The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Pack Announcement Pt. 2

        Derrick said, “That wasn’t terrible.” My dad said, “She didn’t agree or answer the question Chase.” I said, “I am aware. I have a slight understanding for her situation knowing she’s looking to avenge her father.” Cameron said, “WHAT? Alpha Allister was murdered?!” I said, “Oh… did we not catch you up on that one?” Cameron said, “No...no you did not.” I said, “Alpha Conners, myself, dad, The Hood, apparently, and Lexi felt there was a chance Alpha Allister was murdered. Then we started looking into it, and Sophia showed up in my office. She’s known this whole time because of her father’s last words to her. She’s been playing along with her pack, so they don’t catch on to the fact that she’s looking for her father’s murderer.” Cameron said, “So your marriage is her cover? How?” I said, “They believe her to be a weak willed little girl they can control. It’s… annoying smart on her end.” Cameron said, “It is. Did she think she would have it solved while you were gone?” I said, “I think she did.” Cameron sighed, “It’s still being done at your expense.” I looked at my dad for several moments then said. “I’d do it at her expense too if it meant justice for our dad. I can’t fault her for that. I am not happy with the situation, and if this hurts Lexi…. I may never forgive her. That doesn’t mean I don’t understand, and that I wouldn’t make the same choices she is.” My dad said, “Oh to be young and dumb again.” Me, Matt, Cameron, and Derrick all said, “HEY!” My dad shrugged, “You just have to own it. You are young and dumb. It is what it is. We were all there once. Sophia isn’t a bad person. She is misguided, but she’s also, until very recently, felt alone. Even if you boys didn’t have me…. You had each other. She didn’t have that.”

        Matt said, “She has Alfred. He’s loyal.” My dad said, “Yes, she does. Wyatt opened a can of worms though. She trusted that boy heart and soul, and he betrayed her. It’s a hard lesson to learn. I’m sure for a time she was that scared girl her pack wanted her to be. She was almost forcibly marked by her childhood friend. A man who was her Gamma, and who was meant to have her back.” Matt says, “He’s maintained with Ted that he was protecting Sophia.” My dad said, “See? Young and dumb people. Young and dumb. You all think you know everything, but you forget… you don’t have to know everything or have to have an answer for everything. There is strength in seeking council from those older than you. You don’t have to listen to it, but there is something to say for asking. Anyone could’ve told Sophia she should’ve stuck to the original agreement with Chase. If it gets out to anyone outside her allies, hell even her allies that she went back on their agreement… that’s not great.” I said, “Alpha Conners knows. He was not happy.” My dad said, “If he knows then Alpha Lyons knows as well. My point is… if Sophia has simply asked for council outside her pack…. we’d have told her that. If her stupid Gamma hadn’t betrayed her; I’d like to believe she would’ve at least come to me. Or Nadine. That Wyatt kid has made her pull into her shell more than ever before.”

            I said, “He’s in the dungeons should you want to pay him a visit. Ted drops off his breakfast and they chat. Claims he’s in love with Sophia.” My dad snorted, “It’s not a claim. That boy has always been crazy obsessed with her. I’m pretty sure she rather liked him too for a time.” I said, “Are you serious? How did you know that?” My dad said, “Before his parents died, his dad told me that Wallace thought he could be her mate. Everyone was hoping for it actually.” I said, “There’s no way Alpha Allister hoped for that.” My dad laughed, “He did not, no. He only told me that though.” Matt said, “Why not?” My dad sighed, “He didn’t want someone who the pack would look to instead of her. He wanted them to see her for the Alpha she was.” I said, “Could he not have done us all a favor and told her that?” My dad said, “At the end Allister…. he was talking about all kinds of weird things. I overheard some things he said to Sophia. I understand her more than she thinks.” I said, “What did he say to her?” My dad said, “He told her their pack was his legacy. To never let it fall to another pack or another Alpha or she’d dishonor him. He told her to do whatever it took to keep him alive through their pack.” My eyes widened, “He never talked to her like that.” My dad said, “I know. At the end though…. He wasn’t the same man. Now, knowing he had her avenging them while running a back…. Not only trying to avenge him. Having her do it alone is dangerous. It’s not like whoever is behind this isn’t above murdering her. He should’ve told her to loop in a few trusted allies. Because she’s been lucky. There’s no way around that. She’s lucky that whoever has done this…. thinks they got away with it. If they were looking and watching their tracks...they’d have caught her snooping into it.”

            I stood to pace. My dad said, “Chase?” I said, “They killed her father, but the plan wasn’t to kill her. It was to weaken her and have someone…. Someone she trusted and who loved her to mark her as theirs. The plan isn’t to kill Sophia. I mean…. The bigger plan. Alpha Hammond obviously had other ideas, but the person behind the larger plot…. No, that’s clearly not their goal. She recently found a half-brother.” My dad said, “I’ve checked him out son. He’s on the up and up. Talked to his Alpha and everything.” I said, “Already?” Cameron shrugged, “I told him about it when we came to visit.” I said, “I told him too.” My dad said, “I work fast.” I said, “Tyson might not be the only long lost sibling Sophia has.” My dad said, “It does seem unlikely he is the only one.” I said, “What if it’s another one of his children? Someone else from their pack could’ve had a child with Alpha Allister. The she wolf’s family could be working to install that child as the Alpha. Now… if that child, it would have to be a boy, is calling the shots then his anger at Alpha Allister makes sense. Sophia though….is innocent. Yes, she had the dad who raised her and has the pack; however, she doesn’t know about the sibling. To punish her they found someone to forcibly mark her. That’s the rub though…. the went to someone who actually cares for Sophia. I think…. I think this could be an older brother. He knows Sophia would have to be submissive and out of his way. He doesn’t want to seriously injure her though. That’s why they used Wyatt. He’s perfect. It would break Sophia’s will, but she would be loved. It’s messed up, but it makes sense.” Matt said, “From a crazy person’s thought process yes it makes sense.” Cameron said, “No, from an Alpha’s standpoint it makes sense. He would have to be older than Sophia and taught from a young age it was his birthright not hers. The connection to your siblings as an Alpha is strong. To be passed over… and not even thought of by your father would drive an Alpha crazy.”

            My dad said, “Allister wouldn’t have known about the child. Alphas want their children in their pack. No matter if they are by their mate or not. It makes the pack stronger, and that mattered to Allister. He also wanted a big family. He hadn’t met his mate yet…. he would’ve kept a child around.” Cameron said, “But someone using that child wouldn’t have told him that. They would’ve had to cultivate anger and hatred in the son.” Derrick said, “Why not anger for Sophia?” I said, “As I explained having someone forcibly marked does show anger and the need to punish someone. Having it done by someone who loves her and will ultimately protect her….it a blow on two ends.” Cameron nodded, “This makes so much sense. He was showing her that he can turn those loyal to her to him. Showing he deserves to lead the pack, but also saying hey sis I had your back because I could’ve stuck you with an asshole. This guy at least loves you.” I said, “Exactly.” My dad said, “I guess if Tyson’s mother had been like that…” I said, “What is his last name?” My dad sighed, “I can’t tell you that son. He doesn’t want it known, and I swore to his Alpha on my honor not to share his last name.” I said, “Does his mother have a rank?” My dad said, “She was an Omega.” I nodded, “Tyson is strong though.” My dad said, “He doesn’t want to lead though. His mother raised him to respect authority. He wants to be a warrior. From what I understand he’s very good.” Matt said, “Oh… he is. Liam was impressed by Tyson and Kincade.” I shared a look with Matt. Cameron said, “What was that?” I said, “Nothing.” Cameron said, “Chase…” I said, “Lexi and Ted seem to believe Carry Henderson is Kincade’s mate.” My dad, Cameron, and Derrick stared for a minute. Laughter filtered in from the kitchen. Nadine said, “That’s too good.” Derrick said, “But you guys are bringing him to the meeting on January Second.” I said, “Speaking of Dad, Cameron… I need you at Alpha Conners on January second.” 

            Derrick said, “Can we go back to you bringing Kincade to the meeting?” My dad asked, “Why does that matter?” Cameron laughed, “My beta said Carry Henderson’s birthday is January second.” We all looked at him. Cameron shrugged, “What? I was curious if he was near the file. He was.” My dad said, “Are you looking to get Kincade into a fight?” I said, “Haley Conners nor Alpha Conners would stand for that. It’s the safest place for them to find out if my mate and Matt’s are right. If we waited, then she’d go into Lexi’s office and she’d go back to her parents’ house to collect her stuff because she was marked. He’d be in their territory with his marked mate. They’d jump him. Alpha Conners might not be there. If we are there with Alpha Conners they have to check their tempers. I’m sure Haley would threaten to turn them blue. Do we know why she turned Noah blue?” Matt said, “According to Ted...to match his icy cold dead heart.” I said, “So… she wasn’t making a smurf joke?” Matt said, “Haley doesn’t know what a smurf is.” Nadine said, “That’s criminal. Her mother should be shot. She didn’t know anything about Disney until she went to the Hackura realm according to Cassandra.” My dad laughed, “If you want the fairy princess to like you don’t mention you talk to Cassandra.” Nadine said, “I don’t really. We talk at parties. She’s very her way or the highway. I don’t like it. I move to the beat of my own drum. That’s fine with Cassandra until your drum isn’t playing the same song as hers. It’s two faced. I don’t like two faced people.”

            My dad laughed, “Then pray to the moon goddess, like I do, we are present when Lexi meets her.” Nadine said, “Why?” My dad said, “Lexi doesn’t like her because of what she did to Haley.” Nadine laughed, “She’s going to slap her, isn’t she?” My dad said, “I’ve heard punch not slap.” Nadine said, “Couldn’t hurt. That woman needs a reality check.” Matt gasped, “Nadine Daniels!” Nadine laughed, “Hey, I know power can go to your head. She has a right to her inflated ego. Her husband built an empire, and her children run it efficiently. Her oldest son is not to be messed with, and her other sons are powerful too. She needs a reality check though. People are allowed to do things their own way. She’s not the author of everyone’s story, and she needs to give up trying to be. Her children are grown ass men. She may have traveled but she still has too much control over them and their mates. As shown by her daughter in laws following her lead when they knew it was wrong about the fairy princess. Especially your sister Matt. Name the last time Molly didn’t do what she believed to be right.” 

Matt sighed, “Rarely…” Nadine said, “Only if Cassandra Conners was at the helm did your sister ever doubt her instincts. I’m not saying Cassandra’s a bad person. She’s not. She’s just not my cup of tea, but that doesn’t make her bad. I’m capable of letting people live their lives, and I don’t think she is. I share my opinion, but I don't’ manipulate everyone around me to get what I want. If someone wants to make a bad decision… that’s how they learn. If it’s not going to kill them then… well… that’s their choice.” I said, “I don’t like where this is going.” Nadine smiled, “Like you not marking Lexi.” I said, “Oh my god. It’s like you all picked the same broken record today.” Nadine said, “I think you’re wrong here about this Chase, but it’s your life and your prerogative. If you lose Lexi because of it… I may be one of the few who doesn’t say I told you so. I don’t want that to happen. I think you two are adorable and cute together, but even you know it’s an option Chase.” I gritted my teeth, “I won’t lose her.” Nadine smiled, “Then you decided to mark her which is great. My point is Cassandra Conners would’ve probably tried to manipulate both you and Lexi…. Hell, she could’ve worked up her son and had them forcibly mark their mates if they wanted to wait. Or engineered a situation where her son believed their mate was in a relationship with someone else. She would see it for the good of her son and their pack.” 

            Matt frowned, “You make it sound like she doesn’t care about my sister.” Nadine frowned, “No, no, I know she loves your sister. She’s like a daughter to her at this point. Molly thrived as the Luna of her pack when Cassandra was traveling though. All the girls did. Molly is now thriving with Haley there now that they’ve made up. They are also the ONLY ones who have made up. Molly is the only one making decisions as the Luna for her pack alone. The other two still go to Cassandra for guidance. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing if it wasn’t for every little thing. When she was gone, they did an amazing job. That’s not all on Cassandra. The girls should step up, but Cassandra thrives on them asking for her input. She’s not going to discourage it. My point is… she should.” Matt said, “Molly hasn’t mentioned Cassandra treating her any differently than Shana or Jessica.” Nadine said, “She doesn’t. The only one she treats differently is Haley. She may not think it’s noticeable, but people definitely notice. What intrigues me is no one mentions Haley acting cold or aloof.” I said, “Haley has a hell of a poker face.” Nadine said, “It’s more than that. Fairies aren’t actors. I think Haley has the ability to be mad at someone but put on a good public front.” I thought back to what Lexi said about the summit. I answered, “She does.” Nadine smiled, “Cassandra doesn’t. She wants Haley to behave a certain way, and Haley’s not going to. The one who looks bad here though, is Cassandra.” My dad laughed, “You really don’t like her.” Nadine shrugged, “I told you. She’s not my cup of tea. We have different styles of parenting. Her kids are also in a very different phase of life. I’d like to think I wouldn’t manipulate Susie the way Cassandra does her children and their mates. I don’t think Isabella will EVER forgive Cassandra Conners for what she did to Molly. So if Lexi punches her in the face…. Then Isabella will bake her a cake. Possibly throw her a party.”

            Matt said, “Excuse me? My mother? You mean my mother doesn’t like Cassandra Conners? Have I been on glue? What is happening?” Isaac walked in, “Goddess, please do not let Isabella walk into this conversation. Do you know how many earfuls your mother has given me about that woman? Haley is practically a goddess to your mother.” I said, “This is a strange workday. Go ahead and explain to us why Isabella hates Cassandra Conners. I speak for all of us when I say we want to know what she did to Molly.” I got out my email and sent a coded email to Alpha Eric and Beta Caleb with my new theory about a sibling being behind Alpha Allister’s murder. I was sure I’d be getting a phone call later.

 Isaac sighed, “Isabella doesn't like that after the girl’s accident once it was discovered the girls couldn’t have pups, Cassandra decided it was time to travel once they were recovered. Cassandra would talk to Saied daily, and they came back for any important event for her. They stayed on the road though. Then Alpha Eric found the Fairy princess.” Matt said, “So?” Isaac sighed, “So… then they immediately came back. Your mother believes it’s because the princess could have pups.” My dad looked at Nadine then Isaac. Matt growled, “You’re saying that Cassandra Conners left because they girls couldn’t have pups but came back the second it was a possibility. No… Molly considered her a second mom.” Isaac rolled his eyes, “Which your mother hates too, but Molly had a pup. Your mother feels she abandoned your sister because she couldn’t have more children.” Matt growled, “Team Lexi kick Cassandra’s ass.” I groaned, “That will cause a problem.” My dad said, “Again… not a big one.” Isaac said, “I agree.” Derrick said, “How on EARTH did you two reach that conclusion?” I answered, “Haley.” Derrick said, “Oh...well then maybe the Conners should just start traveling again. I don’t think they’d win that fight. Alpha Eric is crazy about his fairy princess.” Isabella snorted from the door, “Like she’d leave. She had grandchildren all over the place now. That fairy Princess is the best thing to happen to that pack. She’s not taking Cassandra’s s**t or her weak ass apologies. She’s sticking to her guns, and you have NO idea how happy that makes me.” Isaac sighed, “It was too much to hope you wouldn’t hear this conversation.” Isabella snorted, “Ok, new rule. Cassandra Conners bitching sessions don’t happen with me. Is everyone clear?” We all nodded. 

            Nadine said, “Guess who has every intention of punching Cassandra in the face?” Isabella’s eyes lit up, “Tell me it’s Lexi.” Nadine nodded. Isabella clapped, “Chase, find out her favorite type of cake and icing.” Isaac said, “It’s like I know her like the back of my hand.” Isabella slapped him, “That woman did not treat my baby well! I’m allowed to dislike her.” Isaac said, “Shana’s mom likes her.” Isabella said, “Two peas in a pod, those two. Of course she does.” Nadine said, “I don’t think Cassandra’s a bad person.” Isabella said, “I do. I think she’s a very bad person.” Isaac said, “You think anyone who hurts our children in any way are bad people.” Isabella said, “And I’m right.” Isaac said, “Of course you are dear.” Isabella said, “Who I feel bad for is Alpha Nathan Conners. He’s such a sweet man.” My dad said, “He’s very happy with her. They have four great kids.” Isabella said, “They have terrifying children who tend to be good men, yes. I maintain that was all Nathan. Everyone wondered what Alpha Eric Conners saw in Claudia Harden except me.” Isaac groaned. I said, “What could he possibly have seen in her?” Isabella smiled, “His mother.” Nadine said, “I don’t see that one.” Isabella shrugged, “Cassandra’s not power hungry, but she is very single minded to the point of recklessness when she wants something.” My dad said, “Not quite the same. Cassandra hated Claudia.” Isabella said, “What snake likes another in their territory? The difference is Claudia didn’t pretend to be anything other than a manipulative snake. I can’t decide which is worse. Claudia knew she was a bad person. She owned who she was. Cassandra…. I think she believes she’s a good person. She’s a wolf in sheep's clothing.” Isaac said, “You are quite harsh on her my love.” Isabella said, “You mess with the cubs you get the momma bear. She should’ve known that. She is well respected around here. Don’t you worry I don’t share my opinion outside of trusted friends.”

            Matt said, “Molly doesn’t know you hate her. Does she?” Isabella said, “Of course not. She loves the woman. She doesn’t have blinders on anymore though thanks to the fairy princess. I do need to bake her a cake. I’m very late on getting her one.” I said, “Molly isn’t the type to take things lying down.” Isabella said, “No she’s not. She does love Cassandra though. I may not like her for many reasons, but she has done a lot for Molly. Molly respects her. Cassandra will always be important to Jackson which makes her important to Molly. I’m just happy my baby girl takes everything out of Cassandra’s mouth with a grain of salt instead of the former gospel she believed it to be.” Isaac sighed, “She’s going to get on a soap box if you don’t stop her.” Isabella said, “Debbie Lyons is even cautious of the woman and they are friends.” Nadine laughed, “Debbie and Cassandra talk every day. There is no caution.” Isabella snorted, “She doesn’t ask for advice.” Nadine said, “None of the Luna’s do after a certain point.” Isabella shrugged, “I’m just saying. People know they should be cautious of her. It’s not something you would know until you have an opinion that’s different that hers. That’s what makes people like her dangerous in my opinion. It’s like they draw you in and then they bite you. Then they are sweet again when you do what they want.” Matt said, “So you think she’s a sour patch kid.” Derrick laughed, “Except she’s sweet first then sour.” 

            With that everyone left our office, and we got to work. We solved several pack disputes. Matt said, “Pack link is going crazy. They think you are announcing Lexi as the Luna.” I said, “For god’s sake. Maybe I should.” Derrick said, “Uh…. then we’d need people at the border of Alpha Conner’s territory… no scratch that. That would not help. A fairy could just pop in. I’m sure Lexi wants to officially tell her fairy friend first. Just a thought. We WOULD need warriors at Sophia’s border. She’ll be hurt you didn’t tell her.” I said, “Hey, I already admitted I understand her motivations to stay married to me. She can’t be hurt. I kept a secret, but she’s kept one for almost four years. It’s even a doozy of a secret.” Matt said, “Because women often see those situations to be the same.”