The Married Alpha and His Arrow

An Unexpected Challenge Pt. 2

         I walked into my office. Matt and Derrick were already there. I said, “Derrick. I need you to remain as calm as possible.” Derrick shot up, “Is Sally hurt?” I said, “No, and we are going to keep it that way. I need you to come up with three more guards. Lexi had a dream. I’m taking it as a warning from the moon goddess.” Derrick growled, “What happened in the dream?” I sat down, “Noah had Sally. He told her she should’ve accepted her wolf. She cried saying she did, she just wanted time. Noah told her that her wolf could’ve saved her, and then he slit her throat.” It was a good thing Haley had enchanted my office. Derrick’s growl of anger shook my windows. I was actually impressed. I continued, “Which is why you will pick three guards you are comfortable with adding to her detail until she’s ready to be marked. I will NOT be defeated by some sniffling wheezing coward who goes after women he’s abused. When Sally comes back not only will she be learning self-defense in the class Lexi signed her up for; she will train with Opal.” 

            Derrick paced but acknowledged, “It’s a good plan.” Kevin called my cell phone. I tensed, “Kevin? Is Lexi ok?” Matt got a call from Ted. My heart sank. Kevin said, “You don’t have Lexi with you?” I asked him to clarify that statement because HE should be with her. Kevin said, “Your dad linked us this morning. He sent us to our border with Sophia. He said there was a rogue attack, and he needed our help. Chase… there’s nothing here. The warriors on patrol said no activity has happened on this border. We can’t catch the scent of a single rogue.” I was beyond enraged. My dad put Lexi at risk for a fake threat? I listened to Matt’s conversation. My dad had bugged Lexi. I spoke in hushed tones to Kevin, “GET in a car and GET to Lexi. NOW! Check over her car. My dad wouldn’t be satisfied with just bugging her. He’d do it to her car too. From now on you only leave your post if I tell you too! I DON’T CARE IF THE MOON GODDESS HERSELF APPEARS TO YOU! YOU ASK ME FIRST! AM I CLEAR?” Kevin said, “Yes, Alpha. We will get to her now.” I hung up and asked Lexi if he hurt her. Matt linked me, “He wouldn't hurt her Chase.” I told Lexi I would deal with this. She pointed out Matt should do it because I was too angry. f**k her point and f**k my dad. I told Matt to get me answers. I linked him, “When you are done you let me know because I will put his ASS in place for thinking of using a false rogue attack. As if that’s something this family should joke about.” Matt winced.

            Derrick followed me outside. I didn’t even think I just ran. I only stopped when I saw the Conners brothers on our border with them. I shifted back, “Hello to all the Conners.” They all shifted laughing, “Alpha Chase. You look… angry.” I said, “My dad can’t accept that he retired.” Alpha Eric Conners laughed, “Been there done that, Alpha Chase.” I raised an eyebrow, “Really?” Eric nodded. I asked, “How did you resolve it?” Alpha Eric smirked, “I challenged him to a fight. He lost. Then he accepted that he couldn’t make decisions anymore without me.” I sighed, “I don’t want to fight my dad.” Alpha Conners shrugged, “You have to do what works for you.” I snorted, “Can I send him over to you guys for a while? Let the princess straighten him out.” All of them laughed. Jackson said, “What did he do?” Derrick said, “Bugged the partner of our Beta Male. He clearly forgot who she is.” I quickly added, “A member of the hood. f**k! I’m going to have to call the hood himself, aren’t I?” Alpha Conners said, “Not if Lexi doesn’t call him. She doesn’t seem like the type unless your dad heard something he shouldn’t.” I said, “No, they found out right away.” I said, “Anyway, I was going to call you this morning. I wanted to thank your mate for saving our Beta Male’s mother. He was aggrieved she had been injured. I believe he would’ve blamed himself. Apparently in the hood if you receive prank calls your response is to drug older women. As rational people do.” Alpha Conners growled, “It’s f****d up. My wife has been on a tangent ever since” I nodded. Matt linked me, “You’re up.” I said, “I’m sure she has. I’ve been told she hates the troll by our Beta male. I’ve got to get back. Let me know if Haley wants to take a crack at my dad.” Alpha Eric laughed, “She quite likes Lexi. I’d advise your dad not to upset her.  My wife will be mad if she finds out. That never ends well for who she is upset with. Keep it in mind Chase if you keep having problems. You may just have to challenge your father. It was the only thing that made my dad realize I’d grown up.” I nodded, “I will. Thank you Alpha Conners.”

            Derrick and I shifted. Derrick linked me, “I know you hate the idea Chase, but he’s right. Your dad is acting like you’re still a kid and he’s the top dog.” I sighed, “If he does one more thing to Lexi… I don’t know if I could stop myself.” Derrick nodded. We got back to the house and shifted. Nadine’s car was gone. I looked at Derrick who shrugged. “Good for her. Now that your dad let’s Susie leave Nadine feels like she can actually get out and do things.” I snorted, “He trapped her here as much as Susie.” That fired my anger up again. I stalked into my office. My dad was sitting there frowning. Isaac was in the corner clearly not sure what to do. I said, “What the HELL were you thinking?!” My dad said, “I want answers. No one is giving them to me!” I said, “So you decided that making up a rogue attack was the way to go? AFTER WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MOTHER? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” My dad paled, “I….” I said, “YOU WHAT? Tell me dad! Tell me what your possible use as an excuse to send a guard detail I ASSIGNED away from their charge using the VERY threat that killed my mother? Please tell me.” I sat back not bothering to hide my anger. I heard a strangled noise from the doorway. Reagan stood ashen faced with cupcakes. “I …. Susie needs cupcakes for her class. Your mom did the cookies. I … brought the cupcakes.” I said, “She’s already at school. Just take them to Jenna’s classroom.” Reagan’s eyes were wide as she nodded. I linked Matt, “Cameron will be coming.” Matt said, “Not in time he won’t.” 

            My dad said, “I shouldn’t have done that, but you are LYING to me!” I said, “I am NOT a child. I’m also not lying to you.” My dad slammed his hands down, “Something is going on! I know it is!” I said, “I’m not telling you it’s not. I AM telling you that if you EVER fake a rogue attack again, I’ll throw you in the dungeons. LEAVE Ted’s business partner alone. Do you have ANY idea what you could’ve done? You could’ve sicked the Hood HIMSELF on our pack. Did you know he once killed ten people in sixty seconds? You could’ve heard something they didn’t want known. They could’ve come for YOU personally. How can you be so selfish? Cameron and I NEED you! Susie and Nadine NEED you! You selfish stubborn bastard! It’s not enough Cameron and I were on suicide watch as teenagers; now as your Alpha I have to worry about you starting a war that could end with a contract on your head?! You put this pack at risk. We’d have gone to war with them dad! All of my allies would’ve come! FOR YOU!” Matt linked, “While those are all good points. I feel the knife is already in him. No need to twist it.” I said, “You’re wrong. He endangered himself, this pack, and Lexi.” My dad said nothing.

         Nadine stormed into my office, “I’m sorry Chase. I need to borrow my mate.” My dad whirled around, “What could I possibly have done to you?” Nadine’s eyes narrowed, “You let Susie and I think you were letting her have freedom today. Instead you were SNEAKING off to harass a lovely young woman. Who graciously is donating her time to plan a Halloween party for our pups! She even had Ted reach out to me for my input! She’s worked with Reagan before, and your daughter loves her; and YOU JUST BUGGED HER! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Frank said, “Something is going on with Chase. I thought the Beta Male might tell his friend.” Nadine gaped, “That is NOT how you find out what’s going on with our children! THAT is how you LOSE your children. I can’t even look at you.” She turned and stormed out. My dad looked at me and I said, “Go.” He nodded and left the room. Isaac said, “Chase, can’t you just tell him what’s going on? He’s only doing this because he wants answers. He feels like you are in trouble.” My phone rang. It was Cameron. I said, “Isaac, did you and my dad tell our pack members everything that happened? Hell did EITHER of you always tell your fathers what was going on once you took over the pack?” Isaac sighed, “No.” I said, “There you go. You two put Matt and I in charge of this pack. Maybe you two could remember that we are trustworthy.” I picked up the phone, “Cameron.” Isaac said, “This isn’t about trust Chase.” Cameron was silent. I said, “Oh but Isaac it is. It’s about trust and respect. Something my father is showing our pack he doesn’t have in me. You have his ear Isaac. Tell him to stop this before I have to. I don’t want to, but I will.” Isaac’s eyes went wide. Cameron sighed. Matt ushered his dad out.

        Cameron said, “I see Reagan wasn’t exaggerating.” I said, “No. I’m not sure what she heard. Dad took Kevin and Kincade away from Lexi using a fake rogue attack so he could bug her.” Kincade linked me, “Found two bugs on the car. One GPS one listening device.” I growled, “And bugged her car.” Cameron said, “If you told him about who she was.” I said, “He’d try to drag her to the main house. I’m respecting Lexi and her wishes here Cameron. She doesn’t want to know about my situation. If she lived here, she would. I’m not even out of my territory. My people know where I am and how to get a hold of me. NOTHING is wrong in my territory EXCEPT our father.” Cameron was quiet, “I can’t get away until lunchtime, but I’ll come. I’ll talk to him.” I said, “He won’t listen, and he’s pushing me.” Cameron was quiet, “We will fix it.” I said, “One way or another.” I hung up the phone. 

        Matt said, “So... if I along with everyone else here is picking up what you’re saying… You intend to challenge your father?” I said, “Alpha Eric Conners himself gave me the advice. Would you like to tell me he’s wrong? I’ll call him so you can tell us at the same time.” Matt said, “NO! NO… GOD! f**k! That was really his advice?” Derrick said, “He said that he had to do it with his dad too.” Matt was gaping, “Well… Beta Caleb and I are having A CHAT about how I didn’t know that. You know who else doesn’t know. Beta Dylan. He’d blab that to everyone.” Derrick snorted, “You know he calls Alpha Conners, Alpha Prick.” Matt said, “No, no, It’s GOD Alpha Prick now.” I actually laughed. We did several pack disputes and had made a serious dent in the paperwork when Kincade linked me, “Your dad is here.” I groaned and hit my desk, “Matt get your dad and go get in a DAMN CAR! Bring my father’s stupid ass back here! I CANNOT be held responsible for my actions if he hurts Lexi.” Isaac appeared in my doorway, “He knows she’s your girlfriend Chase. He smelled you on her this morning.” I yelled, “MATT!” Matt grabbed his dad and they left.

        I linked Kevin, “Get her out of there! He’s dumb enough he’ll talk about me being married. She doesn’t want to know. If she does ever want to know I WILL be the one to tell her. NOT my dad.” Kevin said, “A friend of hers just showed up.” I said, “Hood member friend?” Kevin said, “Smells the same as the Luna and Beta male. She is dating a vampire in our area.” I told Derrick, “Well, now we know what hood member was at the club the night Lexi broke that guys hand. They are trying to get information from vampires.” Derrick said, “At least that isn’t our problem.” I snorted, “One thing isn’t our problem.” Kevin linked me, “Seems the future Luna doesn’t want her one day father-in-law to dislike her. Direct quote. She’s going to talk to him.” I finally found something to be excited about. Derrick said, “What? What was that smile?” I smiled, “Lexi called my dad her future father-in-law.” Derrick smiled, “Good.” Kevin continued, “She’s leaving her office door open. We will step in if he’s about to spill the Sophia beans.” I said, “Update me on anything he says. Matt and Isaac are on the way. If he upsets her, tell me.” Kevin linked, “So far nothing bad, he’s apologizing.” I sighed. Maybe the old man hadn’t totally lost it. Kincade linked, “He came here to tell her to stay away from you.” I growled and shifted in my office. I took the front door off the house. Derrick was trying to calm everyone down as I took off. I saw red. Derrick linked me, “He’s your father. Don’t kill him.” I didn’t bother to answer. I wasn’t going to kill him, but if he manipulated Lexi into agreeing…. I’d hate myself forever, but I don’t think I could hold Bolt back from marking her. Bolt said, “Mate won’t agree. Mate loves us.” 

        I hoped he was right. I knew she loved us. We already had a huge strike against us already being married. I didn’t need my dad throwing another wrench into things. Matt linked, “Derrick says you’re coming here.” I growled, “He’s trying to keep her from me! SHE’S MINE!” Matt said, “I know that, but he doesn’t. She’s throwing him out of her office. Literally. He called her a little girl. She did her super quick speed thing and tied him up in a rope and is carrying him out of the office. Did you know she was strong enough to do that? Kincade and Kevin do not seem surprised.” I said, “I did. I see her.” I stopped my run as she threw my dad at my feet. I refused to look at my dad. I heard the pain in Lexi’s voice telling me to keep my dad away from her. When he told her he wanted her dad's number I shifted. I didn’t give a s**t I didn’t have clothes. I yelled at him and Lexi told him about her dad being murdered. She took off. I looked at my father, “RUN home! Be there when I get back!” My dad managed to get untied. He stood, “Chase.... I didn’t know about her family.” I cut him off wanting to get to Lexi, “GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!” My dad was startled, but I’d used my Alpha command. He had no choice but to leave. I caught Lexi in the stairwell of the building. I could smell Kincade was here too, “I’ve got her.” I linked him. I told her I was sorry. I didn’t know what else to say. Lexi started crying saying he hated her. Alpha Conners was right. I was going to have to fight my dad. If he was anyone else, I’d kill him for making her feel this way.

        She started to have a panic attack at the thought of us being separated. Kincade linked, “I’ll get a doctor.” I said, “Wait!” I got her to focus on me, and her breathing evening out. I linked Matt, “I’m going to kick his ASS!” Matt said, “Drive home with us. We will make sure she’s safe up here first. Then we can all take a breath on the way home.” I said, “YOU take a DAMN breath. I’m challenging his ass the moment the car is parked.” Matt sighed, “Oh boy.” I told Lexi it was going to be ok. I was going to make it ok. She didn’t want to be the reason I fought with my dad. She wasn't, this was about so much more. The lack of respect he would be showing me even if Lexi wasn’t my mate was astronomical. To come here to her office and accost her and try to get her to stay away from me. It was reprehensible. I told Kincade to get her upstairs. I walked outside and heard my father yelp in pain. I saw a blur in the distance. A hood member had probably punched my dad. Good. I hope it f*****g hurt. I walked the other way and got into the car. Matt and Isaac came down several minutes later. I held my hands out for the keys. Matt literally winced as he gave them to me. Isaac said, “Command me not to tell him she’s your mate Chase.” I stared at him, “Who says she is Isaac?” Isaac gave me a look, “A man who helped raise you. You came here for her. You intend to challenge your father to a fight for her. The timing of her being here is the same as when Matt started acting weird because Ted was here too.” I said, “As your Alpha I command you not to tell my father who Lexi truly is to me.” Isaac’s body trembled as my command took hold.

        Isaac nodded, “Thank you Chase. I don’t want to keep this from him, but I know why you are.” I said, “Enlighten me Isaac. What do you think you know?” Matt slapped himself in the face. Isaac said, “She doesn’t know about Sophia.” I said, “She doesn’t want to.” Isaac sighed in relief, “Thank god. I was going to punch the s**t out of you if you were hiding it. You are waiting until your annulment comes through then. Frank would try to drag her to the main house to keep her with you.” I nodded, “Yes.” Isaac said, “She’d be safer.” I said, “She will be safe my way so long as my father doesn’t lie to her guard. She thinks he hates her. She had a f*****g panic attack at the thought of him trying to keep us apart.” Isaac winced but said nothing. I took the door off the car when I parked. Nadine was wiping the blood my father’s face. His nose was already healed, “GET OUTSIDE!” I yelled at my father. My dad stared at me, “I was attacked. Seems the hood watches over his people on the outside of their shroud. He didn’t like that I’d upset Lexi.” I didn’t bother to respond to that. Good for Heath. “I told you to get outside. I will tell you one more time.” Matt said, “Oh f**k me.” My dad straightened, “I’m still your father.” I growled, “Right now you’re an arrogant s**t who is defying their Alpha. I warned you.” Reagan and Nadine screamed as I picked my dad up and threw him through the glass back door. Cameron was putting on a pair of shorts and stared in shock as did the pack members who were around. I growled, “I challenge you to a fight.” My dad’s eyes went wide. Cameron said, “CHASE!” I said, “Frank Daniels, I challenge you to a fight for the rightful title of Alpha. Do you accept?” 

        Nadine was crying. So was Reagan. My dad said, “Yes, I accept your challenge.” He stood and we attacked each other. Nadine’s crying got to him. I used it. All I could see was Lexi crying about how he didn’t like her. Lexi panicking and hyperventilating. I saw him trying to keep her from me. She was MINE! My dad didn't even land a single shot on me. I blocked everything he came at me with. I was so pissed. He was bleeding profusely when I landed another punch that knocked him to the ground. He held up his hand, “I yield. You win the challenge. You are the rightful Alpha of this pack.” I stared at him and looked around, “Make no mistake here. I AM YOUR ALPHA! I will NOT be disrespected. I am a fair leader, but I have my limits. Get back to your daily duties.” Everyone dispersed. Isaac helped my dad up. Isabella was clutching her chest in shock. Nadine ran to Frank with tears in her eyes. I linked Matt, “Get him in my damn office.” Matt said, “Ok. To your office we all go.” I stalked inside. I went upstairs and showered in my room. It felt wrong. I wanted to smell Lexi in here. I should smell her in here. Matt was waiting when I came out. He threw me a plastic baggie. I opened it and Lexi’s scent hit me. Matt said, “I thought I might have these moments where I needed Lexi’s scent. Ted ferreted a bunch of her t-shirts away before she washed them for me. Are you calmer?” I said, “He tried to keep her from me. She cried.” Matt said, “And you kicked his ass. Seriously Chase. What happened to you in Europe? You were like a machine.” I said, “It wasn’t Europe. It was Lexi. He hurt her feelings.” Matt said, “I know he did.”

        I stalked down to my office. I slammed the door open and Matt pulled it shut behind him. I said, “There will be NO MORE bugging, stalking, or threatening people.” My dad said, “I didn’t threaten her.” I growled and using my Alpha tone I said, “YOU WILL NOT GO NEAR LEXI SCOTT! Are we clear?” Before he could answer a man sped into the room. He nodded to me, “Alpha Chase, I have a message from the Hood.” I recognized him. He was the man who picked up Lexi the night of the club. The one who let her run away. I said, “And you are?” The man smiled, “I am Isaiah.” I said, “What’s the message?” Isaiah said, “The hood hopes whatever happened between Lexi Scott and Frank Daniels is now resolved.” My dad snorted, “He sucker punched me.” Isaiah said, “You clearly insulted one of our people. The hood checks up on all businesses outside the shroud. Your timing of harassing Ms. Scott lined up with when he planned to visit Bull’s Eye.” My dad said, “Of all the rotten luck.” He had no idea. Isaiah continued, “Should there be further problems we will be back.” I said, “I’ve ordered my father to stay away from her.” Isaiah said, “I will report that back to the hood. We do not wish to have a problem for this pack as well all love Ted.” Isaiah glared at my father then left. I said, “Well fabulous. Now we are getting visits from the LIEUTENANT of the DAMN hood because you are an overbearing control freak!” My dad said, “How do you know he’s the lieutenant?” I said, “Because my Beta has been to the shroud. Matt, is that or is it not lieutenant Isaiah you told me about?” Matt said, “That was him.”