Page 94 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I actually laughed, “Uncle Eric, literally everyone knows Aunt Haley already wants to kill Lisa.” Eric smirked admitting, “Yes, well my Angel doesn’t call your ex Lisa. You have to know that Haley loves you dearly or Lisa would already be dead. The only reason she hasn’t killed her is because you like her.”

I snorted, “If I can’t make things right with Katie, I won’t like her.” Channing snarled, “MATE!” I barely kept it in my head. Uncle Eric told me, “I’m sure Katie will come around. It’s overwhelming being in our world sometimes.” Especially since she didn’t know and Odette should since she was one of us.

Uncle Eric nudged me saying, “It’s even that way for those of us who know what we are. To not understand and consider yourself human; well, then our world is very confusing.” I nodded. We sat there for a while in silence.

Eventually I said, “Thank you for coming to talk to me.” Uncle Eric told me, “I’ll come anytime, Keaton. I’ve known you since you were born. You’ve grown into quite the young man. You lost yourself a little bit in a relationship, but that’s not abnormal.”

“I’ve seen plenty of young people do that. Don’t ever let someone convince you the blood in your veins is a detriment to you. You are a strong man with many talents, and I think it’s about time you showed them. You’ve been in the background, and you don’t belong there. You’re not a liability; you’re an Alpha wolf. Never doubt that.” Then Uncle Eric stood and shifted leaving me to think.

I watched the sun set alone. Channing whimpered in my head. Emmett linked, “Where are you?” I answered, “In our territory, I’m fine.” I knew my big brother actually knew where I was. I told Channing, “I don’t want to talk to them, lock them out.”

I flashed away from the Warriors guarding me. I went to my treehouse that Preston had conjured for me in our territory. I linked Immy, “How is Katie?” Immy replied, “She’s sad. I think she really misses you, and that makes her think she’s not normal.” I yelled in frustration because if my mate’s mom had just told her about us then this would all be fine.

Mom linked me, “I convinced your brothers and dad you’re fine. So, tell me I’m not a liar.” I replied, “I’m still in the territory.” Mom snorted, “You’re in your Preston treehouse, got it.” I laughed, “I love you, mom.” Mom answered, “I love you so much, baby.”

I snorted, “I’m eighteen.” Mom replied, “You’ll always be my baby, no matter how old you get. I’m here if you want to talk. I know a thing or two about teenage girls.” I snorted, “What do you do when you hurt one’s feelings, but you didn’t mean to? I was being an Alpha, but I can’t say that because she doesn’t know about us.”

Mom advised, “Be as honest as you can. It’s cliche but actions speak louder than words. Keith said Katie thinks you’re going to abandon her like everyone else. Don’t. Keep showing up. Respect her boundaries while being there for her.”

“It might surprise you, but I took space from your dad once. I didn’t mean to take as long as I did, but I was popped to a different realm. Your dad couldn’t get to me and when I came back, it was Sally and Derrick’s wedding. I told your dad we couldn’t talk until afterwards. He respected all of that even though it was hard for him.”

I was absorbing that new information. I didn’t know mom ever wanted time away from dad. I linked mom, “You know lately, a lot of comments have been made that have me thinking you and dad left things out in the story of how you two met. We should revisit that whole story.”

Mom laughed, “Your grandpa is having fun teasing your dad about it. One day, we’ll tell you all about it.” I asked, “When? Are you going to say it depends on me?” Mom snorted, “The men would say that. Tell you what if things haven’t come out, I’ll tell you all this summer.”

I asked, “What things?” Mom shot back, “Are we talking about such things?” I replied, “Probably not tonight.” Mom replied, “Alright. Once you’ve settled from this fight with Katie, you’ll need to talk to your brother. Emmett thinks you’re mad at him.” I winced knowing I did need to talk to Emmett. My big brother didn’t do anything wrong. As cliché as it was; it wasn’t him, it was me.

Preston popped to me. I greeted, “P.” Preston asked, “What’s going on?” I answered, “I fucked up.” Preston replied, “That’s not what I’m hearing. I’m hearing Lisa engineered a situation where your girlfriend, as I hear we call her, couldn’t be briefed on the situation since she’s not aware of the Supernatural.”

I snorted, “Lisa didn’t organize a rogue attack.” Channing huffed, “She could’ve.” Preston admitted, “I wouldn’t put it past her, honestly.” He put a hand on my shoulder saying, “Your family is not going to die, you are enough, and Katie will forgive you.”

I snorted, “Just throw out all my deepest fears.” Preston said, “I haven’t been able to figure out why in all these years that your fear is your family will die because of you. I follow my mom’s lead about letting people come to me, unless they piss me off and I want to throw my power in their face.”

I snorted out a laugh. Preston continued, “Then the Melanie thing happened, and I can admit there were times I should’ve pushed Alexander. So, I’m adapting to my mom’s new approach of getting in people’s faces. You’re a great guy, and Katie will see that. Your family is formidable and ours won’t let anything happen to any of you.”

“You’re the damn Silver Blade, Keaton Daniels. What’s going to get around you? I’m pretty sure the answer is nothing. You protect your family, and honestly the only times they have been injured is when you’re not there. Maybe consider that.” My friend popped out.

I muttered, “Jesus Christ, they all have great parting lines. It must be in their bloodline.” Channing agreed, “It is but he had a point.” Preston usually had a point. I should’ve known he would’ve realized when my fears changed and I have multiple deepest fears. Awesome.

Eventually, I managed to fall asleep. When I woke Channing linked me, “Stone and Lightning are asking where we are. Actually, all our brothers are looking for us according to Stone.” I told him, “I’ll talk to them later.”

I linked Immy, “How is Katie?” Immy replied, “She’s muttering in her sleep. Well, I don’t think you can actually call this sleep.” I growled, hating that I couldn’t go to Odette. I knew what time my brothers would have to leave the territory for Melanie Conners surprise party.

Once that time hit, I jumped down and ran around. I ended up at the border. To my surprise, I saw Melanie’s wolf, Freya, run up. She shifted back with her clothes intact. Channing snorted, “You’re jealous.” I pointed out, “It would be so handy.” My wolf shot back, “A goddess wolf happened upon us and came to talk. Soak that detail in.”

Channing was practically doing back flips from seeing Freya. Melanie grabbed a shirt to put over her sports bra. A shirt that I sincerely hoped was Alexander’s or her surprise party was going to get interesting.

Melanie greeted, “Hi, Keaton.” Interesting. We’d not officially met, but she could tell me apart from Keith. That was rare. I managed a weak smile. Melanie asked, “Are you alright?” I sighed, “Have you ever messed up and not known how to fix it?” Melanie replied “All the time. Honesty usually works out… since I have zero lying skills.”

At least she could admit that. I still snorted, “I don’t know if it will help me.” Melanie asked, “Ex-girlfriend or new.” Channing huffed, “She already knows.” Clearly. I answered, “She’s new. She transferred to school at the break. She’s amazing and gorgeous.”

Melanie asked, “What’s her name?” I actually wondered if she knew. I whispered, “Katie. Katie Karlton.” She laughed, “Keaton and Katie has a cute ring to it.” Channing told me, “Freya would like me to tell you that her human believes it’s wrong.” Well, that made sense because Katie wasn’t her real name.

I muttered, “If someone could tell her that. She says I confuse her, but she’s so happy when we are together. My ex has put her off, but Katie likes me. She feels drawn to me.” Channing replied, “Of course she does, she’s our mate. We have to get her back.” We would.

Melanie shrugged saying, “Don’t let Lisa get in the way, Keaton. If you like Katie… then an ex is an ex. Fight for Katie… and let her see that you are. Tell your ex to leave her alone. There are times to involve your Lead Alpha, even if he’s your brother. Alpha Emmett can help you.”

I assured her, “I intend to fight for Katie with everything I have.” Melanie made an excellent point though. I might need to ask Emmett for help. I can’t be taking over as an Alpha feeling like going to my Lead Alpha made me weak.