Page 164 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Alpha Jackson and Alpha Darrin burst into the room. Alpha Jackson wordlessly took the warlock from Haley and dragged him out through the back entrance to the kitchen. Eric grabbed Haley, “We will get to the bottom of this, Angel.”

Susanna started to speak, but then Heath stormed inside. Haley snapped and the body of the warlock was gone. Heath ran over and hugged me. I told him, “I’m fine. I wasn't hurt, Susanna was.” He held me tightly. I complimented, “Quick thinking with the murder mystery bit, Susanna.” Susanna winked, “Thanks for getting me my purse with the lifesaving juice in it.” That was quite the name for it.

Heath asked, “Who did this, Susanna?” Susanna answered, “Noah.” I gasped. Eric said, “The venue has been searched, and he’s not here.” Susanna explained, “He entered and left by holoport. He said it was supposed to be Sally, but I’d do. I didn’t even hear him until he’d stabbed me. He stayed to talk for a minute. He poured pig's blood at the entrance by the door. He said Lexi would have a panic attack. Then he said he didn’t hit anything vital when he stabbed me. He just needed his fake cops to get Lexi out of here.”

Heath ground out, “Where did the other warlock go? We need to meet where they were going to take Lexi.” Alpha Jackson walked back in announcing, “He killed himself. He had a damn cyanide cap in his mouth.” Heath groaned.

Haley snapped and wallets appeared in Heath's hands. She told him, “There’s both their wallets. They had to have a car somewhere, probably outside.” To all of our surprise, Heath flashed to her and kissed the top of her head. He whispered something I didn’t hear. Eric growled as Heath blurred out of the room.

Alpha Jackson and Darrin sighed. Eric was all over Haley. He kissed her then growled again, “MINE!” Haley agreed, “Yours.” I was just proud she wasn’t on the damn floor from Heath’s actions. What was he thinking?

I asked, “Haley, are you ok?” Haley nodded, “I’m doing better about stuff like that. I know him, and it was hair. My brothers would’ve have done the same to you, I’ve seen them do it. I was kind of prepared for it to happen. It’s ok. Are you two ok?” I studied her, but again she was locked up emotionally. She couldn’t lie though, and if she prepared for it to happen then that made sense.

I nodded, “I’m fine.” I was lying my ass off, and her expression told me she knew that. Susanna shook herself, “I’m fine now. We need to get this food out.” She and Ted left with trays of food. Haley pressed, “Lex, are you ok?” I closed my eyes. I couldn’t go there right now.

I rubbed my face, “Noah was trying for Sally. How the HELL did he know she’d be back?” Haley answered, “The Hood leak. Heath knew she was coming back.” I closed my eyes, “Great! It’s not enough he fucked up my head. NOW he wants to fuck up my business and hurt my friends!” I wanted to throw things.

Eric changed the subject, “Why is your friend walking around with vampire blood on her person? I ask because we are currently at peace with the vampires. I’d rather not have someone holding vampire blood that they shouldn’t have it in my territory.” I looked at him and couldn’t help but smile. He was changing the subject to something that would calm me down. I was more than grateful.

I answered, “She’s dating a vampire and he gave it to her in case of emergencies.” Eric nodded, “Thank god.” I knew he didn’t really care. He had a relationship with King Arthur, and he’d proven he could easily kill vampires if he so desired.

I took a deep breath. “I need to get back out there.” Haley came and gave me a hug. “It will be ok. I can come charm the space of your events beforehand. It will ruin the fucking Troll’s whole day.” I nodded, “I might have to have you do that. I can’t have him attack my friends. Or worse, my clients.”

I looked at her and clearly saw her concern written all over her face. I was touched that she let that emotion show. I smiled and lied again, “I’m really ok.” If she used her powers on her friends, I’d be fucked. I knew she didn’t though unless she was asked or had to. She nodded, “Call if you need me.” Eric walked over to her. “Pop us all home.” Alpha Jackson and Darrin grabbed onto Eric. Haley grabbed Eric and popped away.

Kevin warned me, “Your brother is going to get punched in the face by Alpha Eric. Speaking as someone who has seen people take a punch from him, it hurts.” I said, “He knows that.” Kevin held out a phone. He explained, “Once the warlock’s died, our link started working. Along with the phones. Kincade had to use a landline to get a hold of the Alpha. He wants to talk to you.”

My hands were shaking so bad Kevin had to hold the phone to my ear. I whispered, “Chase…” Chase spoke quickly, “Sweetheart, I’m on the way. Are you alright?” I said, “I’m ok. You have work, you don’t have to come.” Chase disagreed, “I don’t give a shit. You are more important than work. Are you ok?”

I looked down at my outfit for the first time. I wasn’t covered in blood anymore, and neither was the floor. I told him, “I slipped in blood again. I’m…. trying…” I tried to say the words holding it together, but they refused to come out.

Chase comforted me, “Sweetheart, I’m coming. It’s going to be ok.” I nodded but couldn’t say anything. Which was silly Chase couldn’t see me nodding. Ted came back in, took one look at me, and took out his phone. Things were happening around me. Arms pulled me into a hug. It wasn’t Chase though. I still knew these arms; they were my brothers.

Heath held me, “I’ve got you, little sister. It wasn’t Susanna’s blood. She’s fine and up and walking around.” My mouth felt dry. I told him, “I’m so tired of slipping in blood. He knows all my fears. He’s trying to trip me up so he can take me.”

Heath pulled back, “You held it together until you could let yourself feel these emotions. That’s who you are, and he doesn’t see it. He’s counting on something that’s not going to happen. He doesn’t know you anymore.”

Heath looked over announcing, “Your string is here.” I cried, “Thank you, Heath.” He kissed my forehead, “I’m always here if you need me Lexi.” I said, “Eric is going to punch you.” Heath laughed, “I know, it would be worth it.” He nodded to someone.

Arms wrapped around me again, and this time I felt the sparks. I turned into Chase’s chest and allowed myself just a moment to cry it out. When I pulled back Chase looked murderous. He snarled, “I WILL kill him. I swear that to you.”

Ted huffed, “Get in line. I’ve hated him since I was fourteen. I’m not a violent person but that piece of shit needs to go.” I complained, “He’s like a cockroach.” Ted said, “Then I’ll empty a clip of bullets into him, behead him, and hack the rest of him into tiny little pieces. Not even a horror villain could survive that many shots to the heart and brain.”

I snorted, “If someone could, it would be him.” Chase and Heath said simultaneously, “He won’t.” Chase continued, “He will NOT survive what we do to him, trust me.” I nodded and wiped my face. I told them, “I need to get back out there.” Chase frowned, “I can take you home. Ted can handle this.” I shook my head, “No, Ted and I will do it together. Like we planned. I won’t go home and hide, and let Noah think he got to me. I will do my damn job because I can, and he doesn’t get to take even one more thing from me.” Chase nodded.

Susanna cheered me on, “She is woman, hear her roar! Me too. He may have stabbed me in the back because we all know he can’t take me in a fight; I still won’t go cowering home. He doesn’t get to win, that jerk.” Ted interjected, “We call him a Troll.” Susanna smirked, “How apt.”

Heath said, “Susanna, I think it’s time you shared about your vampire. I’ve pretended and waited long enough for you to tell me on your own.” My jaw dropped. Susanna rolled her eyes, “Is there anything you don’t know? Is there a point to keeping a secret from you?” Heath answered, “No, there really is not.”

Susanna admitted, “Robert is my string. That’s how I’m getting all the information you asked for.” Heath teased, “Was that so hard?” Susanna made a face at him. Heath raised an eyebrow and Susanna flushed. She told him, “I think I will wait awhile, but I’ll be turned. We are discussing kids.” Heath nodded, “Keep me in the loop.” Susanna nodded, “I will.”

Heath hugged me, “I’ll find him, and he WILL pay.” I said, “I know.” I believed he would. I was just worried that whatever Noah was caught up in was a plan that could’ve been in the works since my mom turned eighteen years old. We were not prepared to take on that type of plot.

I smoothed my outfit, and Ted took my hand while Chase squeezed my other one. I took a deep breath. Ted and I walked backed out. Everyone looked at me as I plastered a fake smile on my face, “I am so sorry. We got our wires crossed with our caterer. She thought it was our murder mystery lunch week, and I panicked thinking she was truly hurt. I was taking a minute to collect myself because my heart was pounding, and my adrenaline faded. I’ve had some caffeine and I’m fine now.” Everyone laughed.

One called, “I want a murder mystery luncheon! That would be marvelous!” Everyone was a buzz. Ted and I made the rounds making sure everyone was ok. We ended up booking five murder mystery lunches. When everyone left Ted looked over at me. “Well, we branched into a new avenue. We NEED someone to leak that to Noah. Like fuck you dick! We turned your shitty murder attempt into more business. Thanks so much for the extra revenue.” I laughed, “He’d be so pissed.” We started to tear everything down.

As soon as it was dark outside a man zoomed into the building. He had Susanna in his arms in less than a second. He was demanding answers, “What happened? I woke up to your pain this afternoon. It was distressing! I cursed the sun for being up.” Ted and I shot each other a look.

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