Tyson came up behind her frowning. He pulled her behind him. He nearly growled, “I’ve never seen you before. Why are you looking for me?” I said, “I…” Words failed me. You’d think I’d have thought of something to say. The woman motioned me inside, “Well, come inside before everyone makes it to our yard to hear what this is about.”

I quickly stepped inside. Tyson growled, “What are you?” I replied, “Not a werewolf, and not the point.” The woman said, “Tyson, just let her breathe for a second. I’m Ashley, Tyson’s mate. I’m the Beta’s daughter here. My brother’s ceremony to take over will be this week.” I smiled, “That’s great.”

Tyson repeated, “Who are you?” I answered, “Lexi Scott. Look, you honestly think I would’ve thought of what to say to you since I had to take a flight to get here. I’ve just had so many things going on I didn’t plan this part out.” They both seemed surprised.

I asked, “Do you know who your dad is?” Tyson tensed, “No, I don’t. Do you?” I nodded, “I do. I’m pretty sure I do anyway. The timing lines up.” Tyson explained, “My mom was embarrassed about how I was conceived. She said she left her pack behind after it happened. She’d recently been marked, but her mate died then she went into heat. I know I have Alpha blood in me.” It definitely lined up for me then.

I faltered slightly, “I came here because... Honestly, because I’m really close with my big brother. I would want to know him if we’d been separated. I probably shouldn’t meddle, but your sister is all alone. She’s the Alpha of her pack, and she’s facing a lot of hardships from what I’ve gathered. Wolves don’t seem to be in the correct century, and I think she’s feeling very alone.”

Tyson asked, “I have another sister?” I nodded, “Her name is Sophia.” Ashley gasped, “Alpha Sophia?! Your father was Alpha Allister? Oh my god!” Tyson growled, “My sister, her pack... rumors are swirling about their allegiance to her.” Ok, that I didn’t know.

I told him, “Honestly, I don’t know about that. What I do know is she could use a friendly face in her corner. At the very least you could reach out to her.” Tyson cringed, “She might not be happy to hear from me.” I argued, “I think she’d surprise you. From what I’ve seen of Alpha children, they are very close with their siblings.”

Tyson asked, “Do you know her?” I winced, “No, but I know people who do. I think she’s lonely. She doesn’t know who to trust. Ok, that’s speculation but I know things are tense for her based on what I’ve seen. I just think she could use someone on her side that she knows has her best interest at heart like siblings do. Being a female leader is unprecedented for wolves, and I’m sure that’s really hard on her. She lost her dad, your biological dad, when she was young. She had to navigate this all alone, and that’s got to be tough.”

Tyson said, “I’ve always wanted to know if I had more siblings. I have two half-sisters, and I love them to pieces. I’ll contact Sophia. If she wants to meet me then I’d be more than happy to.” I said, “If you could not mention my name that would be great.”

Tyson laughed, “Who don’t you want to know you meddled?” I admitted, “There’s a handful of people.” Ashley snorted, “I bet it’s the male she smells like.” I admitted, “He would be one and my brother would be another. He’ll probably know anyway. I swear that man knows what I’m doing before I do.”

Tyson winked, “It’s a big brother thing.” Ashley smiled, “I know we are far away, but my pack would be her ally. I thought her being the first female Alpha was totally badass. My dad did tell me Alpha Eric offered her a mentor, but she turned it down. My dad always said her dad was too sick at the end for her to learn things she should know. It’s why everyone gives her a break about not being the best ally. We could teach her though.”

Tyson said, “I’ll offer her my support. I have no desire to lead a pack. I never did even though I have Alpha blood. I’m a warrior through and through. It’s my calling.” Ashley beamed with pride, “He’s great! He teaches our young ones here.” I smiled, “I’m happy for you. I’ll let you get back to your day. I probably could’ve called. I’m sure with your aunt being in her pack visits could be interesting.”

Tyson shook my hand, “Nonsense, I’m glad you came. I might not have believed you if I couldn’t see the sincerity in your face. I’ll let Sophia know she’s not alone. As for my aunt, my mom doesn’t like her for some reason. I doubt my aunt knows I exist.” I frowned, “Could it be because her mate died defending her little sister?”

Ashley gasped, “What?” I nodded, “That’s the story I was told from the former Alpha of her neighboring pack.” Tyson frowned, “I didn’t know that, but I do know they never got along. My mom said Opal is very calculating. That she was a spoiled brat who got everything she wanted, and when she didn’t she schemed to get it.” That actually made sense to me because Frank didn’t seem to like Opal at all.

I hesitated then changed the subject, “You might have other siblings.” Tyson snorted, “It wouldn’t surprise me based on how I came to be.” I offered, “I’ll pass anything I find along to you, if you’re interested.” Tyson held out his phone, “I’m interested. You can program your number in.” I put my number in and he put his in mine.

I told them, “I’ve got to get back.” Tyson put his hand out to shake mine again, “Thank you for coming. Even if she doesn't want to see me, I’m glad I know about our connection. I’ll keep an ear to the ground about her pack now regardless. I’d come help her if she ever needed me.” I admitted, “I hope she does want to meet you. I know it’s great having a big brother.” I left quickly.

I thought I was being followed and secretly hoped it was a family member. Maybe they’d grow a fucking pair and speak to me. I grabbed a flight at the airport and looked at the time smiling. I was going to make it back in time. I parked when I reached the hotel and blurred into my office.

When I stopped, I almost jumped ten feet in surprise. Chase, Matt, Ted, Kevin, Kincade, Joanie, and Mark were in my office. Chase stood and walked over to me. Uh oh. He looked mad. Ted shot me an apologetic look.

Chase took a deep breath then growled, “Where HAVE you been? You REEK of other wolves that I don’t know.” I gulped. I had no idea how to get out of this one. I couldn’t tell him I’d found Sophia’s brother. A voice came from my doorway, “With me.” I knew that voice. I turned and my jaw dropped in shock at who was filling my doorway.

Confusing Dreams

Chase watched Lexi waiting for her to open her eyes. Her eyes were moving back and forth quickly. I linked Matt, “Do we have reports from our allies? Did anyone find a dead body in their territory that Lexi could’ve taken out for the Hood?” Matt answered, “Nope, nothing. Alpha Kyle’s people saw a blur of someone go by them. They didn’t get a good look. They weren’t sure which border it came from. Either Alpha Theo or Alpha Raven. Neither have reported anything unusual.”

I wanted to groan in frustration. What the hell was Lexi doing there? After several hours of being unconscious her eyes flew open. This Halloween was one for the books. I was still confused about where she’d been.

Alpha Kyle had no reports of anyone dead in his area. Neither did anyone else, but that meant someone was lying. If I’d put odds on it, I’d say it was Alpha Raven. Alpha Theo was a good man. Alpha Raven, in my opinion, had been losing it since his mate died. I couldn’t prove that, but I could prove he didn’t talk to us like he used to.

Lexi’s words confirmed someone was dead somewhere. It couldn’t be some insignificant person. Heath wouldn’t send her after someone who wasn’t important. Why didn’t we have a single report? I decided to switch gears because that wasn’t going anywhere.

I wanted to know why the Black Arrow was fighting with Lexi’s brother for Sophia’s pack. Their two best fighters were protecting Sophia’s pack. It had to be more than a border thing. But what? Does Sophia have some secret deal with the Hood? If so, why the FUCK wouldn’t she give me my damn annulment?

Bolt grumbled, “If she knew they were protecting her, she’d give it to us.” I countered, “She has to know now, and I don’t have signed papers.” Bolt growled in annoyance. I was right there with him. Lexi was now curious about Sophia’s dad. Great. I did NOT need her looking into anything about Sophia.

Bolt huffed, “What if her brother is trying to get her looking, so she finds out herself?” I didn’t think he’d go that far, “He wouldn’t. He doesn’t want to hurt her.” Bolt agreed. I had planned to speak to Alpha Eric tomorrow about Allister. Matt had scheduled the call with Beta Caleb. There’s no way Alpha Eric would have let that go though. He can’t suspect there was foul play, but with the way it had been put to me I thought just maybe there was.

When he got sick, my pack saw him often until the end. We had to help them make sure their borders were secure. It wasn’t a secret his pack was in trouble because he was dying and some internally were opposed a woman leading; however, as much as some opposed Sophia taking over, they didn’t want an outsider to take their pack either. I can’t believe his death went without an investigation. Bolt pointed out, “There had to be a reason for that.” He was right, and I honestly never cared to ask.

I was stunned Lexi wanted to talk to my dad. I didn’t want that, but I couldn’t deny her request. Or anything. GOD. I was so whipped. I couldn’t even find an ounce of myself that gave a single fuck. I didn’t want to think about her talking to my dad though. I put that out of my mind and fell asleep.

Matt linked me, “Our mates are texting.” I didn’t open my eyes but listened to Lexi. I could hear her typing on her phone. I replied, “About what?” Matt scoffed, “I don’t know. I’m throwing in fake snores. I was asleep until Ted’s phone went off.”