The Married Alpha and His Arrow

The Floors Pt. 3

  I was sobbing. You could see the watermarks on the paper. My dad cried as he wrote this to me. “If he knew… Why didn’t he listen to whoever was here that night? Why didn’t they listen, Heath? We could have just gone with the passports and disappeared. We could all be together!” I cried. Heath rocked me back and forth. I felt his tears on my shoulder. “I don’t know Lex. If you see mom again ask her.” I wiped my tears, “Same goes for you.” Heath said, “I think we split up the keys. Someone kept this stuff from us. If someone finds out and we lose some...I don’t want to lose them all.” I nodded. He gave me three keys and kept three himself. I said, “I’ll see if I can’t figure out what these go to.” Heath smiled, “On top of your business?” I said, “Yes. I can do this.” Heath nodded, “Nathan was very upset with himself about the attack at Ted’s pack.” I frowned, “He did very well.” Heath nodded, “I agree. I’ll be sending him on missions.” I said, “I’ll have his back if need be Heath.” Heath smiled, “I know. He’s going on a mission on Thanksgiving. I’m not sending you with him, but you’ll be on call. If he runs into trouble. I want you to get to him.” I nodded, “I’ll do that. I know he’s kind of an ass, but I like him.” Heath laughed, “He does seem to be the more stable one of the family.” I said, “Could Sally rejecting Noah really drive him insane?” Heath said, “Yes. They were together for three years. She might have been pulling back from him and was clearly no longer in love with him. Noah had no intention of letting her go even though he didn’t love her. I think this could crack him.” I said, “I thought he cracked long ago.” Heath said, “Being cruel and cracking aren’t the same.”

            I sighed, “I guess that’s true. I still hate him.” Heath laughed, “I wish Haley’s lightning show had killed him.” I said, “Oh… rest assured if Haley sees him again… he’ll die.” Heath laughed, “How very true. She’s never liked him, you know?” I stood, “I know she hasn’t. I should get going so I don’t blow your cover of being here. I can stay here with you Heath. You’re not alone. I’m still here.” Heath smiled, “Next year, let’s do something. I won’t hide away, and neither will you. Dad was right, we’ve always had a bond. We both pulled back unintentionally. In giving you your space I let distance grow. In letting Noah close to me, I pushed you away. It was never my intention. I was trying to do what was best for you.” I said, “I never intended to push you away Heath. Noah was an integral piece of us both for a long time. I knew he was gone from my life because no matter what…. I’d never hurt Sally the way he wanted me to. It’s not me.” Heath said, “I know it’s not.” I sighed, “I just wanted you to have your friend. As much as I didn’t want it to…. losing him was hole in me. I didn’t want you to have the same hole.” Heath smiled, “We tried to protect each other. There are worse things.” I smiled, “I know. I love you Heath.” Heath smiled, “I love you too, Lex.” We hugged. I tucked my dad’s letter into my pocket. I said, “Since you know… maybe you can do dinner with Chase and I sometime….at my place.” Heath was startled, “You’re going to invite me inside?” I smiled, “If you promise not to try to come kidnap me and bring me home.” Heath laughed, “Let’s start with you and me having dinner. We can build to dinner with your string. It’s a big step for you Lex. I know that.” I said, “It’s not about you.” Heath said, “It was about Noah. I didn’t understand before, and I won’t lie and say it didn’t hurt. It did. I get it though. We closed little doors on each other while staying in each other’s lives. I need to open doors with you too. I want to fix all of this Lex.”

            I smiled, “Then stop by my place sometime. I’ll bring you inside.” Heath hugged me, “I’ll never betray your trust.” I said, “I know.” Heath smiled, “Especially since you’re inviting your brother in and not the Hood.” I laughed, “I can always lock the door.” Heath snorted, “That’s true. I can pick it though.” I smiled, “I know.” We hugged for several moments. Heath said, “I’m sorry Lexi. I’m sorry I didn’t see what had happened between you and Noah.” I said, “I didn’t want you to Heath. For the millionth time.” Heath said, “I ignored my instincts. It felt off, but I just thought… I was being a leader and not a big brother. I f****d up.” I said, “No you didn’t. It’s not an illogical conclusion. All we can do is move forward.” Heath nodded. I left. I sent Ted a text. I was waiting at the edge of the shroud when I heard my name. “Lexi.” I turned. Our healer was walking towards me. I smiled, “Gerald. Hello.” He smiled, “Haven’t seen you around here.” I said, “I don’t come in too much. I’m just here to grab Ted.” Gerald smiled, “You’re business is doing well. Anne brags all the time about you and Ted.” I smiled, “It is.” Gerald saw Ted coming. “I’ll let you go. He’s still not happy with me.” I said, “It was an emotional moment. He’ll get over it.” Gerald blurred away. Ted hissed, “What did he want?” I bit my lip, “To say hi.” Ted said, “He can go fall off a cliff with SHARP rocks.” I laughed, “He knows you’re mad.” Ted said, “Mad… does not cover what I feel for him. I want him dead. That’s coming from me. I’m two steps away from finding a way to plot his demise.” I smiled, “Your mom is fine.” Ted said, “NO THANKS TO HIS ASS!” I said, “True. Let’s go.” 

            We left and ran back to my place. Ted called Mark, Joanie and by extension Kevin and Kincade. He let them know to meet us back here. Ted said, “So… what was in the box?” I sighed, “Heath wants it kept between him and I.” Ted said, “DAMN! I knew that was coming.” I laughed, “I know. I’m sorry.” Ted shrugged, “Not a big deal. I know if you could tell me you would. Speaking of…. Were you at Cameron’s pack on Halloween?” I laughed, “Popular question, no.” Ted said, “Why were you and Heath at Sophia’s?” I said, “I don’t know why exactly. I know he’s worried about the place where our home is being secure. I think there's more though.” Ted frowned. I said, “It was supposed to be just me. Heath stepped out to help them. They were going to be overwhelmed.” Ted said, “He was watching? Himself?” I said, “I know. Something is up. I haven’t put my finger on it yet.” Ted said, “Yeah well, Sophia is a b***h and I hate her. So if you weren’t at Cameron’s...where were you?” I said, “She can’t be that bad! I can’t tell you that. I can tell you I killed someone and left.” Ted snorted, “She is. I could’ve guessed that killed someone and got out. Frank said he thought something was up with the Black Arrow. He said her heartbeat was irregular, and his wolf thought she was scared of him. You thought he was Chase, didn’t you?” My eyes filled with tears again, “Yes. I thought he could be Chase. I just saw Black fur and a wolf down. I heard Nathan fighting and took off.” Ted said, “Oh Nathan thinks you walk on water. He was in awe of you taking down the remaining rogues and witches. Said it was a thing of beauty, but it was a thing of rage wasn’t it?” I said, “No one likes a know it all, Ted.” Ted smiled, “TeleTed IS THE know it all. It’s my thing. I’m sorry that had to scare you. Thinking Chase was hurt.” I said, “I can’t lose him Ted.” 

        Ted hugged me, “I know how you feel.” I said, “I know. I never understood this string business. I don’t know how Heath has managed.” Ted said, “He didn’t know her that long Lex.” I said, “It doesn’t matter.” Ted said, “It does, and it doesn’t. Their connection was there, but he kept going for you. He knew you couldn’t lose anyone else. He made the hood and you his desire to keep going. He’s a strong man who loves his little sister. Now, this family that left you a letter.... The f**k?” I snorted, “Assholes. They haven't even come around. Can we keep that quiet too?” Ted said, “Ummm Heath knows, the wolves know… and you mean from hood people.” I said, “I do.” Ted said, “I figured. I didn’t even say anything today to my parents. Who’s proud of TeleTed?” I laughed, “Me. Good job Ted.” Ted said, “I’m team… let’s find your family and kick their asses. If you hold them down… I’ll shoot them in the arm. Just a flesh wound.” I laughed, “I might hold you to that. I’m pissed at them. Heath thinks we could've been kept apart intentionally. They are following me though. They could talk to me.” Ted said, “I’m with you. You are both adults now. Out and about in the world. They could just bump into you.” I paled, “Oh….my…. god….” Ted said, “What? I don’t like that look.” I said, “I think…. I think I met a cousin of mine when I hammered. I... I thought it was….an illusion or something, but I did talk to someone that night...I think. Maybe. He looked so familiar. He knew my name. He was just a little older than Heath. DANG IT! Now I’m going to stake out my own damn P.O Box.” Ted snorted, “Good luck with your wolf letting that go on.” I groaned, “I need to find that guy Ted. He could be family.” Ted said, “If only we knew someone who was good at getting… I don’t know… information.” 

            I smiled, “I could break in and get a list of who owns the boxes.” Ted said, “There is it. I knew you’d come around.” I said, “Haley would pop me in.” Ted said, “A plan forms. Now… how to get around… the wolves.” I said, “We will have to think about that a little longer… no we won’t. Girls day. I’ll see when Haley is available.” Ted clapped, “I love it.” The front door opened. Chase stepped in, “Love what?” I said, “We are planning a girl’s day. I was going to ask Haley when she’s available.” Chase observed me, “Are you ok? You’ve been crying?” Ted said, “That’s my cue. I’ll see you later Lexi.” He blurred out. Chase closed the door and crossed the room to me. He picked me up and put me in his lap, “What’s wrong?” I told him all of it. He sat there and listened carefully. I showed him my letter. Chase said, “If someone kept some coded message from your dad on the letter’s location….and I agree with your brother…. if your dad left the letter; he left instructions on where it was…. you’re not safe there.” I said, “I don’t go often. Heath lives there.” Chase said, “He’s lived there the whole time. He’s the leader.” I said, “So was my dad.” Chase said, “From what I know Heath is a lot more vigilant than your father was. Heath doesn’t trust a lot of people. Your father did. So did his father.” I said, “What do you know about my grandfather?” Chase shrugged, “Just stories. The hood as a group are fairly secretive, but it’s well known your father didn’t consider people strangers. Just considered them friends he hadn’t met yet. He got that from his dad.” I said, “Heath was like that…. until my dad died.” Chase said, “It was a formative experience for you both.” I said, “He’s ready to think that our family has reasons for staying away. I don’t think I care. They should’ve tried harder. We were kids, and they left us alone.”

            I shook myself, “My dad must have seen you and I together. I know it’s silly, but I’m really glad he knew you in some way.” Chase smiled, “Me too.” I asked, “Why didn’t you tell me Heath knew you were my string?” Chase sighed, “Seemed like something between the two of you.” I frowned, “What’s up with you two?” Chase said, “He doesn’t like me. I can’t say I’m his biggest fan because he keeps telling me to protect you when I’m trying. He’s the one with the leak he can’t plug.” I said, “That’s not his fault.” Chase said, “He’s the leader. It’s not his fault, but it is his responsibility. I’d imagine he and I will butt heads over you. We are two Alpha males. He may not be a wolf, but he’s still an Alpha male. I don’t know what his problem is with me, but we agree where you are concerned that your safety comes first.” I sighed, “Well, let’s hope you two get over whatever it is.” Chase said, “Hey… I am not the problem here.” I laughed, “It could just be hard for him. Me finding my string. He did lose his, and he and I are getting back to being close.” Chase said, “That would make sense.” 

            The week flew by quickly. Heath had stopped by, and I invited him in and showed him around the house. He loved it. I enjoyed having him here. I was running a search on my computer for Tenley Olsen in the background of my work. Frank had texted me that since he couldn’t ask the little sister he hadn’t gotten anywhere. Everyone had lost touch with her. On Friday my computer dinged. I opened it. Tenley had moved farther than Illinois. I pulled her up. She’d moved to South Dakota. With her son. I smiled. I knew it! She was married now. She was now Tenley Merrell. Her son's name was Tyson. He was her oldest child. Everything lined up. Tyson had moved back to Illinois. I booked a flight. I sent Frank a text letting him know what I found. I called Ted in my office. “I’m doing a thing. I’m going to slip out.” Ted said, “What thing?” I said, “Secret thing.” Ted said, “I dislike this.” I said, “I’ll be back tonight.” Ted said, “Before we leave the office?” I said, “Not sure.” Ted groaned, “Be back before they notice you are gone.” I laughed, “I’ll try.” I blurred out. I made my plane just barely. I was nervous the whole flight. What if Tyson already knew about his sister? I at least wanted to try to unite them. I rented a car as soon as I landed. Tyson only lived thirty minutes away from the airport. After spending time at Chase and Haley’s I knew I’d entered a pack’s territory. I got out of the car and walked up to his house. A young woman answered. She smiled at me, “Can I help you?” I said, “I’m looking for Tyson Merrell.” She frowned, “Why?” I said, “I’m from…” Tyson came up behind her frowning, “I’ve never seen you before. Why are you looking for me?” I said, “I…” Words failed me. You’d think I’d have thought of something to say. The woman said, “Well come inside before everyone makes it to our yard to hear what this is about.” I stepped inside. Tyson growled, “What are you?” I said, “Not a werewolf, and not the point.” 

            The woman said, “Tyson...let her breathe for a second. I’m Ashley. Tyson’s mate. I’m the Beta’s daughter here. My brother’s ceremony to take over will be this week.” I smiled, “That’s great.” Tyson said, “Who are you?” I said, “Lexi Scott. Look, you honestly think I would’ve thought of what to say to you…. Do you know who your dad is?” Tyson tensed, “No. Do you?” I said, “I do. I’m pretty sure. The timing lines up.” Tyson said, “My mom was embarrassed about how I was conceived. She said she left her pack behind because she’d recently been marked. Her mate died, and she went into heat. I know I have Alpha blood in me.” I said, “I came here because...Honestly, because I’m really close with my big brother. I would want to know him if we’d been separated. I probably shouldn’t meddle, but your sister is all alone. She’s the Alpha of her pack, and she’s…. facing a lot of hardships from what I’ve gathered.” Tyson said, “I have another sister?” I said, “Her name is Sophia.” Ashley gasped, “Alpha Sophia?! Your father is Alpha Allister? Oh my god!” Tyson growled, “My sister…. her pack... rumors are swirling about their allegiance to her.” I said, “She could use a friendly face in her corner. At the very least you could reach out to her.” Tyson said, “She might not be happy to hear from me.” I said, “I think she’d surprise you.” Tyson said, “Do you know her?” I winced, “No, but I know people who do. I think she’s lonely. She doesn’t know who to trust.” Tyson said, “I’ve always wanted to know if I had more siblings. I have two half-sisters, and I love them to pieces. I’ll contact Sophia. If she wants to meet me…. I’ll meet up with her.” I said, “If you could not mention my name…” Tyson laughed, “Who don’t you want to know you meddled?” I said, “There’s a handful of people.” Ashley snorted, “I bet it’s the male she smells like.” I said, “He would be one. My brother would be another. He’ll probably know anyway. I swear that man knows what I’m doing before I do.” Tyson laughed, “It’s a big brother thing.” Ashley smiled, “I know we are far away, but my pack would be her ally. I thought her being the first female Alpha was totally badass.” Tyson said, “I’ll offer her my support. I have no desire to lead a pack. I never did even though I have Alpha blood. I’m a warrior through and through. It’s my calling.” Ashley beamed with pride, “He’s great! He teaches our young ones here.” I smiled, “I’ll let you get back to your day. I probably could’ve called. I’m sure with your aunt being there…. visits could be interesting.” Tyson shook my hand, “Nonsense. I’m glad you came. I might not have believed you if I couldn’t see the sincerity in your face. I’ll let Sophia know she’s not alone. My mom doesn’t like my aunt for some reason. I doubt my aunt knows I exist.”

            I hesitated, “You might have other siblings.” Tyson snorted, “Wouldn’t surprise me based on how I came to be.” I said, “I’ll pass anything along I find if you’re interested.” Tyson held out his phone. I put my number in and he put his in mine. I smiled, “I’ve got to get back.” Tyson said, “Thank you. For coming. Even if she doesn't want to meet. I’d like to meet her. I’ll keep an ear to the ground about her pack now regardless. I’d come help her if she ever needed me.” I said, “I hope she does. I know it’s great having a big brother.” I left quickly. I thought I was being followed and secretly hoped it was a family member. Maybe they’d grow a f*****g pair and speak to me. I grabbed a flight at the airport. I was going to make it back in time. I parked and blurred into my office. When I stopped, I almost jumped ten feet in surprise. Chase, Matt, Ted, Kevin, Kincade, Joanie, and Mark were in my office. Chase stood and walked over to me. Ohhh… he looked mad. Ted shot me an apologetic look. Chase took a deep breath then growled, “Where HAVE you been?” I gulped. I had no idea how to get out of this one. I couldn’t tell him I’d found Sophia’s brother. “With me.” A voice came from my doorway. I turned and my jaw dropped in shock at who was filling my doorway.