Page 151 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I sent Ted a text letting him know I was waiting at the edge of the Shroud. I heard someone call my name, “Lexi.” I turned and saw one of our healers was walking towards me. He’d always given me the creeps, but he was one of our people. I never let anyone see how much I didn’t like him. I greeted him, “Hello, Gerald.” He smiled, “I haven’t seen you around here.” I shrugged, “I don’t come in too much. I’m just here to grab Ted.”

Gerald smiled, “Your business is doing well. Anne brags all the time about you and Ted.” I nodded, “It is.” Gerald saw Ted coming. “I’ll let you go. He’s still not happy with me.” I said, “It was an emotional moment. He’ll get over it.” I wasn’t sure I believed that, but part of my job here was reassuring people if they needed it. Gerald flashed away.

Ted hissed, “What did he want?” I bit my lip, “To say hi.” Ted said, “He can go fall off a cliff with SHARP rocks.” I laughed, “He knows you’re mad.” Ted ranted, “Mad does not cover what I feel for him. I want him dead. That’s coming from me. I’m two steps away from finding a way to plot his demise myself.” I couldn’t deny that surprised me. I told him, “Your mom is fine.” Ted shouted loud enough half the Shroud heard him, “NO THANKS TO HIS IGNORANT ASS!” I agreed, “True. Let’s go.”

We left and ran back to my place. Ted called Mark, Joanie and by extension Kevin and Kincade. He let them know to meet us back here. Ted couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer, “So, what was in the box?” I sighed, “Heath wants it kept between the two of us.” Ted yelled, “DAMN IT! I knew that was coming.” I laughed, “I know, I’m sorry.” Ted shrugged, “It’s not a big deal. I know if you could tell me, you would.” That was true.

Ted smirked conspiratorially before continued, “Speaking of, were you at Cameron’s pack on Halloween?” I laughed, “That’s a popular question, but no.” Ted questioned, “Why were you and Heath at Sophia’s?” I admitted, “I don’t know why exactly. I know he’s worried and wants to ensure that the area in which our home is, is secure. I think there's more though.” Ted frowned. I explained, “It was supposed to be just me. Heath stepped out to help them before I got there. They were going to be overwhelmed.”

Ted pressed, “He was watching? Himself?” I agreed, “I know. Something is up. I haven’t put my finger on it yet.” Ted said, “Yeah well, Sophia is a bitch and I hate her. So, if you weren’t at Cameron’s where were you?”

I was stunned. Ted was so understanding about people. What had Sophia done? Was this about the issue with her and Chase? Did Matt tell him about it? Ted usually formed his own opinion about people. I said, “She can’t be that bad.” He sneered, “She is a Bitch.” Ok then.

I told him, “I can’t tell you where I actually was. I can tell you I killed someone and left.” Ted snorted, “I could’ve guessed that you’d killed someone and got out. Frank said he thought something was up with the Black Arrow. He said her heartbeat was irregular, and his wolf thought she was scared of him. I don’t think you were scared of him at all. You thought he was Chase, didn’t you?”

My eyes filled with tears again, “Yes. I thought he could be Chase. I heard Noel fighting and took off. When I arrived, I just saw black fur and a wolf down.” Ted nudged me, “Noel thinks you walk on water. He was in awe of you taking down the remaining rogues and witches. He said it was a thing of beauty, but it was a thing of rage, wasn’t it?”

I slapped his arm, “No one likes a know it all, Ted.” Ted smiled, “TeleTed is THE know it all. It’s my thing. I’m sorry that had to scare you thinking Chase was hurt.” I cringed, “I can’t lose him.” Ted hugged me, “I know how you feel.” I said, “I know. I never understood this string business. I don’t know how Heath has managed with his dying.”

Ted pointed out, “He didn’t know her that long.” I argued, “It doesn’t matter.” Ted said, “It does, and it doesn’t. Their connection was there, but he kept going for you. Plus, with us our strings were supernatural’s. His wasn’t. She didn’t feel the connection instantly like we do. Heath knew you couldn’t lose anyone else. He made the Hood and you his driving force to keep going. He’s a strong man who loves his little sister.” He was right. I still couldn’t believe I never got to meet her string.

Ted put some steel in his tone, “Now, this family that left you a letter. What the actual fuck?” I snorted, “Assholes. They haven't even come around. Can we keep that quiet too?” Ted said, “Ummm Heath knows, the wolves know… and you mean from Hood people.” I nodded, “I do.” Ted huffed, “I figured. I didn’t even say anything today to my parents. Who’s proud of TeleTed?” I snorted, “Me. Good job.”

Ted said, “I’m team let’s find your family and kick their asses. If you hold them down, I’ll shoot them in the arm. Just a little flesh wound.” I laughed, “I might hold you to that. I’m pissed at them. Heath thinks we could've been kept apart intentionally. They are following me though which means they could talk to me.”

Ted agreed, “I’m with you. You are both adults now out and about in the world. They could just bump into you.” His words faded as realization hit me like lightning. I paled, “Oh my god….” Ted asked, “What? I don’t like that look.” I rubbed my head, “I think…. I met a cousin of mine when I was hammered. I thought it was a hallucination or something, but I did talk to someone that night, I think. Maybe. He looked so familiar. He knew my name. He was just a little older than Heath. DANG IT! Now I’m going to stake out my own damn P.O. Box.”

Ted snorted, “Good luck with your wolf letting that happen.” I groaned, “I need to find that guy Ted. He could be family. Holy shit! I thought someone was following me and helping me kill demons when that whole thing went down. It happened at my P.O. Box. What if he followed me? He’s helping me.”

Ted said, “If only we knew someone who was good at getting, I don’t know… information.” I smiled, “I could break in and get a list of who owns the boxes.” Ted clapped, “There is it. I knew you’d come around.” I began to plan, “Haley would pop me inside.” Ted said, “A plan forms. Now, how to get around the wolves.” I groaned, “We will have to think about that a little longer. Wait, no we won’t. We’ll just have a girl’s day. I’ll see when Haley is available.” Ted clapped, “I love it.”

The front door opened and Chase stepped in. He asked, “Love what?” I told him, “We are planning a girl’s day. I was going to ask Haley when she’s available.” Chase observed me, “Are you ok? You’ve been crying?” He had no idea the day I’d had, and to be fair that’s because I didn’t give him any clues. Ted stood saying, “That’s my cue. I’ll see you later Lex.” He blurred out.

Chase closed the door and crossed the room to me. He picked me up and sat at my desk, pulling me into his lap, “What’s wrong?” I told him everything. He sat there and listened carefully. I showed him my letter. Chase said, “If someone kept some coded message from your dad on the letter’s location, and I agree with your brother if your dad left the letter, he left instructions on where it was. You’re not safe there.”

I pointed out, “I don’t go often. Heath lives there though.” Chase nuzzled my neck, “He’s lived there the whole time. He’s the leader.” I argued, “So was my dad.” Chase said, “From what I know Heath is a lot more vigilant than your father was. Heath doesn’t trust a lot of people. Your father did as his father did before him.”

I immediately asked, “What do you know about my grandfather?” Chase shrugged, “Just stories. No one knows the leader’s last name. The Hood, as a group, are fairly secretive, but it’s well known your father didn’t consider people strangers. He considered them friends he hadn’t met yet. He got that from his dad.”

I chewed on my lip then said, “Heath was like that until my dad died.” Chase said, “It was a formative experience for you both.” I frowned, “He’s ready to think that our family has reasons for staying away. I don’t think I care. They should’ve tried harder. We were kids, and they left us alone.”

I shook myself, “My dad must have seen you and I together. I know it’s silly, but I’m really glad he knew you in some way.” Chase smiled, “Me too.” I asked, “Why didn’t you tell me Heath knew you were my string?” Chase sighed, “It seemed like something between the two of you.” He made a facial expression that said he was annoyed.

I frowned, “What’s up with you two?” Chase admitted, “He doesn’t like me. I can’t say I’m his biggest fan because he keeps telling me to protect you when I’m trying. He’s the one with the leak he can’t plug.” I argued, “That’s not his fault.”

Chase disagreed, “He’s the leader. It’s not his fault, but it IS his responsibility. I’d imagine he and I will butt heads over you. He may not be a wolf, but he’s still an Alpha male and I am too. I don’t know what his problem is with me, but we agree where you are concerned that your safety comes first.” I sighed, “Well, let’s hope you two get over whatever it is.”

Chase held his hands up in surrender, “Hey, I am not the problem here. He seemed to dislike me before we ever spoke.” I explained, “It could just be hard for him, me finding my string. He did lose his, and we are getting back to being closer.” Chase thought about it before admitting, “That would make sense.” His eyes told me he wasn’t convinced that wasn’t the problem though.

The week flew by quickly. Heath had stopped by, and I invited him in and showed him around the house. He loved it and I enjoyed having him here. I was running a search on my computer for Tenley Olsen in the background of my work. Frank had texted me that since he couldn’t ask the little sister he hadn’t gotten anywhere. Everyone had lost touch with her.

On Friday, my computer dinged. I opened it. Tenley had moved farther than Illinois. I pulled her up. She’d moved onto South Dakota with her son. I smiled triumphantly. I knew it! She was married now. Her name was Tenley Merrell. Her son's name was Tyson. He was her oldest child. Everything lined up. Tyson had moved back to Illinois I assumed because he met his mate since he was married.

I booked a flight then sent Frank a text letting him know what I’d found. I called Ted into my office. I explained, “I’m doing a thing so I’m going to slip out.” Ted asked, “What thing?” I winked, “A secret thing.” Ted groaned, “I dislike this.” I assured him, “I’ll be back tonight.” Ted pressed, “Before we are supposed to leave the office?” I shrugged, “I’m not sure.” Ted pleaded, “Just be back before they notice you are gone.” I laughed, “I’ll try.”

I flashed out and just barely made my flight. I was nervous the whole time. What if Tyson already knew about his sister? It didn’t matter, at least I’d know for sure. I wanted to at least try to unite them. I rented a car as soon as I landed. Tyson only lived thirty minutes away from the airport.

After spending time at in packs I knew when I’d entered one’s territory. I parked right outside the address I’d gotten and walked up to his house. A young woman answered. She smiled at me, “Can I help you?” I said, “I’m looking for Tyson Merrell.” She frowned, “Why?” I explained, “I’m from…”

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