The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Meeting Old Friends Pt. 3

        My thoughts were swirling. My mom's parents were alive? Or they were a few years ago? Where the HELL have they been? I needed to change the subject. We were in the company of too many people who could hear us, “Why did you become a vampire?” She smiled and pointed to the man talking to King Arthur. “That’s my string. The King of North Carolina. My Matias. I met him on a mission with your mother. She was so happy for us that we’d found each other. We brought Matias home to meet everyone. Your dad had just returned. He’d taken a longer mission and missed your mother and I’s string ceremony. Your parents discovered they were each other’s strings. They came to help me get settled in North Carolina. As Matias is King of a different state, I didn’t want to go back and forth. I decided to leave the shroud to be with my string. Your mom and I shed many tears over our separation. You look just like her. With your father’s eyes.” I smiled, “Thank you.” Susan smiled, “I’ve been looking into her death. I was hoping her parents would speak to me. I keep looking for clues.” I said, “My brother is looking.” Susan smiled, “Quite determined, your brother. He has the tenacity of your mother with your father’s looks.” I was surprised, “You’ve met him?” Susan shook her head, “Sadly, no. I tried to come see you both. I wanted to come see you both after, but my parents were no longer in your shroud. They are with the other group. I was told you all needed family, and since I couldn’t be there for you all the time; I wasn’t welcome.” I gaped, “Heath and I would’ve loved to meet you! We have no family but each other.” Susan frowned, “You have a very large family. Didn’t your father’s family take you in? That’s what I was told happened.” I said, “My dad didn’t have a family. They died.” Susan gaped, “I… your mother said they were mending fences. I… am so sorry. I thought you knew. Who the heck raised you and your brother then?”

        I frowned, “The hood members. Mostly the Calver’s and my friend Ted’s mom.” Susan smiled instantly, “Anne and Tony’s boy. I have heard of him recently. He’s the first Beta Male in werewolf history.” I pointed out Ted to her, “He’s over there.” She turned, “He looks like her.” I said, “Did Anne know my mom's family?” Susan frowned, “She does. Everyone knew your father’s family. They were our leaders.” I said, “I don’t see why Anne wouldn’t say something.” Something else clicked, “Wait where do your parents live?” Susan said, “Huh? Oh. The other shroud. They moved there about six months before Heath was born.” My mind was reeling. There was a second shroud. Matias vamped in front of us, “My dear. This young woman looks much like your friend from all those years ago.” Susan laughed, “His mind is a vault. This is Lexi Scott.” Matias smiled, “Your mother spoke of you often. You have certainly grown into her spitting image.” I said, “Thank you, King Matias.” Matias laughed, “Oh none of that nonsense. Your mother was family to my Susan. Which makes you family to us. Should you ever need a place to stay, you are welcome in our home.” I smiled, “Thank you.” Susan said, “She’s the party planner.” Matias smiled, “Do you do out of state shindigs?” I smiled, “For you two, we’d do it.” I took a card out of my bag, “Call anytime. You’re not too far away.” Matias said, “I have a private plane, so the journey wouldn’t be bad. You did a very good job with this event.” I smiled, “Ted did all the set up today. He’s my partner.” Matias turned, “Yes, he looks like his mother.” 

        Ted walked up, “You know my mother?” Susan said, “We grew up together. I saw her a few years ago. She showed me your picture. Said she was anxiously awaiting your string’s arrival in your life. I know you have him now. I was so proud to hear about you being the first Beta Male. I just know your mother is through the roof proud.” Ted said, “She is. I’ll tell her you say hello.” They walked away. My mind was running our conversation on a loop. All these people I’d known my whole life knew I had more family out there. Why was there a second shroud? Did Heath know? Why would my mom stay in a relationship she’d kept hidden with someone who was hitting her? That just didn’t sound like my mom. The event wound down around two in the morning. Ted and I tore everything down. Ted had brought an SUV, thank the goddess. We put everything in his car. I told him to take off while I did another loop of the venue. I got in my car and had driven about twenty minutes when my car died. “What the actual f**k?!” I picked up my phone. No service. I sighed and got out. I popped the hood. Nothing was wrong. That’s when I smelled gas. I walked behind my car. “Oh shit.” Someone had punctured the gas tank. My car had been leaking gas. This was a set up. I hit the ground as a shot rang out. I heard, “MaryBeth! We need to chat.” I groaned, “f**k me. Seriously? Can’t we chat without the guns Bobby?” Another past mark was showing up. This was one of my first missions post Noah. “You looked real pretty tonight MaryBeth!” Another shot rang out. “Maybe I could enjoy that dress and you before…. we chat about less pleasant things.” I said, “Nothing like shooting at someone to set the mood. What’s this about?”

        Bobby said, “I heard you might know what happened to twenty million dollars of mine.” Now I was totally lost. I had taken intel from Bobby. Not money. “What? When?” Bobby said, “Couple months back.” I said, “Bobby, I haven’t seen you in three years. How the hell would I steal your money?” Bobby said, “The tip said you did.” I said, “The tip is full of shit.” I heard a growl and a pop. “Hi. Heard you were here, and shots were fired. Eric’s mad at me.” I laughed, “That would explain the growl.” Haley smiled, “He’ll get here eventually. Who the f**k is this guy?” Bobby said, “Who is with you?” I said, “Bobby seems to have gotten information that I stole twenty million dollars from him.” Haley said, “Did he now?” She popped and I heard a groan in pain. I ran to her side. She nodded to me. I asked, “Bobby, what tip? Who gave it to you?” Bobby said, “Don’t know. Anonymous IP Address. My guys have tried to track it down. Can't get anywhere with it. The tip was credible and traced the computer back to one you own, MaryBeth.” Haley snorted, “You look less like a MaryBeth than anyone I have ever met.” Bobby said, “Her name is MaryBeth.” I rolled my eyes. Bobby said, “I should’ve approached you at the party. We could’ve had some fun like old times before this.” Haley laughed, “This guy?” I shrugged, “Wanted to see if s*x was bad post the troll. We were together a lot. He’s not bad in bed either.” Haley snorted, “I guess...if he didn’t talk… I could see his appeal.” Bobby said, “Hey lady.” Haley curled her fingers, “It’s Princess.” Bobby was gasping for breath. Eric’s wolf came up with ten others. My blood ran cold. Where were Kevin and Kincade? “We killed ten of his men and a witch.” Haley groaned, “WHY are there always f*****g witches?” I said, “Why can’t anyone pop up when I’m not in formal attire? Or I’m dressed as my moniker? Why does that NEVER happen?” 

        I asked, ‘Bobby, where are my guards?” Bobby said, “The witch made your guards think you went with your partner. Your partner thinks you are at home.” I groaned, “That’s just going to cause a barrel of fun and problems.” Haley said, “I can take you home.” I sighed, “No, I need a run. I need to clear my head. I met a friend of my mother’s tonight. I have a lot of new information to take in.” Haley’s face softened, “I’m sorry Lexi. I imagine that it was nice to meet her while being hard at the same f*****g time.” I said, “It was.” Eric said, “Liam and our warriors will escort you to the border.” I smiled, “Thank you both.” Haley smiled, “You’d do the same for me.” I laughed, “I would.” Eric said, “I’ll have your car towed and fixed. I’m sure King Arthur will pay since it was tampered with on his property. If he won’t cover it, I will.” I said, “Oh, that’s not necessarily.” Eric said, “It is.” I looked at Haley who said, “Arguing with the man is useless…. Unless you're me. Then it can be fun.” Eric growled at her. I laughed and took off running. I heard a pop. I could hear wolves behind me. They stopped at their border and I waved to them in thanks. I kept running. I skidded to a stop outside my house. I heard Chase yelling out rapid fire instructions over at Ted’s. Wasn’t he supposed to be in my bed? I sighed. All I wanted was for Chase to hold me in bed. I ran over to Ted’s at record speed. I saw Ted sobbing while Matt held him. Kincade had a broken nose, and Kevin had a black eye. Chase was being held back by someone I couldn’t see. I said, “What the hell is going on? Kevin, Kincade are you alright?” Chase whirled. He had blood on his knuckles. The man holding him back was Cameron, his brother. Everyone looked at me in shock. Ted broke apart from Matt and grabbed me, “You’re alright? I heard…. the shots on the way home. I… Lex I SWORE you were with me.” I rubbed his back, “Witches.” 

        Chase growled and ripped me away from Ted and into his arms. His tone was relieved when he said, “You’re safe.” I said, “I am. Haley popped to me. Alpha Conners and his men killed several people. I’d imagine Haley is going to kill Bobby. If she didn’t already. Either way Bobby is not long for this realm.” Ted gasped, “Bobby?” I said, “Seems he got a tip I stole twenty million dollars from him… recently.” Ted shrieked, “RECENTLY?! You hadn’t seen him in three years. You didn’t even steal money from him back then.” I said, “I know. Chase, I seem to recall you saying you’d meet me at my house. This is decidedly...not my house.” Chase’s face was firmly in the crook of my neck and he was inhaling deeply. Eventually he said, “I was at your house. Matt linked me and asked if you were there. Everyone here was convinced you were with them or at home.” I said, “So you hit Kevin and Kincade?” Kincade said, “We were tricked. It shouldn’t have happened.” I pulled back, “Chase…” I trailed off because he had tears streaming down his face. He said, “I didn’t know where you were. I thought I could’ve lost you. Someone could’ve had you. Or shot you.” I said, “Hey, I can handle a gun toting i***t. It also helps that I ran out of gas in Haley and Eric’s territory. She was by my side the second a shot rang out. Eric was there shortly after. Now Kincade and Kevin are owed some R&R. Go home. I’ll be with Chase all day today. Since its super early. I don’t want to see hide nor hair of either of you two until Monday. Capisce?” Both smiled and nodded. Kevin said, “We are glad you’re ok Lexi.” I smiled, “I’m sorry a witch cast a spell you got punched in the face for it.” They both laughed and ran away. I said, “Cameron, do you need a place to stay for the night? Or a car to get home? It’s early.” Ted gaped at me. I was internally cringing at the thought of having to bring Cameron inside my home. He was Chase’s brother though. I was going to trust him. Cameron said, “Nah, I’ll run home. Thank you for the offer though Lexi.” I nodded. Cameron looked at Chase; they both nodded to each other then Cameron shifted and took off running.

        Ted said, “Well now that my heart is beating again. I’m too tired to get into what the hell happened with Bobby.” I said, “Thank god. I’m exhausted.” Matt dragged Ted into his place. I said, “Please carry me back to my place. I’m on information overload, and I got shot at.” Chase had me in his arms before I’d finished the sentence. My phone had service again, so I texted Heath that we needed to talk. Chase walked us back to my house while I fought my eyelids every step of the way. We made it there and he carried us up to my room. I managed to wash my face and brush my teeth. “Can you unzip me?” I asked Chase. He hadn’t been further than a step away from me the entire time I was in the bathroom. He nodded and unzipped my dress and kissed me. I grabbed his hoodie from the floor and threw it over my head. Chase carried me to bed, “Sleep Sweetheart. We can talk about everything when we wake up.” I smiled. I was so tired. I said something to him. He chuckled and that was the last thing I heard before my eyes refused to stay open any longer. Things had certainly gotten more complicated tonight.”