Stronger With Me #7
The helicopter went down, but we had a clear view of Melanie and Slade landing in the pond. The Ring people were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. They clearly didn’t know what to do or how to run for their lives.
Some of them were clearly in on the exit plan, but others weren’t. Those people were easy to identify because they had no idea what to do. I linked Emmett, “Why would only some of them have the exit plan? Why not give it to everyone?”
Emmett replied, “Because you’re thinking like an Alpha who cares about his people. They don’t care enough about everyone involved in their organization. Everyone is expendable to them.” That was just a sad way to live.
Melanie surfaced but Slade didn’t. I admitted, “She killed him so much faster than I thought she would.” Keith argued, “You said that if it happened in the field, it could be quick.” I conceded, “That’s true.
I’m pretty sure I see fingerprints on her neck.
” Dad snorted, “I see nothing.” I glanced and my dad was staring at the sky.
Several people busted up laughing from our pack. Channing snorted, “Bolt said he can’t report what he doesn’t see.” Alrighty then. Emmett commented, “The Holloran’s are having the worst family reunion of all time.”
I snorted, “I mean most of them sucked that we know about. So, is it really surprising they would be involved?” Dad answered, “Not really, but It always stings when it’s blood.” That was true. I couldn’t imagine being betrayed how the Holloran’s constantly were.
Their mom was Satan incarnate. Fabian was horrible and depraved beyond measure. Psychotic and sick didn’t begin to describe him. Hexxus was exactly like his father. Arion was complicated for lack of a better word. Now, the Holloran’s had more awful family members.
Finally, the barrier came down, and I quickly shifted into Channing. I was fighting beside Keith and May. Arrows were flying all around until they weren’t. That didn’t sit well with me. I linked Keith, “I’m going to find mom.” He nodded.
I found my mom with ease, but she was surrounded and fighting. I snarled and jumped on several wolves. I linked dad, “They’ve pinned mom down a mile back from the main fight.” I heard Bolt snarl. Soon, other wolves joined me.
Mom in her BA gear spoke, “A helping hand is always appreciated, but I had this under control. Thank you, Keaton Daniels.” Channing walked over to her and let her pet him. Dad linked, “Good job, son.” Channing linked, “Mom could’ve gotten hurt if we weren’t here.”
I argued, “Mom is capable.” Channing replied, “Yes, and she would’ve won. It was twenty-five on one. Your instincts brought you over here. We are an Alpha wolf who is more than capable, and we are an asset to this family.”
If I’d been in human form, I might have shed a tear from my wolf’s words. Channing was right. The only reason our family was vulnerable over the years was because of all the times I’d flaked on them. I’d taken something away from them; myself. The guilt that came with that realization was immense.
I threw myself back into the fight and ended up helping Justin of all people. We fought well together. The allies won the battle. Something told me, we were at the beginning of the battles that would be fought.
Melanie’s army quickly pulled back except the wolves. It was probably a good thing Dylan had met so many of them. Channing linked, “We could go talk to them.” I answered, “I don’t think someone with Alpha blood is the solution to that.”
Channing reasoned, “We are not like most Alpha wolves.” I argued, “They have probably been taught to fear men in charge. That’s what this group we just fought wanted. These are groups that have hidden from everyone. They showed up for Melanie and subsequently got on people’s radar.”
I admitted, “That is the type of leader I want to be. Melanie may have her scars and her misguided notions, but that woman certainly has a way of uniting people. Now that she’s with us, she’s going to have the guidance she should.
Maybe then we can meet all the groups she has.
We don’t need to push their trust right now. ”
Channing replied, “I am very proud to have you as my human, Keaton. You are already a good Alpha.” My wolf was just trying to get me to cry. Emmett shifted back and I followed suit. Annie snapped us clothes.
Emmett announced, “We have a lot of information on the Ring now. We have some names of those in charge.” Emma snorted, “Finn is next level about one of the Ring leaders being a turned partial Fairy.” I snorted, “You’re joking.” Emma shook her head.
Damn. I did not see that one coming after the way Aunt Haley was treated. A partial turning full bloods against themselves was a whole type of crazy. That made not liking yourself have a new spin. I looked around and realized someone was missing.
I asked, “Where’s Melanie?” Emmett laughed, “She got popped out by her mate. The purple haired woman was portaled out by the Crown Prince right after her, taking that super cool sword to the Hackura realm.” It was probably best it was there for now.
Uncle Eric came over, “Thank you all for coming.” Emmett shook his hand, “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be, Eric.” Uncle Eric smiled and gave Emmett a hug then started to walk away. I flashed over to him. I said, “Thank you.”
Uncle Eric asked, “For what?” I answered, “I don’t think I’d be here with the group if not for you. I’ve missed a lot of moments, not big ones like this, still big moments. Plus, things are going really well with the other thing.”
Uncle Eric winked, “Your girlfriend?” Channing huffed in my head. I smiled, “Yeah, her.” Eric told me, “I’m glad. You deserve the best, Keaton. You’re a good man with a good heart. You’ve grown up into a young man I am very proud to know.”
Uncle Eric put a hand on my shoulder, “I’m glad you were here. This is where you belong, Keaton. With your family, and with us, standing for what’s right.” I gave him a hug. Uncle Eric clapped his hand on my back then squeezed before letting go.
I flashed back over to my group. Emmett was meeting with several Alphas before we were popped back. We popped back into pure chaos. Kreed asked, “What’s going on here?” I saw Herford, one of the Warriors assigned to Odette.
I asked, “Is Katie here?” Emmett coughed, “Not Katie.” I rolled my eyes. Herford paled, “Umm...” I growled, “Where is she?” Herford gulped, “Immy went to see her. They went shopping for prom dresses.” I finally smiled. That was good since I was going to ask Odette to prom.
Herford wrung his hands, “Well, they found dresses then Lisa accosted them.” Alexandria growled, “WHAT?!” Herford said, “Everyone was gone so Lisa used her freedom.” I snorted, “To go to the mall? What am I saying? Of course she did.” Channing was furious that our ex had gone after Odette. Again.
Herford shrugged, “Well, Lisa left pretty quickly. The girls….” Malachi growled interrupting, “Where is my sister?” Matt growled, “Where is my daughter?” Herford winced, “They gave us the slip.” I grabbed him by the collar, “What do you mean? You know someone is after Katie! She doesn’t know about the Supernatural and you’re saying you LOST her!
What are you doing here?! You should be out looking for her! ”
Herford explained, “I came back to see if they came here. Everyone else is out looking for not Katie and Immy.” Channing growled in my head.
I snarled, “I repeat, Katie has NO IDEA about the Supernatural so you can’t even use the excuse Immy popped her away!
You were outsmarted by two JUNIORS IN HIGH SCHOOL who acted like they were humans! ” I punched him in the face.
I was on him the second he fell. Channing was furious. Emmett pulled me off of him, “This isn’t helping, Keaton! We will find not Katie.” I snarled, “Unless Luke has them!” The Millers all snarled. Annie called, “Immy is here.” She had just got off the phone.
Immy popped over, “Next time, I get to go.” I asked, “Where is Katie?” Immy answered, “Her place.” Herford wiped his lip, “No, she’s not.” Immy frowned, “Then I don’t know where she is then.” I punched Herford who went down again.
I yelled, “We can’t even have the Fairies in our pack pop to her because Katie has no idea that anyone can do that. HOW COULD YOU LOSE HER?!” I shifted and ran, trying to pick up my mate’s scent. Emmett and Keith were soon beside me with Malachi running behind us.
Malachi linked, “Try the pond.” I took off there, but Odette wasn’t here. I shifted back, “Malachi, why would she be here?” My brother’s Beta answered, “I don’t know. I just think this pond is very clear. Exactly like the puddle Thelx left through.”
It clicked, “Katie said that guy was trying to get to the pond. He was trying to leave and go somewhere else.” Malachi replied, “That’s what I think.” Annie popped in with my dad and handed me my phone. Ken was calling me.
Relief hit me like a freight train. Odette was ok. I barely heard him because I left. Keith linked, “Your mate was so excited you were back that we all heard her shriek.” I didn’t even bother to answer him. I took off running for all I was worth.
When I reached her apartment, I shifted behind cover and ran inside. Ken threw me some shorts, but I barely glanced at him. I put the shorts on and flashed up to Odette’s apartment. I pulled my mate against me, and Channing took over.
My mate actually teased him. Oh boy, she was in for it now. I tossed Odette onto the bed. I grabbed the paddle that she bought and spanked her. My mate squealed. Channing growled, “Don’t lose your protection detail.”
Odette smirked, “They should watch us better, it wasn’t even that hard.” I spanked her again. My mate just giggled. Channing growled and spanked her again. I took over, “Don’t lose them.” Odette smiled, “Are you going to go all Australian again? Because I gotta say it’s hot.”