The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Protect Our Own Pt. 2

       Heath said, “You know… I love you Lex.” I said, “Yes, I have noticed that big brother. You’re obnoxious about it sometimes.” Heath said, “I know you are keeping things from me.” I looked away. Heath laughed, “When you are ready to tell me, I am here for you.” I said, “You wouldn’t believe some of the things I had to say.” Heath grabbed my shoulders, “Look at me, Lex.” I looked up. “I will ALWAYS believe the things that you tell me. I know when you are lying and when you are not. I know something else happened with Noah. I have respected both of your privacy on this matter, but this is getting to the point where I NEED to know. When that time comes if I ask you, I need you to tell me the truth.” I sighed, “I don’t lie to you anymore, Heath. We promised. I have not broken that promise since the day we made it. I have never said something to you that was untrue.” Heath said, “Nor have I, but I haven’t told you things that happen. Just as you haven’t told me. I respect that, but Lexi moves are being made. I don’t see all the players. If I ask you to tell me the whole truth, you have to give it to me. I will believe you. If you need to come to me before that time comes, then my door is always open for you.” I smiled, “Thank you.” Heath said, “And none of this nonsense that I wouldn’t believe you. I don’t care if it’s about Noah. Noah is not my blood, you are.” Tears filled my eyes, “Thank you Heath. I know what he means to you…. You saying that means a lot to me.” Heath evaluated me, “This bothered you. That you thought I wouldn’t believe you.” I said, “Of course it did. You’re my brother, but he’s your best friend and lieutenant.” 

            Heath studied me then pulled me into a crushing hug, “I should’ve made it clearer to you. My door is always open, my ears are always yours to bend. I will always be on your side Lex. I don’t even care if you’re wrong. Your side is where I will always be. No matter who is on the other. I love you, Lex. I’m sorry I’m panicking about you being in danger right now, but I can’t help it. I won’t lose you. If that means you are mad at me for a period of time for putting you on lockdown, then so be it. As long as you are safe.” I rolled my eyes, “So long as you realized I’d return the favor if you are in danger.” Heath snorted, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to manage locking you down until the fairy princess runs out of favors, I owe her. She truly sees you as the sister you’ve seen her as all along.” I smiled, “I know.’” Heath lips twitch, “She electrocuted Noah… with lightning.” I laughed, “She said she didn’t mean to. Haley said she didn’t know she could do that.” Heath laughed, “Oh, I know she didn’t know she could do it. It’s a good thing Noah was passed out, or he would’ve heard my laugh at her bewildered expression. He’s fine by the way. Sally has him under close watch. He’s getting her chicken noodle soup. She made me some too.” I groaned, “Damn it! Now I want Sally’s chicken noodle soup.” Heath nodded, “She’s been talking to you, hasn’t she?” I nodded. Heath smiled, “I know that must be hard for you. She’s been much more herself these last few months that you’ve been home. Since you decided to do your business, and brought her in. Having her own catering business really put the bounce back in her step.” 

            I smiled, “I’m glad. Sally Quaid deserves the world.” Heath said, “Noah thinks you told her to press pause on the baby stuff.” I said, “I did no such thing.” Heath smiled, “Good. I told him you didn’t.” I said, “Did you know Noah made an appointment for her with a specialist without her knowledge or permission? I did tell her that was over the line.” Heath frowned, “Noah likes control, but I agree. That’s too far. It’s too much pressure for Sally. I think without pressure it might happen for them. I told Noah that too. He then said he knew you told her to take a step back because you and I think alike.” I said, “I encouraged her to do what she wanted. That’s it Heath.” Heath nodded, “Noah said you and Sally now have a standing meeting at ten.” I wanted to scream but said, “Who told him that?” Heath laughed, “If you think he doesn’t have her schedule, then you forgot who we are talking about. He takes her safety extremely seriously.” I withheld my snort, “Yes we do have a standing meeting. We have enough clients built up, and we need to sync up about them. We are starting with weekly, if we find that’s too much, I’ll move it bi-weekly.” Heath studied me, “See, right there Lexi. I know that you didn’t just lie to me. Every word you just said is true, but.” I tensed as he continued, “I know you are leaving something out.” I said, “That’s between Sally and I.” Heath frowned, “They are my people, Lex.” I said, “And you trust me with this side of OUR people. I’m helping her Heath. That meeting is on my calendar for the specific person you said already took note of it being there to mind his own damn business.” Heath frowned, “Is she in danger?” I said, “I don’t know. I don’t think so, not at this time. One day, she could very well be.”

         Heath said, “Who the hell would want to hurt Sally? She doesn’t go on missions.” I said, “I can’t tell you. We both know I can and will protect her.” Heath sighed, “I worried after everything that happened... you two would never be the friends you were.” I said, “Heath, you wouldn’t believe how much closer that has brought us together lately.” Heath frowned, “Are you happy Lex?” I sighed, “I am happy with my business. I am having fun running it, and I’m making friends. I get to see Ted more often, and even you. It’s nice to be able to tell you to meet me here instead of having to talk to you on the phone because I’m on a mission.” Heath said, “I would like it if this wall you put up between you and I came down.” I whirled to him in shock, “I don’t have a wall with you, Heath.” Heath smiled, “You do. You keep me at arm’s length because you worry about what I will say to Noah. Or worried about coming between Noah and me. I really don’t know which it is, but if there’s ever something you don’t want Noah to know; I won’t tell him. Just tell me as your brother.” I said, “You aren’t just my brother.” Heath said, “If you need me to be JUST your brother, then I will be.” I sighed, “Ok. I’m worried Noah is trying to force me back inside. I am worried that he wants me to give up my business and is trying to force my hand. Or at the very least make me stay there more often while I run my business. I know that you understand I’m over him, but I can’t see him every day. Not because I love but because I’ve seen the real him. I don’t like it. He’s your friend, and your second. I respect that. I don’t respect him. Our people don’t need to see that Heath.”

            Heath was silent, “I would love to have you home, but if you aren’t ready…. That’s fine.” I said, “I have a home. It’s private and it’s mine. Nothing can hurt me there.” Heath winced in pain, “I hate that you were hurt there so badly that you don’t think it’s your home. You grew up there.” I said, “I know, but where I’m at now… This all feels right to me, Heath. I’m close to you, but this area... I love it. It feels like I’m supposed to be here. Like it’s where I belong. I haven’t felt like I had somewhere to belong in three years.” Heath nodded, “Then maybe come up with a place you can stay and be protected if I need you to lay low.” I smirked, “Other than a fairy protected place no one can get in?” Heath said, “Frankly, Yes. Because I can’t get in there, and I need to know you are safe.” I thought about it, “Fine. I have a friend I made recently. I planned her pack party tomorrow. I will ask her if I can seek safe haven with her if something goes south. It’s a pack of werewolves, they could protect me.” Heath said, “Ted needs protecting as well.” I said, “Taken care of. My friend's brother’s pack would protect him. We wouldn’t even be together as a target.” Heath said, “And this pack will protect Ted? You are certain?” I laughed, “Oh he’s made a friend too.” Heath snorted, “Of course he has. Fine. If you can get both Alpha’s to agree, then that will be our plan. If the wolves don’t agree…” I said, “I’ll go to Haley. I only didn’t offer her as my go to because someone would suspect I was with her in the first place.” Heath said, “Agreed. If Ted’s friend won’t agree to protect him, I won’t have you both in the same place. He will have to come home.” I said, “Won’t be a problem.” Heath said, “IF it is. He will be protected at home.” I sighed, “Fine.” Heath smiled, “See, I can be reasonable.” I snorted, “When you aren’t trying to have me taken to your house by force.” Heath hugged me fiercely, “I’d still do it to protect you, Lex. If I ever believe the threat is so strong, I could lose you…. I’ll do it again in a heartbeat; I’ll just be smarter about it.” I laughed, “That’s very you, big brother.” 

            We parted ways, and I stopped for dinner. I ordered two meals since I’d been talking to Heath so long that I hadn’t realized it was past time to eat. I got home and found a pacing Ted outside my fairy protective wall. It dawned on me; Ted hadn’t actually been inside. He whirled, “THANK GOD! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I NEED YOU!” I laughed, “Come on inside. I took his hand and pulled him through. “Where’s your wolf?” Ted waved his hands, “He’s like two football fields away talking to the black wolf you think is beautiful. NOT the problem at this moment in time.” I said, “What’s the problem?” Ted said, “Well, since you called to give me the all clear... My Wolfie decided to come out to his family.” I frowned, “He wasn’t out?” Ted snorted, “Pay attention about other supernatural’s. Wolves in charge are under a HUGE amount of pressure to continue their line. If they are gay, they asked to step down.” I slammed my hands on the table, “Your wolf is in a position of power?” Ted said, “Did I not mention he’s the Beta of his pack? I hissed, “No, but I WILL give Alpha Chase a piece of my mind if he THINKS about asking your Matt to step down or give you up. You’re marked.” Ted laughed, “Alpha Chase will not be doing that. They talked before he met me. Alpha Chase was the second person Matt came out to. The first being his sister after she caught him leaving Alpha Conners bedroom.” I gaped, “WHAT? MATT HAD s*x WITH HALEY’S HUSBAND?” I sat back down, “Holy Shit.” Ted laughed, “Haley knows and doesn’t care.” I said, “She wouldn’t. She has no reason to be worried about it.”

            Ted smiled, “Exactly, so the Alpha called a meeting with Matt’s family. Matt wanted Alpha Chase there with him. I played with a little girl named Susie. She likes you.” I smiled, “I like her too.” Ted said, “Anyway, after their chat went much better than my wolfie expected. They wanted to meet moi. My mom is going to s**t a brick that his family met us first.” I snorted, “She really will.” Ted said, “At least the hood doesn’t keep up with other supernatural’s gossip. I’m being announced as the Beta male tonight. Which brings us to our emergency.” I said, “Which is?” Ted sat back and exclaimed, “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR! I have torn through my closet. Matt just says I look good in everything. He’s so unhelpful with clothes.” I laughed, “It just so happens I had Haley stock my house with clothes for you should it ever be needed. Let’s see what the fairy princess came up with. Are we going for casual or serious?” Ted sighed, “Normally there’s no formal Beta mate announcing ceremony. They just announce the Beta female is x. I want to look nice but still me.” I walked into the closet with his stuff. I pulled a black long sleeve fitted shirt that would show off his mark with a pair of grey colored pants. I stepped back out, “This is not formal, but not casual. It will highlight your mark and Haley has shoes and sunglasses that go with it.” Ted held it up and squealed, “YOU ARE AMAZING! She is amazing. May she never change, and the goddess bless her with many more children JUST like her.” I laughed, “Go on. Get changed. Let’s make sure this is THE outfit.” 

            Ted kissed my cheek, “This is why you can’t ever leave me. Matt has no sense of fashion. I’m going to have to help him.” I laughed, “I’m sure you will.” Ted sighed dramatically, “He told me I looked good in everything I tried on. I told him this is why girlfriends are needed.” I said, “Men have that problem, Ted. welcome to our side of the equation.” Ted laughed, “Girl… I have been on your side the whole damn time. You know I like the manly guys.” he sighed, “I wonder what it's’ like the other way around. I bet they pick each other’s outfits and it’s impeccable.” I laughed, “I’m sure.” Ted sighed, “Alas, I love who I love.” I smiled, “Want me to come tonight?” Ted sighed, “You’re not part of the pack so you can’t. I wish you could come.” I said, “Maybe I’ll just throw on my black arrow gear. I won’t get too close.” Ted said, “Their sense of smell is out of this world good.” I laughed, “I’ll stay really far back and bring binoculars. If anything goes haywire, I’ll have your back.” Ted kissed me on the cheek, “I love you, Lex. I will breathe easier knowing that the Alpha and you have my and Matt’s back.” I smiled. “Always Ted. What time is this shindig?” Ted smiled, “In thirty minutes. I gotta run. Matt is linking me. GOD, I wish we could do this. It’s so damn handy.” I laughed, “So it works like Haley’s with Eric?” Ted said, “Not exactly. I had to mark him too before it worked. I did that after our call SHEEZ… Girl… It was so hot. Got his motor all KINDS of running. He was actually a little late to their meeting because he had planned to tell his family today. Since we got out of lockdown it just worked out that I could come.” I smiled, “I’m really happy for you. His family was nice to you right?” Ted smiled, “They were in a bit of a weird place, but they were nice to me.” I smiled, “Good. Or I’d kick their asses.” Ted said, “Ugh, I really have to go. Thanks for being my eyes… Up a tree I assume.” I laughed, “Where else would an archer keep watch?” 

            He took off like a shot out of my house. I quickly went over to my secret panel and put on my hood outfit. I picked up my bow that hummed in my hands, “I know. I haven’t picked you up in too damn long.” Haley had put in a secret panel where all my gear was. I grabbed binoculars. I stepped on my porch then walked back inside closing my door. Can’t hear me if the door’s closed I teased the shadows in my head. Then groaned “f**k! I do not have time to lose shadows.” I smiled. They were on the front of the house, but I doubted they were at the back. I went on my back deck. No one was in this direction. I left running off the back deck. I found a tree far away but when I checked my binoculars, I could see a stage. I climbed high up in the tree. The breeze was at my front so they wouldn’t catch my scent from the breeze. Plus, I’d picked a tree inside Haley’s border. Thank GOD it had a clear view. I pulled up my binoculars. I almost dropped them when I saw a guy on a platform speaking. My mouth watered. I might have to hit Ted if this was his Matt. He was just as tall as Eric, but he had dark brown hair. He had on a fitted nice shirt with slacks. There were two men standing beside him dressed similarly. They were attractive too, but not like this man. I had to wipe my chin. I was literally drooling. I felt something faint in my chest but pushed it aside forcing myself to look at someone besides this man. It didn’t work for long. I couldn’t resist looking at his neck first. I sighed in relief. He had no mark. Something released in my stomach. I sat straight up. This had to be Chase. GREAT! Not only is his wolf beautiful, but his human half is also mouthwateringly hot. I looked at him again through my binoculars and rubbed my chest. I knew right then and there, for the sake of my string... I couldn’t meet Alpha Chase. That man would own the keys to my heart that I’d locked away. I knew he’d rip down my walls and set up camp permanently in my heart. That wasn’t fair to my string. 

            Unlike with Noah though, I just knew I’d never get over Alpha Chase if he broke my heart. I shook myself. What the damn hell Lexi? You haven’t even talked to him. I shook myself and looked around. I spotted Ted around the side of the house with two older gentlemen. He was so nervous. I hated that I couldn’t be beside him. Both men were putting a hand on him in reassurance. Ted took a deep breath and came around the corner flanked by the older men. I saw him glance around. He smirked directly at me. He’d know what tree I’d pick; we were just that good of friends. His eyes locked onto the guy next to Chase, and he forgot all about me. This must be his Matt. The brown wolf. I studied the crowd. I almost fell out of the tree when I saw Haley and Alpha Conners were there. Haley stiffened when she saw Ted. She must not have known who Matt’s mate was. Alpha Conners put an arm around her. She was on alert though. She was studying the crowd. Ted spotted her when Matt pulled him forward to face the crowd. He visibly relaxed and blew her kiss. She laughed and blew him one back. The crowd visibly paled. I smiled broadly. Ted wouldn’t need me. If anyone was dumb enough to say something; Haley would end them. I saw Ted’s face fall and Haley jumped up. I watched delighted as Haley pummeled someone. Alpha Conners was right behind her picking someone up by their neck and throwing them. Everyone came to attention staring at the stage in shock and fear. I looked back to see Alpha Chase was yelling at them. He had them all cowering. He was the hottest angry man I’d ever seen.  He took charge of the situation. He grabbed the two people Haley and Eric had beat up and threw them both. He yelled at them and they took off running. Oh… I don’t think so. I smirked. They were headed my way. It made it easier for me, but it was a bad decision on their part. I climbed down and notched an arrow. 

            After several minutes they cleared the tree line and came to a halt seeing me. “Shift back if you don’t wish to die at this exact moment.” Both shifted. Two older naked men stood before me. “We have no quarrel with your people Black Arrow.” One said. “That’s not what it looked like to me. What did you say to Ted?” Both paled, “He’s a hood member? They didn’t say that!” I laughed, “They don’t know. That shouldn’t even matter. TELL ME what you said to him!” One said, “We’ve already been banished. We need to get to at least Nashville to find a pack to take us or we will start to go crazy without a pack.” I said, “Do I look like I give a s**t?” The one sighed, “It’s not right. A Beta’s line must go on.” I said, “You disrespect your goddess? How small minded of you both. They can have kids if they want. Be that through adoption or a surrogate. Ted wouldn’t have cared about you saying anything like that. He’s used to that s**t which is a sad state of affairs for this realm. That’s a separate issue. What did you say to him? Mind you this is your last chance to answer me.” I raised my bow. The other man said, “We said he would never be the beta male. That our pack would never accept him, and we’d force Matt to step down. That Matt’s dad would take his place as Beta again.” My anger consumed me, “You narrow minded pieces of shit.” I let my arrow fly. Before the other man could even realize I’d fired I’d sunk an arrow through his heart too. I grabbed the bodies and ran. I had plans for such situations. There was a crematorium near here. I snuck in and placed the two bodies in the fire and ran back to my place. I put all my gear away and stepped into the shower. 

            I came out in my robe to find Haley on my bed. She smiled, “I saw Ted tonight.” I smiled, “He was so nervous. We had to get clothes from the stash you had here.” Haley laughed, “He told me. I told him either we had the same taste, or he’d raided his clothes here.” I smiled, “I’m really happy for him.” Haley said, “Have you met Beta Matt yet?” I laughed, “Ted didn’t tell you?” Haley said, “I didn’t ask him.” I shook my head, “I haven’t met anyone in Beta Matt’s pack, let alone Beta Matt. Ted actually kept it a secret from me until today.” That was one hundred percent true. I hadn’t met the wolves who helped us, and I hadn’t met any of them tonight. Haley smiled, “Are you going to meet them?” I shrugged, “I’ll probably go to Ted’s place and meet Matt. I don’t know about anyone else. I don’t want to be too on the radar right now with the leak going on.” Haley nodded, “Alright.” she hugged me then pulled back, “You call me if you need anything.” I smiled, “Always. Same goes for you. You looked worried.” Haley said, “Trying to get everything done.” I laughed, “Go have bunny s*x. That will take your mind off everything.” Haley laughed, “Don’t mind if I do.” She gave me another hug then popped out. I was about to lay down when a knock came at my door. It had to be Ted. I opened the door. Ted came bursting in and hugged me. He had tears running down his face. I saw Matt pacing outside the barrier. “Ted.” He came in and I shut the door. Matt didn’t need to hear this. As long as my door was shut, they would hear nothing. “They don’t want me.” Ted cried. I said, “Two old fuckers with their ass backwards ways don’t want you. Everyone else seemed accepting.” Ted said, “They said they would gather support.” I snorted, “They will gather nothing but dust.”