Page 213 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Sophia nodded letting the subject drop. She apologized, “I am sorry about Alfred. He shouldn't have come here. Next time if all of you could manage not to almost kill him that would be great. I do need him.” Matt said, “I wish you’d apologize for things that are ACTUALLY your fault instead of your Beta’s.” A few people clapped.

Matt continued, “You do realize I don’t just show up in your territory and demean you and those you date. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to. I’d love to just show up and ruin your whole damn day like you do mine so often; but I don’t.”

Sophia retorted, “I am aware, Beta Matt.” She turned to me, “Enjoy the rest of your night. I must say, I’m getting more and more curious about this Lexi Scott.” I snarled, “Leave her alone.” Sophia looked startled, “I’d never hurt her, you have to know that.” I replied, “I didn’t say you would. I told you to leave her alone and I mean it.” Sophia studied me, “Ok then. Have a good night, everyone.”

My dad nodded to her, and she shifted into her wolf and ran to meet Alfred at their border. I turned to Kincade, “Take Kevin with you, and make sure they make it across our border into theirs. If you could make sure our border patrols know that Beta Alfred is not allowed here without our Beta being aware of his presence that would be great.” Matt scoffed, “Seriously! How do people not know that? Give a Beta a chance, man.

Kincade nodded. He took off shifting. Kevin met him before he hit the pack house. Derrick complained, “Can I just say how unfair it is that I didn’t get to take a shot at Beta Alfred? I was literally about to get lucky. I’m talking about both of us naked almost in cockblocking people.” I laughed, “Go back to Sally.” Derrick took off.

Matt asked, “Chase, what do you need?” I said, “I need to go calm down my little sister and tap dance around what just happened with my mate.” Matt frowned, “Do I need to stay?” I shook my head, “No, go back to Ted.”

My dad and I walked back into the house, just as two pack members drove up in a truck with a new front door. I linked Matt, “You already got a new door?” Matt said, “Well, we can’t have our allies Beta’s just walking in like they own the place. Oh wait, that already happened. Maybe consider LOCKING the front door.” I laughed, “That’s not a bad idea.”

I walked upstairs and heard Susie’s voice. She wasn’t crying anymore thankfully, or I’d be going into Sophia’s territory with Cameron to rip Alfred to pieces. I walked into her room and found Lexi petting her hair as they laid side by side.

Susie looked up, “Why were you so mad, Chase? Lexi promised she wasn’t leaving.” I sighed. Susie could hear the argument whereas Lexi couldn’t. I explained, “Beta Alfred was being disrespectful. I can’t let him get away with that, little sis.” Susie nodded, “But everything’s ok now?” I nodded. “Everything is fine. I’m sorry we woke you.” Susie nodded.

She got up and gave me a hug. She whispered, “Don’t let anyone take her away, Chase. She’s our Princess. His words could hurt her feelings.” I hugged her tight, “I know. I won’t let him take her away. She belongs here, with us.” Susie nodded. Nadine smiled, “Now let’s let Chase and Lexi talk.”

I led Lexi back upstairs to our room. Lexi asked, “Are you ok?” I sighed, “Did you hear what he said?” Lexi shook her head, “No, I didn’t. You all have super hearing not me. I agree with Haley on that one, it’s bullshit we are one of the few supernatural’s without superior hearing.” I was thankful at this moment.

Lexi continued, “Susie seemed very upset thinking that I would leave you guys though. You can’t think because someone else’s Beta doesn’t like me that I’d leave. Susie seemed to think he said something about me. Is he the only one not in on the secret that I’m your mate?”

I growled, “That whole pack is. He thinks you’re my girlfriend.” Lexi asked, “Why doesn’t he like you? I got the impression you were all friends since you were kids” I admitted, “We were. Things are tense between his Alpha and me right now. He seems to want to take that out on me.”

Lexi nodded, “From what Susie told me, you and Kincade put a whooping on him.” I was startled, “How did she know that?” Lexi shrugged, “Something called the pack link.” I laughed, “Of course. You’ll be able to do that too once you’re marked. I’ll accept you into the pack, and you’ll be able to link all of them. At first it will just be me though.” She smiled and tickled me for a moment.

Then she dragged me to bed. She ordered, “Come on, I think we need some sleep.” I was stunned, “That’s all you're going to ask about that ordeal?” Lexi laughed, “I grew up with the Hood himself. I know there are things you can’t tell me. I just ask that you don’t lie to me. If you can’t answer my question, simply say you can’t say. If you want to talk about what your deal with Alfred is I’m all ears.”

I admitted, “He’s using you to get under my skin.” Lexi asked, “Do you let him because I’m not marked?” I sighed, “In part. The other is because I can’t deal with his disrespect towards you. You are my mate. He should give you the respect that comes with that.”

Lexi pointed out, “He doesn’t know that though.” I grumbled, “Don’t be on his side.” Lexi smiled, “I’m on your side, always. I’m just saying, he doesn’t actually know he’s disrespecting your mate.” I didn’t care. I told her, “He’s been warned before. He should know better than to push me. I’m stronger than him, and I do not deal with disrespect for my people or those I care about.”

Lexi snuggled into me, “Ok, let’s just put today behind us. A lot was thrown at you in a short time period. Susanna told me the Vampire King and her string came by too. Just hold onto me.” I laughed. “Yes ma’am.” Lexi pushed me, “Did you just call me ma’am?” I backtracked, “I take that back. Yes, Sweetheart.” Lexi nodded, “Acceptable.” I held her to me.

I pulled her a little tighter than normal. I couldn’t lose her to Noah or to the fact that I’m a married man. I knew Sophia was doing what was right for her, but I think maybe it was time I took steps to do what was right for me.

Maybe I should have Matt draw up divorce papers. I’d tell Sophia at Haley’s meeting that she had to sign one of them. A court would force her to respond with a divorce though once I filed. It wasn’t what I wanted, but just as Sophia was; I had to do what was best for me. I couldn’t let this drag on anymore.

Maybe Sophia just didn’t realize how serious I was about wanting out. She wasn’t listening to my words, so maybe my actions would get through to her, that I was serious. I’d been nice about this far too long. Haley was right. Being nice wasn’t getting her or myself anywhere, and I’d been being nice much longer than she has. It was time to let Sophia know how serious I was. The gloves were coming off.

The next day I told Matt about everything I had planned. To say he and Derrick were stunned would be an understatement. Matt asked incredulously, “You want me to get you divorce papers. You didn’t want a divorce.” I admitted, “I don’t. I want an annulment, but I have to do this for myself and Lexi. Sophia walked back on her word, and I’ve let it go for far too long. At least if I’m filing for divorce, I’m trying to do what’s right for my relationship.” Lexi mattered more than Sophia’s problems.

I continued, “I’m giving her until Haley’s meeting. If she’s resistant, then I’ll tell her I’m filing.” He agreed to get everything ready for the meeting at the Conners. He said that would be easy for him to pull together. I told him, “Get Alpha Eric on the phone.” Derrick cautioned, “Maybe not until after your getaway.” I glared at him. Matt huffed, “Getting him on the phone.” He walked out and came back with coffee. He handed me his cell.

Alpha Eric greeted, “Good Morning, Alpha Chase. If you want my wife to hurt Beta Alfred Jr. because he upset someone I don’t know was there; just have Ted tell her he stopped by last night.” I barked out a laugh, “I’ll keep that in mind. I called for a few reasons. One is to apologize. I snapped at you, and it’s not your fault.” He didn’t say anything.

I continued, “Second, I think there’s something going on you might want to speak to King Arthur or more likely Robert about. Maybe even Bexley. They seem to think things your wife is doing are a big deal. I mean charms and stuff. They seem to know she suspects something but doesn’t want to believe it.”

He sighed, “She believes it now, and doesn’t want to discuss it. She says that makes it real.” Didn’t knowing it make it true? I told him, “Whatever the case, you might be able to get information from the Vampires. They seem to know. I just wanted to pass that along.” Alpha Eric said, “Thank you Alpha Chase. I’ll talk to you later.” I replied, “Goodbye.” We hung up.

When we wrapped up for the day Matt said, “Ted said Lexi went home early. He’s worried.” I nodded. I shifted and ran to her house. Lexi was dancing around in her underwear with a drink in her hand. She smiled when she saw me.

She gasped, “Uh oh sir! You just missed Haley. That was a close one you could’ve spilled all the beans.” I was taken aback, “I think someone needs some water.” Lexi said, “So many mysteries surround my life, Chase. You are one but that’s my choice not to know. Now I’ve got the possible former Fairy Queen throwing mysteries and more questions with very few answers into my life.”

I asked, “Huh?” Lexi said, “She wrote me a letter that I don’t want to talk about. Haley and I did and I’m talked out.” Her eyes were closing. I quickly asked, “Are you going to pass out? How much do you have to drink for that?” Lexi collapsed.

I rushed to her and caught her before she hit the floor. I cursed then linked Ted, “How much does a Hood member have to drink to pass out? Do I need to get her to the hospital?” Ted answered, “I’m almost to her place.” I replied, “That doesn't answer my question.”

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