Page 210 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I asked, “What?” Matt said, “Your decisions were a bit harsh today.” I disagreed, “No they weren't, they were fair.” Derrick explained, “We aren’t saying they aren’t fair. We are just saying you were harsh today.”

My dad came in the room and sat down. I greeted, “Hi, Dad.” My dad snorted, “Hello, son.” I waited for him to explain, but he said nothing. I asked, “And you’re here because….?” My dad laughed, “I heard you have a meeting with the Vampire King tonight, and that you’re testy. I’m here to make sure you don’t try to kill anyone.”

I glared at my friends then asked, “Who the hell told you that?” My dad answered, “Nathan Conners.” I grumbled, “Does that family ever get tired of knowing every damn thing that’s going on?” My dad replied, “Probably not, no.” Matt sighed in relief.

I growled, “If the Vampire King had done this to EITHER of your mates, you’d be on my side. Derrick, look me in the damn eyes and tell me that if they’d included Sally on this plan, you wouldn’t be out for blood.”

Derrick growled, “Sally isn’t a fighter and she’s pregnant.” I had no comeback for that. Derrick added, “But even if she wasn’t pregnant, I would fucking hate the damn plan. He attacked Susanna planning to take Sally and kill her.”

My dad raised his index finger, “Ok, I did not get read into the full plan. Can someone give me a rundown?” I ordered, “Matt.” Matt sighed, “Vampires, plans, bait, Lexi, apartment, and that sums it up at a high level.” My dad stared at him, “I oddly think I can piece together what you mean. I’m with Chase. I don’t like it.”

I clapped yelling, “HA! You see?” Matt said, “No one said they liked this plan. I’m just not going to try to kill the Vampire King over it.” I snarked back, “I’m not going to kill him.” My dad asked, “What are you going to do?” I replied, “Raise my voice most likely and be a smart ass.” Matt groaned.

At that moment someone knocked. Nadine walked in with hesitation written on her face. She announced, “The Vampire King is here with his second and his second’s bonded.” Susanna waved and sat down outside again. She pulled out her phone as Robert filled the doorway.

King Arthur sat down, and Robert shut the door. King Arthur said, “Well lad, I’m sure you’re none too happy with me. Though I did steer the lass towards a building you own.” I growled, “You are putting her in danger to protect your second’s mate.”

King Arthur grabbed Robert’s wrist. King Arthur said, “Your lass requested our help.” I retorted, “Did she ask you to use her to lure out a man who is at this point insane and obsessed with her? Susanna deserves justice for what was done to her, but everyone here knows she’s not in danger. You have placed my mate directly into danger to protect your own interests.” Matt linked, “Take your foot OFF the gas.”

I continued, “Which is just so typical of your vampire bullshit. I would’ve never done that to Susanna. I still wouldn’t. She will always be safe here in my territory.” Matt linked, “Do you know what off the gas means?” I shot him an annoyed look.

Robert snarked, “But you can’t say the same for your own mate? She’s in your territory.” I growled menacingly. King Arthur cautioned, “Now Robert, you would feel the same in his place. Don’t taunt the man.” That was rich coming from the man who put a target directly on my mate.

King Arthur turned to me, “I respect Haley Conners a great deal, and you know I cared for her aunt; everyone does. Except somehow for her and Bexley until recently. I find that odd and annoying. Everyone around me always knew the Holloran children and Bexley were NEVER to be touched. I think it’s why Damon didn’t act until I was with him. He knew if I hadn’t sworn allegiance to his kingdom when I heard he had Haley; I’d come for him with all of mine. He had no idea I was taking his kingdom either way, but it was a smart move on his part.” The last smart move Damon made.

King Arthur leaned forward, “I’ll level with you. Faelynn was the love of my life as I haven’t met my mate yet. I’ll tell you even when I do meet my mate, my Faelynn will be my first big love. I offered her everything, and I would’ve denied her nothing. My pride kept me from keeping closer tabs on her, and I lost her because of that. Bexley is the last living piece of Faelynn I have. I will let no harm come to her or her family. I feel as though she is my own daughter. I have always watched over her, but obviously not close enough. I see many characteristics of Faelynn in her niece, Haley. I love that girl as if she were my own niece, and she loves your mate.”

I questioned, “Then why did you do this?” King Arthur answered, “Because it’s the best plan we have, and you know it. Plus, she asked me to help her. Your mate doesn’t want her crazy ex to make her look over her shoulder the rest of her life. I CANNOT and WILL NOT allow that psychotic killer to get away with this attack on my child’s bonded.” I knew he wouldn’t.

He continued, “There is a risk in my plan, I won’t deny it, but the deck is stacked. Everyone in her apartment building owes me. Be that by fealty or their lives. I have made it more than clear nothing will happen to Lexi Scott. If she is in distress in any way, they are to step in. The consequences of not doing so are quite dire and involve a silver coffin. The charms Haley is speaking of placing are quite powerful.”

Robert added, “And ancient. It’s very interesting.” King Arthur warned, “Robert.” I frowned, “What does that mean?” Robert said, “To quote the Princess ‘probably nothing.’ I think she added maybe something, but she doesn’t totally believe that. Or she doesn’t want to which is far more likely.”

I surmised, “You think it’s something, clearly.” King Arthur frowned. Robert looked at him but said nothing. King Arthur said, “No, we do not believe that. We are not sure though.” Robert chuckled, “I am. It makes a lot of sense to me.” I growled, “What does? That is my allies mate, and the woman my mate considers a sister.”

King Arthur explained, “There are stories and ancient texts fairies have that Faelyn told me about. It could relate to that. Time will tell.” Robert chimed back in, “I’d advise you to stay on her good side though, Alpha Chase.”

King Arthur snorted, “That’s going to be sage advice either way. Haley inspires people. It’s a very unique talent I doubt she knows she has.” I questioned, “What do you mean?” King Arthur said, “Do you not feel a loyalty to her? Would you not follow her into battle if she asked you? If she just popped up here and said let’s go fight! Would you pop away with her without question?” Without hesitation I said, “Yes.”

Robert asked, “Is that not strange? Don’t get me wrong, I would do the exact same thing. As someone who is quite cautious and jealous of their own life it is a strange emotion.” That’s true. It was. He risked his life for Haley according to the reports I read. Many did.

King Arthur laughed, “I was in place for a decade poised to take power from King Damon. I risked his ire many times for the Lass. I openly questioned him, risking a decade worth of work to quietly take power for Haley. I was making moves to seize power before Haley’s plan worked out. I could not bear to see her in pain anymore. I moved up a plan five years in advance.” Matt linked, “I’m not getting good vibes here, Chase. This sounds big.” It did.

King Arthur admitted, “At first, I thought it was because of my Faelynn, and my directive to the vampires to leave those children alone. The longer I watched Haley the more I realized she does have a unique ability to inspire loyalty. It’s quite rare among the Fae. I doubt she even knows it’s a power within her lineage. Her brother does though, and I think he quite enjoys that, but he’s not suspicious as the Lass is.”

I linked Matt, “Suspicious about what?” He replied, “I know what you do.” Robert said, “Which leans towards our whole….” King Arthur cut him off, “Until it is realized by the Fae, speculation is pointless.” Robert chuckled, “But it is not, and one is denying the facts she sees.” Fuck….

King Arthur said, “There’s a piece missing.” Robert smirked, “A piece that exists and simply needs to be made Royal. Which the Princess has been adamant about happening for years.” I yelled, “What on god’s green EARTH are you two talking about?”

Robert smiled, “Look into ancient fairy texts Alpha Chase. You’ll know exactly what we are talking about. They are hard to come by, but many vampires know of them.” I said, “Sure, I’ll add that to my list of things to do.” Matt linked, “Bexley is who he means about making Royal. I don’t know how she’s a missing piece though.” I’d never understand how she wasn’t a royal. Her mom was the Princess.

I shook myself, “I would like to get back to you endangering Lexi.” King Arthur sighed, “I understand your need to have a bad guy here, but it’s not us. She was already in danger because of Noah Calvert. We are providing the best option to resolve this matter and help your mate move forward.”

Robert said, “Yes, and speaking of where is she moving forward to? I know several of our subjects were intrigued by her, and they are unattached. Unlike yourself. You are still married right?” I had him against the wall in seconds.

I snarled, “I married Sophia so she could take her RIGHTFUL place as Alpha. I do not love her as anything more than a friend.” King Arthur ordered, “Let him go, Alpha Chase.” Robert chuckled, “Come now, it was a love tap between friends.” I growled at him but let him go.

Robert put a hand on his maker, “I provoked him, Arthur.” King Arthur replied, “I am aware.” Robert admitted, “I do know the reasons behind your marriage. I also understand. I have been looking for my bonded longer than you’ve been alive. I understand the follies you can make in your youth, but I do know that you are a good man. I have looked into you extensively since I have met my Susanna.”

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