Page 23 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Sally squeaked, “This weekend?” I said, “I convinced my client that Sunday afternoon would be good. If you can’t do it as well as our other event I understand.” Sally sighed, “I assume it’s for a good cause. Talk me into it.” I laughed, “The client is Luna Reagan Daniels. She and her husband just took over the pack thirty minutes away from here, I guess. I don’t really know the territories other than Haley and Eric’s. Reagan’s husband is insistent they throw a party this weekend to get everyone to know each other.”

Sally typed on her computer, “Men. Dang it! It is for a good cause. Us women have to help each other out. I’ll get the supplies, and the staff.” I informed her, “She has staff you can use.” Sally sounded relieved, “Even better.”

I looked at the time explaining, “I’m going out there at ten this morning, if you can swing it and want to join me, I could pick you up. I’ve got a contract prepped; I’ll add yours to it if you want in.” Sally agreed, “Whatever keeps me in this area and out of the Shroud. Yeah, I’ll do it. Poor thing. She’s probably worried about making a good impression.”

I agreed, “She definitely is. I’ll pick you up here in a little bit.” I managed to make my other calls. Ted and I also managed to get everything confirmed for our other event this weekend. Ted said, “I know how hard it is for you to give me the reins. I won’t let you down.”

I looked him in the eyes, “Ted, I came to you asking you to join me as my partner in this business for a reason. I know you will do an amazing job running any event in my absence. We are going to get more business once word spreads about Haley’s event.”

Ted snorted, “Going to? I have a million calls to return.” I tapped my desk, “Maybe we should hire a receptionist. That’s not your job.” Ted gasped, “You hush! I love being on the front lines, girl. If it ever gets to be too much, we can hire an assistant. I could use some man candy.” I pointed out, “We would hire the best candidate.” Ted groaned, “But I haven’t gotten laid in SO long. I’ve been so focused on our business, and I didn’t have an angel around ready to give it to me.”

I commiserated with him, “Raphael went back to his realm. It’s been a while for me too, but that’s called sexual harassment.” Ted smacked my arm, “You shut your mouth. It’s only sexual harassment if he doesn’t like it. I assure you, I’m a catch.”

I laughed, “I know you are catch, Ted.” I looked at the time, “Ready to hold down the fort?” Ted nodded, “If you don’t get back before you go for Disney World fun remember to get me something fabulous. Don’t forget my invite to your next girls’ day either!” I saluted him and walked to my car.

I whirled thinking someone was behind me but found nothing. I berated myself, “UGH, LEXI! You are paranoid now.” I got in my car and stopped to pick up Sally. She ran out to the car. I was backing out as I saw the Lieutenant leaving the building. He glared at my car while Sally wiped her eyes.

I whispered, “Sally?” Sally sighed, “He’s been in a bad mood since your mission. It’s nothing.” I said, “He didn’t do his job thoroughly. That's not your fault.” Sally looked out the window, “He said the pressure of not having a kid is getting to him. He made an appointment for me to see a specialist.”

I was pissed, “That’s over the line. He can’t make you go to appointments.” Sally nodded, “I told him that, but he’s insisting.” I frowned, “Well, the specialist can’t tell him anything. It’s a violation of your rights.”

Sally sighed, “I feel guilty. He’s so upset, and I just… Maybe I should tell him I want to take a break from trying.” I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, “Whatever you think is best. Either way, he could’ve taken the extra few minutes to check an alias. That’s his job.”

Sally cringed, “I feel bad though. I thought he did it to get back at you, but then he was so worried when you sent out your SOS. Maybe I’m making him out to be some monster he isn’t.” I admitted, “The thought crossed my mind as well if I’m honest. Either way, it’s not your fault. He’s a grown ass man who needs to act like it. People depend on him. Why all the sudden is this so stressful to him?”

Sally thought about it then agreed, “You’re right. He’s seemed disappointed a few times, but not ever stressed about it.” I decided she needed cheering up, “The girl gang is going to Disney World this afternoon. Do you want to come?” Sally laughed, “I wish I could, but I need to prepare for other events. I have menus to plan, which is one of my favorite parts of the job. Then I plan to step into the kitchen and bake.”

I asked, “What are you baking?” Sally chuckled, “I felt so bad the other day. Ted insisted that I was withholding the best smelling apple pie from him, so I’m going to make him a couple. I saw him running into shops around the area. He looked so sad when he came out of each one, like he was chasing something. The poor guy.”

I snorted, “Heaven help the person when he finds out who hid that damn apple pie from him.” Sally agreed, “No joke. He thinks he’s not a deadly Hood member, but you hide sweets from the man and all bets are off.” I teased, “Hopefully it’s some hot manly chef withholding the apple pie. That’s the only chance the pie holder has.”

We were both laughing by the time we pulled into the address Reagan gave me. There was a beautiful woman with brown hair waiting for us with the man who must be her husband. He was really tall. Sally gulped, “Is it me, or he is a giant?” I evaluated him, “Alpha Eric has him by a little bit.”

We got out of the car. The man winked, “Alpha Eric has me by two inches. My older brother is the same height as him, though.” I flushed crimson. I forgot how well werewolves could hear. I stuck my hand out, “I’m Lexi Scott, this is my colleague, Sally Quaid. She’s the caterer I work with.” The man smiled broadly, “I’m Alpha Cameron Daniels. It’s very nice to meet you, Lexi Scott. You as well Miss Quaid.” Sally shook his hand, “You as well.”

Reagan jumped in, “There, you’ve met her. Now off with you! I’m still mad, and you’re in the proverbial doghouse.” Alpha Cameron looked reluctant. His eyes flashed to me briefly before he said, “Maybe I could join you.” Reagan denied his request, “No. Out!” Alpha Cameron sighed and left rather reluctantly.

Reagan waved her hand around, “That man is going to drive me insane. He has the GALL to think I don’t know something is going on. I know. I also know that he knows that I know that he knows he’s GOING to tell me eventually. Why we play this cat and mouse game, I couldn’t tell you. Men. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

I laughed, “You say that, but you’ve been looking at the door since he left.” Reagan beamed, “I love that man with everything in me. He’s my mate, and whole world.” I felt a longing deep inside me, “That’s great! Let’s talk about the party. Sally can whip together a barbecue meal for Sunday. You said informal meet and greet, so I thought that would be the easiest for us to get done. Casual and friendly.”

I took the contracts out of my briefcase. I explained, “These are our standard contracts. Review them, and you can get them back to us so we can start getting everything going.” Reagan nodded and read through the contracts. She looked up at me in shock, “You aren’t charging me for the quick turnaround?” I shook my head, “Sally will charge you for the food, but we do that at cost. If she had more time she would shop around for the best prices. With this quick turnaround we won’t have the time to do that.”

I looked around adding, “You don’t need an event space. That lawn I saw driving in will be perfect. We can get tables set up out there. I think we should set up a game area for kids, as well as the teenagers. We strive to be fair at Bull’s Eye, I won’t take advantage of my clients. I want to build up my customer base. I’m an honest person.” When I was Lexi. As my alias’s not so much.

Reagan evaluated me, “You will certainly get a recommendation from me.” I smiled, “I appreciate that.” Sally said, “We impressed the Princess Luna too, so I’m sure we will exceed your expectations as well.” Reagan yelled, “YOU GUYS PLANNED HER PARTY? And you’re going to do my get to know pack lunch? Bless you both. Seriously, I’m going to pray to the Moon Goddess to bless you both. I hope to become better friends with the Princess Luna after the new year. She’s a new Luna and so I am. We also share a border.”

She looked around then said, “You guys should’ve seen her in action when we rescued her husband and Alpha Lucas.” I raised an eyebrow. Haley hadn’t mentioned that. She continued, “Well, rescued is a strong word. That was the plan, but it went south; however, the Princess and the Duchess had a side plan going with their mates we didn’t know about. Gosh, after hearing it all I want to be her best friend.”

Sally agreed, “She’s very nice.” I added, “She is. I’m pretty good friends with her. I can put in a good word for you. I want her to have good friends in the area. Just know that it’s new to her; trying to make friends. Always go the direct route with Haley. She doesn’t do subtle hints. Tell her outright you want to be friends. It will surprise her and make her happy.”

Reagan breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank god, I’m the least subtle person I know. Cameron tells me I’m as subtle as a wrecking ball.” I clapped, “That’s perfect for being friends with Haley.” Reagan smiled, “Well, let me go introduce Sally to the team of helpers I have for her to use. She is also welcome to our kitchens.” Sally gestured, “Let’s go see them.”

The helpers were all in the kitchen, which Sally salivated over. It was nicer than the kitchen in the Shroud that she used. I needed to tell Heath we seriously needed to renovate. I really liked Reagan. She was talking with Sally when I felt someone behind me.

Alpha Cameron asked, “Do you think you can pull off the party quick enough?” I whirled, “We can. We will get everything ready for you in time.” Alpha Cameron smiled, “Please, call me Cameron.” I smiled. I liked him. He seemed like someone I could trust. I frowned at that thought. Why the heck would I instinctually trust this man? I realized I hadn’t replied, “If that’s what you prefer.”

Cameron smiled, “I do. So, how did you get into party planning?” I smiled, “A friend of mine encouraged me to do something for myself, and I’ve always loved to plan parties. She pointed out with my contacts I could work with supernatural groups. I have a bit of a hectic schedule, so I pulled in my best friend to work with me. He’s going to keep everything going if I have to step away for a period of time.”

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