Chase:I need you, Lexi. My dad got hurt tonight, and I just need to see you. I need to see that you're alright.
I ran to my house and put all my stuff away. I grabbed another one of Chase’s hoodies off of the floor and threw on some yoga pants. I ran back to Chase’s territory knowing he’d be in the hospital. I rushed inside then frowned. I realized I didn’t know where they’d taken Frank. He was in the hall when I’d left.
I walked to the front desk, “Do you know where…?” My question was cut off by Chase grabbing me from behind. He dragged me into an empty room. Then he broke down almost as soon as the door was shut.
I rubbed his back, “Shh, it’s alright.” He whispered, “I need you to thank whoever your people were that were here besides the Black Arrow tonight. Thank her too.” I answered cautiously, “Ok….” I quickly took in the costume he was still wearing. I wanted to tease him, but I was going to give him a minute.
Chase sounded scared, “If they’d caught my dad out alone there would’ve been too many witches and rogues for him to take on.” I questioned, “So he’s alright?” Chase nodded, “Thanks to your people, he's fine. Foolish old man running a patrol by himself!”
I commented, “Alpha tendencies.” He calmed down and I added, “By the way I’ve been dying to say Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo?” He laughed, “Ted was in charge of my costume. It got shredded, but Haley snapped us all back into our clothes. I’m so glad you’re alright.”
I smiled, “I’m glad you’re alright too. Did everything go ok tonight?” Chase snorted, “You were right, Haley is hard to guard. She just popped away. Alpha Hammond is dead, but some of his followers got away. No wolves or rogues but witches.” I muttered, “I doubt they will be a problem.”
Seriously. I think Heath had it out for the coven. He probably had plans for them. I breathed Chase in, letting that small part of myself settle that though it could’ve been him down instead of his father. I couldn’t stop my tears.
Chase sounded surprised, “Hey, what’s this? I’m fine.” I cried, “When I heard there was a black wolf down in your territory I… Chase…” Chase rubbed my tears away whispering, “Lexi…” I interrupted, “My heart stopped. You can’t leave me.” He rubbed my nose with him, “You’re stuck with me. Come on, my dad said the Black Arrow told him you were fine, but he’s refusing pain meds until it’s confirmed.”
I snorted, “Your father is a strange man. First, he wanted me to stay away from you. Now, he’s refusing medication until he sees I’m fine. He’s confusing.” Chase laughed agreeing, “He is. He’s a good man, and he loves me. He will love you too when he gets to know you.” I wanted that to be true, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Our first meeting left a lot to be desired. I lost my temper, and he was out of line.
Chase led me down the corridors to a very fancy room. I walked in and the relief on Frank’s face was palpable. This is why my scent is concealed and my hair is blonde in the BA outfit. People would be able to recognize me. A little scent concealer and hair color people don’t put it together. Haley had actually charmed my mask. It made my hair blonde and short unlike my natural hair. She helped with my whole outfit the first time we met.
Frank spoke first, “Thank god you’re here, Lexi. Chase was worried.” Nadine rolled her eyes, “Yes, Chase was the only one worried. You didn’t pace the damn floor since she left this afternoon until you went for a run. A run! YOU are in SUCH trouble, you liar.”
Frank smirked, “I did go for a run.” Chase growled, “You don’t patrol alone.” Isaac chimed in, “I’m a little put out here myself, Frank.” Frank shrugged, “I just wanted to clear my head and run the border. How was I supposed to know there were Hood members guarding us?”
Ted commented, “I come to mind. They were here to protect me.” Frank pursed his lips, “A fact I am now aware of.” I laughed, “You are stubborn.” Frank smiled at me, “Right down to my very marrow. I am glad you are alright. You take care of my son.” I took Chase’s hand, “You have my word. Now please take some pain medication.” Frank nodded and the doctor sighed in relief.
Ted inclined his head to the hallway. We stepped out for a moment. He said, “Things are very interesting around here.” I asked, “Are they?” Ted nodded, “I love it. I wonder why the Black Arrow was around in this territory.” I glanced at him, “Do you?” Ted said, “I do. Matt got word about A LOT of dead rogues on our border with some witches.”
I replied evenly, “Did he?” Ted nodded, “He did. Warriors swear the Hood himself along with the Black Arrow assisted them before they ran away when the fight was won. They lost them and couldn’t pick their scents back up. Which isn’t surprising, as they have no scents in their outfits and we are fast.” I shrugged, “It sounds like they helped out.” Ted said, “It seems like they knew it was coming.” I replied, “Maybe.”
Chase came out and grabbed my hand. He told me, “He’s asleep. Let’s go back to your place.” I nodded, “See you later, Ted.” Ted called, “Yes you will. We have private things to chat about.” I laughed, “Oh Ted, Ted, Ted.” Ted yelled, “There is no Ted, Ted, Ted’ing. Ted and Lexi will be having themselves a chat!” I laughed, “Alright.”
Kevin and Kincade breathed a sigh of relief when they saw me. Chase informed them, “I’ve got her. She will need you again Monday.” They both nodded and left. I waved to them and mouthed, “Thank you.” Kincade smiled and out loud said, “We will always have our Alpha’s back, Lexi.” I nodded while Chase squeezed my hand.
We walked slowly to my house. Chase spoke, “I got the news my dad was hurt and overwhelmed by rogues once the fight was over. They didn’t want to tell me until they’d heard from me. No one knew where my dad was. We only had Nadine confirming he wasn’t dead.”
I asked, “You did link your brother and let him know your dad is fine, right?” Chase nodded, “He had to secure his own borders. He and Reagan will be over shortly.” I frowned, “Did they take on an attack too?” Chase nodded, “Hood members were there too. Were you one of them?”
I was happy I could answer that question, “It honestly wasn’t me at Cameron’s border.” Chase nodded, “We thought they might be attacked so we sent them men. We did not think we would get attacked here.” I admitted, “The Hood member that was here was only a precaution. I don’t think anyone thought they would come for you.” Chase nodded.
We were near my car when suddenly, he growled and put me behind him. I asked, “Chase?” He ordered, “Don’t move.” I turned to saw Matt, Kevin, and Kincade’s wolves running at us. They spread out around the area. Then they ran behind trees and shifted back.
Matt spoke first, “Whoever it was is gone, Chase.” I questioned, “Whoever what was?” Chase answered, “There’s a strange scent here.” I pointed out, “They might just be passing through. None of Haley’s booby traps were triggered.” Chase pursed his lips but admitted, “That’s true.”
He grabbed a note and handed it to me. I looked at it, understanding why he’d given it to me. My name was written in beautiful calligraphy letters. I sighed, “Maybe I should get a neon sign that says Lexi Scott lives here.” I opened the letter. I don’t know what I was expecting, but what I read was not it.
Lexi,
This is not how I thought our first interaction would go. You are in more danger than you realize. I cannot in good conscience not warn you of the dangers facing you. Stick with the Alpha wolf since he appears to be your choice. You are in danger when you are separated.
Heath is working hard, as are we. Stay vigilant, stay aware, and most importantly stay alive. Trust your circle and no one else. Some you think as confidantes are not people you can trust. Share sparingly the details of important things.
Be very careful Lexi. If you do not trust someone implicitly keep your mouth shut around them. Your parents didn’t, and that cost them their lives.
Do not die. I want to meet you formally one day.
We are family after all.