Brotherly Bonding #6
Keith snarled, “All those times! God fucking damn it! I see it all so fucking clearly now. You’re going to want to get a new pack Lisa, because I will make your life HELL! As you made my brothers every single day since he saved your WORTHLESS, PATHETIC LIFE!”
Emmett said, “I repeat, what the hell happened?” Lisa answered, “I think Keaton would prefer we kept that between the three of us.” She was actually right, I would. Channing said, “Lightning is basically saying fat chance. With other words, but that the gist.”
Emmett snorted, “Would he? Is that what Keaton would prefer? Gosh Keaton, your voice sounds strangely like Lisa’s. Oh well then. I guess this measly title I have of Alpha, means nothing. Pack members at each other’s throats? Meh, no big deal.”
My brother turned to his Beta, “Malachi, our jobs are obsolete. We only have to talk to pack members about situations if they deem it necessary. Whatever will we do with all our free time? I’m just thinking about how magically free my calendar became.”
“We have no more disputes and don’t have to look into things.
Well, it’s as if a burden has been lifted from my shoulders.
I feel so much better. My day to day will be so carefree and full of no issues or problems. Don’t you feel better, Malachi?
” My brother’s voice dripped with derision and his tone turned sarcastic.
Malachi sighed. Lisa shrugged, “I’m just trying to help the….” Keith interrupted, “You’ve been ripping at the fabric of our brotherhood since you slithered in here. Let me guess, you’ve told Keaton that Emmett doesn’t respect his wishes. Didn’t you?” Actually, yes.
Keith accused my ex, “This is just a way for your twisted words to register in his brain again. To make my twin pull away because they are getting closer again! Doesn’t that just sound right?” Malachi asked, “Keith, what are you talking about?”
I put my hand on his arm. I said, “Keith.” Keith snarled, “NO! It’s her!
It’s ALFUCKINGWAYS her. You never doubted anything we said until she came around.
She pushed all this doubt into your head.
I will BANISH your ass the second I take over, Lisa, I really will.
If I were you, I’d find another damn pack to go to before then. The clock is ticking.”
Lisa gasped and started sobbing. Channing said, “That’s not this surprising.
Stone has made it clear he hates her. All the time actually.
” Keith had actually made that crystal clear.
My ex cried, “Keaton.” She grabbed my neck and pulled me into her.
Some of Lisa’s tears went into my mouth before I pried her away from me.
Emmett said, “I will command someone to tell me if I don’t get an answer to my original question.
This is not my normal state of being. Malachi is the one who cares about questions.
Don’t do this to me.” Lisa said, “Keith threatened me! You can’t let that go.
” Channing snarled and it slipped out. Dad shot a hard look at me, but I saw his surprise.
Emmett said, “I can’t? Not two minutes ago, I couldn’t ask about this issue. Now I can’t let it go. Oh, dear sweet baby Jesus give me strength. SOMEONE ANSWER ME!” Malachi offered, “I would answer him.” I knew Malachi was right.
Lisa went to talk. I cut her off, “You’ve done enough.” My ex looked at me surprised. I told Emmett, “Keith overheard an argument Lisa and I were having.” Emmett growled, “An argument intended to separate the bond we have as brothers?” I answered, “No.” Not this time.
Dad growled, “I know you, Keaton. Keith might not have heard it this time, but I’m getting the sense you’ve had an argument about that.
Has Lisa done that before?” I sighed, “Come on. Lisa was my girlfriend. She complained about people a lot, it’s kind of her favorite past time. That’s not abnormal.”
Clara linked, “No one will laugh, but that quip about her favorite past time has me and Immy on the actual floor.” At lease someone was amused. I asked, “Where are you?” Clara answered, “Now, we are above you in Immy’s treehouse.” Naturally. Clara added, “Earlier we were at our house.”
Dad clearly didn’t like my answer. Malachi said, “Ok, so that’s something we can get into later. What did Lisa say that has Keith ready to banish her?” Keith growled, “I don’t think you understood me. I’m going to do it the literal SECOND I have the ability to do so.”
I tried to diffuse the situation by teasing him, “Think of poor Tony Jr. who will have to do so much paperwork if you do that.” Keith snorted, “I don’t give a damn and neither will he.” Clara warned, “Tony can hear you guys.”
Before I could reply to Tony Jr. yelled, “I might have already done it like two years ago anticipating that exact move coming one day.” Lisa shrieked, “YOU ASS!” Malachi growled at her, then yelled, “Not helping Junior!”
Tony retorted, “I’m helping my Alpha. I’ll do what I gotta do. It’s the best move for everyone really. Lisa’s the worst.” Malachi groaned, “Whatever. Someone, break it down for me. Tell us what happened before our Alpha loses his shit. I’d say you have about two minutes.”
Keith linked me, “I won’t say anything.” I looked back at my twin in surprise. Keith shrugged, “This is your show. Lisa is a bitch, and I don’t think you should listen to her. Emmett won’t be upset or think less of you.”
I pointed out, “I listened to her. Emmett could very well be upset about that.” Keith countered, “Lisa was your only experience until now. I’m guessing Katie told you everything Lisa said was bullshit.” I nodded.
Emmett growled, “Keaton, discuss it out loud.” I sighed, “Well….” Lisa cut me off, “It’s between us.” I snorted, “We shouted about it outside. That kind of makes it no longer between us. It’s between us and everyone who was listening.”
Lisa sneered, “We is a strong word, you were the one shouting.” I snarled, “Because you ambushed me. Again!” Lisa sniffled, “I needed to see you the other night, and you didn’t come!
I know Isla sent Justin to get you, but you never came.
” I shrugged, “You’re not my problem or responsibility, Lisa. ”
Emmett’s voice was laced with annoyance, “Yes, she’s mine.
So, someone EXPLAIN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
” Malachi urged, “Why don’t we take this inside?
” Emmett was clearly linking him. Finally, Emmett growled, “FINE! The SECOND we get into my office someone talks. Or I will lose my shit.” That was fair enough.
Dread crept over me. Why had I lashed out at her outside? I saw a few people had gathered. Leon was one of them. Well, looks like he was going to want to talk to me. Our group went into Emmett’s office. My mom and Alexandria looked on worriedly before Emmett slammed the door shut.
He walked behind his desk and sat down. My big brother took a deep breath and said, “Now someone, and keep in mind I don’t care who, talk.
” Lisa crossed her arms and looked out the window while Keith remained stone faced.
My twin would stay quiet, letting Emmett be upset with him, for me. I didn’t want that.
I spoke up, “Keith heard Lisa and I getting into me being over her. We shouted about a few things she’s done in our relationship.
Stone and Keith didn’t appreciate it.” Keith snorted.
Emmett asked, “Ok, since my brother, and a future Alpha of this pack, is saying he’s going to banish a pack member I’m going to need some more details. ”
Lisa sneered, “Keith won’t banish me because Keaton won’t let him.” Keith snarled, “Keaton would.” Lisa rolled her eyes at him. I snarled at her, “Don’t disrespect my brother, Lisa.” All of them looked at me like I was crazy. What?
Malachi said, “We can separate you guys and have this conversation if that would be easier.” Lisa grabbed my arm. Her hand was slick with tears and snot. Did she just produce tears directly to her hands? Jesus. Channing snarked, “Yes.”
Lisa whispered, “I want to stay with Keaton. Our private relationship is not up for discussion.” I ripped my hand away from her as Emmett stood and growled at her. My ex cowered back from him and bared her neck in submission.
Emmett growled, “I have already said why we are discussing this. If you wanted it to stay between you and my brother; you should’ve kept doing what you've been doing since you were a pup. You’ve gotten sloppy.”
“I must say, I enjoy that because I have never liked you. It’s incredibly hard being your Alpha. I have never liked how you treated my brother, and if I EVER find proof you tried to turn us against each other you will hope Keith is of age to banish you. Are we clear?” Lisa nodded.
Emmett sat back down then said, “Moving on. Keaton, what about your relationship with your ex-girlfriend had Stone telling Lightning he was going to tear her limb from limb?” Lisa flung herself into my arms.
My ex begged, “Please don’t let him kill me.” I pried her hands off me pointing out, “I already stopped Stone, he’s not going to shift in here.” Keith muttered, “I could.” I rolled my eyes at him. I turned to Emmett, “It’s embarrassing.”
Emmett frowned, “Why?” Keith chimed in, “For her. It’s embarrassing for Lisa to be exposed as the liar she is.
It’s why she didn’t want you to talk to us, Keaton.
It’s why she chose something you’d find humiliating.
You know when I’m lying to you, little brother.
We’ve always been able to tell. Everything she said out there, was a bold faced lie. ”
I sighed, “Well, I figured that out for sure last night.” Keith growled at Lisa who whimpered. Emmett rubbed his head, “Ok, I have it in me to ask nicely one more time.” I stopped him, “Lisa used to give me reports, it’s what I burned after grandpa found them.”
Emmett asked, “Reports? What reports? As her boyfriend?” I shrugged, “Kind of.” Malachi ordered, “Keaton, look at me.” I did and he sat down on top of Emmett's desk in front of me. Malachi asked, “When did the reports start?” I sighed, “When I was sixteen.”