The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Tangled Web Pt. 1

        Lexi stared at Ted with a question in her eyes. “What should we do?” I asked Ted. Ted smiled, “Matt told me my mom missed me. You know it must be really hard not seeing this beautiful face every day.” I laughed, “It is hard. That’s why there’s facetime, but the shroud’s not too far away from here. You can go see here as much as you want.” Ted rolled his eyes, “That is true. She’s already calling Matt all the time. He loves her. Let’s go to the shroud and collect Sally’s things for her.” Haley popped back in, “Sally is all set up in her room, and already working in the kitchens.” Ted said, “It’s still weird that it’s only been like ten minutes here and all that got done.” Haley shrugged, “We were there for a couple hours. She told me what she wanted her house to look like. She wants it near you too. Which was the plan anyway.” I said, “We were going to go get Sally’s things today.” Haley said, “I could conjure her stuff.” Ted shrugged, “I want to see my mom.” Haley nodded, “Alright. When you’re done just bring the stuff to your house Lexi or yours Ted. We can conjure the stuff to her house. Tell the troll should you see him I said suck it f*****g troll.” I laughed, “He’ll be in lockdown or the dungeons.” Haley rolled her eyes, “He should be dead. Then we could set his f*****g remains on fire. We could gather up his ashes, set those on fire. THEN as a final f**k you, we could toss what was left in a pile of s**t. So he can be reunited with his people.” Ted laughed, “His people? s**t is people?” Haley said, “HE is s**t. He has people just like him.” I laughed, “Bjourn didn’t agree?” Haley hissed, “He’s on a mission. It’s a dark mission. He will be back …” She trailed off looking at her phone, “Anytime within the next hour. I’ve told everyone he HAS to call me the second he gets back.” 

            I laughed, “You really want to kill him.” Haley said, “I’ve wanted to kill the f*****g troll for three years. The many ways I have plotted his murder has reached a f*****g insane number of scenarios. He needs to die before I come up with more.” I snorted as Haley popped out. Ted said, “Hell hath no fury like a fairy princess whose friend she didn’t know was her friend has been hurt. Seriously. I can’t believe she didn’t know you guys were friends. Or that she and I were friends.” I shrugged, “She was skittish, and no one ever wanted to be her friend. It’s understandable.” Ted scoffed, “Morons. She’s the best friend to have. If s**t hits the fan, I want her in my corner. Right there with you.” I laughed, “So very true.” Ted stood, “Race you to the shroud.” I laughed. We took off running. I’d felt a little bad we’d ditched our protection details, but they couldn’t come inside anyway. Aside from my parents being murdered nothing bad ever happened in the shroud. It’s not like we weren’t safe in here. We walked normally to Sally and Noah’s house. We knew he wouldn’t be there. Both of us stopped dead in our track gaping at the state of their home. 

            The front door and been kicked off the hinges. All the windows were shattered. So many things were broken. “What the actual f**k?” I said. From behind us Heath said, “Noah didn’t take kindly to your drunk texts.” I whirled, “Kindly? This is ridiculous. Serious overkill” Heath said, “That he was able to do it at all was...telling. As I told you before.” I gulped. Noah didn’t know he was supposed to be in pain. I asked, “What are you going to do?” Heath looked away, “He’s on house arrest right now. He’ll be moved to the dungeons once I have proof this wasn’t about a gambling debt.” Ted said, “Uhh what now?” I sighed, “Let’s get inside.” We all went inside, and I explained to Ted. He turned red in the face, “THAT ASS! I’m with Haley. Let’s set him on fire, then gather up his ashes and put him in shit.” Heath laughed, “Something tells me that would be the very end of her plan.” I snorted, “Probably. She’s only had three years and change to plan the whole thing.” Heath snorted, “Come see me once you’re done packing her things Lexi. I need to go over some things with you.” I nodded. Heath left and Ted frowned, “You’re going on a mission again.”

            I nodded, “Yes, it’s on Halloween.” Ted sighed, “Matt was supposed to go with Alpha Chase to a wedding, but Alpha Chase anticipates some other Alpha making a move. So now, Derrick and Matt have to stay behind. I had a fabulous costume picked out for that wedding too.” I laughed, “You can always dress up in the pack house. I’m sure the pack has a Halloween thing for the kids.” Ted said, “Nope.” I stopped, “Well, then we will plan one. You can host it. They should have something for the kids.” Ted smiled, “We are going to be the dream team Luna and Beta Male.” I laughed, “The first in history, and the pinnacle for everyone to reach.” Ted said, “I don’t like you getting another mission. I wish you’d take the rest of the year off.” I laughed, “I think my only two will be Halloween and you know my standard Christmas Eve one. Well, there will probably be at least one in between.” Ted snorted, “At least I know the Christmas Eve mission will be a simple B&E. Grab some information and get out.” I smiled, “Usually is.” I opened the closet and found some suitcases that were Sally’s. They were surprisingly heavy. I unzipped them and found a neatly packed suitcase full of clothes. Ted and I exchanged glances and grabbed her other suitcases. All of which had been packed. 

            Ted opened their closet, only Noah’s things remained. “I know he’s not the most observant man, but how the HELL did he not notice her things were in suitcases?” I was really surprised. “I have no idea. Honestly.” Ted said, “If anyone needed a flashing neon sign, he’s a self-centered egotistical jackass it’s right here.” We collected what was left of her stuff and took it outside. I said, “Well, I’m going to go find Heath.” Ted nodded, “I’m going to get some face time with mommy dearest.” I said, “Don’t say it like that. It’s creepy.” Ted laughed, “Later!” I took off running for Heath’s office. I saw Isaiah when I got there. He smiled, “Go right on in.” I walked in and Heath had a mountain of paperwork. I raised an eyebrow and began to file the side of his desk that was completed work. Before I’d become mission oriented, I’d filed things for Heath. His office was a complete mess. It took me fifteen minutes to get everything looking better. I said, “You need to hire someone to do these things.” Heath smiled, “Probably, but I just know if I text you a picture your brain will force you to come back here and straighten things up for me.” I laughed, “That’s why you send me pictures of your office when I complete a mission?” Heath smiled, “Guilty.” I rolled my eyes, “I’m insanely annoyed that it works, and that it will continue to work. Even though I know what you are doing.” Heath smiled, “Which is why I told you. I know how the minions in your brain work.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

            Heath changed the subject, “You have two missions on Halloween. Both will be done as the Black Arrow.” I forced myself not to make a face. Chase was not going to like that I couldn’t take Kincade and Kevin with me. I nodded, “What am I doing?” Chase handed a file. I opened it, “That is the witch that has taken over for Emmeline Ryder. Emmeline was killed by vampires.” I looked up in shock, “Are you sure?” Heath nodded, “Yes. She was killed and that girl, Meredith Yancy, took her place. She’s leading her coven around with Alpha Hammond, doing his bidding. She’s causing a problem for several surrounding covens. On Halloween she will be on the border with Red Run and Alpha Raven’s pack. Alpha Raven is helping Alpha Hammond and his band of witches. Ted cannot know that. We are not ready to release that information. My heart was growing heavy. I wanted to tell Chase, but I couldn’t. I knew about who his allies were, and Red Run was one of them. I said, “What’s my second mission?” Heath smiled, “You’re going to have to run REALLY fast. The pack that border’s Ted’s is run by Alpha Sophia.” My eyes narrowed at my brother’s tone. “Does my big brother have a girlfriend?” Heath fiddled with a ring on his index finger. He’d gotten it after a trip three years ago. He’d wear it anytime he left the shroud. The only time I’d seen him without it was when he answered the SOS from me for Sally. 

        Heath answered, “No, I don’t have a girlfriend. I haven’t ever met Alpha Sophia.” I smirked, “Ohh…. I sense a story that I’m letting go for now, but if you need to talk big brother. I’m here.” Heath looked away, “Your mission will be to end the rogues coming through her territory. Along with the coven members.” I said, “Alright.” Heath said, “Meredith can’t be killed until after six in the evening.” I nodded, “Damn… I am going to have to run fast.” Heath smiled, “I believe in you. It’s important. That’s why I gave both missions to you.” I nodded, “Does this have anything to do with Lacy Lyons wedding?” Heath sighed, “It’s going to be attacked. The wolves already know and are prepared.” My heart raced. Chase was going to the wedding, and he was ordering Matt to stay behind. Who would have his back? I couldn’t even be in the area to watch over him. Heath said, “Problem?” I said, “Ted…” Heath said, “Isn’t going. He will be in his territory. We have no intel to suggest a rogue attack will come at their borders. I have Nathan watching over their border just in case. For Ted’s sake.” I gaped, “Nathan Calver?” Heath nodded, “He came to me. He wants to prove he’s nothing like his brother. I’m giving him an opportunity.” I frowned. I didn’t like that, “You trust him… To protect Ted? There are kids in that pack. Alpha Chase’s little sister, Susie is there. I’ve met her Heath. She’s a cutie.” Heath said, “I find that incredibly interesting you’ve met the little sister of Alpha Chase who’s a rumor. Actually some even consider her to be somewhat of a myth until recently.” I said, “I planned a party for Luna Reagan Daniels. We had dinner and drinks. Susie needed a babysitter because it was her parents date night. Alpha Chase shut down the restaurant so their dad would agree.”

        Heath stared at me. “Seems he’s a good brother then.” I raised an eyebrow, “Why does it look like that was hard for you to admit? Do you not like Alpha Chase?” Heath said, “He surprised me the other day. Maybe I do not know him like I thought I did.” I frowned, “You’ve met him before?” Heath said, “No, I hadn’t met him until recently. I almost did.” I said, “What does that mean?” Heath said, “Just that. I almost met him once, but things changed.” I said, “Oookkk.” The door of Heath’s office opened. Isaiah was out of breath, “It’s Anne… she’s been attacked.” I jumped up, “Ted was going there! Is he alright?” Isaiah said, “He found her. He called his Beta Matt in a panic. The Princess and Alpha Conners just got here. Our healer’s assistant said Anne barely has a pulse. The Healer told the princess there was nothing to be done. She threw him across the room with her wind and called him a Doubting Derrick.” If I hadn’t been so worried, I’d have laughed. Heath and I both took off running. I had a half a step on Heath and entered the house first. The smell of blood assaulted my senses. I ran to Ted but slipped halfway to him. I felt the slick wetness on my hands and almost gagged. I looked at my hands getting on my knees. My mind was flashing between the present and past. A hand gripped my shoulder, “I recognize you from the fairy event. You are the party planner. We didn’t get to meet then. I am Alpha Eric Conners. I’m going to help you to your feet. Alright?” I nodded slowly, and he lifted me up onto my feet. I turned to see Heath frozen in the doorway. His jaw was locked in anger staring at Haley and Anne. I turned. Anne had lost a lot of blood from a wound to the back of her head. I actually gagged when I saw her lamp had her own brain matter on it.

        Alpha Conners said, “Are you alright?” I was shaking. I kept seeing my mom behind the couch. My dad with his face beaten in. My throat was dry. Alpha Conners spoke again, “Haley will heal her. She will be ok. My wife is very determined.” The Healer spoke, “Lexi, please do not get any false hope here. Anne’s brain was damaged; she had a slow, almost non-existent heartbeat.” Alpha Conners growled and took a step forward. He stopped when a vase flew through the air and nailed the healer in the head. Ted screamed, “DON’T YOU SAY THAT! NOT ABOUT MY MOTHER! She’s going to be fine!” His voice snapped me out of the past and into the present. I ran to him and threw my arms around him. Not caring that we were both covered in blood. He broke down into sobs. He had a desperate look in his eye when he told me, “I need Matt. She…. I just came to see her. She was fine. She was joking. She called Matt the other night. She has to be alright Lex.” I heard bags crash outside, “ANNE!” I saw Tony run inside. He’d seen the state of disarray his living room was in from the window. Tony sank to his knees once he saw Anne. Isaiah gathered up the groceries he’d dropped. Ted’s older brother Tate came running through the door. His eyes looked all over then rested on Ted, “Teddy?” He ran and gently pulled Ted away from me. He looked at the healer and didn’t bother to hide his anger. He hissed, “He’s covered in blood! WHY aren’t you helping him?” Ted said, “It’s not my blood, Tate.” Tate was nonplussed. He glared at the healer, “He’s in shock. My father is too. DO SOMETHING!” Heath spoke to their dad, “Tony, we will find who did this.” Susanna ran up, “Owen is down. Noah is gone.” Tate threw a lamp. “THE FORMER LIEUTENANT HURT MY MOTHER?!” Susanna’s eyes went wide, and she came inside. She glanced at Anne in shock. Heath said, “Owen. What’s his status?” Susanne said, “He’s alive. Got a nasty bump on the head, and he was drugged.” 

        Heath was vibrating in anger. “Noah is now on the run. He’s an enemy of us, and anyone who sees him will bring him to me.” Alpha Conners was on the phone speaking in hushed tones. I wished I had werewolf hearing. I watched his lips and made out that he was talking to Chase. That made something in my heart lift. I wouldn’t have to explain it to Chase later. I was barely holding it together, but I was managing for my best friend. Tate had kicked the healer into gear. He was evaluating Ted who was cursing at him and slapping his hands away. Tate looked at me, “Are you alright?” I shook the cobwebs of my past away forcing myself to nod. Heath came over to me and put a hand on my shoulder. We all watched as Haley moved her hands away. She was a little pale, but she didn’t pass out. I ran to the kitchen and made her a sandwich. It was a small thing, but it was something I could do. I handed it to Haley as she yelled about Noah being a troll who needed to die. I looked around. I’d kill himself myself for this. Anne was a mother figure to me along with his own mother. If he attacked Anne…. He did so to punish me, Ted, and Sally. Haley was lamenting how she should’ve just killed Noah that night of my string ceremony. I wish she had. Anne’s eyes fluttered open. Heath, Ted, Tate, Tony, and I burst into tears. We surrounded her in seconds. Tony was rocking her back and forth, “You can’t do that to me Anne. If you think you’ll get to stay behind while I go, get those groceries you demand from the other side of the shroud… Well you have just got another thing coming.” Anne said, “Well, I just have no idea what you are talking about Tony. Why is everyone blubbering? Ted! You came to see me. Our fearless leader too. Tate! You are home! We have so much news! Ohhh the fairy princess and her Alpha wolf… WHAT HAPPENED? MY HOUSE IS A WRECK!” 

        I looked around. Haley had snapped the blood clear, but the broken lamps and overturned furniture were still a mess. Heath said, “Anne you don’t remember what happened?” Anne said, “Happened? Did you boys rough house and knock over the furniture?” Tate snorted, “Mom…. Ted and I have never rough housed. He doesn’t like to fight.” Anne said, “Oh…well surely I should remember….” Haley said, “You were drugged Anne. Even drugged it looks like you put up a heck of a fight.” We all turned to Haley. Eric spoke quickly into his phone. Anne frowned, “Well, there was that juice…. It was on the front porch. We have it here at our grocery store in the shroud. I was so mad Tony just left it outside before going outside the shroud for the rest of my list.” Heath took off and came back with juice in a plastic bag. “This juice?” Anne nodded. Heath promised that Noah would die if he had anything to do with this. Anne frowned, “I saw something...I was going to tell my Ted and Tate about it. I…. I can’t remember what it was now. For the life of me I can’t.” I hugged her, “That’s fine. It’s alright.” Anne pulled back, “Now you all quit fussing over me.” Ted grabbed her into a full hug. He told his mom, “Don’t you ever do that to me again. My heart can’t take it mom. I’m a sensitive soul.” Anne said, “Now, WHAT are you all talking about?” Tate picked her up. Haley snapped the room back in order. Tate nodded to Haley as he set Anne on the couch. Tate told her, “Just lay down mom.” Anne set her jaw, “Now you listen here young man. I nursed you, fed you, changed your diapers. I am NOT at the age where you get to tell me what to do. I am still your mother.” 

        Tony said, “Give our sons a break. Poor Ted found you Anne. At least I’m guessing.” Ted said, “I did. It was horrible.” He looked at me, “I don’t know how you...God Lex.” Haley popped back into the room with a thud. Her hands were a little pink. I was startled to realize she’d been burned. Alpha Conners hung up his phone and went to her. She stood irate, “WITCHES! f*****g WITCHES! They NEED to die!” Heath said, “You tried to pop to Noah?” Haley said, “f**k YES I DID! Bjourn couldn't argue this was causing a DAMN problem! PLUS I wasn’t going to kill him. I was just going to cart his ungrateful wretched troll ass back here. I can’t get near him. I hit a wall. Not a hard wall, but it has a touch of iron to it. DARK f*****g WITHCES! Can’t we all agree those bitches need to f*****g DIE?!” Eric growled, “The one that helped him will die. I will track them down to the ends of the earth for harming you. Your hands are burned Angel.” Haley looked down and healed her hands. “OHHHH! I WILL find the troll. I will find him and make him SORRY he was EVER born…...That f*****g troll piece of s**t! Does he think I have time for this s**t in my life?! He’s the most inconsiderate f*****g person! It’s too bad my uncle is dead; they’d be a f*****g dream team together. Except Fabian wouldn’t have been able to STAND the troll because he’s not a damn fairy.” She threw her hands in the air. Anne chuckled, “I do like her so.” Ted hugged her, “Mom, I was so scared. I came in and the door was unlocked. I called out and I saw the mess. Then I saw…” He let out a wail. Tony and Tate put a hand on his back. “I wouldn’t have stopped by if Matt hadn’t told me you wanted to see me. You wouldn’t be here with us.”

        Anne said, “Now you stop that Ted. You did stop by. Did I fall down? I was drugged and fell down? The Princess said that I put up a fight. I’m sure I would remember a fight.” Tony said, “You were hit on the head, Anne. Hard. I saw pieces of your skull and brain on that lamp.” He pointed at the lamp then went over to it. He picked it up and threw it outside. The door was still open. Anne was horrified, “TONY! THAT WAS VINTAGE!” Tony said, “I can’t look at it Anne. I can’t look at something that had your blood on it. Fairy Princess if you would be so kind as to remove the rug as well.” Haley looked around. She snapped the carpet gone as Anne shouted, “OH MY GOD THE RUG?! Come on! I searched for that carpet for MONTHS!” Haley conjured a new carpet piece for them. Anne evaluated it. It was a white plush rug with grey diamonds on it. Anne said, “You three men are LUCKY the princess has good taste. Now you stop fussing right this instant. Both my boys are here! Tate you’ve missed so much! Our Ted was kidnapped.” She shot a glare at Ted. “He was of course rescued.” Tate said, “What? Who would kidnap Teddy?” Anne said, “Oh, he found his string and didn’t call his mother immediately. He even met his string’s parents first! After all the waiting I did!” Ted sighed, “I was protecting him!” Tate laughed, “Who’s your man, Teddy?” Ted smiled, “Beta Matt Miller. I’m the first Beta Male in pack history.” Tate’s face went through a range of emotions settling on happiness for his younger brother. He was prepared to be pissed off if the pack had made Matt step down.” Tate said, “Well, I’ll have to meet him.” 

        Anne said, “Did you call him? Is he going to come fuss about me too?” Ted said, “Of course I called him! My phone is dead, and I didn’t have Haley’s number. I had to use your phone. The healer.” He spat out with venom. Heath winced. I was with Ted on this one. “Said we couldn't’ do anything for you when he got here.” Anne said, “Well now… my future son in law saved the day then. I’ll have to send him a thank you card. You go to him Ted.” Ted shook his head, “No, I’ll spend the night here with you.” Anne said, “Nonsense! You’ve worried the man! Neither one of my boys live here anymore, and they only stay on holidays. Your dad and I need some time too. Go be with your string’s boys. Tate said, “Kylie won’t be back until tonight. I can stay for a bit.” Anne blew out a breath, “Well, the rest you all go on then! Get! I know you all have business to take care of today.” We all begrudgingly went outside. Haley grabbed me and Ted. Eric put his hand on her shoulder. She popped to her home first. Eric said, “I am glad my wife was able to help you all. Ted, I look forward to seeing you again. Same with you Lexi.”