The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Confusing Dreams Pt. 2

        A pop sounded in my office. I glanced over startled, “Haley?” Haley smiled, “Yes, obviously. Who else would pop into your office?” I said, “Your brother did.” Haley laughed, “Did he really? Why?” I said, “To warn us about potential fairy popups. He didn’t want us to kill them.” Haley laughed again, “Oh dear. If you get fairy’s starting to troll your f*****g territory for concupiscence partners… I’m sorry. Call me. I’ll handle it.” Matt said, “What are you doing here?” Haley said, “I’m here to see if any progress has been made on our little problem.” I said, “We have a drop dead date of February.” Haley gaped, “That doesn't f*****g work for me.” Derrick snorted. I said, “Doesn’t really work for me either. Why doesn’t it work for you? What harm could that do in your opinion?” Haley looked away. Matt linked, “She so knows.” Haley turned back, “It doesn’t work for me because it f*****g doesn’t. The NICEST I will be is…. I’ll let you all try this your stupid f*****g way until New Year’s. January second…. it’s my goddamn turn. I cease being nice, and I do s**t my way WITHOUT asking. Are we f*****g clear?”

        I said, “Sure. Why January second?” Haley sighed, “Google says the holidays are very important in this realm. I’m being respectful.” I was trying not to laugh. Derrick was howling. He linked, “Google says…. Dear god.” Haley frowned, “Is that, not right? Are the holidays not a stressful and important time in this realm?” My office door opened as I said, “No, that’s right. The holidays are important.” Haley said, “Eric’s here.” I was surprised and glanced at my door. Alpha Eric Conners was standing in the doorway. He smirked, “Angel…. what are you doing here?” Haley said, “Being too f*****g nice apparently. You know I could’ve popped you here.” Alpha Eric came in and picked her up then sat back down in the chair with her. “I had business with Alpha Chase.” Haley frowned, “So did I. We could’ve done the whole two birds one worm thing.” Alpha Eric laughed. Matt said, “It’s stone. Two birds one stone.” Haley frowned, “What does a bird have to do with a stone? They eat WORMS! ERIC! Why can’t this realm do anyfuckingthing right?” Alpha Eric kissed her. “I love you so, Angel.” Alpha Jackson raised an eyebrow at my door and sat down. I said, “So... did you find something Alpha Eric?” Alpha Eric said, “Yes, I believe you are correct. There’s something off about Allister’s death.” Haley groaned, “Are you serious? TELL ME Sophia doesn’t know.” I said, “Not yet. I don’t have proof.” Haley hissed, “Fine. IF she uses this to stall…. then I take back my niceness until the holidays are over. Then I’m just going straight to fairy hijinks.” Alpha Jackson laughed, “What holidays?” I said, “She’s being nice until January second.” Alpha Jackson said, “Pray tell me little sister-in-law…. why?” I laughed. 

        Haley said, “Google says the holidays are a stressful and important time. I don’t want to add more to everyone’s agendas. It’s apparently a VERY important time. I’ve already started planning our Thanksgiving dinner with Mrs. Blanch. I told Aiden he was coming with his family, and my Hackura family. They can’t all come, but most are coming.” Alpha Jackson laughed. Haley continued, “Mrs. Blanch says Apple pie is your favorite kind of pie husband of mine.” Alpha Eric smiled, “It is.” Haley smiled, “I’m going to make them for you from scratch. I found a recipe on google.” Both Alpha Jackson and Alpha Eric raised their eyebrows. Alpha Eric said, “Angel…. have you ever made anything that wasn’t frozen food? Or food that you didn’t just conjure?” Haley said, “Huh? Well, no. How hard can it be?” I looked at the ceiling. Haley continued, “Anyway. This will be resolved before February. There are NO holidays that are stressful in January. Right, Eric?” Alpha Eric smiled, “Right, Angel.” Haley smiled, “Then January second Alpha Chase. Pass it along to your wife. I might do something to her if I see her. It was hard enough to be nice to her at the wedding.” I laughed, “I’ll let her know.” Alpha Jackson said, “Some people are hungover January second sister-in-law.” Haley said, “Some people can get over it. We are having a group meeting.” Eric laughed, “Angel, you already have a meeting that day.” Haley shrugged, “They can overlap. Alpha Chase, Beta Matt, and Gamma Derrick WILL be at our house at ten in the morning. You can bring whoever else you want. Sophia WILL be there too.” Matt said, “Why don’t you call her Alpha Sophia?” Haley said, “When she starts acting like one...I’ll call her one.” Derrick laughed. 

        He straightened quickly and asked, “Do you know when Sally is coming back?” Haley tilted her head, “Sally Quaid? Yes. Why?” Derrick said, “I want to meet her. Ted talks about her cooking.” Haley laughed, “Oh… she’s a very good cook.” Alpha Eric raised an eyebrow and linked me, “What’s that about?” I said, “He’s convinced she’s his mate. The night she rejected her string, he felt his mate’s presence for a brief moment. According to Ted that time aligns with her rejection of her string and your mate popping her out to another realm.” Alpha Eric linked, “Oh for god's sake.” I smiled, “What can you do?” Alpha Eric said, “Nothing apparently.” Haley said, “Well, she is helping out with the cooking in the Hackura realm. She’s having such a good time, but she’ll be back Friday night.” Derrick’s eyes lit up. Haley said, “Oh my god. Do you like her, or something?” Derrick said, “I think she’s my mate.” Haley smiled, “You two would be f*****g cute. Wouldn’t they Eric?” She leaned in and kissed him. “I’ll leave you to your meeting. Link me if you want a fairy ride back home.” He squeezed her thigh, “I will.” She popped out laughing. Alpha Eric growled. Alpha Jackson said, “You should’ve seen that coming brother.” We went over the reports Alpha Eric had brought from what he’d found. It wasn’t evidence, but it was enough to look into the circumstances. We worked most of the day until they left. I said, “You’re not going to have Haley pop you home?” Alpha Eric said, “I’ll have her pop to our SUV. Wouldn’t want to leave it here.” I laughed, “She can pop an SUV home?” Alpha Eric said, “Something I discovered recently, yes.” Matt sighed, “We gotta get a fairy.”

        We watched them get into their car. Haley popped in straddling Alpha Eric in the driver seat. She popped the entire car and its passengers away. Derrick said, “Damn.” My dad said, “I second that.” I turned, “What did you need dad?” My dad said, “I wanted to ask for one of the laptops.” I frowned, “Why wouldn’t you just take it?” My dad said, “You’re the Alpha.” I said, “Dad...take the damn laptop. Why can’t you just use yours?” My dad smiled, “I’m covertly looking into something.” My wheels started turning, “Did Lexi ask you to look into her family?” My dad said, “No…. should I?” I shook my head, “No. Let’s…. Derrick, Matt go...you’re free the rest of the day. I’ll link you if I need something. Dad, let’s go to my office.” My dad nodded. We walked into my office, and I opened the closet. I gave him one of our laptops. He took it and sat down. I said, “Lexi is my mate.” My dad laughed, “I know. She basically told me. I knew before then though.” I said, “I love you dad.” He said, “I love you too, son.” I said, “You can’t keep undermining me as Alpha. I saw red when Lexi cried, and everything you’d been doing lately just crashed into me.” My dad said, “I know Chase. I overstepped. You had every right to put me in my place. Maybe I needed you to do it. You’ll always be my son Chase, but you’re an adult. I think you are making a mistake not trying to convince Lexi to let you tell her about Sophia. I think she’d understand.” I said, “I do too, but she doesn’t want to know.” My dad said, “And that relieves you, so you aren’t pushing her.” I frowned. My dad said, “You’re afraid of her reaction. This will probably blow up in your face soon.” I said, “I don’t know what to do.” My dad said, “Communication is always good.”

        I said, “She has demons in her past. I’m afraid this would push her to them. I’m afraid she will reject me, and I’ll never see her again.” My dad said, “I understand your fear, Chase. I think she’d surprise you. Oh, and can I just say... I hope I see her meet Cassandra Conners. You might want to prepare an apology for Alpha Eric Conners.” I frowned, “Why?” My dad smiled, “Your mate HATES Cassandra Conners. Seems a lot went down with that little fairy princess that …. well…. there’s more to it than we ever knew.” I said, “Of course there is. They closed ranks. All we got was gossip.” My dad laughed, “Your mate is VERY upset with Cassandra. I believe your mate is one of those people who take offenses to those she loves FAR more seriously than offenses to herself.” I said, “What do you think she’ll do?” My dad smirked, “I think she’s going to walk right up to her and punch her in the face.” I winced, “She can’t do that.” My dad said, “Oh…. I think she can and will. Where do you think the fairy princess will stand? Because I think it will be with your mate.” I groaned, “f**k us all.” My dad laughed, “I’m right.” I said, “I know you are.” I got through the rest of my day quickly.

        Kincade linked me, “The Luna and Ted are in her house. Something feels off.” I said, “I’m on the way.” Matt linked me, “Did you just get a link saying things felt off?” I said, “I did.” Matt said, “I don’t like this. The last time he went there his mother almost died.” I said, “He would’ve called you.” Matt said, “You’re right.” I said, “Can you ask Matt about the Black Arrow’s and Lexi’s relationship?” Matt said, “Yes. You don’t think that’s a bad idea?” I said, “I think it’s a bad idea if I ask him. You can get away with it.” Matt said, “True.” Matt was putting on shorts outside Lexi’s house when I arrived. I shifted and he threw me some. Matt said, “Send my mate out please.” I nodded. I ran onto the deck and opened the door. I heard Ted say he loved it. I asked what they were talking about. Lexi said it was about their next girls’ day. I evaluated her. That seemed to be true, but I don’t think it was the whole truth. Her eyes were rimmed red and bloodshot. Fuck...She’d been crying. Ted took off. I closed the front door after him and crossed to Lexi. I asked what was wrong. She didn’t hold back. She told me everything from her vision of her mother, to going to check the floors in their house. What they’d found, and Heath showing up. Finding more keys, coded letters, and then finally she showed me her letter. I was blown away. This had been hidden this whole time. Their family must have a code only they know. Some had to have hidden that from them. They couldn't’ crack the code though. They must have thought Lexi nor Heath would ever find these. The Scotts would’ve known someone was hiding things from them like they did now.

        Bolt said, “They didn’t know what the message said. They didn’t know there were letters left to them.” I had to agree with him. He was right. That meant Lexi wasn’t safe there. Especially if my guys couldn’t go. I’d get permission from her brother. Kincade and Kevin HAD to be there with her next time. Lexi was more worried about Heath than herself. I wasn’t. Heath was known for being careful. This would just make him more so. Obviously, if they’d wanted to take Heath out; they’d had a lot of opportunity to do so. From what she said about Heath’s letter…. even her dad was worried about her. Noah’s obsession could’ve been cultivated. He wasn’t an Alpha Male, but he was still a possessive supernatural. Someone messed with him as a child. I couldn’t bring myself to feel any sort of pity for him. He was trying to take what was mine, and I couldn’t have that. No matter if he was manipulated. He had a choice. He had so many damn choices to back of what was mine. He manipulated her. He lied to her. He tried to change who she was. He would get no sympathy from me. Lexi told me Heath used to be quite friendly as a child like his grandfather and their father. Given what happened to their father, that might be for the best. Having your parents murdered and being thrust into leadership without your father to guide you...I can’t imagine. Maybe that’s why he didn’t like me. All Heath had was Lexi, and now she had me. I just needed to hunt down his second chance string. I could just start having parties in Sophia’s territory, and see if he feels pulled to anyone. Sure, that would do it. Bolt snorted, “Good plan.” I said, “I don’t see you coming up with anything.” Bolt said, “I think he doesn’t like us because we are…. you know… MARRIED!” I sighed, “You have a point.” Bolt said, “Of course I do. No brother wants their sister’s mate to be married….to someone else.” I said, “Working on it.” Bolt said, “Work harder.” He closed our link.

        Lexi had a few tears in her eyes when she referenced that her father saw us together. Maybe that would make Heath lighten up towards me. Lexi’s dad liked me when he saw us together. He probably didn’t get a look into this exact moment where I’m married, but her dad liked me. That had to mean something. Lexi turned to me and asked why I didn’t tell her Heath knew I was her string. Shit...I guess I did let that out when I told her he came by. I still couldn’t tell her he’d threatened me into keeping quiet. So I told her it was between them. Which was true. It wasn’t my place to get between them, and whatever weird sibling thing they were doing. They were navigating new territory with each other. They needed to figure that out, and I’d support her anyway I could. She asked what was up with us. Again. Can't answer. Plus I don’t exactly know what’s up with us. I’m just guessing. He doesn’t like me. At the current moment I don’t like him. He’s putting me in tough situations. When my nuts are already in a vice grip. Then there’s his damn leak he needs to stop. Lexi said that wasn’t his fault. No, as he’s not the leak it’s not his fault. It’s his responsibility as the leader. Which he full well knows. We agree on what’s important right now. Lexi’s safety. That’s what matters. Lexi was following part of my logic saying Heath’s problem was probably that he lost his string, and they were getting back to a good place. We talked for several more hours then went to bed.

            On Wednesday. A blur came into my office. I looked up, “People generally knock, you know. Matt, shut the door.” Heath smiled, “Ahh but we are some type of secret family at the moment.” I raised an eyebrow, “You see me as family. That’s new.” Heath said, “I said secret and at the moment.” I growled, “Lexi is mine.” Heath snorted, “For now. I just left her house. Beautiful place.” I said, “I know. I spend every night there.” Heath said, “Oh, do you? How does the wife feel about that?” I growled, “She doesn’t care. It’s a name thing only. I’ve never had s*x with Sophia.” Heath laughed, “Oh, I know you haven’t. One of you would be dead if you had.” I said, “Excuse me?” Heath said, “No one, no matter who they are…. will hurt Lexi again. If you’d so much as looking longingly at your wife since you’d met my little sister…. I’d have killed you.” He had the nerve to smile at me. I growled, “WHY are you here?” My dad knocked. He raised an eyebrow. I said, “Dad, Heath. Heath this is my father.” Heath glared at my dad, “I know who he is.” I said, “Lexi forgave him.” My dad said, “Who is he?” Heath said, “Lexi’s brother.” My dad sighed, “I am sorry about upsetting her.” Heath said, “My sister may be a forgiving person. I am not. She got that from our mother.” My dad sighed, “Yes, well…. the hood punched me in the face for that.” I was trying not to laugh. Heath said, “I heard.” I said, “Other than to threaten to kill me, or let me you’d like to kill me for what feels like the hundredth time. Why are you here?” Heath said, “You are looking into the death of Alpha Allister, but you haven’t told your wife.” I said, “And?” Heath said, “I want to know why.” 

            I said, “Do you? Well, I want you to tell me why you hate me.” Heath said, “You being married isn’t a good enough reason for you? My sister is a tough, fierce individual. She’s always dreamed of her string though. Until the day Noah broke her heart. She gave up on everything associated with love. Our parents' death devastated her. Finding their dead bodies compounded that devastation. It led her down a bad path. A path she can’t take if she’s hurt by you because of TeleTed and the fairy princess. She’s smart though. She’d find another way to dull the pain. I know she could, and she would. I will not see my sister fade into a shell of nothing ever again. She is what I have. In all of her dreams for her string you want to know what fantasy she never had? Him being married.” I growled, “It’s not out of love.” Heath said, “You say that like it matters to me. I’m here because you are important to my sister, for now.” I growled, “She’s MINE!” Heath stood as I did. “She’s MY sister. If your little sister’s mate was married would you like him?” Everyone in the room growled. Heath smirked, “I didn’t think so. Why aren’t you telling your wife about her dad?” I said, “Do you intend to leak it to her?” Heath said nothing. “f**k! Did you already tell her? DAMN IT HEATH! I want an annulment. I can only get it if she f*****g signs the damn papers.” Heath frowned, “You think she’d stall again?” I said, “That does seem to be her M.O.'' Heath frowned then laughed, “But Haley Conners knows you're married.” I said, “So?” Heath smiled, “She’d find a way. Maybe she’d kick Sophia’s ass in a way none of us can.” I said, “None of us? You can’t kick her ass?” Heath looked away, “No. I wouldn’t.” Matt said, “Wouldn’t isn’t couldn’t.” Heath said, “Your wife has done nothing to me.” I said, “Neither have I.” Heath said, “Agree to disagree.” His phone rang. He read it, “I have to go. Keep protecting my sister.” I said, “Well thanks for the directive. I had planned on not doing that. Can you allow my men into the shroud with her?” Heath glared at me, “No. She’s not marked.” I glared back. He blurred out of my office. 

            Derrick said, “Yeesh.” My dad said, “He really doesn't like you.” I said “I can't even blame him. If Susie’s mate was married, I wouldn’t give a f**k about his reason. I’d beat his ass. Anyway. What did you come in here for dad?” My dad said, “I’m taking a day trip on Friday. Just wanted you to know.” I nodded, “Alright. Are you going to share where?” My dad smiled, “Not right now. I’ll leave in the morning and be back before night.” I said, “Can I get a hint?” My dad laughed, “Going to follow up with someone to see if they have any idea where someone ended up. I’ve turned up nothing else, so I thought…. Why not give this a try?” I said, “No idea what that means. Have fun with your secret project dad.” My dad laughed and left. Matt said, “I asked Ted about Lexi and the Black Arrow.” I said, “And?” Matt said, “He said they thick as thieves, two peas in a pod.” I groaned, “Great. I can’t have the Black Arrow running around our damn territory.” Matt said, “I don’t think you can stop it. You can't tell Lexi why you don’t want her here, and the Black Arrow did save your dad. You dad said that something was up with the black arrow when she saw him. I think she was scared Lexi’s mate had been hurt on their watch. I think she’s close enough to her that Lexi told her about you.” I said, “Lexi did hear a black wolf was down in our territory. She was scared it was me.” I sighed. Matt said, “Just tell Lexi about the dreams, man.” I said, “Oh yeah. That will go well. Hey, you know your really good friend. The Black Arrow. I’m having dreams where we talk and sometimes make out and stuff.” Derrick laughed. Matt said, “Maybe don’t phrase it that way.” I said, “You two are no help.”

            That night I had another dream. I groaned. “Leave me alone!” I yelled. The Black Arrow said, “You don’t want me to leave you alone though.” I said, “I REALLY do.” The Black Arrow laughed, “No you don’t.” I heard Lexi’s voice, “Don’t tease him.” I turned, “Lexi? This...this isn’t what it looks like.” Both girls sat by each other, “Is that so?” She smirked at me. I said, “Are you two messing with me?” Lexi climbed into my lap, “Why would we do that?” The Black Arrow got behind me and bit my ear, “Yeah, why would we do that Chase? Think about it.” I was so hard. “Ok, this is getting weird.” Lexi kissed me. She threw my shirt over my head. The Black Arrow turned my head and kissed me too. I kissed her back and felt tingles on my arms. I stood holding Lexi to me. “Just leave us ALONE! I want Lexi! Just Lexi.” The Black Arrow laughed, “I’m afraid I can’t do that. That would be impossible.” I woke up sweating. What the actual f**k?! I got up and splashed water on my face. I got back in bed and watched Lexi sleep. Maybe I should let Heath beat the s**t out of me. Not only was I married, but I was also fantasizing about another woman. Bolt said, “Not to be a broken record…. but mark mate FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODDESS!” I sighed, “I’ll think about it.” Bolt said, “Hallelujah.” 

            The rest of the week flew by. My dad left before I’d gotten home from Lexi’s on Friday.  Matt said, “PLEASE tell Derrick to go run or something. He’s fretting over the return of Sally Quaid. I can’t take it anymore!” I laughed. Derrick was in my office. Which had never been cleaner. “Derrick?” Derrick turned, “I filed everything.” Matt said, “I have a system.” Derrick said, “That I know.” I said, “Did you vacuum and dust?” Derrick said, “I... well...maybe.” I laughed, “Derrick, go for a run.” Derrick said, “I did. I’ve been for two runs today.” Matt groaned. I said, “Well, let’s surprise Ted and Lexi for lunch today. Why don’t you go coordinate that Derrick?” Matt said, “How will that help him?” I said, “Sally will probably be brought to her home first. Her first stop will be to see Ted and Lexi.”