The Married Alpha and His Arrow

First step to Offense Pt. 2

Haley said, “Because I didn’t want to talk to them. I’m so sick of them just popping up where I am. I’m the one supposed to pop up not places. They are f*****g wolves they run not pop. Damn them for just appearing wherever I am. Eric always feels sad when I pop to my treehouse because I’m trying to get away from the girls. He tells me it’s my home. He’s wrong though. It’s her home, and she knows it. So now I pretend to be asleep.” I said, “It’s avoidance all the same.” Haley said, “Yeah, well apart from charming them out of the room if I’m there… I can’t think of anything to do about it.” I said, “Pull pranks on them.” Haley said, “I have one in mind for Cassandra…. I’m sure it’s mean though.” I said, “Who cares?” Haley said, “Valid point.” I said, “So... back to my string. You are having a meeting after New Year’s… When do you think everything will be handled?” Haley said, “Why are you asking?” I said, “Well, seeing everyone with theirs…. especially how happy you are…” Haley said, “It will be handled that day. No one is leaving until it is.” I laughed, “Why?” Haley said, “Because you deserve to be happy. I want you to be as happy as I am. There’s a broken promise involved in the situation, and it’s making my fairy side want to lash out. Keeping myself calm about this situation takes actual effort.”

        I frowned, “My string broke a promise?” Chase and I would be having words. I knew what that does to a fairy. It would be driving Haley insane that someone wasn’t keeping their word. Haley said, “No, he’s the one paying for the broken promise. He kept up his end of the promise.” I frowned. I had to wonder if that was why Chase was so angry with Sophia? Did she break their alliance after growing up together? Having an unstable and unfriendly border would be bad for Chase. I said, “Is that your only reason?” Haley said, “No, but I don’t think we are talking about other reasons.” I looked away. It was right there. I could tell her I’d already met Chase. She basically declared that she knew without saying it directly. I said, “One day will you tell me all the reasons?” Haley said, “When you’re ready to talk about them, you let me know. Then we have ourselves a long chat with alcohol.” I nodded. Someone knocked on my door. I opened it and Reagan stood there in a purple and gold sequined dress. Haley clapped, “I LOVE it!” I smiled, “I guess we are going out tonight?” Reagan said, “Seize the day and all.” I said, “Haley, do you want to come?” Haley smiled, “Hell yes I do! Where are we going?” Reagan said, “To your husband’s club.” Haley squealed, “YAY! Sally are you coming?” Sally yawned, “There’s some pack meeting. Ted already left for it. I’m super tired, guys. I’m just going to go the meeting and pass out in Derrick’s arms afterwards.” I said, “Make sure you're in his arms before passing out.” Sally saluted, “Yes Lexi.” Haley snapped her fingers. I looked down. “Damn Haley!” Haley smiled. She’d snapped me into a black dress that had lace up the front with a nude overlay behind it. My boobs were definitely on display along with my legs. Reagan bit her lip. I looked at Haley’s outfit. She was in a pink long sleeved bedazzled crop top and skirt. I said, “How long until your mate shows up at his club?” Haley said, “I don’t know. He might stay at home.” Blade said, “Five minutes. Princess walks in. Wolf show in five. Mark words.” 

        I said, “I don’t doubt you.” Haley frowned, “I’m fully covered. Not even the slightest bit of boob or ass showing. Eric won’t have a problem with this outfit, and even if he did. He can shove it! The man is CONSTANTLY naked or half naked. I say nothing about it. Men! UGH!” I Laughed, “Let’s go.” Reagan said, “Fairies are just handy. It took me an hour and half to get ready. She’s just snapped and you both are ready to go.” Haley said, “Where are you guys going?” Reagan said, “Umm… to the car.” Haley snorted, “Nope! I rarely travel by car these days.” She grabbed our hands and I saw Kevin’s panicked expression before she popped us to the club. Reagan sat down immediately, “Oh… I don’t know if I can drink now.” Haley giggled, “It will pass. The first time is unsettling.” Reagan snorted, “I’m having an out of body experience. It’s more than unsettling.” Haley shrugged. She snapped herself a martini, an old fashioned for me, and clearly waiting for Reagan to feel better before snapping her a drink. My phone went off.

Kincade: Kevin and I are on the way to the club. Try not to get in trouble.

Me: We are currently in Eric’s office. I’m not sure what trouble I could get into

Kincade: Thank the goddess.

        Reagan looked up after several moments, “Ok. I’m good now.” I smiled, “That was faster than me getting over my first experience.” Haley said, “To no one’s surprise, the f*****g troll has been the worst and slowest at getting over popping for the first time.” I laughed remembering that trip. Reagan said, “You willingly took the troll somewhere Haley? From everything Lexi has said, you don’t like him.” Haley smiled, “I loathe him with my entire f*****g being. I popped him and Lexi to the shroud once. I knew it would ruin his whole f*****g day, and that he’d be a giant baby about being disoriented. It was a win win. Lexi made me promise not to leave him in the desert. She denied it at the time, but….it would’ve been hysterical.” I said, “You were far too delighted about the entire thing.” Haley snorted, “I was not delighted ENOUGH about his discomfort. It was glorious, and when I see him again it will feel like a f*****g vacation to him compared to what I will do to him now.” I said, “Yes, are you seriously giving him to Bjourn?” Reagan’s eyes bugged out of her head, “Prince Bjourn? The future king of the Hackura?” Haley said, “Yes, that Bjourn. You can just call him Bjourn. No need to add Prince to it. Lexi, I AM giving the f*****g troll to Bjourn. I already have a bow picked out for his head and everything. I was not kidding about that.” Reagan said, “Lord, I need a drink. I can call a Hackura prince, the crowned prince, by his first name.” Haley said, “What drink do you want? You can call any of my brothers by their name. You are my friend.” Reagan said, “Life goal achieved. Haley Conners is my friend. I’ll have a Midori sour is my drink of choice.” Haley snapped and then stared at Reagan’s drink in fascination.

            Finally Haley said, “Your drink has the wrong name.” I laughed, “People call it Shrek’s piss too.” Reagan said, “HEY!” Haley said, “Shrek? Who is that?! No, those people are wrong too! It’s a Disney villain drink!” Miley and I watched Sleeping Beauty the other day. That should be called Maleficent. She’s always showing up in a cloud of green.” I laughed, “You aren’t wrong. On New Year’s we should get Cassandra to drink them. We are doing something right?” Haley started to crack up laughing, “Yes! We have to spend New Year’s together! It’s tradition. Google says traditions are important.” Reagan said, “Cassandra Conners?” I nodded. Reagan chugged her drink. Haley snapped her a new one. Reagan said, “Spill the tea ladies! I am ready! Isabella hates Cassandra, so my mother hates her too. For literally only that reason.” Haley laughed, “I’m going to start hanging around your pack more then. Cassandra walks on water in mine.” Reagan said, “Oh… do come over anytime. My mother would love you.” I said, “Cassandra’s a b***h, and I’m punching her in the f*****g face the first time I meet her.” Reagan choked on her second drink. Haley said, “You don’t have to do that Lexi.” I said, “I do. No one hurts my little sister on my watch. That’s what big sisters are for.” Reagan said, “That is true. It is. I’d walk over hot coals for my little sister. My little sister says not to mess with me because she’s the crazier younger sibling who can get away with murder.” Haley laughed, “That’s hilarious. We need to invite your little sister out with us. Well, let’s get on the dance floor.” Reagan said, “I don’t think so. Tea was NOT spilled.” Haley conjured a cup of tea and spilled it. I laughed as she said, “Now, can we go dance?” Reagan stared in shock then started laughing. I said, “She means give her the dirt on Cassandra.” I knew I’d made a mistake the moment it left my mouth. 

            Haley frowned, “Cassandra does have a garden. She’s not very good at keeping things alive in it though. I have to use my earth magic to keep it among the living. I keep telling her she should use google.” Reagan laughed, “You’re why her garden is staying alive this time? She SWORE to my mother her green thumb had finally kicked in.” I smiled, “She doesn’t know Haley is the reason it’s alive. Does she, Haley?” Haley sighed, “It makes her happy. It also makes her spend HOURS in the garden. I have no reason to be in the garden.” I laughed, “Does Eric know?” The door opened, “Does Eric know what?” Haley said, “It’s a mini bad ass girl gang night Eric.” Eric kissed her, “Jackson and I will stay in my office.” Haley said, “If past experience is any indication…. that’s just not true.” Jackson said, “So long as people behave themselves…. we will stay in here.” Haley said, “Again… the past indicates this will not happen. How did you know we were here?” Eric said, “I got an alert there was someone in my office. As no one saw anyone walk in….it had to be you Angel. Now, Lexi was wondering if I knew something.” Reagan bit her lip. I said, “I wondered if you knew we were here.” Eric laughed, “You are a skilled liar, but I’m skilled at spotting them. Try again.” Haley said, “It’s fine Lex.” Jackson said, “My Spidey senses are calling bullshit sister-in-law.” Eric groaned, “Really Jackson?” 

            Haley said, “Spidey sense? You mean wolfie senses?” Jackson said “No…” Then sighed, “Actually yes. That’s exactly what I meant.” Haley smiled, “I knew it. Spidey sense would make no sense. You’re a wolf.” Reagan whispered in my ear, “She’s going to say wolfie senses to some werewolf one day, and I hope to GOD I’m in the room when it happens.” I replied back, “Me too.” Jackson winked at both of us. Eric said, “So back to the question of whether or not I know something.” Haley winced, “I’ve…. I’ve been keeping your mother’s garden alive this year.” Eric and Jackson both blinked several times then roared with laughter. Jackson said, “Molly knows. Doesn’t she?” Haley nodded, “Yes, she does.” Eric said, “Angel, that’s so nice of you. You could tell my mom you’re doing it.” Haley said, “Please don’t tell her.” Eric said, “Alright. You know she thinks she’s some master gardener now. She’s giving people tips.” Haley said, “If they are any good at gardening, they will know she’s wrong. I’ve seen her working in her garden…. I’ve googled lots of the stuff she does. It says not to do it.” Jackson couldn’t stop laughing. Eric was trying not to and failing. Haley said, “I told her she should google it. She won’t listen to me. She says she just has an instinct. The only thing I had left to do was save her damn garden was my powers.” Eric said, “Your secret is safe with Jackson and I.” I did not make that promise. I was going to find the right moment to stick that nugget of information up Cassandra’s ass. I knew it would piss her off. Especially since she’d been bragging about her skills. I wanted her to know that the daughter in law she treats like second rate goods is the one actually keeping her stupid precious f*****g garden alive. 

            Reagan said, “Well, I have to run to the restroom. Lexi, come with me.” Haley frowned, “Lexi, do you have to go to the bathroom too?” I laughed, “It’s a thing in this realm Hales. Women go to the bathroom together.” Haley said, “Well… I don’t have to go to the bathroom, so I’ll meet you on the dance floor.” I nodded and Reagan led me to the restroom.  The second we walked inside she checked the stalls to make sure it was empty. Once confirmed she said, “You’re going to tell Cassandra about the garden, aren’t you?” I said, “Absolutely. I will use any and all information to sucker punch that b***h until she realizes she’s not f*****g perfect. She won’t get away with how she treats Haley. It may not be today, tomorrow, or next f*****g month, but Cassandra Conners will be on f*****g notice. No one messes with my little sister.” Reagan said, “What did Cassandra do?” I said, “She treats Haley like crap because Haley doesn’t sweep the fact that Cassandra f****d up under the rug like they all do. I’m pissed because in her own manipulative way Cassandra wants a beaten down version of Haley to surface.” I sighed. Then said, “That’s probably not fair because I saw the broken Haley and she didn’t. f**k being fair though. Haley is who she is, and she shouldn’t have to apologize or hide her feelings. Her family and I have been working so damn hard with her to get her to open up and not push her pain down. Cassandra, in my opinion, wants to undermine all that work we’ve done. Granted it’s in a few specific cases, but that doesn’t really matter to me. She’s a b***h, and she needs to treat Haley better. If I was in Haley’s shoes, I’d have told Eric to throw that b***h out of the house. Haley didn’t. She’s still trying to make it work for everyone. You heard her. She loves the woman for giving birth to her mate.”

            Reagan said, “I think it bothers Haley that she doesn’t really like Cassandra though. I mean she may love her, but she certainly doesn’t like her.” I said, “I agree. She doesn’t. I hate Cassandra for that too. Haley wants to like Eric’s bitchy mother and wants her to like her back. All Haley has ever wanted is acceptance. Especially from mother figures. Her own mother was s**t and claims to have loved her. It’s a shame the fairy queen and Cassandra didn’t get to spend more time together. Their actions towards Haley were similar. The difference is as much as I hate her… Cassandra would do anything for her children.” Reagan said, “Oh she would.” The door opened. Haley said, “So… is going to the bathroom code for… talking?” I laughed, “Sometimes. Ready to dance?” Haley smiled, “Hell yes!” We walked onto the dance floor and I saw both Kincade and Kevin do a double take and wince. Reagan whispered in my ear, “Project Mischief has officially kicked off. The guys started their piece today, and now your shadows are going to tell Chase when you are being flirted with.” A guy walked up to our group with his friends. He singled in on me, “Hey gorgeous. Wanna dance?” I smiled, “Thank you, but no. Girl’s night.” He nodded. “Have a good night then.” He turned to Haley, “Princess Luna.” she smiled, “It’s just Haley.” Reagan said, “How about that? A respectable man.” I laughed. Several guys came up to me throughout our time on the dance floor. Kincade and Kevin were getting visibly nervous. All of Eric and Haley’s pack members were respectable though. They didn’t even get upset when I declined their offers to dance.

            It was at the end of the night that problems started to arise. I declined a dance, and a guy grabbed my waist. He yanked me into his arms. I kneed him in the balls. Haley took an elbow to the back of his neck once he was on his knees. Kincade had him on the floor with a hand behind his back. I frowned when I heard a snap. Kincade had broken his arm. Two men came up to our group, “Kincade, our Alpha sent us to take him to our dungeons. He’s not one of ours.” The guy groaned, “Alpha Conners throws people in his dungeon for asking girls to dance?” The man hauled the guy up, “No, he throws them in the dungeons for not respecting women or the word no.” Another guy yanked me by the arm, “Hey pretty lady. Let’s get out of here. If you catch my drift.” I said, “I do catch your drift and your breath. Lord, you need a tic tac.” I kneed him in the balls too. Kevin broke that guy's arm, and then handed them over to Eric’s guys. Begrudgingly. I told both of them, “I’m fine guys.” I saw Blade appear in front of both guys as they were being led out. He knocked them both out with one punch. “Pathetic.” Blade mouthed to me. I smiled at him. You had to love the man. They nodded. No one approached our group after that. I was not shocked in any way shape or form that now everyone avoided us. We stayed until it was time to close the club down. I hadn’t realized it was so late. It was past two. Eric came out. “You girls certainly drive up drink purchases.” Haley smiled, “We are your good luck drink gals.” Jackson said, “Charms. Good Luck Charms.” Haley said, “There are no charms for good luck. That’s not a thing.” I laughed, “I love you so Haley Conners.” Haley smiled, “I love you too.” Reagan sighed, “I need you to pop me to my car.” She yawned. Haley grabbed her hand and then popped back a few moments later laughing. Eric said, “You didn’t take her to her car, did you?” Haley said, “She was tired. I popped her to her house. Her mate jumped out of bed ready to attack.” Eric snorted, “I’ll bet he did.” Haley smirked, “She hit him on the arm.” Eric said, “She would.” 

            Haley said, “Let’s go back to Eric’s office.” She grabbed my hands and popped us. I laughed, “What’s up?” Haley said, “Text me after you sign your lease. I’ll set the fairy hijinks up in your apartment.” Eric and Jackson came through the door. Eric said, “Why did you pop in here?” Haley smiled, “I was just telling Lexi to let me know when she wanted me to fairy hijinks her apartment up.” Eric laughed, “Which one did she pick?” Haley said, “The condo you and King Arthur liked the best.” Eric smirked, “Good.” My brain was trying to tell me something, but I was too tired to think about it. I yawned. Haley said, “I’ll pop you home.” I said, “No, it’s fine. The two guys outside will have a conniption fit if I’m popped away from them again. They can drive me home.” Haley sighed, “Sounds time consuming and tedious.” I laughed, “It can be.” I hugged her. “I’ll see you later.” Eric said, “Enjoy the apartment.” He winked at me. I bit back a laugh. He was probably my landlord. Eric owned a lot of property around here according to Haley. At least he knows that his things might get damaged. I walked back out and found Kincade and Kevin pacing. “I’m assuming you guys will give me a ride home.” Both were relieved. “I thought you might get popped home.” I laughed “Not without telling you guys.” We filed out and got in the car. Kevin said, “Why didn’t you just come out to tell us the Princess was popping you home?” I sighed, “Chase is probably at my house.” Kincade said, “He is absolutely at your house.” I said, “Haley doesn’t officially know we’ve met.” 

            Everyone was silent. Kevin said, “Officially?” I said, “She basically told me earlier she knows without telling me she knows. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this from her officially. I feel bad every time I see her. She’s just so damn understanding about me not telling her. Somehow that makes me feel guiltier about the whole thing.” Kincade said, “You have to do what you feel is right.” I said, “I’m not ready to leave our bubble yet. I might have to tell Haley about Chase and me before I am ready to leave it though. She’ll respect my wishes about everything. I just need to think about it.” Kevin said, “Nothing wrong with that. As you said the Princess isn’t mad.” I smiled, “No, Haley’s all about people doing things in their own time. She believes everyone’s story is their own to tell when they want to tell it.” Kincade said, “That’s kind of beautiful.” I said, “Yes, it really is. She’s wise beyond her years.” Kevin said, “I have a question.” I smiled, “I have an answer.” Kevin said, “My dad said he overheard a rumor that you don’t like Cassandra Conners.” I rolled my eyes, “I have talked about that b***h entirely too much tonight. It’s not a rumor. I don’t like her.” Kincade snorted, “If and when you meet her give us some signal when things are about to go down. We might have to have you run away with your super speed.” I said, “I’m not running from her. I can take her.” Kevin said, “It’s not her that we worry about.” I said, “If the men know what’s best…. they will take a seat while the women figure it out.” Kincade said, “It’s usually done in reverse. The men fight it out while women go for psychological warfare.” I said, “I can do both. In this case…. a reality check is needed. I don’t think it will get done without a punch or two to the face.” Kincade snorted, “On that note. You are home.” I smiled, “Thank you boys. Sorry I kept you out so late.” Both shrugged. I walked into my house. I couldn’t help but smile for a few moments at Chase sleeping in my bed. I took my dress off and slid into bed with him. His arms immediately reached for me. I would never get tired of that. I fell asleep moments later.

            I could hear growling. I opened my eyes and reached over to Chase’s side of the bed. It was still warm, but he wasn’t there. I looked around. He was holding my dress my last night in his hands. He was smelling it? It was too early for this. I needed coffee to dissect the scene in front of me. I said his name, and he was on me seconds later. It was all clear to me the instant he said mine. Oh for god’s sake. He could smell the two guys who’d grabbed me on my dress? I was going to have to start getting my clothes dry cleaned if that’s how good his sense of smell was. Chase didn’t seem to have control of himself until several hours later. Nadine’s words were running through my head about how Chase was denying himself. Was this all too hard for him? Should I just ask him to mark me now? I didn’t want him to feel so out of control of himself. That wasn’t fair. I thought about this while we were in the shower, and when we walked outside. Chase was still brooding. He shifted and took off. I got into the backseat. Kincade shot me a look. I gave him the address to the apartment’s front office. “I have a meeting here first thing. If we could head, there instead of my office that would be great.” Kincade nodded. I asked, “Is it really hard for Chase not to mark me? He… seemed really upset this morning.” Kevin sighed, “It would be hard for any wolf. For an Alpha…. Yes, what he’s doing is hard. He’s likely to be a bit of an emotional roller coaster until he does mark you.”