Awake | Book 1 of the AWAKE Series | (BWWM)

Chapter Twelve

Karter

            I awake to the loudness that is my family. A remixed version of happy birthday is being sang at the wide open door of my room courtesy of Grey beat-boxing the rhythm. As irritated as I want to be, I can’t be. These people are the reason I am the man I am today and I love them more than anything. They all hold the last ‘to you’ in the song way to long and start to sound like the howling wolves they are so I tell them so.

            “You’re a dick man,” Grey laughs.

            My mom pops him in the back of the head, “Language Greyson!”

            “Sorry Mama Lydia,” he grumbles rubbing the back of his head.

            I laugh out loud and he glares at me. Ever since I’ve known Grey he’s called my mom by that nickname and she treats him just like she treats me. I think since his parents aren’t around anymore he was looking for parental figures and found mine.

            “Happy Birthday baby,” my mom says and I can hear the tears in her voice.

            “Come on ma don’t cry, you know we hate it when you cry,” I peek over her head for some support from Grey but he just smirks at me. Bastard.

            “I know, I know,” she cries, “It’s just so hard seeing you grow up right before my eyes. You’re twenty-six Karter, soon you’ll be taking a wife and you won’t need your old mama anymore.”

            The mention of marriage makes me think of Dylan, my sexy little mate. She invited me over later tonight and I can’t wait to get there. Spending time with her has easily become my favorite pastime.

            “Oh ma don’t worry you’ll always have Greyson. We all know how big of a titty-baby he is,” I joke, trying to make her smile.

            She glares instead. “Language Karter Dean! You better be glad it’s your birthday or you’d get what he got,” she smirks, gesturing over her shoulder to Grey.      

            After breakfast we all head to the family area to watch some television before I make my rounds. Since it’s my birthday no one will be expecting me to do my normal routine but I’ve shirked my responsibilities as Alpha long enough. With things looking up for the pack these last few days I don’t want to give anyone reason to doubt that I can handle the position.

            “Who erased the last episode of NCIS: Los Angeles?” I ask with an attitude. I see my dad avert his eyes and I know it was him. Instead of yelling I just stare at him.

            “Fine! It was me!” he finally confesses, “It was an accident. I was watching it and just routinely deleted it.”

            I feign shock, clutching my chest dramatically, “You watched it without me?”

            He hangs his head in mock shame until we both burst into laughter.

            When we aren’t kicking ass together or training he and I like to spend our time watching other people kick ass and take names. Whether it’s an action movie, MMA, boxing, or our favorite NCIS: LA.

            Grey comes downstairs helping Grandma Mae and I rush over to help out.

She smiles up at me, “Happy Birthday Karter.”

            “Thanks G-Mizzle,” I joke as I help her to her favorite chair.

            She laughs as she eases down into the seat, “You and that nickname!” she leans in closer and I do the same, “Your grandpa says Happy Birthday and to remember what he told you.”