The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Not Enough Answers Pt. 3

        Ted sighed, “Why didn’t you just tell her? Trust her?” Wyatt said, “I was being watched.” Ted said, “Dude… I’m not a werewolf, but I know what mind link is.” Wyatt said, “I could’ve done that, but…” Ted looked at him, “You didn’t want to. You wanted her, and this was your chance.” Wyatt nodded, “Someone didn’t want me to have her. AGAIN! Did you know I offered to marry her before your Alpha? None of this would’ve happened if she’d agreed.” Ted said, “Let me guess. She didn’t want the marriage to be real. With you…” Wyatt said, “It would have been real between her and I. Saint Chase got to be the savior again.” Ted said, “Why not tell her she’s still in danger?” Wyatt said, “I tell her all the time. She wants names. If she gets them, I’m dead, then she’s dead.” Ted shrugged, “Why not give her a name? Not the big name. Just show her you are on her side by giving her little players.” Wyatt seemed to consider that idea. “Tell you what. You give me breakfast like this for the next two days… I’ll give her one name. Not the answer she wants, but names. We could have this deal for when I’m here. When I return after getting a good meal, I give her a name. You just listen with that pretty little head of yours…” Matt growled. “To the word around your pack. You’ll know I’m giving names.” Ted nodded, “Alright. I’ll be back with your breakfast tomorrow. I can request to be the one who gives it to you. I’ll tell them we have a rapport.” Wyatt snorted, “I’m a traitor. They won’t care that you want to give it to me. It means they won’t have to look at my face. The face of the man who betrayed his Alpha. They think it’s because she’s a girl. That I’m some sexist shithead. I’m not. I’m just the guy who wants to save the girl.” Ted nodded, “I understand. I have a girl I want to save too. Not in the romantic way you do, but she’s my best friend. She’s in danger. Not unlike your girl, she’s capable. I’m afraid she doesn’t know what she’s up against. I’ll be back tomorrow to talk.” Wyatt nodded, “Us like minded guys have to stick together.” Ted smiled, “That we do.” He walked out.

            Matt said, “It’s more than we’ve gotten.” I said, “Not the name we want, but if he gives little names…. We could get those people to crack.” Matt said, “We will have to coordinate with Sophia. We won’t be able to move on the names.” I said, “No, we will have to have them watched. If those people know he’s naming names…. They could kill him. If the deal hadn’t been when he gets back to her territory, he’d offer these names; I’d say we keep him here.” Ted walked back in, “He actually loves her. He thinks he’s protecting her. He’s…. I don’t even know. I’m so disturbed by that. He does love her, I could see it; however, he was willing to take her choice of getting her mate away to have her. It’s simultaneously real and fake love. Manipulative love. Maybe I can get more out of him as time goes on.” Matt said, “You don’t have to do that Ted. I know that hurt you.” Ted shook his head, “For Lexi. I am doing this for Lexi. Speaking of, I need to get to the office. You know… the disturbing part other than the whole conversation…. Part of me is rooting for whatever plot they have going on against Sophia. She’s in the way of my friend's happiness. I can’t believe there’s a part of me that just wants her out of the way. I have to go.” He stood and dashed out. Matt went after him. Derrick said, “I hope Matt convinces him he’s not a bad person.” I said, “He’s not. I understand the inclination he has.” I called Sophia and filled her in. She was excited to be getting some answers. She thought Wyatt would just be confirming names she knew, but she agreed it was progress.

            Derrick said, “That’s the happiest she’s sounded in weeks.” I said, “Hopefully this gets it all wrapped up.” Derrick said, “You didn’t warn her about what Alpha Eric told us.” Matt walked back in, “I want Matt to look into it discreetly and see if we can’t offer proof. I’m also not telling her that on the phone anyway. I plan to talk at our prisoner exchange.” Derrick snorted, “You want to see if Wyatt has a good poker pace.” I smiled, “I do.”  We worked on paperwork and disputers the rest of the day. Matt paced in between finally I asked him, “Why are you pacing?” Matt said, “I have a meeting with Joanie… I’m going to ask her about doing an insemination around the beginning of June. I want her recommendations on who should take her place in Ted’s guard. I’m just nervous.” I laughed, “Go to your meeting. I already found a place for you guys to break ground on your duplex house idea. If you agree. They can start that tomorrow.” Matt said, “Where?” I showed him. He laughed, “My mother will LOVE this.” I smiled, “I know.” He left. Derrick and I kept going through paperwork. Our lunch was brought to us. Matt came back whistling and smiling. I said, “So she agreed?” Matt nodded, “She did. It went better than I thought it would.” We got back to work. Matt was so nervous the rest of the day. “Oh for god's sake what now?” Matt said, “Ted’s so nervous my skin is practically crawling with our mate bond.” I said, “Then get out of here and go comfort him before you wear a hole in the floor of my office. Matt left. Derrick and I didn’t look up until Nadine knocked on the door. I nodded to Derrick, “Take off for the night.”

            Nadine smiled at him as he left. She looked at me, “I know you’re busy.” I said, “I actually have a dinner to get to.” Nadine said, “That’s actually what I came to tell you. I just saw Lexi flash by the window.” I laughed, “Thank you.” Nadine nodded. I added, “I thought you were going to tell me to forgive my father.” Nadine smiled, “I’m not getting involved. This is between the two of you. He broke your trust, and it’s up to you how you want Frank to fix it.” She smiled and walked away. I said, “If you want him back in the house, he can come home. If Lexi’s here though, he can’t be here. That still stands.” Nadine nodded, “I’ll let him fret a few more nights. Then he can come home because Susie misses him.” I laughed, “So do you.” She smiled, “I do miss the crazy man.” She left and I ran out the door. I walked into Isabella and Isaac’s house as Lexi cleared her throat. The tension was so thick wafting off the grandparents I was surprised they could stand. I took Lexi in. f**k! Did she own clothes that didn’t make me want to rip them off her and claim her on the floor? Matt linked me, “No mating on my mother’s floor. It’s a rule.” I ripped my gaze away from Lexi as she introduced Matt to them. They hadn’t met him yet. “Were you as late as I was?” Matt said, “Nope. They haven’t even looked my way once. They are out and out ignoring me. Ted is hurt and furious. I am going to kill them.” I said, “That’s what I’m here to prevent.” Matt said, “What if I punch them then? He’s so upset Chase.” I said, “He looks upset.” I managed not to laugh when Matt told Ted’s grandparents, he had never heard of them. 

            Isaac linked me, “This is going to hell in a handbasket. I feel like I need to shift to handle dinner. I feel an argument brewing.” I snorted, “I’m here so Matt doesn’t kill them.” Isaac linked, “Figured as much.” Isabella tried to take the tensions off the situation by talking to Lexi, but Tate’s brother had already taken his grandparents into the living room. Isabella made introductions to Lexi as Tate whispered to his grandparent. “Are you two serious right now? Can you just get through the dinner you ASKED my mother to put together? If you have nothing nice to say to Ted or Matt, then say nothing. This is VERY important to mom. She wants us all to get along so don’t ruin it. If you plan to then just leave now.” Ted’s grandmother said, “No... no. We won’t ruin it Tate. I’m sorry.” Tate said, “I’m not the one you should apologize to.” Both said nothing. Matt linked me, “I like his brother.” I smiled, “Me too. At least it’s grandparents who don’t live around here who are your problem. Lexi’s brother just hates me for no reason.” Matt snorted. They all left, leaving me with Lexi. That was good because I needed to touch her. I pulled her back against me and kissed her. It’s crazy how much I missed her. I wanted her to move into my house and convince her to have work from home days so I could see her. I could set up an office for her. I linked one of my warriors, “I need you to prepare one of the rooms on the ground floor as an office. Coordinate with our Beta male.” The warrior responded, “Yes Alpha.” I heard Jenna talking to Molly outside. “Yes, it does Molly!” Jenna yelled. Molly sighed, “Jenna, our house does NOT smell like dumplings! No one has even had dumplings recently.” Jenna said, “Then why does your house smell like a dumpling? It's' ALL over the main room. The princess probably snapped herself some and didn’t want to share.” With that she burst into the house.

            I bit back my laugh when Molly said Jackson wasn’t here because of Saied. I linked Matt, “You’ve created a monster. That I adore because I’ve already snuck in one kiss with Lexi.” Matt said, “Snuck? You snuck in a kiss? All the wolves heard that kiss. I’m glad you adore it because I’ve decided you have to fund our ice cream date.” I snorted, “Buy her an ice cream parlor for all care.” Matt said, “You kid, but I’d do it.” I said, “Not kidding.” Dinner was a disaster. I had to use an Alpha Command to keep Matt in his seat five minutes into dinner. Lexi popped up and ushered Ted into the kitchen. Matt lowered his voice so they wouldn’t hear him, “If you two do not stop making my mate feel unloved and unwelcome in MY childhood home, I WILL TEAR YOU TO PIECES!” I linked, “It was quiet until the end there. Good job mostly.” Anne raised a glass to Matt. Kylie was trying not to laugh. Andrew and Amelia were stunned silent. I linked Isaac, “Thank the moon goddess. They can be quiet.” Isaac said, “Seems in this case the apple falls far from the tree. Tony is embarrassed by their behavior.” Isabella said, “So that happened. Let’s all calm back down because Ted and Lexi come back.” She put a hand on Matt’s hand. He glared at Amelia and Andrew until the last possible second. 

            Lexi asked about Ted and Matt having kids the second she sat back down. I just knew Amelia and Andrew weren’t going to stay silent. I linked my dad, “Are you around?” My dad said, “Just put Susie to bed. Why?” I said, “Might need you to help keep Matt and at this point Isaac from killing Ted’s charming grandparents.” My dad linked, “I’ll be at the back door. I’ll jump in if need be.” I said, “Thanks dad.” My dad said, “Thanks for asking me.” I mean… He was the strongest wolf here besides me. I guess it did count for something that I asked him. My dad linked me, “Are these people for real? What if we just let Matt and Isaac take them? The world may be better off.” I said, “Don’t tempt me.” Every wolf at the table’s anger snapped when they said Matt’s child wouldn’t be their grandchild. Isabella linked me, “OH I WILL GO WOLF ON HER ASS! How DARE she!” Before anyone could stay anything, Lexi stood so fast her chair fell over. She ordered both Andrew and Amelia outside. Fuck...her authoritative tone was hot. Matt linked me, “If you f**k her now, no one will be able to stop me from tearing those shits to pieces.” Amelia and Andrew stared at Lexi in shock. She got pissed they didn’t listen and ordered them outside. They finally listened. My dad linked me, “I get what you see her. She’s got some metal on her.” Lexi apologized to a stunned Isabella before she caught the look in my eye. It seemed to piss Lexi off she couldn’t do anything about the fact that I wanted to f**k her. She went outside slamming the door shut. Isabella said, “No one listens to their dressing down. You hear?” Jenna said, “But mom…” Isabella cut her off with a glare, “Lexi is handling it.” My dad linked me, “Ummm… we have a problem.” I said, “I’m not allowed to listen, so you keep listening.” My dad said, “Ok, but I’m not getting a good feeling.”

            Anne cleared her throat, “Isabella, I do apologize.” Tony cut her off, “It’s not your apology to make Anne. They are my parents. Never fought with them about a damn thing until they tried to change my boy. It’s why I told them to leave our home.” Ted said, “What?” Tony looked like he’d forgotten Ted was there. “You are my son, Ted. When I found out about that date, they set you up on... with that girl...” He trailed off because Matt’s angry growling rattled the table. Tony continued, “When I’d found out they’d done that to you…” Ted said, “But you were out of town with mom.” Tony said, “I’d forgotten that you'd put your backpack in my car. I drove back to give it to you. I heard you crying to Tate about how you’d tried, but you didn’t like the girl. I heard your grandmother say you just needed to try harder. When you boys went to bed, I called your mother and told her to come home. When she got there we went inside and told your grandparents to leave.” Ted got up and ran over and hugged his dad. My dad linked, “Massive problem. They shockingly didn’t come here to meet Matt.” I said, “Why are they here then?” My dad said, “It’s about us. Your girlfriend is giving them what for. Damn if I don’t know why our whole family likes it. Oh f**k it… I like her too. She’s called the Hood. He’s coming to get them. I don’t think they are going to be happy when he does. Is… is your girlfriend in a position of power within the hood… because I think she is.” I said, “Not open for discussion. What did they do?” My dad said, “Hang on. Still listening. Ok, she’s coming back in.” 

            Lexi said the place needed to be swept for bugs. Ted was beside himself. Lexi explained Ted’s grandparents were approached by rogues. My dad linked, “My ass.” I agreed. Rogues aren’t organized.” Matt linked, “Why does this reek of Gamma McCann?” I said, “Because it was likely him.” I went to kiss Lexi. I knew this would be hard for her. They were her people even though they sucked. I cursed remembering Molly was here and left. I linked Kevin, Kincade, and my dad, “Get out equipment and get over here to sweep Former Beta Miller’s house for bugs.” Kevin and Kincade nodded and went into the main house. My dad came around the house, “She’s a spitfire your girl.” I said, “She is.” My dad said, “One last thing and I’ll shut up about it.'' I said, “Seems unlikely. What is your last thing?” My dad said, “You two are going to hurt each other. I can see why you feel for her, and obviously I know what she sees in you. Don’t let this drag out too long Chase. The women in our family will NOT be on your side when it ends. They are not a group of females you want opposed to you. Believe me.” I said, “Noted.” Kevin and Kincade came back with equipment and Derrick. Derrick said, “So…. dinner went that well did it?” I nodded, “So well.” My dad laughed but stayed outside. Thankfully, no bugs were found. Kevin linked me, “Maybe they didn’t really want to give details to the wolves. They knew they were coming here. They knew it was the former Beta’s house.” I sighed, “I don’t think that’s going to matter.” Kevin, Kincade, and Derrick left, and we ate dinner. The rest of the meal went smoothly. When Lexi made her exit, I did too. I said, “Everything was lovely Isabella. Tony, Anne, I will be in the touch with the hood, but you and your family outside Amelia and Andrew are welcome here to visit the pack anytime.” They nodded. 

I took off after Lexi. I had her back up against the house. I couldn’t stay with her right now, but I made sure she knew from my kiss she was in for it later tonight. Lexi said she was going to run by her P.O box. I sighed. I’d forgotten to try to convince her to move it to one in my own territory. She raced Kevin and Kincade to her car. She’d taken them by surprise. I had to laugh. I linked them both, “Be careful. Her P.O. Box is in Alpha Sophia’s territory.” Both linked back, “Yes, Alpha.” My dad said, “She is fast.” I said, “She is.” My dad said, “You’re a damn lost cause Chase. You’re head over heels for her.” I didn’t say anything. I walked into my office with Matt, Ted, and my dad on my heels. Derrick was already waiting. He unmuted the phone, “Here he is now.” The hood’s voice came through the phone, “I apologize for my people Alpha Chase. I have sent scouts to Nashville. We will assist you where we can. Amelia and Andrew truly believe they were approached by rogues.” I said, “Unlikely.” The hood was quiet, “You already have an idea.” I said, “I do. There’s a pack down there where I killed the Gamma’s brother for putting hands on what wasn’t his.” The Hood laughed, “I heard about that. You did have to defend your… sister-in-law… as I heard it. That was your reason, right?” I gritted my teeth. He knew it was about Lexi. “Yes, it was.” My dad linked, “Who the f**k touched Reagan?” He was seething, “Gamma McCann’s brother.” My dad fumed, “That pack has no damn respect.” I heard Isaiah say, “Lexi is on the other line for you.” My dad tilted his head. The hood said, “Duty calls.” He hung up.

        My dad said, “Your girlfriend has the hood’s direct line and calls him more than once a day. Chase, is your girlfriend related to the hood?” I said, “Still not up for discussion. Matt, WHY are you making that face?” Matt sighed, “Kincade and Kevin spotted Beta Alfred. Apparently, he’s taken with Lexi.” I growled. My dad glanced sharply at me. We all heard what sounded like a shot. Ted said, “Where was that?” I said, “It could be nothing.” Matt’s phone lit up. He winced as he said, “Chase, shots were fired in Alpha Sophia’s territory.” I growled, “WHERE?” More shots rang out and then we all heard an explosion. My dad said, “I’m sure she’s fine, son.” I was already out the door. I shifted. Matt was behind me. Ted flashed by us both. I reached the place I knew where Lexi’s P.O. Box was. I jumped on a demon that was flanking Kincade. I linked, “Where’s Kevin?” Kincade said, “Took off after Lexi. I tried to follow. They just kept getting in the damn way.” I said, “Where did she go?” I killed two more demons. Sophia showed up. I couldn’t be bothered to talk to her when she shifted back. Kincade linked, “She’s hit. I don’t know where we were thrown away from her.” I howled in anger and pain. I took off. I knew Matt was behind me. He linked me, “Chase… she’ll go to Haley. You can’t go there.” I growled, “f**k OFF!” We came across body after body. Lexi was fighting her way out of this, alone damn it. The smell of Lexi’s blood was seared into my nostrils. I reached the border with Alpha Conners when I was hit. I sat up growling. I shifted back, “WHAT THE f**k CAMERON?!” Cameron said, “You can’t go in there.” I growled, “SHE WAS SHOT!” Matt said, “Kevin is in there. He said Haley popped her away. She’s not there anymore Chase!” I growled, “WHERE DID SHE GET SHOT?” Matt sighed, “The shoulder and side. Kevin thinks it hit a lung she was coughing” I growled, “WHO DID THIS?” A flash went by us. 

            I yelled, “PLUG YOUR GODDAMN LEAK YOU ASSHOLE!” Cameron said, “Maybe not the best time to yell at the Hood himself.” I said, “Let me go in there!” Matt said, “Kevin linked it’s over. They’ve killed them all.” I said, “Then, where is she?” My dad said, “Son… come back to the house.” I growled at him, “You go back to the damn house!” Kevin ran to the border and shifted. Kincade had just joined us too. Kevin said, “Alpha Eric is keeping patrols from our border. He doesn’t want to know if anyone’s here.” I growled, “WHERE IS SHE?” Kevin said, “The princess took her to the Hackura realm. Alpha Eric said she would bring her back shortly. Kincade and I will wait outside her house.” Matt said, “You can wait with Ted and I at his place.” At that moment I blur ran up to Matt. Ted was flushed and crying, “This damn night getting worse.” Matt hugged him, “She will be fine. Haley has her.” Ted said, “Oh I know.” We all heard another explosion followed by shrieks of pain. We took off running. We came up on a scene of complete chaos. Three witches their hair on fire. One was in a tree being suffocated. The other was being held down by the grass somehow. The other was being electrocuted by the barrier at Lexi’s. Haley’s voice was yelling, “I WILL GET ALL OF YOU WITCH BITCHES. I WILL PUT YOU IN A f*****g DITCH! YOU’VE BEEN MARKED! YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED!”  I looked around but didn’t see Haley anywhere. I linked Matt, “Get warriors here to… do something to their hair that’s on fire. I’ll be at your house pacing.” I spoke, “Ted, go inside Lexi’s and call the minute Haley leaves.” Ted nodded, “Sure thing.” Cameron came with me. We hadn’t even made it to the house when we could hear the screams of the witches intensifying. Matt linked, “Haley brought Lexi back. She’s fine. Haley… is taking the witches with her.” I said, “Whatever gets her to leave.” Matt said, “She’s saying goodbye to Lexi….and she’s gone.” 

        I left Cameron in my dust. I shifted and ran back with everything I had. I shifted back and pulled Lexi into my arms. I breathed in her scent, “Don’t do that to me again.” Lexi laughed, “Haley pops where she wants. Apparently, she didn’t want to get shot at while she healed me. It couldn’t have hit her, but she didn’t want to be distracted. Sally looked really good. She made me eat a whole meal that I scarfed down because I wanted to get back to you.” I pulled back and kissed her. I linked everyone, “Leave!” I dragged her inside, and up the stairs. I turned on the shower. She was clean, but I was a mess. I pulled her in with me. “You can’t do that to me sweetheart. I was a wreck. You can tell me the details, but right now I need to hold you.” Lexi nodded and looked up at me, “I don’t think the leak is Noah.” I couldn’t have been stunned if she’d said she was a unicorn.