The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Past Mark Pt. 2

       Cameron laughed, “I mean you’re not a wolf, but I can tell you are something.” I laughed. The amount of people that asked me that. We weren’t allowed to tell anyone. Only if our string wasn’t in the hood could we eventually bring them in and tell them who we were. “A girl has to have some mystery about her.” Cameron smirked, “I suppose they do. It was very interesting meeting you Lexi Scott. I do hope to see more of you.” I smiled, “I’m sure you will. At least through the weekend.” Cameron laughed, “I anticipate our party planning needs may have us in your realm of planning more often than you think.” I smiled, “Planning to be the party pack?” Cameron said, “Something like that.” A man walked up, and Cameron sighed, “I have to go, I have a phone call.” I smiled, “If I don’t see you before I leave, you have a lovely home and mate.” Cameron smiled, “Thank you. My Reagan is something.” He left and I felt a pang in my heart. I wasn’t anyone’s. Well… evidently, I was. He was out there. With some situation Haley was trying to handle. I sighed. Could my life ever be simple?

         Sally and Reagan came over, “Earth to Lexi.” Sally laughed. I smiled, “I’m just thinking. Let’s go tour the area we want to set up in.” They both nodded. Sally said, “I’m going to get to know these guys. Some are willing to work some hours on a contract basis if I need the help. Isn’t that great?” I smiled, “That is great Sally. You have fun in your domain.” Sally laughed. Leaving Reagan and I to walk around. “So what’s your story? Keep in mind, I have excellent hearing and I heard what my husband said.” I laughed, “Then you know more about me than most. Something about your husband tells me he’s trustworthy.” Reagan smiled, “He is the best.” I laughed, “Does he have a brother? My taste in men sucks.” Reagan smiled, “He has a brother. Actually you two would make a striking couple.” I smiled, “I’ll let you know if I’m up for that. My heart took a hit a few years back, and I’ve had… a hard time getting back out there.” Reagan smiled, “I’m lucky. I always had a crush on Cameron. Ever since we were little. I went on a few dates in high school. It gave me a little thrill how jealous Cameron would be about it, but I never dated anyone seriously. He smelled me when I shifted for a joy run on my eighteenth birthday. Our first shift is at sixteen, but my wolf was itching for a run that night. He followed me and caught me pretty quickly. He is an Alpha after all. The rest they say is history.” I smiled, “I thought I had that guy. My forever guy, but he broke my heart. He humiliated me in front of everyone I was close with.” Reagan frowned, “Sally said that guy... Your ex is her… what we call mates. I’m curious what YOU all call them.” 

        I laughed, “We don’t talk about what we call them. Sally is the best, and that guy is her what you would call a mate.” Reagan frowned, “I don’t think I like the sound of this guy. I like you quite a bit… surprisingly and I like Sally too. She’s a rare one.” I smiled, “She is. Brightest soul I know, and somehow still innocent.” I believed that too. Despite what Noah was putting her through; Sally had an innocence about her. Not the doe eyed innocence she used to have, but an innocence, nonetheless. I felt really comfortable with Reagan and here in this pack. It was the only explanation for my next sentence, “I hate what he’s doing to her. I wish he would just move on and forget about me.” Reagan said, “Have you forgot about him?” I smiled, “Forgot what he did? No and I never will. You can’t forgive someone who doesn’t ask for it, but even if he does. I’ll remember how cruel he was for the rest of my life. Am I over him? Without question. I gave myself space. Sometimes continents of space.” Reagan laughed, “World traveler, huh?” I smiled, “I’ve been in some pretty cool places. Taking a bit of break for the moment. My schedule does get crazy, but I’ll let my partner Ted know that if you have a party, we will help out.” Reagan smiled, “Thank you, Lexi. I just have this feeling we were meant to be friends.” I laughed, “I have that feeling too. I’ve got a thing with some friends later, but what about we have dinner tomorrow night.”

        Reagan smiled, “I’d like that.” I smiled, “You have my number just text me a place in the area. I don’t actually know much of what is around.” Reagan smiled, “Oh I have just the place, and it’s not far from the hotel you work in. My brother-in-law actually owns it.” I laughed, “Hey… no setups.” Reagan smiled, “Not just yet. I just miss it; the food is amazing. It’s not far from here, but I used to go there once a week. We’ve been so busy here; I haven’t managed to make it there since we moved. Showing it to the new girl though, is a great reason to make the time.” I smiled, “Appreciate it.” Reagan said, “Sally would be welcome too.” I rolled my eyes, “Noah would probably accuse me of keeping her from him, but I’ll invite her. If I managed to tear her away from your kitchen.” Reagan laughed, “Lord knows I don’t use it. Our kitchen staff adores it in there though. Me… couldn’t cook my way out of a paper bag.” I laughed, “I can make a few dishes, but I’m not the best. Sally is.” We both laughed and headed back inside. 

         I looked at my phone to check the time, “Sally, we’ve got to get moving.” Sally smiled, “Ah yes, the Disney World trip.” Reagan said, “You’re going to Disney World?” I smiled, “Via a fairy or Hackura portal.” Reagan gulped, “Wow… just wow. That’s so cool.” I smile, “Beats flying.'' Reagan laughed, “I’ll just bet it does. See you tomorrow night! I’ll text you details tomorrow after I get our reservation.” I smiled and waved. We got in the car. “You’re invited tomorrow night by the way. We are going to grab dinner.” Sally smiled sadly, “Aww, I’d love to, but Noah has some date set up for us. Is it bad I would prefer to go with you guys?” I said, “Not bad. Telling, but not bad.” Sally sighed, “I suppose it is telling.” I barely made it back to the office when a portal opened. I said, “Bye Ted.” Ted said, “Uh… FABULOUS! Remember!” I laughed, “I could never forget about you TeleTed.” Ted snorted, “Best believe you can’t forget about me, girl.” Astrid reached a hand through the portal and pulled me through. I ran back to grab my BA mask out of my desk. Astrid said, “You look like a business professional. Let’s grab you some fun clothes. I put my mask on which immediately made my hair blonde. You had to love magic, and Haley. She was good. She’d enchanted my mask to give me blonde hair whenever I had it on.

        Astrid grabbed me a black skintight t-shirt and some black shorts. I threw them on, and we stepped through another portal. We walked over and met the girls. Haley had gone all out. She was bouncing off the walls excited about the Disney princess makeovers. “She’s going to let someone touch her?” Astrid said, “Probably not. She’ll probably do her own.” I laughed, “I bet you she picks princess Ariel.” Astrid said, “Do I look like an i***t to you? She’s been all about Ariel since she watched it and found out they have the same color of hair.” I laughed, “I think she identifies with more than the hair. Ariel wants to belong, and so does our little Haley.” Astrid smiled, “She’s starting to see that she does. She’s accepted that all her brother’s mates feel like she’s our sister. Well, Katie and her are becoming fast friends not quite sisters, but Katie is new to the group.” I smiled, “I can’t believe Logan found his mate.” Astrid smiled, “Yours is out there.” I saw Haley laughing with Emmaline. Astrid had no idea. I could find him with a simple word to Haley. I really did just want to see how it all happened without being told his name. Knowing he was out there, and probably close made my heartbeat pick up. He had to know I was too. Maybe he was looking for me. I blushed at the thought.

         Emmaline wanted to know who I was going to dress as for my princess pick. I couldn’t stop my knowing glance and laugh with Astrid when Haley said she was going to be Ariel. She wanted to wear a seashell bra and freak out Eric. “Those two have to be like bunnies. They went at it all night and morning before she came to see me. Now she’s setting up to work him for a repeat performance tonight.” Astrid laughed, “They are like bunnies. It’s weird, since it’s Haley who wouldn’t let anyone touch her, but it’s nice. More than nice. I love seeing her so confident and happy.” I smiled, “Me too. And her cousin is such a sweet soul.” Astrid smiled, “That she is.” Emmaline asked Astrid and I what we were going to be. I wanted to be Jasmine. She was my favorite princess. She never took s**t from anyone. Astrid smiled as we got section off together. Gunner joined us, “How’s your friend BA? … I think his name is Ted.” I laughed, “Ted would be thrilled if you so much as glanced in his direction Harper’s boytoy lover.” Harper hissed and kissed Gunner hard on the mouth. “Gunner is currently taken by me. It’s my off period with Calista. He’s mine.” Gunner laughed and patted him in the shoulder, “Down boy. Ted isn’t my type, but he’s a fun guy.” Harper glanced sharply over at Haley’s group.

         I looked around, but didn’t sense danger, “Harper? Is everything ok?” I asked him. Gunner smiled, “Haley’s just sharing some experience with the other two girls. Harper here isn’t used to Haley sharing too much of herself.” I smiled, “I’m just so happy to see her this way. I didn’t think we’d ever get here.” Harper said, “Thank you! Someone who sees it my way. Isn’t it f*****g weird she’d riding Eric’s magic d**k every five seconds?” I spit out my drink, “WHAT?” Gunner laughed, “Oh he calls his brother-in-law d**k magic. You know… like a normal brother-in-law.” I gaped, “Tell me you didn’t f**k her husband and mate!” Harper laughed, “Oh I would’ve if I’d seen him first on an off period, but alas no… I will never ride the magic d**k of Alpha Eric Conners.” He turned and kissed Gunner again. “Which is more than fine, because I’ve got all the man I need right here.” Gunner laughed, “Good save.” I turned back around and saw Haley’s outfit when she stood, “Oh… boy. Her wolf is going to lose it.” Harper turned and laughed. “Gunner we are staying with them tonight. This is going to be epic.” Gunner said, “No arguments from me.” 

       Once we were all ready Haley and Gunner teased each other. I don’t know if those two would admit they were just like siblings. Their relationship was very cute and innocent. We began to go all around riding the rides. Haley practically dragged me on the magic carpet ride. Then she rode with me and sang the song a whole new world making me do the duet with her. She had me laughing so hard I had tears pouring out of my eyes. Gunner and Harper literally faded in the background when we got to it's a small world. Leaving Blade to guard Haley. Astrid and I had tears coming out of eyes as he piled into the teacup with Haley and Emmaline. Astrid said, “Only Haley… could get Blade on this ride.” I said, “Only his sense of duty to protect her could get him on this ride.” Astrid said, “I’ll have to bring the kids here with Bjourn. Haley was right. This is a fun place.” I laughed, “How are your kids? Gosh… I’m going to get this wrong, but you have seven right, now right? Hastein, Hugo, Arvid, Louis, Alvin, Gabe, and I’m drawing a blank. Astrid laughed, “You did pretty good. We do have seven. Bjourn wants to talk about going for number eight. You only missed our youngest, Brenton.” I smiled, “I don’t know why I always forget him.” Astrid smiled, “He’s only three, and he hands out with Cayden most of the time.” I smiled, “Your brother’s oldest child, right?” Astrid smiled, “Yes, Cayden will one day be the commander of the Hackura army. Just like his daddy.” We stayed in the park a bit longer before all the girls said goodbye to each other. Haley squeezed me extra tight before popping away with Emmaline.

        Astrid and I ran into a shop before she took me back. I had to get Ted a present. I ended up getting him a stitch adult onesie. I knew he’d love it. He cried and laughed about that damn movie all the time. Astrid quickly opened a portal, and I was back in my office. I took my mask and placed it on my desk. My hair went back to black. Ted opened the door, “Thought I heard you. OH MY GOD! You got a Disney princess makeover. WITHOUT ME!” I smiled, “I can get appointments for us. It was fun.” Ted said, “Well, I think you have to go around the rest of the evening wearing that.” I laughed, “If you wear your gift, I’ll stay in mine.” Ted clapped, “OHHH gimme, gimme, gimme!” I handed him the bag, and he pulled out the outfit. He laughed, “Well, when I said fabulous you just had to deliver. Didn’t you?” I smiled, “I aim to please, Ted.” Ted laughed, “You just have all the puns now, don’t you?” I smirked, “Can’t help it.” Ted said, “Well let me go put this on then you and I are taking a walk.” Ted stepped out then came back. I laughed, “Shouldn’t we go over what’s happened while I was gone.” Ted waved his hands. People need to see us in all of our amazingness.” I laughed and we walked outside. We got lots of compliments as we walked around. I gave Ted a signal to split up. We were being followed. Ted met my nod, and we went different ways. Not that we were even remotely hard to spot right now. Ted and I had a plan for things like this though. We were going to lure them behind the hotel. It was secluded, and if a fight needed to happen that’s where we wanted it to be.

        We circled each other and met at our spot. “Collete.” I knew my eyes got wide as Ted stared into mine. I turned, “Henrick. You are a long way from home.” Henrick smiled and two of his closest friends and three bodyguards stepped into view.” Henrick said, “I just heard this was a lovely place.” I frowned, “You heard Tennessee was a lovely place, and you just had to come out to see it?” Henrick said, “You know. I my IT people detected a hack a few weeks back, then you just up and disappear Collete.” I frowned, “I didn’t disappear. I was placed with your company for a designated period of time. I extended my contract because we were having some fun. You wanted to end the fun. I don’t even know about computers. I am a temp. I file things, Henrick.” Henrick looked me up and down, “Don’t you look good enough to eat. Playing as a Princess for the day?” I said, “I had a party with some friends.” Henrick smiled, “Ahh so you work for the party planner in this area?” I said, “I did some contract work. Dressing as a Princess.” Henrick smiled, “You’re coming with me Collete. I want answers, and you… my dear… are going to sing for me. I don’t like being lied to.” I said, “Henrick, is this about Raphael?” His friends twitched and Henrick’s face grew red. I sighed, “Look, I’m sorry that you wanted me to pine over you like all the other girls, but that’s just not me. I told you that when we got together. Tracking me down is a HUGE breach of violation of my contract with the temp agency. Leave before you make this worse.”

       Ted sighed, “We are going to have contact Mr. Jones about this. You know how he gets Collete, and you’re  his favorite.” Henrick’s face was contorting in rage. He took a step towards me, and growls filled the air. We all stopped. Ted said, “Ohhh sounds like the big bad wolf is out with his pack.” A faint smell of sandalwood hit me. A bodyguard stepped towards Ted. Ted took up a fighting stance when the loudest snarl of anger I’d ever heard pierced the air. A giant brown wolf attacked the bodyguard ripping him to shreds in seconds. Ted muttered something I couldn't make out. Ted and I turned to each other in shock. I quickly grabbed Ted; he wasn’t a fighter. “RUN!” “Come with me!” He yelled. “NOT the time for this argument.” I yelled. We were surrounded by three wolves. The sandalwood smell was getting stronger. “You come with me, or I stay out here with you.” I hissed and we both took off for the hotel. A wolf whined behind us, and I had to drag Ted to our office. We were both breathing heavily. We got to our office window to see four wolves ripping Henrick and his men to shreds. The black wolf caught my eyes, he hadn’t been there when we’d ran away. “He’s beautiful.” I whispered. Ted said, “Yes, he is.” The black wolf dragged Henrick off into the tree line where we couldn’t see. I turned to see Ted staring at the brown wolf. “I was talking about the black wolf, but you appear to be talking about a different one.” Ted looked away from the window, “Did you see him? He went all hulking wolf ripped a man to shreds. GOD, I have never been turned on more in my entire life. I’m going to go take a cold shower at home.” I laughed, “Don’t lie to me Ted.” Ted snorted, “Fine, I’m going to see if I can FIND the brown wolf and convince him to join me for a warm shower. He got all dirty ripping a man to shreds for me. It’s the least I can do to clean him up.” 

      I laughed, “Don’t get eaten by a wolf Ted.” Ted rolled his eyes, “If they wanted to eat us, they would’ve jumped on us not Henrick’s men. They were protecting us. Seems Henrick got the attention of werewolves somehow. Why don’t we keep this to ourselves, Lex?” I looked at Ted astonished, “I should tell Heath.” Ted said, “You should keep it to yourself and figure out what the hell is going on. First you have a s**t alias, and now an old mark shows up. Something is going on Lex. There’s a leak, and you don’t need to feed it. Keep this between us for now.” I gulped. Noah flashed in my mind. Was he really trying to get me killed? Ted said, “Later, you will have to tell me about that look Lex. I know that you’ve been holding something back since your breakup with Noah. I know I’m TeleTed, but I can keep secrets, Lex.” I studied him. This was the most serious I had seen Ted in a long time. I whispered, “Ok. This incident stays between us.” Ted went back to playful Ted, “Now… I’m off to find a wolf about a rumble in sack.” I looked out the window, “How are you going to find him?” I turned back around but Ted was already gone. I saw a blur go into the forest. Apparently, he planned to chase the damn wolf. If he got eaten, I’d have to kick his ass then kill a wolf. I’d rather not fight with the wolves. That could cause problems for Haley, and I really liked Reagan. Wait! I wonder if these were wolves from Cameron’s pack. 

        I picked up my phone, “Hello, Lexi? Is everything ok?” I sighed, “Hey, sorry to call out of the blue like this. Is now a good time?” Reagan snorted, “Cameron has run off doing goddess knows what after my brother-in-law called him. So I have plenty of time.” I smiled, “You know… I might have seen your brother then. My colleague and I were ambushed. We had it handled but these wolves jumped out of nowhere to defend us. There was a brown wolf, a big black wolf and two blonde ones. I… I know they were probably on border patrol, and we really did have it handled, but…. I appreciate the lookout. My partner can fight, but he’s more of a lover.” Reagan was quiet for several moments, “My husband is a black wolf, but all Alpha’s are. I’ll have to ask Cameron if he was out there. You are very close to my brothers-in-law territory. They could’ve been out. I’m glad you are ok.” I laughed, “I will admit I panicked for a brief moment because I’ve not yet fought with wolves. Plus having Ted out there with me was not ideal. I’d protect him with my life.” Reagan laughed, “I can’t wait to meet this Ted of yours. We still on for dinner?” I smiled, “Definitely. Thank you again for the help.” Reagan said, “We are always willing to help out our friends.” 

       I hung up the phone. If I’d have had my bow, the wolves tearing people to shreds wouldn’t have been needed. I was good at hand-to-hand combat too though. This did highlight that I needed to make sure to put a weapon out in Ted and I’s spot. I’d put a gun out there for Ted. I would not be caught unaware again. My body was humming. I had anticipated a fight then I didn't get one. While I knew I’d made the right call, having Ted and I flee. The wolves handled it, and Henrick would’ve gone after Ted first. I would never let one of my marks hurt those I cared about. Ted might have to join Sally in her self-defense class. I looked up one near here that had classes on Wednesday’s at ten in the morning. I made a note for Ted to put that on Sally and I’s calendar. I’d talk to him tomorrow about joining her. I sent a text to Haley asking her to use her fairy magic to conceal weapons in the space behind the hotel. She’d agreed and said it was a good tactic. I sighed in relief. I didn’t want Haley to find out about this. Combined with the bad alias, she’d be out for blood asking questions later. I couldn’t go at this with my emotions. I needed to carefully try to piece this together. For Sally and Heath, I couldn’t accuse Noah with no evidence. If this was Noah, Heath would have no choice but to kill him. I didn’t want that.  A part of me argued that I did. I wanted Noah gone from my life and Sally’s. I just needed to be sure, not a hunch.

         I sighed and gathered my stuff. Someone was still following me. Did Henrick bring more men? I sighed. No, the wolves would’ve smelled them. It hit me. Now the wolves were probably making sure I was ok. I still had to lose them. They wouldn't understand why my car and I just disappeared. It took longer to shake them than the other night, but I managed. If wolves were going to start following me, I’d have to start running to work. They couldn’t keep up with me. I dreamed about the black wolf that night. He was defending me, but instead of running I fought with him. He let me pet his fur. Then he knelt down. I laughed knowing he wanted me to get on his back. We ran like that for what felt like hours. He looked into my eyes. I just knew he wanted to shift into his human form for me. I smiled and nodded. He stepped back and my alarm blaring woke me up with a jolt. I frowned. I wanted to know what the black wolf looked like in human form. GOD Lexi. It was a dream. I got up and called a flower shop to send flowers to Alpha Cameron’s pack with a note thanking them for their assistance. I could’ve handled it but again the Ted factor of it all made me grateful. Henrick going missing could cause a problem, but more than likely his office would close ranks and replace him without a fuss. Ted’s threat about Mr. Jones wasn’t wrong. Mr. Jones was a supernatural recruiter. He ran his business with an iron fist. If I had been caught hacking Henrick’s system while on the job, Mr. Jones would’ve done nothing. Now though, it came off as a jealous ex-lover. Mr. Jones knew I had many names, and that was a member of the hood. He allowed us in places, but never helped if we got caught while on the job. It was a rule.