The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Truth Comes Out Pt. 1

        Chase was on edge before he demanded answers from Lexi about her new apartment. I smelled Kevin and Kincade coming down the hall. Secretly I was thrilled. Finally, here was a target for my anger. Both Kincade and Kevin were surprised to see me standing there. I asked what they hell they’d been doing. I gave them direct orders to guard Lexi. Matt linked me, “Chase…. this isn’t their fault.” I growled, “I didn’t ask them to sit around with their thumb up their ass! I ORDERED them to guard her. She’s their future Luna! They had no f*****g clue she’d signed a lease.” Lexi immediately defended her guards which only stoked my anger. Kincade linked me, “We thought she had a meeting about an event. She got out of the car before we could ask why we were here.” I growled, “How did she get up here without you knowing?” Kincade said, “They went out the backdoor of the office. I should’ve had Kevin on it. It won’t happen again.” I growled, “No, it won’t.” Lexi explained to Kincade she signed a six month lease. Matt said, “I did have that detail, but in your rage infused state I hadn’t given it to you yet. At least…. it’s not a year lease.” I growled, “I planned to have her in the main house at our new pack house in March.” Matt said, “You do own this building Chase. You could let her out of her lease should she want to move in.” I said, “And if she doesn’t?” Matt sighed, “I inserted my own foot in my mouth with that one. I take full responsibility for that. I walked right into it.” I couldn’t argue with him there. He did. It wasn’t anything I wasn’t thinking though. 

            I turned to Lexi and pinned her with a look. I stepped up to her close enough I could feel her breath on my face. I asked her why in god’s name she would have this place with Noah on the loose. She should be staying in her home where he can’t get her. I linked Derrick, “Did Sally get an apartment too?” Derrick growled, “She better not have.” I linked Ted, “Did you or Sally get an apartment too?” Ted looked startled, “Still weird you can do that. No, we didn’t.” Lexi told me this apartment was part of a plan. Part of me relaxed part of me was worried the plan was to leave me behind. Bolt took over asking what plan. Matt linked me, “Bolt...Ted said this has nothing to do with her leaving you. Let Chase take back over.” Bolt let me take back over as Ted told Lexi to talk faster. It wasn’t really relevant at this point how quickly she spoke. Lexi invited everyone to sit down. THAT was the hood’s version of talking faster? I linked Matt, “SERIOUSLY?” Matt linked back, “I’m sitting down. I wish she had whiskey here. I’d have one of those too. We need a fairy. This entire situation settles it. If there was a fairy here, I could have a whiskey on the rocks snapped to me.” I told Lexi I didn’t want to sit down as everyone but Kevin, Kincade, and I took a seat. Lexi was focused on Matt and Ted’s interaction, so I brought her attention back to me asking about her plan. She said she’d asked the vampire king and his second to come up with a plan. A VAMPIRE? I linked Matt, “GET A f*****g MEEITNG WITH THE GODDAMN VAMPIRE KING FOR TONIGHT!” Matt sighed, “Ironically, I have an email from his day person…. about that exact thing. He must have known you’d want to meet.” I growled, “f*****g vampires.” 

            Lexi pointed out they have a reason to help. Susanna. I told her to keep talking. I linked Derrick and Matt, “They have a reason to help Susanna. Susanna is not in danger from this plan.” Lexi said this was a plan no one in our group would’ve come up with. Including her brother. No f*****g duh Heath wouldn’t have come up with this plan. Lexi’s ass was in a sling in this plan. If anything went wrong…. she’d pay the price, and so would I. I linked Matt, “Who are the other tenants of this building?” Matt said, “Already getting that information.” Matt spoke up saying Vampires and demons lived in this building. Of course the vampire king had demon friends. They probably owed him favors. Lexi went through the plan. They were going to have Haley do her thing on a smaller scale here so Noah could be confident he was successful. Derrick linked, “It’s smart. They couldn’t have all the bells and whistles they have at her house. It is in a field. This is in the open.” I said, “Do NOT compliment this psychotic putting my mate in the line of fire stupid ass plan.” Derrick frowned but said nothing. I tried to reason with Lexi saying this could be how Noah gets her. Maybe this is why I had to mark her because if I didn’t…. Noah would have her because of this stupid ass apartment. Lexi said I’d be here when she stayed in this apartment. I snorted. She wouldn’t stay here alone if I couldn’t be here someone would. I linked Matt, “Do we have an available unit open in this building?” Matt said, “It’s the show unit.” I said, “Not anymore.” 

            Matt sighed, “Who’s moving in?” I said, “It will be for guards, and anyone else I want it to be.” Matt said, “Ok then.” Lexi said Kincade and Kevin had to stay away from the windows. Anger filled me. The thought of Lexi walking around her place and someone watching her made me see red. Matt linked, “Chase, he would stake out the place. You know that.” I growled, “He’d love to see her naked, and you know it.” Matt winced. Lexi voiced the same thing Matt did. I yelled at everyone to get out. They flew from the room as if they had wings. All but Ted. Who looked resolute. I linked Matt, “You seem to have missed your mate didn’t leave with you.” Matt came back, but Ted didn’t move until Lexi told him to. Matt said, “He doesn’t mean any disrespect.” I said, “He’s worried about his friend. It’s fine.” Matt snorted, “Because his friend is your mate.” I said, “Do you REALLY want to quibble over the reason?” Matt said, “Nope, see ya later.” I turned my attention to Lexi. I told her how much I hated this plan. Lexi said she was tired of being behind. She thought that if she didn’t get ahead of the dead mother fucker, he’d trap her in some life she didn’t want. I would never let that happen. She was mine. I would cut him to pieces if he put his hands on her. Marked or not…. My allies would stand by me because Alpha Eric Conners would. No one would argue with him. Or maybe someone would, and I could kill them. Killing someone sounded like a good idea just about now. Quite possibly a vampire or five.

            I told Lexi to include me in her plan next time. I didn’t care that I wouldn’t like it, or that I’d argue. I should’ve been there to say this was dangerous and come up with my own protection plan. Now I was behind. I told her that Kevin and Kincade also needed the facts. This plan put their protection detail into a more dangerous category. Not that they’d mind. They both loved danger. All wolves do, but they should at least know it was more dangerous. Walking in blind never really helped anyone. I told her I’d lose my mind without the facts. She startled me by asking if I was losing my mind. Did she consider this losing my mind? I was being rather calm about this. I didn’t even put Kincade or Kevin through a wall for not being with her. She’d just walked away, and they’d had no clue. I’d strongly considered it, but I didn’t do it. I wasn’t losing it. I was angrier than normal, but I wasn’t losing it. Lexi said people had started telling her about me not marking her being hard for me. Of course they had. They wanted me to mark her. The pack wanted their Luna, and they didn’t want to deal with an angry Alpha. I was only going to be calm in Lexi’s presence. Little things would set me off. Honestly, I didn’t know how much longer I could hold out. I took a deep breath and told her that. I wanted her to know. I wasn’t going to lose her. I loved her with everything in me, and I wasn’t a good enough man to let her go. Lexi surprised me saying she was thinking about our getaway. Bolt said, “Told ya so.” I said, “Shut up mutt.” Bolt snorted, “Insulting.” I told Lexi we were on the same page then. Lexi told me that’s what she and Bolt talked about when he took over and locked me out.

            I linked Bolt, “Now you deserve the mutt comment. You could’ve told me you both had a plan.” Bolt said, “Fair is fair. You have been denying me the chance to mark her since we met.” I said, “Touché Bolt. Touché.” Lexi said that she wanted to enjoy the whole process. I’m sure Ted had told her things about marking. I couldn’t stop my glance down to her marking spot. Soon my mark would be there forever. My d**k twitched desperately wanting to bury itself in her. I was about to act on that when someone knocked on the door. I. was. Going. To. kill. The. cockblocking. Son. of. A. b***h. I could smell it was Matt. I yanked the door open and asked what he wanted. Matt said we had a meeting. He could cancel it. His job was to move my schedule around when I wanted it done. Lexi’s hands on my back instantly cooled my temper. She told me to go to my meeting. She said we could meet at her place or mine. I wanted to do mine. Matt made a comment about that. I linked him, “I swear to god if you say one word about soundproofing and cockblock me in my own home after cockblocking me now…. I’ll find something for you to do at nights besides your mate until you're ready to combust.” Matt’s jaw dropped, but he said nothing else. I kissed Lexi. She held up her finger to Matt and shut the door in his face. Mat linked me, “I can still hear you both. She does know that right? Closing the door in my face is a little harsh. It’s also pointless.” Lexi said she thought I’d be happier. Happier I was about to have s*x and Matt knocked on the damn door? Or her crazy insane vampire made up plan to use my reason for breathing as bait. I asked her to clarify, and she said about marking her. Matt linked me, “Marking her? Are you going to mark her? Oh thank god.” I ignored him and told her I was very happy about that. Lexi smiled and told me to try not to bite everyone’s head off. I agreed and Matt said, “I love her. She needs to move into the main house. Tomorrow.” I linked back, “You are my best friend and I love you but…. shut up.” Lexi opened the door and Matt thanked her. I kissed her again and we left. 

            I linked Kevin and Kincade, “If she’s out of your sight or smelling distance again today… you will not like what follows. Are we clear?” Both replied, “Yes Alpha.” We left and I slammed my car door shut. Matt said, “You did promise your mate not to bite anyone’s head off.” I growled, “Who is our meeting with that you refused to cancel?” Matt said, “Alpha Conners. So if you could get into a mood that won’t result in him punching you in the face…. that would be great.” I growled and we drove the rest of the way in silence. Derrick said, “Maybe we should just cancel.” Matt said, “Right, let’s reschedule it for after you mark Lexi. I did hear her say she’d agreed. When is that happening? Goddess please let it be soon.” Derrick said, “She did? Sally said that would be a big deal for her but thank the goddess.” I said, “I’m marking her on our getaway. You can’t reschedule the meeting by the way. That’s his damn car in our driveway.” Matt said, “I will never understand why he drives now.” I growled, “His wife is probably at Lexi’s.” Derrick said, “That’s...apparently true according to Kincade and Kevin.” I took a deep breath and walked into my office. Alpha Conners was smirking at me from the moment he laid eyes on me. Matt said, “I don’t like this. Not one bit”

            Matt said, “Jackson.” Alpha Jackson smiled, “Matt.” I said, “What’s this meeting for?” Alpha Eric said, “Oh, just a heads up.” I said, “About?” Jackson was trying not to laugh. Alpha Eric said, “A friend of my wife’s just signed a lease in your territory.” Matt linked, “Shit.” Derrick said, “Ditto.” I said, “And?” Alpha Eric raised an eyebrow, “I don’t want anything to happen to my wife’s friend. It’s a bit of a trap they are baiting. As you know… all traps present some danger. I also wanted you to know some things may be going down in your area. Haley’s friend has been living here, but now she lives in a building you own in the open.” Alpha Eric and I stared at each other. Finally I said, “I take care of those in my area. Alpha Eric. I appreciate the heads up. Matt can look into the property and the tenant.” Alpha Eric smiled, “Oh you have men on her already. I’ve seen them at my club. Kincade, you know, your lead warrior and his brother. I believe I heard the reason is for the peace of mind for you Beta Male. I told Jackson here how odd I found it that you are using your lead warrior for your Beta Male’s peace of mind, but he is unmated at the moment. He can spend the night away from the pack house.” My throat tightened, “This is about Lexi Scott then.” Alpha Eric smiled, “It is.” I said, “Why didn’t you just have her pick an apartment in your territory?” Alpha Jackson actually laughed. Alpha Eric said, “I think we both know I’m not acknowledging the reason behind my motives on that one. And NONE of you better say anything that would confirm the thing I don’t want to know.” I said, “Why didn’t you convince your wife or her friend this was a dangerous plan?” Alpha Eric said, “Because it’s smart.” I said, “And if it was your wife that was going through with this plan. Would you have let it happen?” Alpha Jackson stopped laughing. Matt linked me, “Why? Dear god man WHY?”

            Alpha Eric said, “I would not let anything happen to my wife’s friends. Haley feels very deeply, and something happening to her friend would devastate her. I don’t appreciate the insinuation Alpha Chase. I can’t stop my mate from doing the things she feels are necessary. Would I like the plan? No. Would I stop her? Let me know when you figure out how to stop a fairy from doing what they want. Hell, let me know if you figure out a way to stop woman in general.” I said, “I’ve seen the two of you together. If anyone could stop Haley, it would be you.” Alpha Eric said, “At what cost? Haley is who she is. I would make DAMN sure she was as safe as possible. We are all in interesting positions right now Alpha Chase. I know things I won’t confirm which is not normal for me. I’m doing it for you and my wife.” I said, “And if your wife knows what you're trying not to confirm... What then?” Alpha Jackson raised an eyebrow. Alpha Eric evaluated me for several moments. He said, “You think she does.” Matt linked, “Will you SHUT UP!” I said, “I don’t know. As you said we are all doing a tap dance right now. I think based on things I’ve heard… she does.” Alpha Eric said, “Well, that would be interesting. I’d ask her, but then she’d ask what I know. Which is nothing, because officially... I know nothing.” I said, “Honestly, on any given day anymore I feel like I know nothing.” Alpha Eric frowned, “If you are doing what I think you’re doing….it can’t be easy for you Alpha Chase. Eventually…. you’ll have to do one of two things.” I tensed. He meant reject or mark Lexi. My eyes burned with anger from the mere thought of rejecting her. I said with conviction, “I’d never do one of those things.” Alpha Eric said, “That’s probably good unless you want my wife to curse you in some creative way. Lucas and Beta Dylan have a tattoo on their ass that pink and sparkly to remind them my wife is not one to cross. And she likes them.”

            I gaped, “WHAT?” Alpha Jackson started laughing again. He said, “It’s hilarious.” I looked at Matt. I asked, “Why don’t I know this?” Matt said, “We’ve had a lot going on.” I said, “With all the other crap you tell me…. you don’t mention there’s an Alpha and Beta walking around with sparkly pink tattoos on their asses? What does the tattoo say?” Matt said, “It says I speak idiotese call Alpha Eric Conners for translation.” I gaped, “So... that has to be on both cheeks.” Alpha Eric said, “Oh it is.” I laughed. I couldn’t help it. Alpha Eric stood, “I only came to give you a heads up.” I sighed, “I didn’t mean to snap at you.” Alpha Eric said, “I’d have been more surprised if you didn’t.” With that he left. Alpha Jackson said, “I wouldn’t do it again if I were you.” I sighed. Derrick said, “Ok, we need you to mark Lexi before you get into a dual with Alpha Eric Conners.” I said, “I’m already going to mark her.” Matt sighed, “I’ll just reschedule everything on our calendar that’s not necessary until after Christmas.” I rolled my eyes, “I’ll be fine.” Derrick snorted, “Obviously.” We got to work. When we got to the end of the day the last dispute had just left my office. I said, “No one argued their dispute resolutions today.” Matt said, “Could there be a reason for that Derrick?” Derrick said, “Quite possibly Matt. An angry look on our Alpha’s face comes to mind.” I said, “What?” Matt said, “Chase...your decisions were a bit harsh today.” I said, “No they weren't, they were fair.” Derrick said, “We aren’t saying they aren’t fair. We are just saying…. you were harsh today.” My dad came in the room and sat down. I said, “Hi Dad.”

            My dad snorted, “Hello son.” I waited for him to explain, but he said nothing. I said, “And you’re here because….?” My dad laughed, “Heard you have a meeting with the vampire king tonight, and that you’re…. testy. I’m here to make sure you don’t try to kill anyone.” I said, “Who the hell told you that?” My dad said, “Nathan Conners.” I said, “Does that family ever get tired of knowing every damn thing that’s going on?” My dad said, “Probably not, no.” Matt sighed in relief. I growled, “If he’d done this to EITHER of your mates, you’d be on my side. Derrick look me in the damn eyes and tell me that if they’d included Sally on this plan…. you wouldn’t be out for blood.” Derrick growled, “Sally isn’t a fighter and she’s pregnant.” I had no comeback for that. Derrick added, “But even if she wasn’t…. no. I would f*****g hate the damn plan. He attacked Susanna planning to take Sally and kill her.” My dad said, “Ok…. I did not get read into the full plan. Can someone give me a rundown?” I said, “Matt.” Matt said, “Vampires, plans, bait, Lexi, apartment, and that sums it up.” My dad stared at him, “I oddly think I can piece together what you mean. I’m with Chase. I don’t like it.” I said, “HA! You see?” Matt said, “No one said they liked this plan. I’m just not going to try to kill the vampire king over it.” I said, “I’m not going to kill him.” My dad said, “What are you going to do?” I said, “Raise my voice most likely.” At that moment a knock came. Nadine walked in with hesitation written on her face, “The vampire king is here. With his second and his seconds…. bonded.” Susanna waved and sat down outside. She pulled out her phone as Robert filled the doorway. King Arthur sat down, and Robert shut the door.

            King Arthur said, “Well lad. I’m sure you’re none too happy with me. Though I did steer the lass towards a building you own.” I growled, “You are putting her in danger to protect your second’s mate.” King Arthur grabbed Robert’s wrist. King Arthur said, “Your lass requested our help.” I said, “Did she ask you to use her to lure out a man who is at this point insane and obsessed with her? Susanna deserves justice for what was done to her, but everyone here knows she’s not in danger. You have placed my mate directly into danger to protect your own interest. Which is just so typical of your vampire bullshit. I would’ve never done that to Susanna. I still wouldn’t. She will always be safe here in my territory.” Robert said, “But you can’t say the same for your own mate? She’s in your territory.” I growled menacingly. King Arthur said, “Now Robert. You would feel the same in his place. Don’t taunt the man.” King Arthur turned to me, “I respect the fairy princess a great deal. You know I cared for her aunt. I’ll level with you. She was the love of my life as I haven’t met my mate yet. I’ll tell you even when I do meet my mate, my Faelynn will be my first big love. I offered her everything. I would’ve denied her nothing. My pride kept me from keeping closer tabs on her, and I lost her because of that. Bexley is the last living piece of Faelynn I have. I will let no harm come to her or her family. I feel as though she is my own daughter. I have always watched over her, but obviously not close enough. I see many characteristics of Faelynn in her niece, Haley. I love that girl as if she were my own niece, and she loves your mate.”

            I said, “Then why did you know this?” King Arthur said, “Because it’s the best plan we have, and you know it. Your mate doesn’t want her crazy ex to make her look over her shoulder the rest of her life. I CANNOT and WILL NOT allow that psychotic killer to get away with this attack on my child’s bonded. There is a risk in my plan. I won’t deny it, but the deck is stacked. Everyone in her apartment building owes me. Be that by fealty or their lives. I have made it more than clear nothing will happen to Lexi. If she is in distress in any way, they are to step in. The charms Haley is speaking of placing…. are quite powerful.” Robert said, “And ancient. Very interesting.” King Arthur spoke in a warning tone, “Robert.” I frowned, “What does that mean?” Robert said, “To quote the princess ‘probably nothing.’” I said, “You don’t believe that though.” King Arthur frowned. Robert looked at him but said nothing. King Arthur said, “No, we do not believe that. We are not sure though.” Robert said, “I am.” King Arthur said, “There are stories and ancient texts fairies have….it could relate to that. Time will tell.” Robert said, “I’d advise you to stay on her good side though Alpha Chase.” King Arthur snorted, “That’s…. going to be true either way. Haley inspires people. It’s a very unique talent I doubt she knows she has.” I said, “What do you mean?” King Arthur said, “Do you not feel a loyalty to her? Would you not follow her into battle if she asked you? If she just popped up here and said let’s go fight! Would you pop away with her without question?” I said, “Yes.”