I heard Heath crying in his room and went to join him, sleeping in his bed like we did when we were children after our parents died. He apologized profusely. I kept telling him it wasn’t his fault. He disagreed saying as our leader it was his job to make sure people didn’t half ass their jobs.

He was gone when I woke up. He left me a note saying breakfast was in the fridge, and to come see him before I left. I ate quickly and flashed to his office. Thankfully, the Lieutenant was nowhere to be seen when I found him.

Heath smiled as I walked in, “How are you doing?” I reiterated, “I’m fine. Haley healed me before we came back.” Heath nodded, “I want you to take a break on missions. I know you just had a break to set up your business, but I don’t care. I’ll have a mission for you around Halloween. It was going to be sooner, but I need to make sure everything is in line for it. I know it’s not fair, but I need time too. I have never been more afraid than when you sent me your SOS. I can’t send you out right now. I’m sorry.”

I hugged him, “It’s fine. I’ll just focus on my events. Ted will be thrilled.” Heath searched my eyes, “You really aren’t mad?” I shrugged, “If I didn’t have my business, I probably would be. Honestly, this will be a good break for me. I can grow my client base and give it my full attention.” Heath watched my eyes when he said, “You could look for your string.”

Sally’s warning flashed in my mind. I was non-committal, “I don’t know. I want to focus on Bull’s eye right now.” Heath smiled, “That name is still funny every time I hear it. I lost mine, but Dani and I were happy for a time. I want you to be happy with someone, anyone.”

That was odd phrasing. I said, “You should look for your second chance string then. I know you’d get one.” Heath sighed, “You know I want to find out who killed our parents. I just don’t have time right now.” I teased, “We are quite the busy pair, big brother.” Heath smiled, “That we are.” I stayed and ate lunch with Heath before I left.

Ted and I worked really hard to grow our business together. I was constantly in meetings. I was in Haley’s area Wednesday night, but she had her fairy training session. She wanted me to stop by, but I was too tired. I had just left a meeting with the new vampire King, Arthur. Haley had given him my name.

I’d seen a few vampires I wouldn’t mind tangling in the sheets with. I’d even gotten one’s number. I might need a round with a vampire to blow off some steam since Raphael had left town. I was about to walk into the hotel when the scent of sandalwood hit me. It was so strong I whirled around.

I looked everywhere, but I saw nothing. My body propelled me towards the tree line. My heart was racing. There was nothing here besides me. I sighed, “What is wrong with me?” I heard a rustling and whipped back around bracing myself, but again found nothing. I chastised myself, “Get it together Lexi, there’s no one here.” I sighed and walked back to the hotel.

My body was practically revolting against me. It was an actual effort to walk away. Ted was waiting for me inside my office. “How was the meeting with the King? I saw your notes. It looks like he will be a good client. He trusts Haley, and he wants to work with another supernatural. Right now, we are the only one that fits that bill. I mean sure, there are other supernatural planners in the market, but none with Haley’s stamp of approval.”

Ted stopped to study me, “Why are you flushed? Are you ok?” My mouth was dry, “I just need some water.” Ted nodded. I clutched the water to me tightly. “I’m fine. Yes, I think King Arthur will be a great client. It will give us great exposure to the vampire community at large. He’s hosting a party to celebrate his reign here in Tennessee with the other Vampire Kings and Queen of the surrounding area. He’s trying to secure alliances.”

Ted nodded, “We can work with that.” I agreed, “Yes, we can. Let’s get to work.” We worked on several ideas for the King’s party. Once I had two solid proposals for King Arthur to choose from, I sent them over with my standard contact. Feeling satisfied, I told Ted we could head home for the night.

When I got in my car, I could feel eyes on me. I smirked. Whoever it was, they were going to find out that I am an incredibly skilled and evasive driver. It took men ten minutes, but I shook them. I made it my cottage and got inside. I had no idea what was going on today.

A part of me knew I should report it, but the other half of me, the louder half, was worried the Lieutenant would use it to try and stop me keeping up my business. I sighed and got ready for bed. He was not going to take one more damn thing from me. I’d just be vigilant and lose any tails.

First Sight

Alpha Chase saw a beautiful woman with black hair in a meadow. I couldn’t make out her face, but I could tell she was beautiful. There was someone following her, but I couldn’t get her attention. The shadow consumed her, and I woke with a start.

I looked around my room startled. I assured myself, “It was just a dream.” Shaking, I got out of bed. I stepped into the shower letting the water run down on me. The woman was consuming my thoughts. I didn’t even see her face. I needed to get it together.

I went to my office and looked at my schedule. I could spend a few hours around lunch to check out the first party planner’s office. I called and got an appointment with them which was surprisingly easy. I smiled with my plan in place and happily got my coffee.

I realized with a start that this was the first time Bolt had been content in the morning since we’d felt our mate near. Bolt snorted, “We have a plan, and we WILL find her. Maybe we should find the woman from our dream too. I do not like her being in danger. It felt so real.” I pointed out, “I don’t know how to find her. I didn’t like feeling like she was in danger either though.”

Matt came into my office. He stared at me for several moments before saying, “Ok, just so we are clear.” I rolled my eyes but he kept going, “You are maintaining nothing is wrong with you? Even though for the first time in four years, you are in your office before me.” I said, “Let’s just get to work.”

Matt raised an eyebrow, “So there is something wrong. Come on, let me help you.” I thought about it. I told him, “I have a plan. I will need your help when a piece clicks into place. I’ll bring you up to speed then. For now, I’m dealing with this myself.”

I would need Matt’s help once I found my mate. She would need to be guarded. I needed her to be safe. My thoughts ran to the woman from my dream again before I shoved that out of my mind. Matt brought me out of it because I wasn’t being successful. He asked, “How long do I have to be in the dark about what’s wrong with you?” I told him, “I really don’t know. I’m working on it.”

Matt mused, “You know what would help you? It’s an out there thought, but me. Dumb ass. I could help you. I’m only your Beta, it’s my job on two fronts.” I shook my head, “I need to do this first part alone. If you really want to help, you can get Beta Alfred to get Sophia to sign my annulment papers. THAT would be a massive help.”

Matt snorted, “I am only one man. Maybe if I suck up to Beta Dylan or Beta Caleb, I could borrow a fairy to help. The Princess seems to have that line for taking no shit more than the Duchess does. I’ll go with Beta Caleb.” I shrugged, “I don’t care how you get it done. Fairy, Demon, Wolf, Angel, Hood member, I don’t fucking care. I want out.” Matt said, “I’ll just call Beta Alfred.” I grumbled, “Good.”

Susie pushed into my office. I smiled at her. She looked at Matt, “Ummm I need to talk to Chase.” Matt sighed, “First my Alpha keeps things from me then I’m kicked out of our office by a five-year-old.” I laughed, “At least she’s cute.” Matt tickled Susie as he walked by her, “She’s lucky she’s cute, I’m fierce.” Susie giggled, “You love me.” Matt gave her a quick hug, glared at me, then left.

Susie ran over to my desk and sat in my lap. I asked, “What’s up, little sister?” Susie smiled, “Mommy and I made cookies for your Princess, but I didn’t tell her why. Did you talk to Alpha Eric?” I smiled, “I did. He’s going to help me as much as he can without upsetting his Princess.” Susie frowned, “His Princess just doesn’t understand.” She looked at me brightly, “You could let me talk to her. I know she’d see it my way. I am good at that, Chase. I really am.”

I laughed, “I know you are. I might just have to put you in the game.” Susie saluted me, “I’m ready and rested, coach!” Nadine came into my office teasing, “I just knew you’d be in here, Susie.” Susie said, “Chase and I have a secret meeting. We have a project.”

Nadine laughed, “Oh yeah? What’s your project?” Susie thought about it then answered, “Project Cookies.” Nadine smiled, “Did we make those cookies yesterday for Chase?” Nadine turned to me, “She’s been very secretive about these cookies.” I winked at Susie then told Nadine, “In a way they are for me.” Susie beamed.

Nadine said, “Well little miss we have an army and armored cars ready to take us to get a few school supplies.” I was stunned. Susie squealed, “I get to go with you?” Nadine smiled, “Your daddy is the head of this pack, but I’m the neck. Daddy is coming with us too.” I rolled my eyes. That made more sense.

I questioned, “How many warriors will I be down?” Nadine looked guilty, “Your dad pulled twenty of them.” I stood, “Where is he?” Nadine looked alarmed but answered, “In the car.” I walked outside, where there were four SUVs waiting.