Page 207 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I smiled, “He is pretty great. He just seemed really upset this morning. He was smelling my clothes from last night. Can he really smell those two guys? They barely touched me.” Kevin answered, “Yes, he can. It would drive any one of us wolves crazy to smell that scent on our mate, but with you being unmarked it would upset him on a deeper level because he would feel like he could lose you.”

I sighed. That wasn’t what I’d wanted at all. I said, “Those guys weren’t from around here, were they?” Kincade answered, “No, they were both from Oklahoma.” I sighed, “It was fine until then.” Kevin sighed, “Lexi, it was fine the whole time. The situation was handled. Alpha Chase wouldn't have liked what happened, but he wouldn't have been in such a bad mood if you were marked.” I frowned and looked out the window.

Kincade pulled in. He frowned and opened his mouth to ask me a question, but I’d already flashed out of the car. I waved to Mark and Joanie who were in Ted’s car. To be a fly on the wall as Ted’s protection and mine discussed what the hell was going on.

I walked inside. Ted smiled and waved me over to him. He told me, “I already got everything rolling. They need your driver’s license.” I nodded and handed it to the staff member, who handed me the lease and paperwork to sign.

Ted whispered conspiratorially, “My protection detail was VERY curious why we came here.” I admitted, “I got out of the car before mine could question it. How long do you think it will be before Chase shows up?” Ted considered my question then answered, “Probably once they figure out, we are settling you into your apartment.” I agreed.

I checked my phone. I laughed. Ted asked, “What?” I said, “Haley knew which apartment would be mine. She conjured clothes for me in the closet.” Ted asked, “How did she know?” I said, “Either there’s only one apartment available, or I’m right and Eric owns the place.” Ted chuckled, “What does the man not own? Honestly.”

I nodded and I finished all the paperwork. The lady in the office left everything with her assistant to scan into their system. She took us out the back door, which I figured gave me a little bit more time before Chase found out.

We got on the golf cart, and the apartment manager drove us to my new place. She gave me the keys, “I did a walk through this morning. Everything is ready. If you need anything the office number is on the magnet on the refrigerator.” I nodded, “Thank you.” She gave me the mail key then left.

Ted closed the door. “It may be fake, but this place is amazing!” I smiled admitting, “I do really like it.” Ted said, “Too bad it’s just a trap for the Troll. After this you’ll be moving into the new main house that Cameron and Chase are building.”

I stopped walking and asked, “The what now?” Ted smiled, “Your Alpha announced last night that he and Cameron are combing the packs.” I pointed out, “We heard that at Thanksgiving with everyone else.” Ted shrugged, “Well, it will all be built in March.” I whistled, “That’s a fast turnaround. Haley could conjure it though.” Ted said, “It is, but it’s her husband’s architect firm. I doubt she’d take the business away from them. Or the staff really.” True. Ted nudged me, “Let’s go see what Haley put in your closet. I bet it’s Fabulous with a capital F.”

We had just reached the bedroom door when someone knocked on my door. Ted sighed, “So close. I’ll get it. I just bet it’s the nosey neighbor scoping out the new chick.” I smiled, “I’ll look around and be right there. It’s probably our protection detail.”

I looked around the room smiling. It was great. I came back down the hall and paused. Damn. How did Chase already know this wasn’t a client meeting? It turned out Chase owned the building not Eric. Fuck Haley and Eric both knew about Chase and me. That sneaky Vampire King knew too. Did anyone not know at this point?

Chase’s eyes were shifting back and forth from black to his normal brown. Mark, Joanie, Kincade, and Kevin came flying around the corner. Kevin asked, “Alpha?” Chase whirled, “Yes, Alpha. What the hell have you all been doing? Why didn’t you tell me she was here?”

I jumped in, “That’s not their fault. I didn’t tell them I was signing a lease. They probably thought it was a client meeting.” Kincade asked, “You did what?” I repeated, “Signed a lease. This is my place for the next six months.”

Chase stalked into the room, whirled around, and asked, “Why exactly, with your psychotic ex on the loose, have you decided to leave your fairy protected house?” I smiled innocently, “Would you feel better if I told you it was all part of the plan?” Chase growled, “WHAT PLAN?”

Ted nudged me and whispered, “Lex, I think you need to talk faster.” I sighed, “Let’s all sit down.” Chase growled, “I don’t want to sit down.” I ignored that comment, “I don’t have any drinks to offer, but the rest of you, excluding my irate string, can sit down.”

Derrick and Matt shrugged then sat down. Mark and Joanie ended up taking seats as well. Their energy was screaming better my guards than them. Kincade and Kevin did not sit. Ted sat next to Matt and bumped his shoulder. They were so cute.

Chase repeated, “What plan?” I explained, “I asked King Arthur and Robert to help put us on the offense, instead of defense, with the Troll. I’m tired of playing catch up to his plans.” Matt groaned. Chase shouted, “A vampire’s plan? THIS IS A VAMPIRE’S PLAN?!”

I countered, “Who better? They’ve seen it all and done it all. Plus, they have a reason to help us.” Ted agreed, “Susanna.” Chase gritted his teeth, “Keep talking.” I continued, “I’m not going to stay here all the time. This is just to bait him. We want him to think I’m feeling confident and independent. Maybe even a little disobedient or arrogant even. Heath wouldn’t have come up with a plan like this.”

Chase scoffed, “To use you as bait? No, I don’t think your brother would’ve come up with a plan to use you as bait like this. You do realize that’s what you are?” I corrected him, “I’m supposed to seem that way. King Arthur has stacked the deck.”

Matt commented, “Lots of demons and vampires live in the building, Chase.” I nodded, “Yes, they are going to watch this place. Haley is going to set up some smaller scale fairy hijinks in the apartment. The goal is for someone to successfully break in.” Chase frowned.

I held up my hands, “While I’m not here. Then we believe that Noah will send someone of importance to try and bring me to him. We can trap them that way.” Chase rubbed his temples, “You do realize this could quite easily be how that dead ass mother fucker gets his hands on you?”

I disagreed, “I doubt it. You’ll be here with me when I stay here.” Chase snorted, “That goes without saying. I won’t let you out of my sight if you are staying in this apartment. You will NEVER be alone here. Kincade and Kevin will be inside with you if you’re here without me.”

I sighed, “That’s fine as long as they are out of sight from the windows.” Chase growled, “Now your ex is some peeping fucking tom?!” I shot him a look, “He’d do surveillance. He’s not a complete moron.” Ted said, “Meh, I beg to differ.” Chase growled again, “EVERYONE OUT!”

Everyone but Ted jumped up and fled. Matt came back, “Ted.” Ted crossed his arms, “Lexi?” I smiled, “It’s fine.” Ted nodded and left with Matt. Chase stated, “I hate this plan.” I told him, “I’m tired of being behind. There’s some plan going on we are decades behind in playing. I’m worried if we don't strike instead of waiting for another attack we will lose.” He frowned.

I took his hands adding, “I don’t know what Noah and my mom’s ex have planned, but I know that I don’t want to be a part of it. I want you and our life.” Chase pushed me up against the wall. He growled, “You’re mine, Lexi Scott. If he so much as puts a hand on you, then he will lose the hand.” He kissed me.

When he pulled back, he put his forehead on mine. He whispered, “Next time you come up with a plan clue me in. I don’t like finding out after the fact.” I agreed, “You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s a habit, and I knew you wouldn’t like it.” Chase shrugged, “I don’t care. Kincade and Kevin need all the facts to effectively protect you. I need the facts, so I don’t lose my mind.”

I questioned, “Are you?” Chase frowned, “Am I what?” I looked into his eyes, “Losing your mind because you haven’t marked me? Several people have mentioned things about it.” Chase told me, “I’m ok. I don’t know how much longer I can wait though.”

I nodded, “I was thinking we could do that on our getaway.” Chase smiled, “Then we are on the same page.” I laughed, “That’s what Bolt and I talked about that day Susanna was stabbed. That’s how I calmed him down.” Chase shook his head, “That sneaky wolf.” I said, “He did agree he didn’t want his other half to be mad at him. I also said we’d need time to enjoy the process.” Chase smirked, “Yes, we will. Fuck! I’m so damn hard thinking about my mark on your neck.”

Someone knocked on the door undoing all my effort to calm him down. Chase growled and got angry again. I sighed. He yanked open the door snarling, “What?” Matt was nonplussed, “We have a meeting.” Chase replied, “Cancel it.” I laughed and put my hands on Chase’s back. I told him, “It’s fine. Go to your meeting. We can meet at my house tonight. Or I’ll come over to your place.” Chase said, “Let’s do my place.” Matt muttered, “Joy.” Chase growled again then kissed me.

---