Page 201 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Matt laughed, “What a great parting line. A motivational speech with a hint of don’t you dare disappoint me.” I smiled, “It’s what I do.” Kincade linked me, “We are in Alpha Eric’s territory.” I replied, “Ok.”

Kincade asked, “What do we do about men flirting with Lexi?” I growled, “What is she doing?” Kincade answered, “Turning people down left and right.” I ordered, “If any of them touch her, you take them down.” Kincade said, “Yes, Alpha.”

I turned, “Ted, why did Reagan and Lexi go to Alpha Eric’s territory?” Ted shrugged, “They wanted to go to that club we went to with Haley and Eric.” I growled, “Matt.” Matt sighed, “Ted, let’s go join girl’s night.” Ted laughed, “It’s not girls’ night if you join it.” Matt amended, “Fine, you go join girl’s night. I’ll join Kincade and Kevin.” Ted agreed, “Ok.” They left.

I asked, “Sally, why didn’t you join?” Sally smiled, “Derrick said there was an announcement. Plus, I was just so tired.” Derrick cooed, “Aww, let’s get you home sweetie pie.” I linked him, “That’s a nickname and a half.” Derrick retorted, “She cooks pie and she’s sweet as pie. It’s self-explanatory. Shut up.” I laughed as they left.

My dad came in and complimented me, “That was a good speech, son.” I smiled, “Thanks, dad.” I called Cameron, “How did your pack take the news?” Cameron admitted, “They were relieved. Some of your Omega’s are mingling with mine as we speak. They came over with desserts.” I smiled, “Good. That was fast.”

Cameron replied, “I think some of our Omega’s are friends already. I think my pack called yours.” I laughed, “You should know there were cheers of joy when everyone found out you’d be coming back with Reagan.” Cameron said, “That’s for Reagan.”

Derrick’s parents ran inside. I said, “I’ll talk to you later, Cameron.” Cameron said, “Sure.” I looked up, “How can I help you?” Derrick’s mom snarked, “You can tell me where that son of mine is.” I laughed, “He took Sally to their place because she was tired.” She sighed, “Well, he’s just going to get an earful.” Derrick’s dad was trying not to laugh.

I pointed out, “He couldn’t tell you until it was all confirmed.” She raised an eyebrow, “He could’ve told me when the meeting was called then.” I opened my mouth and closed it several times. She had a point. She smiled, “Exactly, you can’t even say I’m wrong.” I sighed, “Have fun giving Derrick that earful.”

She smiled and hugged me, “I will. I’m also VERY excited. I miss Reagan so much. I never thought she’d leave us once we’d discovered her mate was Cameron. It was heartbreaking.” Derrick’s dad said, “Yes, we all know. We remember you cried in their room, in this very house, for days.”

I told him, “I’m pretty sure that’s normal. Isabella shed a few tears over Molly leaving. Pups and all.” Derrick’s mom snorted, “You cried yourself. Don’t think I didn’t notice that.” Her dad smiled, “She’s my baby girl. I won’t deny I was happy Opal’s mate was in this pack.” The left holding hands.

I worked for several more hours once they left. I went to Lexi’s, but she wasn’t home yet. I fell into what was thankfully a dreamless sleep. When I woke up, I was alert. I smelled an unknown scent. Lexi was sleeping beside me.

I looked around the room and found the dress she’d worn last night. I smelled two different scents. Someone had touched her. Red tinted my vision. Lexi’s sleepy voice called, “Chase?” I growled and threw myself on top of her, “MINE!”

I claimed her for several hours. I made her scream she was mine before I let her get up to shower for work. When we walked outside, I linked Kincade, “Who touched her?” Kincade answered, “Alpha Eric has both of them. They were visiting wolves from out of the state. Kevin and I broke their hands. She kneed both in the groin.” I nodded.

I took off for my office. I wasn’t in a good mood, and Matt wisely said nothing. He was checking his email when he said, “Oh shit.” I growled, “What?” Matt said, “You know that apartment building you own…” I was going to punch someone. I reminded him, “I own several, Matt.”

Matt said, “The condo one.” I nodded, “Yes, I do.” Matt winced, “Well, I get notified when we run background checks on new tenants. It got a new tenant.” I scoffed, “And? Why do we care?” Derrick read over his shoulder. He groaned, “Oh... boy.”

I yelled, “WHAT?!” Matt answered, “Lexi Scott is your new tenant.” I asked, “Come again?” Matt said, “I thought someone might be messing with us, but they just scanned all her paperwork. It’s her apartment. She just signed the lease this morning.” I said, “Let’s go.” Matt nodded.

I drove us quickly to the apartment complex. Fear was humming in my veins. Was she trying to leave me? Did she want someone who could give her what I can’t? Everyone was right. I should’ve marked her. I could’ve lost her because I’m an idiot.

I slammed the door when I got out. I asked, “Matt, which one did she rent?” Matt answered, “She’s on the first floor Condo 112A.” I snarled, “You’ve got to be kidding! The first floor is the most common place for break ins! What the fuck does she need an apartment for?! Is she leaving me?”

Matt faltered, “She… well… she could... Yeah, I’ve got nothing. I don’t think she’s leaving you though. Ted would’ve given me a head’s up. All I’ve heard is how much she loves you and wants to have your pups.”

I found the right place and knocked on the door. I heard Ted say, “I’ll get it.” He opened the door. He laughed, “That was fast.” Lexi asked, “Who is it?” She came into the living area. She paused, “You’re right, that was fast. How did you find out Chase?”

I growled, “I own the building.” Lexi rolled her eyes, “Sneaky vampire.” I linked Matt, “WHAT VAMPIRE?!” He groaned, “I have no good feelings.” I asked Lexi, “Come again? What is this?” Lexi smiled, “My apartment.” I closed my eyes in frustration. When I opened my eyes, I was determined to get answers.

First Step to Offense

Lexi stared at King Arthur, waiting for him to explain his logic for my getting an apartment. He pointed at the door. Sally came into my office. She said, “Oh umm sorry. I need to borrow Lex for a second.” I stood and we went across the floor to an unused office.

Sally handed me a package. I opened it and smiled. “You got my calling cards for the guys?” Sally laughed, “Yeah, no one’s had a problem with the necklace, but the wolves don’t seem like the type that would actually wear your necklace.” I was excited, “Thanks. I was actually wondering what to get them.” I wrote a quick note and handed it all back to Sally.

I questioned, “Where are you going to mail it from?” Sally laughed, “I’m not mailing it. I’m just going to run back to the main house and drop it off. What’s going on in there?” I sighed, “I asked King Arthur and Robert to come up with a plan to take down the Troll. Remember?” Sally nodded. I told her, “This is our scheduled meeting. Drop off the box and join us, please.” Sally nodded and flashed away.

I walked back into my office and sat down. I asked, “So, an apartment?” King Arthur nodded, “Yes, your current home is somewhere Noah proof. If he thinks he can get into a place you own, he will try. Obviously, Haley will have to set up some more fairy traps. If it’s too easy Noah would smell a trap.”

I asked, “Won’t he know I’m not living there?” King Arthur said, “Well, you should stay there a few nights a week at least. Mix up the schedule.” Haley said, “It wouldn’t surprise the fucking Troll you got a place out in the open. He’ll think you’re sick of hiding, which is not what you’re doing, but he will see it that way. He will think he’s won.”

Ted nodded, agreeing with the thought process, “I can see it. Especially if you never stay there on the same days throughout the week. He will think it’s your attempt at giving yourself a life without being afraid of the threat he poses.” King Arthur nodded, “Exactly. Now, this one I think you will like the most, but the others are also acceptable for our purposes.”

I studied the printout he handed me. I did like it. It was a fully furnished condo style apartment. I agreed, “I do like that one. Are we saying the goal is for him to take me?” Haley snorted, “Fuck no.” King Arthur smiled, “No, lass. I have subjects living in all these buildings. At night they will be our eyes and ears to watch the comings and goings. They know Noah is to be brought to me if he’s seen. I also have contractors who are demons living in that particular building for the daytime.”

Sally came back in and sat down. I asked, “Why would they bring him to you?” King Arthur said, “Well, lassie, he hurt my child’s mate. Robert has been searching for her for over a century. I will not let that stand. Robert is not only my child, but he’s also my second. I am King after all.”

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