearly cost me the life I have today. I ignored my instinct that Haley’s Fairy brothers weren’t trustworthy, and it hurt her. I trusted my mother, and it again nearly cost me everything I have.”

“I made a mistake trusting another Alpha when I knew they were unlikely to follow through on their word. I relied on the fact that we were allies, and it nearly cost me some of my Warriors. Would you say I was a bad Alpha?”

I quickly said, “Of course not, you’re one of the best.” Uncle Eric looked at me and I realized his point. He asked, “What’s this really about? Obviously, it centers around Katie. It appears to be more than that though. Katie wouldn’t say you were a bad Alpha, considering she has no idea you are one.”

I sighed, “I’m a liability.” Uncle Eric was startled, “To whom?” I snorted, “Everyone. I’m not good at anything. I’m a failure as a partial.” He growled, “Why the fuck would you say that? You’re very talented as a Hood member.” I shrugged.

Uncle Eric continued, “I’ve heard that from multiple people. You are efficient and you have a mind and talent for threat assessments. Alexander and EJ have both told me you’re the second fastest in your family. Emmett is the fastest, but you’re a close second.”

“Alexander has also told me he’s seen you fight and he’s impressed. I think we both know that particular son of mine is not often impressed. Plus, Alexander cannot lie. You’re not a liability and anyone who says you are, is lying to you.”

I asked, “What if they are the one telling the truth when everyone else is blowing smoke up my ass?” Channing snorted, “Thor never does that.” True. Uncle Eric replied, “Preston would tell you what I am, and he can’t lie. You full well know that I don’t pull punches.” I did know that.

He acknowledged, “I say how things are. You are going to a very good Alpha here in a few months. Will you make a mistake? Yes. We all do, but Emmett will be there for you. You have never been a liability in any fight I’ve ever read about or seen. Is this about Lisa?” Channing growled in my head.

I looked away but nodded. Uncle Eric sighed, “Haley is going to want to kill her. I won’t say anything about this conversation to anyone else like you asked. Like I have always said, what you tell me is between us unless you say otherwise.”