Page 18 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I assured him, “I would never want you to do anything like that. Marrying a woman for the sake of your position or marrying someone you don’t love. That’s not the life I want for you.” I gave him a hug, “I love you man.” Matt replied, “Love you too, brother.”

We were brothers in a way, the way most Beta’s and Alpha’s are. Matt asked, “Where were you anyway? Derrick said you left.” I admitted, “I was looking at party planners in Alpha Eric’s territory that he would be likely to use. The Princess isn’t my biggest fan, so I didn’t think she’d tell me who she used for her fairy event.”

Matt laughed, “This is why you need me.” I frowned, “Why?” Matt raised an eyebrow, “Did Alpha Eric plan the party?” I answered, “No... SON OF A BITCH! I need to re-do my list.” Matt chuckled, “You have a list? Christ Almighty, Chase. That’s my job.” I nodded, “I do. I ordered it based on who Alpha Eric was like to use. I need to figure out who the Princess would use.”

Matt nudged me, “See? I’m helpful. Go ahead, admit it.” I smiled, “You are a genius. I would be lost without you.” Matt observed, “Your entire countenance just brightened. What’s the big deal? Are you planning someone a party? Is it for Susie?” I smiled, “I’m just excited. Any ideas on how to re-work the list based on the Princess? All I know is she doesn’t like I’m married to someone who isn’t my mate.”

Matt began to work through his thoughts, “Males are unfortunately out.” I said, “I did know that. I disregarded them.” Matt frowned, “It’s a shame. I would’ve liked to have met some fabulous party planner to date.”

I snorted, “You can Google them you know.” Matt grinned, “I just might. Anyway, I think the Princess would stick to supernatural’s. I doubt it would be a fairy. Does anyone on your list work exclusively with supernatural’s? She is trying to find partial fairies. A human party planner would wonder about her magic speeches.” There was and I had her last.

Matt continued, “So someone who contracts with other supernatural’s. You can’t have workers wondering about the partial fairy’s talking about training on their powers only to be overheard by humans. A supernatural party planner would only hire humans who knew about us and not ask questions.” I smiled, “I think my list was in the wrong order. Thank you, Matt.”

We shifted and ran back to the house. I told Bolt, “We need to track down Lexi Scott first. This is what Nick meant in his message from Alpha Eric. I was looking at it the wrong way. I needed to think about who the Princess would use.” Bolt was howling happily that we’d gotten on the right track.

Derrick was waiting at the door. He announced, “We have visitors.” I sighed, “Oh good. Who is it?” Derrick frowned, “Alpha Ezra.” I stiffened, “Alpha Ezra as in?” Derrick nodded, “Yup.” We were not ally’s or friend with him, and he’d just tried to hold my allies for money. Over the death of a brother he didn’t know he had.

I walked into my office and greeted the man, “Alpha Ezra, how can I help you?” Alpha Ezra smiled, “I’d like to look around your pack.” I frowned, “Why? We are not allies. You’ve come a long way unannounced.” Alpha Ezra observed me before saying, “My brother left me a note that said he had a few pups from females he crossed on their heat. He didn’t know their name, just the areas they were in. I wish to track them down and relocate them to my pack. I owe this to my brother.”

Absolutely not. I said, “We had no dealings with the Ducant’s, and I have no single she wolves with pups.” Alpha Ezra frowned, “You are denying me the chance to look around?” I corrected, “I am telling you I have no one that matches that bill. All my she wolves with pups are mated. I would’ve known, along with everyone here, if one was unfaithful to their mate. Their mates' screams of pain would’ve pierced our territory. Just the same as their screams would’ve been if they were taken forcibly. If your brother had taken a member of my pack forcibly, he wouldn’t have been alive to try to take Alpha Lucas’ mate or shoot Alpha Eric’s. I would not have allowed that to go unchecked.”

Alpha Ezra turned red, “My brother would NEVER…” I cut him off, “We are talking about the same man, are we not? The Alpha of the Ducant’s? He was known for taking what he wanted, women included. Next time you wish to see me, follow protocol, and give me a call. I could’ve saved you a trip.”

Alpha Ezra’s face reddened, “I’ll find my brother’s pups.” I stood growling, “You will take NO she wolf’s or pup by force from this area. If they go with you willingly that is not a problem for me, but if I hear about a missing pup; you're the first person I’m sending the council to.” Alpha Ezra left in a rage.

Matt was on his phone already saying, “I can spread the word.” I ordered, “Do that. I’ll call those on our borders.” I called Sophia first. She answered, “Chase.” Her tone told me she was still pissed about yesterday. Well, she could join the club. I coolly told her, “Alpha Ezra is in town looking for pups of his brothers. I sent him away, but I’d imagine he will come to you next.”

Sophia growled, “He won’t take a single pup from my pack. I’ll speak to my she wolves. If that Ducant piece of shit attacked one of my members he should be VERY glad he’s dead.” I wasn’t surprised when she hung up.

Derrick spoke up, “That right there is why she doesn't need you. She can handle things alone.” I agreed, “That she can.” I called Alpha Eric next. He greeted, “Alpha Chase, did you find what you were looking for in my territory?”

Derrick shot me a questioning look. I said, “Not yet, it seems I was going about it the wrong way. I’ve adjusted my strategy. Anyway, that’s not why I called. Alpha Ezra is in town. I doubt he will come to you after failing to get money out of you, but he’s looking for pups of his brothers. I sent him away. I’m calling everyone to warn them.” Alpha Eric growled, “That piece of shit won’t take a single pup from this area. Jackson, get Alpha Ezra back on a fucking plane back where he’s from now.” I smiled when he cut me off.

I called my brother last. He answered, “Chase, dad is upset.” I grumbled, “Dad needs to chill and remember who the Alpha is now. I am calling because Alpha Ezra is looking for pups. Now that I think about it, your pack should’ve been where he started. Do you have any single she wolf moms?”

Cameron answered, “I just placed three with other packs. They couldn’t stand to be here anymore. They looked haunted.” I stiffened, “Contact their new Alpha’s to be on the lookout for Alpha Ezra. He’s looking for his long lost brother’s pups. He does not intend to be nice about taking the pup and mother. IF he takes the mother and not just the pup.” Cameron growled, “I’ll call them right now.” He hung up.

Derrick said, “They have a chance now. With us knowing and warning Cameron. Cameron would’ve placed them with good Alpha’s who are strong.” I thought about it then said, “The Ducant Alpha went further out for his contracts than our territory. We need to spread the word.” Matt raised his phone, “Word is being spread. Memos have been sent.”

Derrick pointed out, “Not all Alpha’s are honorable. He could get his hands on some pups and their mothers.” I snorted, “Alpha Ducant could have a lot of pups out there. We are keeping our pups and allies safe. Increase the border patrols, and men running them.”

I linked my dad, “Are you guys back?” My dad replied, “We are pulling in now. Why?” I informed him, “Alpha Ezra is here looking for pups of his brothers. I don’t want Susie in his cross hairs.” My dad was clearly on alert, “We are inside now.” Good.

I linked my warriors, “Who has eyes on Alpha Ezra?” My lead warrior, Kincade Farmer, answered, “He just crossed into Sophia’s territory. He is being stopped.” I questioned, “By Sophia?” After several moments Kincade answered, “No, Alpha Eric’s men just took control of his car. Alpha Jackson’s Beta, Hank Martin, is driving. They are heading in the direction of the airport.”

I linked my dad, “Alpha Eric’s men have him getting on a plane. I’d like to be cautious for a few days.” My dad replied, “That’s a good plan.” I knew that, but it did make something in me settle. I didn’t like feeling like my dad questioned my ability to be the Alpha.

I told Matt, “I want warriors around the school and pups discreetly. I don’t want to scare them.” Derrick asked, “You think he left someone behind?” I didn’t because Alpha Eric would’ve caught that. I answered “No, but I don’t want to discount the possibility. I won’t have a mother lose a pup, especially since I did not lie. No pup in our pack could’ve been fathered by Alpha Ducant. I’d protect them with everything I have if they were though.”

We reworked our patrols and shuffled our people around so we could be well guarded. I offered Cameron some men due to the fact that they were still trying to get the right people into the right places. We were spread thin, but we were managing.

It made the week move by quickly. Bolt and I were both anxious because it was finally time to go to the fairy practice. I wanted to skip it. I wanted to stake out the hotel where Lexi Scott worked, but Bolt wanted to go to fairy practice. The obnoxious mutt sang “It’s a Small World” on repeat until I agreed. He was quite proud of himself.

I had our lead warrior staking out the hotel, but without Lexi's picture he wasn’t coming up with anything. Kincade was frustrated by his lack of progress. I tried to tell him it wasn’t his fault, but I wanted him to stay near the hotel. He’d taken some surveillance photos, but no one jumped out at me yet. It’s not like I could keep him out there all day. Eventually, Matt and Derrick would notice and ask what he was doing.

I left and drove to Alpha Eric’s home. When I arrived, he greeted me himself. Alpha Eric said, “The partial fairies are all beginning to gather on the back lawn. I’m going to go ahead and tell you my wife will be pissed off about this. She well, she usually has colorful things to say about such things. Her take on things tends to be things we didn’t think of. She is quite adept at out of the box thinking.”

I took a deep breath inhaling. I got nothing. I asked, “Are they all here? I don’t smell my mate near.” Alpha Eric replied, “No, they are not all here yet. They pop in closer to the time practice starts.” I nodded and joined them outside, standing behind Alpha’s Darrin and Jackson. Something told me it was intentional that they were obstructing me from anyone’s clear view, specifically the Princess. I didn’t mind. I’d smell my mate if she was here and I could keep an eye on her from where we were standing if she was.

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