Page 41 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I asked, “Did you know Noah made an appointment for her with a specialist without her knowledge or permission? I did tell her that was over the line.” Heath frowned, “Noah likes control, but I agree that’s too far. It’s too much pressure for Sally. I think without pressure it might happen for them. I told Noah that. He then said he knew you told her to take a step back because you and I think alike.”

I disagreed, “I encouraged her to do what she wanted. That’s it.” Heath nodded, “Noah said you and Sally now have a standing meeting at ten.” I wanted to scream but asked, “Who told him that?” Heath laughed, “If you think he doesn’t have her schedule, then you forgot who we are talking about. He takes her safety extremely seriously.”

I withheld my snort admirably. I just answered, “Yes, we do have a standing meeting. We have enough clients built up, and we need to sync about them. We are starting with weekly, if we find that’s too much, I’ll move it bi-weekly.”

Heath studied me, “See, right there, I know that you didn’t just lie to me. Every word you just said is true, but…” I tensed as he continued, “I know you are leaving something out.” I said, “That’s between Sally and I.” Heath frowned, “They are my people.”

I countered, “And you trust me with this side of OUR people. I’m helping her. That meeting is on my calendar for the specific person you said already took note of it being there to mind his own damn business.” Heath frowned, “Is she in danger?” I admitted, “I don’t know. I don’t think so, not at this time. One day, she could very well be.”

Heath said, “Who the hell would want to hurt Sally? She doesn’t go on missions.” I said, “I can’t tell you. We both know I can and will protect her.” Heath sighed, “I worried after everything that happened, that you two would never be the friends you were.”

Now I snorted, “Heath, you wouldn’t believe how much closer that has brought us together lately.” Heath frowned, “Are you happy?” I nodded, “I am happy with my business, I’m having fun running it, and I’m making friends. I get to see Ted more often, and even you. It’s nice to be able to tell you to meet me here instead of having to talk to you on the phone because I’m on a mission.”

Heath said, “I would like it if this wall you put up between you and I came down.” I whirled to him in shock, “I don’t have a wall with you.” Heath disagreed, “You do. You keep me at arm’s length because you worry about what I will say to Noah. Or you are worried about coming between he and I. I really don’t know which it is, but if there’s ever something you don’t want Noah to know; I won’t tell him. Just tell me as your brother.”

I pointed out, “You aren’t just my brother.” Heath said, “If you need me to be JUST your brother, then I will be.” I sighed, “Ok, fine. As my brother, I’m telling you I’m legitimately worried the Lieutenant is trying to force me back inside the Shroud. I am worried that he wants me to give up my business and is trying to force my hand.”

I paused then added, “Or at the very least make me stay there more often while I run my business. I know that you understand I’m over him, but I can’t see him every day. Not because I love him, but because I’ve seen the real him. I don’t like who he is. He’s your friend and your second. I respect that, but I don’t respect him. Our people don’t need to see that.”

Heath was silent for several moments. Eventually he said, “I would love to have you home, but if you aren’t ready that’s fine.” I countered, “I have a home. It’s private and it’s mine. Nothing can hurt me there.” Heath winced in pain, “I hate that you were hurt there so badly that you don’t think it’s your home. You grew up there.”

I said, “I know, but where I’m at now is home. This all feels right to me. I’m close to you, but this area; I love it. It feels like I’m supposed to be here. Like it’s where I belong. I haven’t felt like I had somewhere to belong in three years.” I saw a brief flash in his eyes that was gone before I could recognize what it was.

Heath nodded, “Then maybe come up with a place you can stay and be protected if I need you to lay low.” I smirked, “Other than a fairy protected place no one can get into?” Heath said, “Frankly, yes. Because I can’t get in there, and I need to know you are safe.”

I thought about it the waved my hands, “Fine. I have a friend I made recently. I planned her pack party tomorrow. I will ask her if I can seek safe haven with her if something goes south. It’s a pack of werewolves, they could protect me.”

Heath pointed out, “Ted needs protecting as well.” I assured him, “That’s taken care of. My friend's brother’s pack would protect him. We wouldn’t even be together as a target.” Heath questioned, “And this pack will protect Ted? You are certain?” I laughed, “He’s made a friend too.” Heath snorted, “Of course he has. Fine. If you can get both Alpha’s to agree, then that will be our plan. If the wolves don’t agree…”

I cut him off, “I’ll go to Haley. I only didn’t offer her as my go to because someone would suspect I was with her in the first place.” Heath nodded, “Agreed. If Ted’s friend won’t agree to protect him, I won’t have you both in the same place. He will have to come home.” I reiterated, “It won’t be a problem.”

Heath pressed, “IF it is, he will be protected at home.” I sighed, “Fine.” Heath smiled, “See? I can be reasonable.” I snorted, “When you aren’t trying to have me taken to your house by force.” Heath hugged me fiercely, “I’d still do it to protect you. If I ever believe the threat is so strong that I could lose you…. I’ll do it again in a heartbeat; I’ll just be smarter about it.” I laughed, “That’s very you, big brother.”

We parted ways, and I stopped for dinner. I ordered two meals since I’d been talking to Heath so long that I hadn’t realized it was past time to eat. I got home and found a pacing Ted outside my fairy protective home. It dawned on me; Ted hadn’t actually been inside.

He whirled, “THANK GOD! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I NEED YOU!” I laughed, “Come on inside. I took his hand and pulled him through. I asked him, “Where’s your wolf?” Ted waved his hands, “He’s like two football fields away talking to the black wolf you think is beautiful. That’s NOT the problem at this moment in time.”

I asked, “What’s the problem?” Ted said, “Well, since you called to give me the all clear my Wolfie decided to come out to his family.” I frowned, “He wasn’t out?” Ted snorted, “Pay attention about other supernatural’s. Wolves in charge are under a HUGE amount of pressure to continue their line. If they are gay, they’re asked to step down.”

I slammed my hands on the table, “Your wolf is in a position of power?” Ted looked away, “Did I not mention he’s the Beta of his pack? I hissed, “No, but I WILL give Alpha Chase a piece of my mind if he so much as THINKS about asking your Matt to step down or give you up. You’re marked.”

Ted dismissed my concerns, “Alpha Chase will not be doing that. They talked before he met me. Alpha Chase was the second person Matt came out to. The first being his sister after she caught him leaving Alpha Eric’s bedroom.”

I yelled, “WHAT? MATT HAD SEX WITH HALEY’S HUSBAND?” I sat back down, “Holy shit.” Ted laughed, “Haley knows and doesn’t care.” I tilted my head, “She wouldn’t. She has no reason to be worried about it.”

Ted smiled, “Exactly, so the Alpha called a meeting with Matt’s family. Matt wanted Alpha Chase there with him. I played with a little girl named Susie. She likes you.” I said, “I like her too.” Ted waved his arms, “Anyway, after their chat went much better than my Wolfie expected they wanted to meet Moi. My mom is going to shit a brick that his family met us first.”

I snorted, “She really will.” Ted said, “At least the Hood doesn’t keep up with other supernatural’s gossip. I’m being announced as the Beta male tonight. Which brings us to our emergency.” I was lost so I asked, “Which is?”

Ted sat back exclaiming, “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR! I have torn through my closet. Matt just says I look good in everything. He’s so unhelpful with clothes.” I laughed, “It just so happens I had Haley stock my house with clothes for you should they ever be needed. Let’s see what the Fairy Hackura Princess came up with. Are we going for casual or serious?”

Ted sighed, “Normally there’s no formal Beta mate announcing ceremony. They just announce the Beta female is X. I want to look nice but still me.” I walked into the closet with his stuff. I pulled a long-sleeved black fitted shirt that would show off his mark with a pair of grey colored pants.

I stepped back out, “This is not formal, but not casual. It will highlight your mark and Haley has shoes and sunglasses that go with it.” Ted held it up and squealed, “YOU AND HALEY ARE AMAZING! May she never change, and the Goddesses bless her with more children JUST like her.” I laughed, “Go on. Get changed. Let’s make sure this is THE outfit.”

Ted kissed my cheek, “This is why you can’t ever leave me. Matt has no sense of fashion. I’m going to have to help him.” I seriously replied, “I’m sure you will.” Ted sighed dramatically, “He told me I looked good in everything I tried on. I told him this is why girlfriends are needed.” I said, “All men do that. Welcome to our side of the equation.”

Ted laughed, “Girl, I have been on your side the whole damn time. You know I like the manly guys.” He sighed then mused, “I wonder what it's like the other way around. I bet they pick each other’s outfits and it’s impeccable.” I laughed agreeing, “I’m sure.” Ted shrugged, “Alas, I love who I love.”

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