The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Pack Announcement Pt. 1

        Chase reluctantly left Lexi’s side when it was time to get back to work. I shifted and ran back to the main house. Cameron was there waiting when I got inside. He smirked, “You know it will be so much easier for you once Lexi moves in here.” I said, “We aren’t there yet.” Cameron said, “I love you Chase, but you’re an i***t. You basically live together now anyway. So... why haven’t you marked her?” My dad walked into the office since I’d left the door open. Like the i***t I am. My dad smiled and said, “An excellent question son.” I said, “Sophia…” My dad cut me off, “Is not your mate. You basically live with your mate, and you love each other. Every day that passes that you don’t mark Lexi you risk her slipping through your fingers. Goddess knows if you’d get a second chance mate the way you’re behaving with your first. You’ve probably offended the moon goddess twenty different ways to Sunday.” I growled, “LEXI IS MINE!” Cameron said, “I mean…. technically she is, but not officially.” I said, “What is with you two today?!” Derrick cleared his throat, “What does Bolt say?” Bolt took over, “I’ve been saying we should mark her since we first smelled her. My wonderful human held me back though, and then I didn’t get to meet her until later.” I took back over, “He’s an animal guys. I don’t understand what your deal is today. Did you have a meeting and decide to gang up on me?” My dad said, “Today? Are you having memory problems son? I have been resolute in my opinion that you should mark Lexi.” I said, “Cameron jumping on your train is what’s new about it dad.”

            Cameron said, “Seriously Chase. You ADMITTED in front of MY mate that you were dreaming about another woman. My mate LOVES Lexi.” My dad said, “Dreams? You are what now?” I groaned, “Someone explain it to dad. By the way I told Lexi about the dreams and she LAUGHED!” Matt said, “She did? Are you serious?” I nodded. Derrick said, “Long story short Frank, Chase is intrigued by the Black Arrow. He dreams about her.” My dad said, “Oh good.” Matt said, “Our theory is she’s his second chance mate.” My dad closed his eyes, “You think that’s why she’s been around to help save us? You think she feels the pull to Chase? Oh my god…. that’s why she was scared when I first met her. She saw a black wolf…. She thought I was Chase.” We all let that sit. Matt’s eyes went wide, “No….” I said, “What?” Matt said, “Nothing...I just had a thought.” Derrick said, “What thought?” Matt said, “What if…. Lexi….is the Black Arrow. She has a moniker.” I said, “No way.” My dad said, “I’ve met the Black Arrow. She doesn’t look like Lexi.” Matt said, “Susie seemed to think differently.” I said, “Susie is five.” Matt shrugged, “It’s just an option. It would explain everything just as much as BA being your second chance mate does.” Derrick said, “He’s right. It does explain just as much.” I said, “You think my mate is one of the most RENOWNED members of the Hood? That would mean that the Hood and the Black Arrow are related. You all do realize that, right?”

            Matt said, “Why would that be surprising? The best fighters in this pack were you and Cameron until he left to lead his own pack. You’re related. Why wouldn’t it make sense that the Hood’s best people are brother and sister?” I said, “No.” Cameron said, “Chase… it does make sense.” I growled, “NO! Because then her brother would NEVER let her be done. She’s too valuable. The Black Arrow is too good to let go completely.” My dad said, “Son, her brother loves her. Are we saying Heath Scott is the hood?” I winced, “I forgot you didn’t know that.” My dad said, “That asshole. He punched me in the face then acted as though we’d never met.” My dad thought about it for a moment then grinned broadly. He said, “I do know how we could tell if Lexi the Black Arrow.” I said, “How would we do that?” My dad smiled, “Get both of them to meet Cassandra Conners. Lexi herself told me she’d punch her in the face. We know the Black Arrow and Lexi are friends with the fairy princess. Matt over there can keep an ear to the ground. Hell, he could just call Beta Dylan. If we hear the Black Arrow meets Cassandra Conners and promptly punches her in the face…. Then I’d say odds are high she’s actually Lexi.” I said, “Seriously. That’s your plan. You want us to wait to confirm something this big?” My dad smirked, “You could always mark her. Then you could ask her yourself. She’s not allowed to tell you right now Chase. You can’t even go to the shroud.” I sighed, “I was hoping Lexi’s moniker was the Avenging Angel.” Cameron said, “Not a bad one either. Not the top dog, but…. still very good at what she does.” Matt said, “AA would be a good guess. Haley Conners might not want people to put two and two together knowing she hangs out with Lexi and BA someone could put that together.” Derrick said, “Only someone who knows Lexi is hood. We only do because of Ted, but no one else knows that for sure.” I said, “Matt you’re marked…. Can Ted tell you?” Matt snorted, “You don’t think I haven’t tried that? Heck I asked what Tate’s moniker was and he couldn’t tell me. There’s no way in HELL he can tell me Lexi’s.” 

            My dad said, “Again… My two options look like they are winning. Or there’s the third option of you meeting her. She’s running around our territory all the damn time. The females in our family have her damn calling card.” Just then Nadine walked in. “Urgent Delivery for Chase.” I looked at it. “There’s no return address.” Nadine shrugged, “It was on the porch.” She walked away. I opened it. Inside was a note

            Alpha Chase

            Didn’t want you boys to think I forgot about you.

            BA

Inside were rings with arrows on them. One for me, Derrick, Matt, Cameron, and my dad. My dad said, “Like I’ll ever get to use mine. She just shows up when I’m in trouble.” I said, “Which you need to cut out. I need Lexi’s friend to stop stalking our family.” Matt said, “Alleged friend. If Lexi is BA this is adorable.” I said, “She’s not!” Cameron said, “Just because you don’t want her to be mean she’s not the Black Arrow.” I said, “f**k all your logic.” Derrick said, “Wouldn’t that be better than the Black Arrow being your second chance mate?” I said, “No because after I mark Lexi the connection would disappear.” My dad said, “And we’ve come full circle. When are you doing that?” I sighed, “I was thinking about marking her on our getaway.” My dad sighed, “I guess that's as good as I’ll get.”

            I changed gears, “Matt, what do we know about the rogue attack?” Matt sighed, “We can’t prove it was Gamma McCann but…” I growled, “Get me proof.” Matt said, “What did I just say? We can’t prove it was him. Beta Caleb and I both believe it was him though.” I said, “Weren’t we monitoring him?” Matt said, “He hasn’t left his territory. That’s what I can tell you.” I said, “I want everything on him.” Matt said, “Do I LOOK like a genie? I can’t grant wishes. We don't’ have a mole in their pack. Derrick wouldn’t send Sally, we can’t send Jenna, and Lexi isn’t a part of our pack yet.” I said, “Why are you offering people to send as a mole that are in our pack?” Matt said, “Not to stay. To befriend a female in their pack to be the mole. If anyone in their pack would be willing to be a mole….it would be a she wolf. They treat their she wolves like s**t. Everyone knows that.” I said, “Alpha Conners doesn’t have a mole?” Matt said, “He didn’t when I spoke to Beta Caleb. He’s probably trying to get one, but there’s no lost love between those two packs. Alpha Conners outright stated he’d never be their ally because they are weak shits who don’t deserve their Alpha title.” My dad laughed, “He did say that. To Alpha Davis’ face. It was…. comical.” I said, “Ok, what else do we know?” 

        Matt snorted, “That whoever BA is to you…. she’s cutthroat.” I said, “What?” Matt said, “Remember the guy hanging upside down outside Sally and Derrick’s place?” I said, “I recall briefly seeing him, yes.” Cameron said, “He was Hank’s brother.” I startled, “Little Hank who grew up around here?” My dad said, “Little Hank. Honestly Chase. He’s Cameron’s age.” Cameron growled, “Hank was part of the attack.” I was astonished. “But…. he was best friends with Reagan.” Cameron growled, “She was supposed to be his reward. Reagan ripped his head off herself when BA told her Susie was meant to be his brother’s reward.” I said, “Come again? Do NOT tell me the DEAD ASS MOTHER FUCKER was going to give OUR BABY SISTER WHO IS FIVE YEARS OLD to some grown ass man!” Matt sighed, “That is the information Kincade got from another witch we captured. The rogues were quite put out. Their rewards was supposed to be Susie as well, except their purposes were for ransom. And….” He looked at my dad. My dad said, “Oh, good. There’s better news than some creep wanted my five-year-old little girl, Matt?” Matt winced, “They were supposed to kill Nadine.” My dad’s enraged roar shook my office. Matt said, “So... I think that’s the end of my news. If we want to go back to what the Black Arrow did to Hank’s brother…. That girl needs a therapist. No disrespect if she is actually Lexi.” I said, “She’s not and she didn’t gut him, so she did far less than I would’ve” Matt said, “No…. she severed his spinal cord, strung him up, made several cuts, clearly questioning him, then the kicker is how she killed him.” 

        Matt stopped talking. I yelled, “For god’s sake just tell us how he died!” Matt said, “She castrated him and shoved his d**k down his throat.” We all twitched reflexively towards our d***s. My dad said, “No matter who she is… I like her. She’s got moxie. She defended my daughter and killed a creepy man. I don’t think she needs therapy.” Matt said, “One does not need to cut off a man’s d**k and shove it down their throat.” Nadine snorted from the kitchen, “Yet you all LOVE it when your d***s are in our throats. Typical. You can dish it out, but you can’t take it. That warlock piece of s**t got what he deserved.” My dad laughed, “Is it any wonder why I love that woman?” I said, “No it’s really not. I’m with my family on this one Matt. He deserved it. I’d have tortured him much longer than she did.” My dad said, “Susie is having nightmares. She’s been sleeping with Nadine and I because she wakes up convinced her mother is dead. She didn’t see Nadine chase them outside, but she did see Nadine go down. That piece of s**t TOLD her while laughing that her mother was dead.” Matt said, “Ok fine. Maybe he deserved it. Let’s all stay on BA’s good side no matter who she ends up being to our Alpha. Because obviously she’s got skills and the will to torture us all.” I said, “What else?” Cameron said, “Given dad’s new timeline…. Alpha Conners worked it out so that for a little bit extra money our joint pack house could be ready in March.” I said, “Great. Have you announced your intent to your pack?” Cameron said, “No not yet, but given that we just upped training to compensate for what they weren’t taught; I doubt they will be resistant.” 

        I nodded, “Matt, Derrick, where are we on housing assignments?” Derrick said, “Well since we need most of their pack to be in the new pack house. We thought of a way to keep the homesickness at bay. We’d intermingle the patrols. The houses that are on the borders of both territories now will be patrol houses. So, those on shift will have a house there that’s theirs for their shift. They will have to share the house, so they’ll have to pick a room. That way when they are on patrol duty they still get to be in their homes, but they will mostly reside in the pack house. We have a few warriors ready to branch out of the pack house in our pack. Matt and I divided the permanent homes where they could stay versus what would be a patrol house. The pack house the architect firm drew up is big enough to hold both packs and then some. We will just be spreading people out not too thin, but enough to keep us secure.” I nodded, “Cameron?” Cameron said, “They’ve been working with my Beta and Gamma.” I nodded, “How do you want this to work between you and I Cameron?” Cameron said, “I met with Darrin Conners to discuss how they handle it. I think how their packs function will work fine. For day to day issues, and anything within my pack I handle it. For bigger, who we align with as allies we discuss it together, but you have final say. Darrin said all the brothers maintain their right to join a fight Alpha Eric doesn’t want to, but that has yet to happen. I think it’s smart. I still make decisions for my pack, but when things affect the group at large...you do. We still talk about it though. You don’t just unilaterally decide.” I nodded, “I can work with that. Matt, call a pack meeting for tonight. We will announce our intent here then. I can’t imagine anyone will resist. Those that are unmated in both packs increase their chance of finding their mate sooner, and everyone misses both you and Reagan brother.” 

        Cameron snorted, “Her. They miss Reagan.” Derrick said, “Someone is going to protect me from my parents, right? They will be spitting mad that I didn’t tell them about this.” I said, “You couldn’t tell them. Plans were certain until recently. Plus, we didn’t need it getting around either pack until we had plans, dates, and just a general concept of how this would work.” Derrick said, “Because that answer will fly with my mother. Alpha Frank, you’ve got my back, right?” My dad laughed, “Derrick, just remind them a baby is on the way, and make sure to have Sally by your side.” Derrick said, “The man is a genius.” My dad snorted, “I’m a parent. I know what would calm me down. It helps that your father is one of my best friends.” Derrick said, “I am in no way shape or form worried about my dad’s reaction.” We all laughed. I said, “Your mom is just a spirited gal.” Derrick snorted, “Spirited? She’s an overly dramatic amazing woman who I would not change for the world, but…. when she’s mad….” I said, “Oh we remember.” Matt laughed, “Remember after our we’d all shifted after Derrick’s birthday, we decided to go on our first run together? She came at us with a rolled up newspaper swatting all our noses saying that’s what happens when you’re a bad dog. Like she didn’t get carried away on her first run with friends and stay out all night.” I laughed, “It was classic, and so her. If I recall her problem was us not telling anyone we got carried away on our run.” Derrick said, “Yeah it was.” My dad said, “You can always have your mate haul you over her petite little pregnant shoulder and run away with you. The Black Arrow does it to me often enough, and she’s not pregnant. Come to think of it…. Lexi did that too.” Derrick said, “I don’t think Sally could pick me up.” I said, “I bet she can. The Hood are all strong whether or not they go on missions or not. Lexi carried me back to her place the day we officially met.”

        Derrick frowned. I said, “Really? You’re going to put out over your mate being freakishly strong? You and Matt got Hood mates that don’t have a moniker NOR do they have missions. My mate can toss my father around like a sack of potatoes AND has a moniker that I don’t know AND goes on missions.” Matt said, “All those with a moniker have missions.” I said, “Usually they only go out as their Moniker. Lexi goes as her moniker AND as someone who collects information.” My dad said, “That’s true. It’s rare that they do both.” Matt said, “Can I rub this ring so the Black Arrow shows up to where I am so I can meet her? Lexi being the Black Arrow is solidifying for me.” I said, “Still think she’s the Avenging Angel.” Matt said, “Yes, but you’re an Alpha.” I said, “What on god’s green earth does that have to do with anything?” Matt said, “Derrick gets it.” Derrick said, “Derrick does get it. You need Matt and I because we are better at…. certain things than you. This is one of them.” Matt smiled, “I could just lay this all out for Beta Dylan, and he'd spin me a fabulous tale.” I growled, “You will NOT speak of this to Beta Dylan. No matter what Lexi’s moniker is…. That information being widely known would be dangerous and I won’t have that.” Cameron said, “They are our allies, and Haley Conners would charm some evil fairy s**t on them if Lexi got hurt because they didn’t keep their yap shut.” My dad said, “He can’t help it.” 

        I said, “Can’t help what? Wanting to protect my mate?” My dad said, “No, being unreasonable when it comes to your mate. You know our allies would NEVER leak information about your mate that could get her hurt. Regardless of her friendship with Haley. Because you can’t mark her you are overly aggressive and sensitive about her. For example, you threw me through a glass door instead of opening it and throwing me outside. Or using the front door, which was open and closer.” I growled. Cameron said, “He’s right. The front door was wide open.” I said, “It made me feel better to throw him through the glass.” Matt said, “Oh please. You didn’t even NOTICE the front door was open. Lexi cried and you lost all sense.” I said, “You think that will be better if I mark her?” My dad laughed, “You’d have considered the front door. You might still have thrown me through the glass door, but you would have noticed there were other options.” I said, “There were other options. I just didn’t think throwing you through the kitchen window would've been nice.” Derrick said, “He wouldn’t have fit.” I said, “Exactly, but I did think of other options.” My dad rolled his eyes, “I’m just saying son…. You’d feel less restless if you marked her. I’d say if you lived with her, but you do that now.” I said, “We don’t technically live together.” Matt said, “You have clothes there, she has clothes here. You never spend the night apart. If there were leases you two would be paying them for no reason.” I said, “I just…. I don’t want her to feel like she’s not the most important person in my life. I know there’s no summit coming up, but if there was… Everyone would whisper behind her back because of Sophia. I don’t want that for her. She’s everything, and I’ll crush anyone who makes her feel otherwise. Speaking of, where are we with Sophia?”

        Matt said, “Umm… I’m going to need more than that.” I said, “Her long lost brother showed up, and she’s pretty damn happy about it. If he moves to her damn pack…. Will she sign the annulment papers?” Matt said, “Let’s call her.” I nodded. Matt dialed, “Beta Alfred.” Matt said, “Beta Alfred it’s Beta Matt.” Beta Alfred sighed, “Oh good. Here I thought we were in a good place where you didn’t call and make my life hell. It was a good run.” Matt said, “I make your life hell? Your alpha is the one who is making life difficult for all of us unnecessarily. I need to speak to Alpha Sophia.” Beta Alfred said, “One second.” The line was quiet then Alpha Sophia said, “Beta Matt, I hear you were civil to Alfred for the first time in several months.” Matt said, “A blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while, Alpha Sophia. I have a question regarding the man we met in Alpha Cameron’s territory the other day.” I linked, “Smart. You don’t know if Beta Alfred knows Tyson is her half brother.” Matt linked back, “This is not my first rodeo Chase.” Alpha Sophia said, “Alfred, give us one second.” Beta Alfred groaned, “Ugh, are you just going to tell me if you hooked up with some mated couple somehow? You all are a weird trio.” We heard the door slam. Sophia sighed, “He’s not happy that I haven’t explained who Tyson and Ashley are.” I said, “Why haven’t you?” Sophia said, “I trust Albert implicitly, but Tyson doesn’t. I really want to get along with him so I’m respecting his decision not to tell anyone in my pack his relationship to me.” 

        I said, “Who do they think he is?” Sophia said, “A potential lead warrior candidate.” I said, “You told people at Cameron’s he was your half-brother.” Sophia said, “Yes, but my pack doesn’t listen to pack gossip.” My dad snorted, “I’ll say.” I shot him a glare. Sophia asked, “Frank? What does that mean?” My dad said, “That your pack has never been one for gossip after Beta Alfred’s mother died. She was quite well known, respected, and bit of a chatty Cathy.” Sophia laughed, “I’d heard that about her.” I said, “With your brother coming into the picture….” I trailed off. Sophia sighed, “I just need some more time Chase. With all the breaks in my father’s case…. This is the closest I’ve been to answers. I’m scared to cut off that avenue.” I sighed, “Well we are all meeting with Haley Conners on January second in their territory. Evidently that’s when she plans to stop being nice about this.” Sophia sighed, “I’ll add to it my calendar. Alfred and I will be there. I don’t think I want to see what she considers to be not nice.” I said, “It may or may not swing in your favor that she wasn’t raised in this realm.” Sophia said, “Based on what we’ve heard about her time in Faerie; I highly doubt that would work in my favor.” I said, “She doesn’t want to dislike you.” Sophia snorted, “Oh I know she doesn’t. She apparently googled motivational sayings. One appears on my desk every day with a unique motivational saying. None of them are right. All are hilarious.” I said, “Sayings don’t appear to be her forte.” Sophia said, “In her defense…. some make no sense whatsoever.” Matt said, “Beta Dylan would chew off his right arm if you’d put those together and send them to him.” Alpha Sophia laughed, “I told Alpha Conners she should put a supe motivational quotes calendar together. I believe the princess heard me.” I laughed, “I look forward to my new calendar then.” I hung up.