Page 3 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

Eric snorted, “That really is some kind of bullshit. It really hurt Haley’s feelings which my wife is trying to hide from me. She’s better at the bond than I am.” I told him, “You’ll get better at it. Haley’s taking care of you. I love her for it.”

Eric replied, “I love her too. My wife just gave birth and mom had to go and fucking die on the twins birthday, which makes me even more upset with a dead woman.” I could hardly blame him there. Herb huffed in my head, but I knew agreed.

Eric changed the subject, “Darrin wants to come sit with you.” I groaned, “I don’t need a babysitter.” Eric quickly informed me, “He’s not a babysitter. Darrin’s really struggling. I don’t know if you know, but Darrin gave mom the most chances.” I did know that.

Herb snorted, “Mate threw it in our face.” As if we didn’t have a lot of moments Cassandra couldn’t be bothered to come to our attempts to work on our relationship. Eric continued, “He didn’t let her around his pups as much because she hurt their feelings; however, he always made sure to spend time with her. They used to have lunch on Wednesdays. I think you should have that with him now. He looks lost when lunch rolls around.” I nodded.

I needed to be their dad. No matter how old they were, they were still my pups. Herb agreed, “We do need to be there for our pups.” Eric yanked me into a hug then demanded, “Stop disappearing on us, old man.”

“Haley respects you so she pushes back on always popping to you; but we both know she’ll do it for me. Please don’t make me send my wife chasing after you every night, because I will do that to make sure you’re safe. Even if you hate me for it.”

I told him, “I could never hate you, Eric. Not ever. You are my son, and I love you.” Eric whispered, “I love you too dad.” I smiled softly as he left the room and waited for Darrin to come. I hugged the pillow tightly to me whispering, “I miss you, Cassandra.”

I looked at the ceiling saying, “I don’t know how you got us one last night together where you loved me like old times, but I miss that version of us. Hell, I miss how you used to be. The one who didn’t write me a hateful letter from the grave and leave me for that damn garden.” I missed my mate and I was positive she didn’t love me in the end, but I could admit I was lonely without her.

Not Mates

Keaton Daniels stared at the walls of his temporary room. I was missing my home, family, and friends. I’d been spending time at an allied pack for training. I still couldn’t believe Lisa, my now ex-girlfriend, wasn’t my mate. I’d been so sure she’d be mine.

Heck, Lisa had said it on her birthday, and I just figured she was right. My thoughts drifted back to my birthday. Keith was sitting with me when the clock struck midnight. My twin nudged me, “Happy Birthday, little brother.”

I snorted, “You are two whole seconds older than me and you keep sticking with that little brother bit.” Keith replied, “You’ll always be my little brother because of those two seconds.” Keith asked, “Why isn’t Lisa with you?”

I shrugged, “She thought it would be more romantic this way.” Channing, my wolf, chimed in, “I do not agree, for the record.” I wasn’t sure I did either but going along with Lisa’s plan was twenty times easier than arguing with her.

Keith rolled his eyes. I said, “I know you don’t like her, but she’s my mate.” Keith replied, “You don’t know that, and I have serious doubts about her being yours.” I frowned, “Lisa said I smell strongly to her.” Keith argued, “Yet she’s not here beside you. There’s little to no chance your mate will be some fake girl who separates you from everyone you love.”

I shouted, “Hey! She’s not fake.” Keith snorted, “Lisa’s voice is so fake it hurts, but she got you to defend her over it. None of your friends want to be around if she is . Mom doesn’t even like her.” A select few liked Lisa, and it was my fault.

Flashback

Keaton found Lisa in the same spot as always. She was crying. I called, “Lisa, what’s wrong?” My girlfriend glared at me and I froze. I mentally went through everything that happened today trying to figure out where I went wrong.

Lisa shouted, “It’s all your fault.” Well, that didn’t help it was always my doing. Lisa shouted, “You’re horrible and it’s not fair.” I admitted, “I don’t know what I did.” Lisa sniffled, “Everyone hates me, because I’m with you. No one wants to be my friend now. I have to give up everything up to be with you, and you turn around to ditch me for you family.”

I asked, “What? No, I don’t.” Lisa threw a pencil case at me and shouted, “Then you argue with me! You’re the worst boyfriend of all time. You’re so lucky I put up with your Alpha bullshit. You’re not even a real one.”

That stung, but Lisa had pointed out I was weaker. It still hurt to see the truth of it. I just hoped I never embarrassed my dad like Lisa thought I did. Lisa warned, “No one will put up with everything I do to be with you. I have no friends because you can’t be the leader everyone needs.”

I rubbed my temples, “I don’t know what you’re talking about here. My dad is the Alpha, and Emmett will be the Lead Alpha. I’m going to support him with my other brothers.” Lisa snorted, “People are jealous of Alexandria, but they will be her friend because Emmett is intimidating.”

I argued, “Alexandria is nice and…” Lisa shrieked, “So, now you’re saying it’s my fault because I’m not nice.” I reasoned, “That’s not what I said.” If I was sixteen, my wolf would probably chime in that my girlfriend wasn’t nice. Lisa had hard edges.

Lisa scoffed, “Of course that’s your excuse. Sure Keaton, I’m the mean one. Naturally. Make me the bad guy to feel better about yourself. I’m on the only one in your life that’s honest with you when everyone else coddles you. I make you better so you make me the villain for it then everyone hates me.”

I argued, “I’ve never talked badly about you to anyone. Hell, I defend you to everyone.” Lisa pointed at me, “You shouldn’t have to defend me. The only person in your family sort of nice to me is your mom, and she doesn’t want to be.” I bristled, “My mom is a great Luna who is always nice to you.” Lisa scoffed and stormed off.

Flashback Ends

I shook the past off saying, “Mom is nice to Lisa.” Keith reasoned, “Mom is the former Luna ergo she’s nice to all pack members. It doesn’t mean she likes Lisa for you or in general. Mom loathes your girlfriend and you know it.”

I huffed, “Well, Lisa’s my mate which means she’ll be my Luna.” Keith asked, “What if she’s not?” I asked, “Huh?” Keith pushed, “What if Lisa isn’t your mate?” I shrugged, “She says she is. Everyone says that since we can’t stay away from each other.” Keith gaped at me, but I was right. Lisa cheated on me a lot, but we still couldn’t quit each other.

Flashback

Keaton walked into Lisa’s house with flowers. I knew I was letting her down. We’d had sex and my girlfriend hadn’t come ten times. I came with her on six and quickly learned that had been wrong. So, here I was with my millionth apology. None of my previous attempts were good enough. I’d bought jewelry and I’d made her some things. My girlfriend had thrown the things I’d made at my head.

Lisa thought I’d been saying she wasn’t worthy of spending money on. Channing growled in my head. I asked, “What’s wrong?” Then I heard the moans and groans. Lisa’s family wasn’t back yet and she was the only one home.