Taming the Beast

(Keegan’s POV)

“Wow,” Caroline breathed as her up ran over my house. I squeezed her hand gently before we walked inside. My mom practically ran us over at the door. My mom swung the door open with a huge grin plastered on her face. She attacked Caroline in a hug. Caroline looked a little shocked at first but she eventually returned the hug.

“Mom,” I scowled at her. She only giggled and let of Caroline only to drag her inside.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you Caroline! I’m Lena, Keegan’s mother,” she introduced herself as she dragged us into the living room. Nick, Asher, Gregg, and Trevor were lounging on the couches playing video games. Well, Nick and Asher were playing and Gregg and Trevor were watching.

“Hey there Holloway,” Trevor said, smiling at her. She looked around as if she were still a little stunned. Caroline turned to my mother.

“Nice to meet you too,” Caroline said shyly. My mom wrapped her up in another hug.

“Aw! You’re perfect!” my mom squealed.

“Mom!” I yelled at her. She turned and scowled at me.

“Oh, I’m excited, sue me,” she said throwing her hands up before she disappeared into the house. I sighed and shook my head at her. Caroline leaned closer to me.

“What exactly did you tell your mom about me?” she asked, trying to whisper. I knew the guys would hear her anyway.

“There’s this amazing girl,” Asher said, mocking me.

Nick jumped in, sounding

sure of herself. Her hair is like a shiny, silky wheat field. She has eyes like you

I love her,” Gregg finished off in a similar voice to Nick’s. I

that,” I muttered. I sure was thinking about it though. Caroline broke out laughing. She held her stomach to keep from doubling over,

sighed as I looked towards the door that led to my dad. “My dad wanted to meet you, but he’s

led her down the stairs and to my dad’s room. I hesitated before I pushed the door open. My dad was laying on the bed like he normally did. Only today, he had his oxygen tank hooked up to him. The small clear tube went under his nose

favorite son,” he smiled. I smiled too and

your only son,” I laughed. His eyes went to Caroline. I had my hand on her lower back. She stayed close to me. I think she was scared or

you. You’re every bit extraordinary as my boy described you,” he smiled,

she said

me Wes,” he said. My father’s eyes landed back on me. “I like her, son. I see why you do too. Please, take a seat Caroline,” he smiled at me Caroline smiled gently at him before she looked back at me. She took a seat in the chair facing my dad and I stepped back and leaned against the wall as they talked. Back and forth, my dad would ask a question and Caroline would answer. They kept an easy conversation. Eventually, Caroline started asking question.

stage four. I’m on hospice right now,” he said softly. Caroline let out a sharp breath. My father frowned. “Don’t cry, Caroline. My whole family has come to terms with my condition. At least now I know that when I die, Keegan will still have you,” he said with a soft smile. That took me by surprise. I sighed and tried to keep my tears from falling. Caroline looked shocked. Tears brimmed her eyes as well.

couldn’t help it. My dad looked at his bed sheets guiltily. Caroline stood and walked so she was in front of me. She put her hands on my elbows gently and looked up

at me again. “I know that losing a parent is hard, but at least you get time to prepare yourself. You get to spend time with your dad knowing that any time might be the last. You get to tell him that you love him one last time. I would kill for that,” she said softly. Tears fell down her face faster than I could wipe them away. I knew that she was speaking from personal

my head. I knew it was my dad. It was an Alpha gift

lost both of her parents. She was there when they died, I though back. My dad’s face

he apologized. I sighed and smoothed my hand over

mad. I know… I know that it’s inevitable; it’s just… I’m not ready to