A Royal #8
Uncle Eric laughed, “So, prom? Why don’t you guys use my hotel in your territory? I’ll reserve the penthouse for you.” I said, “I couldn’t ask for that. I was just going to take my girlfriend back to her place.”
He snorted, “Nonsense. I remember my prom, and you should go all out. I won’t even check the surveillance to get a peek at your girlfriend. The room will be on me, just do me one favor in return.” I snorted, “Fair enough.”
Uncle Eric laid down his terms, “Talk to your dad about a limo and use his company.” I admitted, “I was just going to drive.” He chuckled, “Keaton, listen to me now and believe me later; get a limo. Ask your dad.” I said, “Alright, I’ll do that.”
He said, “I’ll have the penthouse ready for your group on prom night. I hope you have fun. Damn. Prom was a good night.” I laughed, “I plan to have fun.” My godfather snorted, “I’ll just bet you do.” I laughed and hung up the phone.
Buttercup popped in with Wesley and Preston. My friend snapped the football field just how I wanted. Preston waited until everyone was in class before he snapped the hallways full of petals. My friend admitted, “I can’t wait to meet this woman.”
I snorted, “Your dad handed over his hotel’s penthouse for me to fuck her, basically.” Wesley laughed, “I took Buttercup out for a hell of a prom night.” Buttercup blushed, “That’s true. The Conners boys do proms to remember. I think this promposal is super sweet.”
Preston offered, “So does dad. Heck, even mom heard about it. She squealed about how cute it is. We can’t wait to meet your woman.” I winked, “Soon.” Preston smirked, “Good.” They popped away while I surveyed the area. It was perfect.
I linked Keith, “Can you get Odette out here?” My twin replied, “All over that, little brother.” Dad linked me, “She’ll say yes.” I asked, “How could you possibly know I was nervous?” Dad answered, “I can see you.”
I shook my head, “Of course you’re here.” Dad laughed, “I have watched rehearsals for weeks. It was only fair to see it all play out. I had that on Haley’s authority as the resident person who tells us what is fair.” He had a point.
I could see Odette on the tablet Clara set up.
My mate looked shocked, but quickly it morphed into a smile.
Lisa linked me, “Seriously? This is so cheesy.” I snarled, “Leave.” My ex sighed, “Keaton, this is ridiculous. That girl is going to humiliate you saying no. Stop this charade right now and take me to prom.”
I told Lisa, “My girlfriend could reject me in front of the whole school, turn me down for prom, and I still wouldn’t take you.
” Lisa growled, “Don’t come crying to me when she turns you down.
” Channing snarled, “Mate will agree to come with us.” I hoped he was right. Hopefully. Was this a bad idea?
Emmett linked me, “What the hell just happened? Your face totally fell. Did the tablet stop working?” I asked, “Is anyone not here?” Emmett retorted, “Do you actually want an answer?” I sighed, “Is this too cheesy? I can call it off.”
Emmett snarled, “Don’t you dare. Odette’s loving every second of this.
Your girlfriend never had anyone show they care this much about her.
Don’t take it away from her because of Lisa’s echo.
” Channing huffed, “Even when they help, they use that tone. We really need to figure out why it’s hard to say mate is ours to people we haven’t told. ” We did.
I admitted to Emmett, “You’re right.” Emmett snorted, “I know I’m right; I have eyeballs.
Clara also told Malachi Odette would love this.
We would never let you fail, little brother.
Or if we did there would be an inflatable mat to catch you.
In this case no need to pull the ripcord.
Odette’s thrilled.” I rolled my eyes, but it did make me feel better.
Odette finally arrived in front of me. Channing purred when our mate agreed to go to the dance. She loved the promposal, Emmett had been right. Channing snorted, “We planned this so we were right first.” I rolled my eyes mentally at my wolf.
Kreed linked, “Dude, kiss her.” I replied, “I got it, thanks.” Kreed laughed as everyone chanted.
I laid the mother of all kisses on my mate.
Malachi linked, “How very claiming that kiss felt, little Daniels. It’s odd since, you know, you haven’t announced you’ve found your mate.
Yet that felt like a claiming kiss. That’s what Malachi thinks. ” I didn’t answer him.
I looked around when Odette mentioned my family. I assured my mate again that her eyes were fine. I was stunned when she led me to a janitor’s closet. I should’ve planned on an orgasm for her. To my astonishment, Odette gave me one but didn’t expect one back. This woman confounded me.
I linked everyone in class, “Don’t you dare make Katie feel uncomfortable.
” Keith replied, “First, I thought we were past this not Katie thing. Second, damn. You got some.” I rolled my eyes, “Not everyone knows my mate’s really name.
Odette went…” I trailed off then groaned, “You know what? Let’s not talk about this. ”
Keith responded, “You’re my twin. If you need to talk, I’m here.
” I sighed, “Ok then my mate simply gave me pleasure and expected nothing in return. It’s supposed to be about her.
” Keith sighed, “There’s no score in a healthy relationship.
It’s not always about one person or the other.
If it is, that’s not a good thing.” Maybe my twin had a point.
After school, I dropped Odette off at work. I drove home and sought out my dad. My old man was on a call, so I waited until it was over then walked into his office. I sat down, “Hey, old man.” Dad smiled, “Hey, son.”
I asked, “Do you think you could spare a limo for prom?” Dad smiled, “Maybe I had one held back for you guys. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to ask.” I shrugged, “I was going to drive my truck, but the limo would be nice.” Dad inclined his head, “Then it’s yours.” I stood, “Thanks.”
I got to the door, then turned around. “Are you ashamed of me, dad?” I’d never seen my dad look more stunned. “What are you talking about? I have never been ashamed of you.” I explained, “I’m not like Emmett, Keith, Colin, Carter, or even Arden. They’ve always been strong, assertive Alpha’s.”
I admitted, “I’m not and haven’t been for years.
Then I’m having all these issues. I let myself fall into an abusive relationship and…
” I was cut off by my dad pulling me in for a hug.
I could feel his tears on my neck when he said, “You are my pup. I find I dislike that she wolf more and more. I have never been ashamed of you. EVER.” Dad pulled back and tilted my head up to look into his eyes.
Dad emphatically stated, “Ever, Keaton. You’re my son.
I’m disappointed in myself, but not you.
You were a pup, I should’ve protected you.
” I shook my head, disagreeing. Dad emphasized, “No, you’re my son.
I thought you just needed to get Lisa out of your system.
I didn’t see all the signs in front of me. I failed you.”
I snorted, “No, you didn’t. You’re the best dad.” Dad argued, “The best dads don’t let their sons think they are ashamed of them.” I told him honestly, “It’s not anything you did. You’ve never shown me that. I just thought that all my issues would disappoint you.”
Dad reiterated, “Never. I may be the parent who warns you that you’re going towards a cliff, but I’ll let you fall off. I’ll just make sure there’s an inflatable mat for you to land on.” Channing chuckled, “How familiar.” Yeah, Emmett had said the same thing.
Dad continued, “I’d never let you be hurt if I could stop it. I’d take all your pain, every single bit of it, if I could. I’d never let any of you pups suffer if I could help it. I’m damn proud of you, Keaton. It takes someone very strong to end an abusive relationship.”
“It’s hard to leave them because you’re isolated and alone.
Even when you aren’t with them your thoughts become invasive.
You beat all those things and stopped the cycle.
I’m damn proud of you for getting help and telling us.
None of those things are easy. I’m beyond proud of the man you have become.
” I hugged him again and we stood there holding onto each other for a while.
Matt came in, “Chase, I…” My dad’s Beta stopped talking.
I pulled back, “I was just going. I’ll see you later, old man.
” Dad choked out, “Of course, Keaton.” I flashed out of the house feeling better.
My dad wasn’t ashamed of me. I always knew he loved me.
I never doubted that, but I was worried he wasn’t happy I was his son.
When I got to Odette’s, I saw one of her brothers talking to her on the video call.
Something about him looked familiar. I closed my eyes trying to place where I could know his features from.
I was going to introduce myself, but then I realized Odette might not want that and it should be her choice to make introductions.
I didn’t recognize him per say, but something about him was nagging me. I didn’t recognize any of the names she told me for her brothers. Damn. I was hoping I could reach out to them. Channing huffed, “They cannot ever just be helpful, by giving us their FULL name.” They didn’t know we were here.
I linked Clara, “I have names: Caspian and Trit.” Clara replied, “I have literally not run across those names. I’ll just be googling them.” I knew my Beta would be all over it. Over the next few days, Clara found a few Caspian’s.
My Beta announced, “Ok we have our likely suspects. Caspian Sargasso, Caspian Calio, which I think is likely since the last name on your mark is C, then we have Caspian.” I asked, “What’s his last name?” Clara shrugged, “I can’t get a full name. He funds a lawyer around here named Lux Vennox.”