Page 36 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Matt started filing things while telling me, “Apparently whatever he is, they know about packs. He panicked thinking my pack would make me step down. I told him about our talk which calmed him down. He wants to mark me after we talk about how to introduce him to the pack as their Beta Male. I’m not sure what his title would because it’s usually Beta Female.”

I shrugged, “Beta Male works for me. What do you guys want to do?” Matt didn’t hesitate, “I want him by my side. I don’t even care that he will have to bite super hard because he has human teeth. I want to bare his mark. I want him here where I can protect him. He doesn’t want to endanger my position and wants us to have a solid plan of how to tell the pack I’m gay. He doesn’t want me to get hurt.”

I managed not to laugh, “While that’s cute, he does know you’re a Beta male with the backing of your Alpha, yes?” Matt smiled, “He’s a worrier, my Ted.” I complained, “All that means you get to meet my mate before I do. Let’s just get the list of people that get to meet her before me a little longer. Hell let’s throw in Derrick, just for fun.”

Matt paused, “Ted’s keeping me a secret, so I don’t get to meet her.” I put my pen down, “I have so many thoughts. One, the man we met last night, the one who blurted out all those details about my mate, after saying he couldn’t give many details is going to keep a secret? That same Ted?”

Matt smiled broadly, “His nickname is TeleTed.” I remembered he said that. I waved my hand, “That proves my point.” Matt laughed, “What’s number two?” I continued, “Two, WHY is he keeping you secret? He’s not in the closet. There’s no way he is. Even my gaydar went off the first time I saw him with Lexi.” Bolt grumbled, “You mean my gaydar.” I pointed out, “You are technically me, Bolt.”

Matt’s tone was full of amusement when he answered, “He’s protecting me.” I gaped, “YOU? Protecting you? From whom?” Matt chuckled, “I know. He’s so cute. He’s worried about whatever leak they have going on in their, he called it an organization. He’s adorable, and I love him. He said everyone knows he’s friends with Lex. He doesn’t want anyone to try to hurt me because of who I am to him.”

I groaned, “Great, now I’m worried about him. He’s not a fighter.” Matt agreed, “No he’s not. He says he’s more of a lover.” His phone beeped. He took it out and laughed before typing a response. I broke the silence, “That is TeleTed I assume.” Matt smirked, “Your mate is making him take self-defense classes every week with their other co-worker.” I proudly stated, “My mate is tactical as well as beautiful. He’s really not going to tell Lexi?”

Matt sighed, “My poor guy is in knots about it. He wants to tell her about us, but he’s worried about my safety. I think he will break down and tell her as long as she promises not to tell. Which I am certain she will. They are best friends apparently.”

I got up and hugged him. I pulled back, “I’m happy for you, Matt. As soon as you guys are ready, we can introduce him to the pack.” Matt cringed, “I need to give my family a head’s up that I’m gay first.” I laughed, “It would be a little funny.” Matt snorted derisively, “Have you met my mom?” I smiled, “Yes, and it would still be funny…. For me.”

Matt shoved me, “You jerk.” I sobered, “In all seriousness, let me know when you are ready.” Matt nodded, “We will see how it goes over with my family. They could need a few days to wrap their minds around things before we tell the pack.”

I pinpointed the problem, “You’re worried about your dad.” Matt admitted, “I am.” I frowned, “I think he will surprise you.” Matt sighed, “I’ll eventually work up the courage to call a family meeting.” I let the subject drop and we got to work.

Susie came running into my office with tears in her eyes. I linked Matt, “Out.” I got down on my knees with my arms open. Susie ran into my arms crying while Matt closed the door quietly. I asked her, “Susie, what’s wrong?”

Susie cried, “Mommy surprised daddy with a date. He called Reagan to see if she could come babysit me, but she’s busy. Reagan has a new friend, and now daddy’s saying they can’t go because they don’t have anyone to watch me. Mommy is so upset, and it’s all my fault.”

I rubbed her back, “I’ll fix it, I promise.” Susie wiped her eyes with her fingers, “I know you have something you’re doing tonight. Daddy said your calendar is blocked off, and so is Matt’s. Which means you guys can’t watch me either.”

I wanted to shout that my calendar was blocked off because I was going to be guarding Lexi from a distance. I was going to see if I could find her house. Matt was probably spending time with Ted. Derrick would be in charge. Which my dad would realize, but there were plenty of options he forgot about in who could watch Susie. He wanted Reagan though, so I could get him Reagan. They were going to a place I owned. I could easily sort this out. I texted Derrick to shut down my restaurant. I’d have linked him, but he’d have asked more questions than he would over text.

I ruffled her hair, “Let’s call Reagan.” Susie sniffled, “Ok.” I dialed Reagan. She answered, “Chase, I’m so sorry. I can’t cancel on Lexi now. This is way too last minute.” I pretended I had no idea what she was doing. I asked, “Where are you going?” She teased, “If you don’t know you’ve forgotten all about me. They have my favorite dish there.”

I offered, “I’ll close it down, and send five warriors with you. Just come over here, then you can ride with Susie.” Reagan asked, “You’re going to shut down on a Friday night?” I casually replied, “Perks of being the owner.” Reagan agreed, “Alright. Cameron and I will run to your house. Don’t think I don’t know something is up with you two.” She hung up.

Susie looked up questioning, “What does she mean?” I whispered conspiratorially, “We brought Cameron into project Cookies.” Susie squealed, “REALLY?” I nodded, “Can you keep a secret?” Susie’s eyes widened, “I can, I promise! I haven’t told anyone about project cookies.”

I kissed the top of her head, “You’re having dinner with my Princess.” Susie jumped off my lap then screamed, “REALLY?!” I nodded, “I haven’t met her yet, so you get to meet her first. You can’t tell her or Reagan she’s my Princess. She doesn’t know.” Susie made an X across her chest, “I won’t, I promise! I’m so excited!”

Nadine and my dad walked into the office. Nadine said, “Normally, the whole house can hear you when you’re this excited, Susie.” She was trying not to sound pissed, but I caught the undertones of her disappointment. The guilt was clear as day on my dad’s face.

Susie turned to me wide eyed in terror. I put her fears at ease, “A fairy charmed my yesterday, and didn’t uncharm it. No one can hear us outside my office if the doors is closed.” Susie exhaled in relief. My dad raised an eyebrow at us.

Before he could ask I told him, “Reagan and Cameron are running here. I shut the restaurant down where she’s having dinner. Reagan can take Susie with five warriors to the restaurant.” Nadine smiled at me. Dad argued, “Ten warriors.” I firmly stated, “Five are in the car. The restaurant will be guarded as well. I’ll be there myself.”

My dad relaxed, but Nadine raised an eyebrow. She questioned, “You’re going? To dinner?” I shook my head, “Not to dinner, no. I’ll be guarding the perimeter. I’m sure Cameron will come too.” My dad asked, “What do you say then, my dear?” Nadine snorted, “Say? Watch my behind on the way out the door because I’m getting ready before you change your mind. Chase, you’re amazing.” She kissed my cheek then literally ran away.

Reagan and Cameron arrived. They argued about Cameron going to guard them. I linked him, “Just come with me when Reagan leaves with Susie.” Cameron nodded. After they left, we shifted and took off. Kincade informed me that Lexi was still at the hotel. I stayed back pretty far from the hotel since she could smell me.

I had a clear view though. Kevin linked, “The Luna is leaving the lobby.” I replied, “Thank you, Kevin. Cameron and I have her for the night. You and Kincade go home. Get some R&R.” Kevin cautioned, “Ummm Alpha she’s… she looks nice.” I was confused, “She always looks nice.”

Cameron whistled in our link, “DAMN. Look at your mate.” When my eyes found her, all breath left my body. She was wearing a tight red dress that showed off all her curves. Matt linked me, “According to my mate, yours looks and I quote hot as fuck.”

I asked, “Where the hell are you?” Matt said, “I’m getting my car to go pick up Ted. He’s working for a little bit longer tonight, so he told me what time to come get him. I also had to stop Derrick from charging in to ask what was going on with you wanting to close down your restaurant. Where are you?”

I gritted out, “Holding myself back from claiming Lexi on the hood of her damn car.” Matt howled with laughter, “So my mate was right?” I snapped, “Yes.” Cameron linked me, “She smells you.” I told him, “If she comes in this direction, you’d better get lost. I won’t be able to stop myself. Not tonight. Not when she looks like that. I can stay right here, but if she comes over here it’s over.”

Cameron complimented me, “You have such impressive willpower, big brother. Whether she comes over or not. I can’t believe you’re managing this.” Neither could I. It was only because I didn’t want to hurt her with the Sophia situation. That was the only thing forcing me to keep my distance and stay away.

Lexi turned towards us, and my pulse quickened. She took a step in my direction, then her phone beeped. I seethed inwardly, cursing whoever distracted her. We followed Lexi as she got into her car. It was easy since we knew where she was going.

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