Page 193 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Heath sighed, “Alpha Hammond, the previous Alpha, didn’t want anyone to believe they were strong.” I scoffed, “Well, he sounds like an idiot.” Heath agreed, “He wasn’t too bright at the end. He stayed away from his mate on and off. They didn’t reject one another and she died. He was losing it.”

I asked, “What were you doing at Cameron’s? Thanks for the save by the way.” Heath answered, “I was looking for you. I was angry. Thankfully, I got to kill a few rogue wolves along the way. My string was murdered. I got the confirmation today. SHE WAS TAKEN FROM ME!” He threw his phone into the wall.

I whispered, “I know.” Heath turned, “You suspected.” I explained, “I just saw the War Goddess. I hear you’ve met her too and didn’t tell me. She told me you weren’t in a good mood. She also told me you had a second and possible third string out there should you and your second string not work out. Why wouldn't you work out you ask? I have no idea. Why does the War Goddess think your third string should’ve been the choice for you all along? I don’t know that either.”

Heath sighed and looked like he agreed then looked guilty. He sat down, “She came to me three years ago.” I nodded, “I heard. You weren’t supposed to kill someone.” Heath actually looked ashamed for a few seconds, “Yes. I didn’t kill my intended target, but I still want to most days.”

I reached over and took his hand, “Heath, she told me to tell you to be happy. The weight of the world isn’t on you. Go find your second string and see if you can be happy with her.” I didn’t think he could skip to the third first anyway.

Heath stood, “I can’t right now. I need to avenge my first string.” I questioned, “Why are you stalling? You’ve known your second string is out there because as our leader, you'd have to have one. You said that yourself, and you’ve just been working yourself to death.”

Heath admitted, “I can’t explain it to you right now.” I frowned, “But there is an explanation.” Heath nodded, “I will tell you all about it one day.” I went and gave him a hug. I asked, “Do you need me to stay? I’ll step out to see Chase and come back.”

Heath answered, “No, I have a mission. I put it off to come find you, and obviously I’ve been with you this whole time. I need to get moving.” I said, “Think about what I said about your string. You deserve to be happy.” Heath had tears in his eyes, “It does not feel that way most days.”

I frowned, “What? Why?” Heath cringed, “I can’t tell you.” I huffed, “Fine, don’t tell me. I’ll just tell you there is no one I know more worthy of happiness than you and Haley. She’s blissed out happy with her mate. You deserve that too. No matter who she is, she’s better off with you in her life. I know I am. You’re withholding the amazingness that is Heath Scott from your string.” Heath snorted, “I’ll keep that in mind.” I laughed, “See that you do.” I hugged him again. He ordered, “Don’t get bitten by rogues.” I said, “I’ll do my best.”

With that both of us left. I met Ted and Sally outside. I said, “There’s no way either of your wolves let you leave the territory without guards.” Sally told me, “They are at Ted’s house. Heath was not into seeing wolves until you woke up.”

I sighed, “Fair enough. I met the War Goddess, and she said I’d see her again.” Ted screamed, “TELL ME EVERYHTING!” I walked them both through it. Ted said, “That settles it. If I see you without a mark when you get home, I’m calling Haley. I don’t give a crap what anyone says! I’ll explain it all to her in excruciating detail. Then I’ll have her fairy charm you and Alpha boy locked up until you are marked. Don’t think I won’t do it!” I laughed, “I believe you.”

Mark, Joanie, Opal, and Willow were visibly relieved to see me when we walked into Ted’s parents’ home. Anne came and threw her arms around me. She pulled back, “You are just giving me scares all over the place. You and Ted need to stop this now.” I promised, “I’ll do my best Anne.”

Joanie stood, “We need to get back. Matt is worried about Ted, and Derrick is worried about Sally.” Just as we were about to leave Sally’s parents burst through the door. Her mother sobbed and hugged Sally to her. She cried, “Oh my baby! My sweet beautiful little girl!” Sally’s dad kissed the top of her head.

Her three older brothers barreled into the house next. Anne waved her hand, “I might have made a call or three.” I laughed, “Of course you did.” Every fiber of my body wanted to go to Chase, but I knew he wouldn’t be happy if I left without Mark, Joanie, Opal, and Willow.

Sally’s oldest brother asked, “What’s on your neck, Sally?” Sally explained, “I found my second string. He’s the Gamma in Ted’s pack.” Everyone was stunned. Sally said, “I really want to get back to him, but I promise we will talk.”

Sally’s mom added, “And meet him! I want to meet my son in law.” Her dad asked, “Does he treat you right, peanut? I won’t sit back and watch you be treated as you were by that wretched excuse of a string.” Sally smiled, “He’s perfect. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s everything I dreamed about having in a string growing up seeing how you and mom were.”

Her dad nodded, “Good.” Her brother said, “We will not be easy to impress this time.” Sally rolled her eyes. Her oldest brother said, “The only reason Noah isn’t dead is because he was the Lieutenant.” Sally hugged them all, “You guys!”

We stepped outside giving them all a minute. Ted wiped a fake tear away, “Mom, you make me so proud. We will have to call you TeleAnne.” I laughed, “It’s not as catchy.” Anne said, “They’ve missed her. I had to call them and let them know she was here.” I agreed, “She’s missed them too.”

Tony asked, “Does her new mate really treat her well?” Ted answered, “He treats her like the Queen she is.” Anne laughed, “Now we just need to find someone in their pack for you Lexi! Then the three amigos will be together.” Ted and I both laughed.

At least it was still a secret in the Shroud that I’d found my string. Anne frowned, “I’m serious. Ted, you be on the lookout.” Tony was giving me a ‘please god no don’t tell me you kept your string a secret’ look. Ted saluted her.

Sally came outside, and we all walked back through the Shroud. When we broke the barrier, we all flashed back to Chase’s pack. I stopped when we got there and asked the question I’d be dying to ask, “Chase is ok, right?” Joanie answered, “Yes, Luna the Alpha is fine.” I scoffed, “No you don’t future baby momma for Ted’s children. You MUST call me Lexi.”

Joanie laughed then admitted, “I love how involved Ted already is with the pup and his friends. I had a slight fear that he wouldn’t be as involved, but that is just not the case.” Ted said, “Ohhh my future little one that will be cooking in there may not have my nature but nurture people… That’s where you will see TeleTed’s influence shine through in the pup as you all call him or her.” We all laughed.

Ken and Kyler were on me as soon as we crossed the border. I asked, “Where are Kincade and Kevin?” Were they hurt? Ken said, “Kincade is questioning rogues. He’s uhhh…” Just then I heard Kincade yelling.

Ken continued, “He’s excited because Alpha Eric’s lead warrior thought he was an amazing fighter. It’s made him very efficient in getting answers.” Ted and I erupted into laughter. Sally shot us a questioning look. I gathered myself then said, “I’m sure it did.”

Ken raised an eyebrow, “Should you feel the need to explain why that makes him walk on air I’m all ears.” I shrugged, “Sorry. My lips are sealed.” Ken frowned then asked, “TeleTed?” Ted put his hands on his heart, “These are my people. They just know where to turn to for answers when they meet a wall. Your brother has a little crush on our intern. Liam is her brother.”

Ken and Kyler yelled, “CRUSH?!” Ken asked, “Kincade, has a crush? You’re sure? Our big brother has a crush?” Ted nodded, “I am so very sure.” Kyler pressed, “On Carry Henderson?” Ted nodded, “That would be our only intern.” Ken whistled, “Our big brother is going to step in it with that one.” We all laughed.

I walked into the hospital, and people pointed us to the room we wanted without asking who we were looking for. I relaxed the second I saw the back of Chase’s head. It was helpful they were in the same place, but since I’d brought most of them here, I did know they were ok.

Once I was in Chase’s arms, I couldn’t help but wonder if this would feel better if I was marked. I’d have to ask Ted or Sally. Physical pain hit me when I placed myself in my brother’s shoes thinking of that happening to Chase.

Susie had clearly caught onto my BA secret. I glanced at Ted and Sally who were trying not to laugh. Why couldn’t Chase just figure it out? I guess I still hadn’t seen him as the Black Arrow. The glint in Susie’s eyes when she said she wanted ice cream told me exactly what she wanted to talk about. We absolutely could not discuss that in front of people.

Susie quickly grabbed my hand and started to drag me out of the room. I was relieved Chase was ok and didn’t require Haley to heal him. I’d much prefer it be me than him that needed to be healed. Susie grew impatient and yanked me out the door.

---