Silver Blade #7
I kissed her hand asking, “Do you want a cheeseburger?” She nodded. I walked away only to find Justin was in line with Isla. My ex’s little sister smiled softly at me. I nodded to her then heard Odette call to them, “Justin! Isla! Come sit with us.” I wanted to groan but didn’t.
Justin linked me, “We don’t have to.” I replied, “Go ahead.” I got Odette and myself a cheeseburger. I walked back to the table. It was a little tense but not bad. Odette made introductions, “Key, these are my new friends Isla and Justin.” Oh, goodie.
Channing huffed, “Why is he, of all people, her friend?” I had no idea. I asked my mate, “When did you meet Justin?” Immy answered, “With me.” Odette added, “Justin and I ran into each other on Christmas too. Isla is a really talented sketch artist. Did you know that?” That surprised me.
I asked, “Isla?” My ex’s sister blushed, “I just dabble.” Odette argued, “Nonsense! You are the most talented sketch artist I’ve seen in all the schools I’ve been in. I’ve been in and out of schools all over the country. Your drawings are amazing!”
Justin asked, “You saw her sketchbook, Katie? I’ve been asking to see it for years and never get the privilege of a peek.
” Isla said, “Oh well that was kind of an accident, and Katie was so nice about it.” Odette smiled at her.
Isla linked me, “I told her whose sister I was, but she didn't care.” I couldn’t hide my pride for my mate.
Even if being at the same table as Justin made me want to eat glass. I was an Alpha though. Channing agreed, “We are and he’s trying to follow our advice.” True. Justin was part of the pack and that meant I looked out for him. Everyone relaxed the longer lunch went on.
When lunch ended, I walked Katie to her next class and begrudgingly went to the counselor’s office. My counselor, Leon, was actually a Werewolf in our pack. I sat in his office. Leon greeted, “Keaton, good to see you.”
I asked, “Is there any chance you could just say I was here and I not be here?” Leaon smiled, “Sorry but no.” I groaned, “You know I wasn’t in a physically abusive relationship, Leon.
” Leon frowned, “To be blunt, I don’t know that.
Your reactions to Lisa lately tell me you are very angry.
I feel it’s rightfully so, but it seems to me there’s a lot of resentment and anger in your actions lately. ”
“I know there is concern about coming off those cookies, but you’re the angriest Alpha about that. Keith is his usual self. I also know an Alpha would have the most trouble admitting they were in an abusive relationship.”
“You’re obviously strong enough to stop someone from hitting you.
From what I’ve observed lately, it’s clear to me you were in, at best, an emotionally abusive relationship.
Now, I can’t make you talk about that. For this period though, I’m going to sit here with you.
This space is where you can say whatever you want. ”
I snorted, “My brother is your Lead Alpha so I can’t tell you anything.
” Leon leaned forward, “In these halls, in this room unless your safety is a concern what you say remains between us. Even if your safety is at risk, that’s all I would tell Alpha Emmett.
I would never tell him the specifics of what you say.
The same applies to the Former Alpha and Luna, as well as your grandparents. ”
We stared at each other for several minutes. I sighed, “This is ridiculous. Lisa is possessive and jealous. That’s all that’s going on.” Leon sat back disagreeing, “I think there’s a lot more going on than that. Given Lisa has no reason to be possessive of you.”
I snorted, “Agreed.” Leon continued, “She’s not your mate and even has a new boyfriend. You and Justin don’t act the same around Lisa as you do without her. You always seemed to think and rethink everything you were going to say before you said it around her.”
“You looked at Lisa when you spoke up for her. As if you were afraid you’d made a mistake. You were with Lisa during a very impressionable time in your life. She’s your only dating experience. It’s fair if she’s colored your actions dating wise.”
I closed my eyes because I did not want to be here. We sat in silence until the bell rang. Leon smiled, “See you Thursday, Keaton.” I waved. Joy. Channing huffed, “That seemed wasteful, but his wolf was talking to me too.” I would expect nothing less.
I heard people talking in the hallway, “What a freak! Lisa is right. Keaton’s finally done with her though, and he doesn’t need to be with whatever the new girl is.” I growled and came around the corner. I saw several wide eyes. Channing demanded, “SHIFT AND HURT THEM!” I almost did.
I snarled, “What. Did. You. Do. To. Her?” They looked at the ground. I felt tingles around my waist and whirled around holding my mate tightly. Odette smiled at me as I looked her up and down. I asked, “Did they hurt you?”
Odette laughed but there was something missing in it. It wasn’t carefree and my mate looked worried. She told me, “I’ve seen and dealt with a million mean girls, don’t worry about it.” They growled at my mate. Channing snarled, “THE AUDACITY!”
Odette sighed, “This school is very growl-y.” I glared at the girls and linked them, “Leave her alone.” They muttered, “Freak.” Odette replied, “Takes one to know one, ladies.” Their eyes widened because they hadn’t realized she could hear them.
I linked them, “DO NOT CALL HER THAT! You’re running laps when you get home on my order!” Channing was furious. I linked Tyler, “Farrah, Adella, and Rania have laps to run when they get home.” Tyler replied, “Umm ok. How many?” I answered, “Enough that they fall down.” Tyler snorted back.
I looked into Odette’s eyes noting they were rimmed a little red. People in MY PACK made MY MATE cry! I linked Immy, “What happened?” Immy asked, “With?” I groaned, “You weren’t with Katie?”
Immy answered, “No, but Isla has gym with her.” I asked Odette, “What happened?” Odette shrugged, “Jealousy. Lisa has a posse.” I snorted, “That would be new. Lisa always said she never had friends because of me.” Odette tilted her head, “That doesn’t make sense, Key.
People would be her friend because of you.
You’re pretty popular around here. Mr. Basketball star. I’ve been filled in, trust me.”
I stared at my mate realizing she was right. Lisa should’ve been more concerned about having fake friends. At minimum Clara and May should’ve been her friends, but they hated her. Did Lisa have friends? Keith hated her so he was jaded when he agreed with me.
I linked Malachi, “Hey, Malachi.” Malachi answered, “Oh look, you remember you can link me. For example, you should link a Beta when you get punched IN THE FACE. I can’t calm Emmett down when your dad yells about you being punched when I don’t know about it.
So, please tell me no one punched you today.
While knowing if you did get punched, I appreciate the heads up. ”
I replied, “No one punched me, I have a question.” Malachi responded, “I probably have an answer.” I asked, “Does Lisa have friends?” Malachi answered, “None her age, but some younger girls. All Isla’s age or younger. I’ve seen her with some freshmen in her group lately. Why?”
I replied, “Because Lisa always told me she didn’t have friends because of me.
” Malachi replied with the same logic my mate had, “Keaton, people want to be Lisa’s friend because she’s close to you.
Even if they can’t stand her voice. There will always be people who want to be friends with potential, or just future, Luna’s because of the power they stand to have or do have.
Did you really never see Lisa with her friends? ”
I answered, “No.” Malachi asked, “Are you ok?” I replied, “I’m fine.” I was pissed and I wanted to shift and run in wolf form. Channing agreed, “Great plan. Let’s give mate a ride.” My wolf almost had me there for a second.
I linked Clara, “Have you seen Lisa with her friends?” Clara snorted, “You mean her posse of loyal, devoted followers? Yes. They are a small but mighty annoying gaggle.” Channing was growling in my head.
Odette tugged on my arm asking, “Are you ok? It’s like you’re here but not. Your eyes were…” I smiled tightly assuring her, “I’m fine. I’ll walk you to your next class.” Luckily for everyone Odette was in my next class. History just became more fun.
Keith linked me, “Whoa. What happened?” I explained and my twin sat back. He eventually replied, “Tony also confirmed Lisa does in fact have friends. Colin nor Carter have never seen her with friends though.”
I answered, “I’ll bet no one from our family has.” Keith asked, “What brought this thought on?” I answered, “Katie pointed out that I’m popular at school. People should want to be Lisa’s friend because of that.” Keith went to reply several times then eventually nodded.
The teacher asked, “Keaton, do you have the answer?” Odette whispered softly, “The war of eighteen twelve.” This teacher wasn’t a Werewolf, so she didn’t hear Odette. I answered, “The war of eighteen twelve.” The teacher looked annoyed, “Correct.”
I smiled at Odette. Keith linked, “Aww. Your mate is smart and she pays attention. I’m assuming she will be in all our study groups.” I replied, “That goes without saying.” After school ended, I took Odette to my car.
When we got to her apartment she asked, “Do you want to take a walk with me?” I smiled agreeing, “Always.” We walked hand in hand down to this path with a bench. We sat on it and she turned and threw her legs in my lap.
Odette asked, “So, what’s your favorite color?
” I laughed, “Yellow. What’s yours?” My mate answered, “Green.” I asked, “How many places have you lived?” Odette immediately answered, “Fifty-seven towns. States would be forty. Tennessee has always been my favorite though. I’ve lived here three times now. ”