Page 87 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Ted wiped his eyes, “I’d have swung by to see mom.” I rubbed his shoulder, “Exactly. You would’ve gone to her because I was with Heath. You wouldn’t have left the Shroud without me.” Ted agreed, “Hell no I won’t leave you where you could run into the Troll without backup.”

Ted faltered walking in the house, “This was about us.” Ted’s eyes filled with tears again, “He hurt her because of me.” I shook my head, “I don’t think so. I think that might have been the intent at first, but she said she saw something. He would’ve knocked her out or drugged her to get back at us. That aggression though it’s something else.”

Ted frowned, “I wish she could remember what she saw.” I rubbed his shoulder, “Maybe it will come back to her. Or maybe it will be buried in her mind for years to come.” Ted waved his hands, “Let’s eat pizza and have some alcohol. Haley left all that stuff here.”

I laughed, “She won’t take it back. She can just conjure what she wants.” I took out my phone texting Haley that I was fine. She reiterated she’d come spend time with me. I really should just tell her about Chase, but I wasn’t ready for the consequences of that. I wished she didn’t know the situation he was in. I’d love to talk to her about him. I told her I was still good and thanked her for the offer.

We sat and ate pizza. Ted had designated himself the bartender. He was aggrieved that Chase and Matt only wanted beer. He didn’t ask me what I wanted he just made us both old fashioned. I took a sip, “Damn Ted. You make a strong, but good old fashioned.” Ted took a bow, “I already made two more and put them in the fridge. It’s mandatory after the day we had.” I tipped my invisible hat, “Whatever you say.”

Ted giggled, “So about Halloween.” I shot him a look then remembered, “Right. Ted said your pack doesn’t do anything for the kids. I was thinking before today got sideways, we could set up a haunted house type thing in the school. Different classrooms are different rooms. They could get candy and have fun at the same time. It wouldn't be super scary. Not an adult haunted house, just a fun one.”

Chase and Matt smiled. Chase kissed me. When he pulled back he said, “That’s a great idea.” Matt commented, “Very Luna and Beta Male of you both.” I smiled, “Good. I was thinking I could coordinate with Nadine and Ted. Ted could do the setup, but I thought Nadine might have some good ideas. She knows the kids better than Ted or I do. I could do a phone call meeting with her tomorrow at some point.”

Ted nodded, “Our schedule could accommodate that. We could work her in since it wouldn't be a super long call.” Chase chimed in, “Ted will have to tell her he set it up with you for the pups.” I nodded, “That’s fine.”

He kissed me again, “I’m so damn proud of you. You’re already so good in your role as Luna.” I laughed, “It’s just a Halloween event.” Matt said, “We haven’t had a Halloween thing for the pups since…” He trailed off as if lost in a memory.

Chase said, “Since before my mother died. Nadine never felt it was her place, and Reagan didn’t either since she wasn’t my mate.” I patted Chase’s hand, “Well, we will throw them a fun little Halloween party. They can all get costumes.” Matt offered, “You know you could come, Lex. It would be a chance for you to meet people without them knowing you are their Luna. Chase won’t be there to give it away.”

I admitted, “I can’t. I won’t be around.” Matt frowned. Ted ranted, “And the Halloween party lets me not think about that while staring at my phone like it’s a time bomb ready to go off. I swear to god Lex, Your SOS sent chills down my damn spine. I’ve had too much excitement lately. TeleTed needs some calm.”

I assured him, “I don’t anticipate my missions being too difficult.” Ted shrieked, “Excuse me girl. MISSIONS? Plural?” I smiled, “I’ll be busy. It’s doable. If I run very fast.” Chase was tense. Ted sighed, “If I didn’t know that brother of yours like I do I’d tan his hide. He must think you can handle it. I’ve never seen him as worried as he was when that went down.”

I wanted off this topic, “Yes, well I’m fine.” Ted said, “If you send out your SOS again I’m revolting. No missions for you.” I laughed, “Heath wouldn’t agree. I’m too good.” Ted snorted, “Sometimes girl, you do not have the brains you were born with. He would absolutely agree. He loves you more than what a mission could get him.”

I stuck my tongue out at him and drank the rest of my old fashioned. I got the next one out of the fridge. Ted requested, “Grab mine too please.” I laughed and did as he asked. Matt and Chase were tense but trying not to be.

After we’d hung out for several hours Chase and I left for my house. Chase said, “I wish you’d take Kincade and Kevin with you.” I reminded him, “If this was a mission like where I’d used my SOS, I’d take them. I won’t be seen more than likely on either mission. I’ll be alright. I’m good.” Chase sighed, “I have a lot of feelings about this.” I said, “Trust me. I’m going to trust you.” Chase laughed, “You only relaxed about the wedding when you heard Haley would be there.”

I smiled admitting, “Guilty as charged. I know she won’t let anything happen to you. Do me a favor and watch her too.” Chase nodded, “I’ll do my best.” I teased, “It’s harder than you think. She’s a fan of popping away.” Chase said, “I gathered that. I’ll do my best to make sure your little sister is ok.”

I squeezed his hand, “I really do see her that way. I mean it though nothing can happen to either of you.” Chase laughed and said, “So many reasons to protect the little Fairy Hackura Princess. No one wants to be around Alpha Eric if she gets hurt. They are all willing to testify to the fact that he was worse than they’d EVER seen him be when she was taken. That’s not a low bar either. His scary, angry, murderous scale was off the charts. He needs her. Which means we all need her to be fine. Then there’s you. My whole world, my Sweetheart. You’d be devastated if something happened to her. I can’t have that.”

I smiled, “You’re so sweet. You also missed some people. Her brothers are deadly when angry about her. They are pretty much a powder keg ready to go off at the slightest thing because of her childhood.” Logan Cambridge’s fury when it came to Haley was unparalleled. I’d had to calm him down more than once after her flashbacks or panic attacks.

Chase and I got ready for bed, and he slid into bed beside me. I stayed awake as long as could because I didn’t want the dream I knew was coming. Finally, around two in the morning. I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

*Dream/Flashback*

I heard arguing that woke me up. My dad’s voice boom, “They all BETRAYED ME!” I sat up and clutched my comforter. Another voice yelled, “I never betrayed you, James! I’m asking you to trust me. I’m not your enemy! I’m trying to save your damn life! LET ME HELP YOU!”

My dad shouted back, “You didn’t want me with Allison. She’s my string, and you didn’t accept her!” Something broke. The other person yelled, “It wasn’t about HER and you know it! It was her ex-boyfriend!” Their screaming match got louder. I got out of bed. I went to the edge of the stairs. It was the man who’d been at the front door.

I shouted, “Mommy!” My mom came running up the stairs as the man turned to me. My dad shoved his shoulder, “You woke Lexi up!” The man scoffed, “I’d say it was a group effort.” My mom grabbed me and took me back to my room. She said, “Sorry about the shouting, Lexi. It’s just grownup stuff. We will be quieter. Let’s get back in bed.”

I whispered, “Daddy sounds so angry.” My mom’s hand shook, “Sometimes Lexi, family is complicated. Hurt runs deeper with family.” I frowned, “We don’t have any family. It’s just you, me, Heath, and Daddy.” My mom looked away, “That’s right sweetie.”

I heard something break, “THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW!” My dad shouted, “LOWER YOUR VOICE!” I cried, “Why is that man upsetting daddy?” My mom hugged me, “Just got back to bed sweetie. We will be quieter.” My mom kissed my forehead and left the room.

They weren’t quieter though. I fell back asleep only to hear more shouting. That’s when I went to Heath’s room. I heard the man say, “So it’s more important that you die for your pride than accept my help!” My dad snorted, “I won’t die. I kicked all those who betrayed me out of here!”

The man reiterated, “We DIDN’T betray you! Why won’t you listen?!” My dad ground out, “I didn’t say you. THEY did!” The man begged, “Allison, please.” My dad yelled, “DON’T YOU SPEAK HER NAME!” My mom cried, “Please lower your voices. Lexi needs to sleep.” The man said, “Yes, heaven forbid you explain this to your daughter. I’m her…” His voice faded.

I looked around. I was in the house where Noah and I had sex the one and only time. Something hit me from behind. Noah yelled, “You think you can escape me? You think you can humiliate me?” He wasn’t looking at me though.

I turned and my heart stopped. I screamed, “Sally!” I tried to get to her, but I couldn’t move. Sally was crying. Noah laughed, “You should’ve accepted your wolf, Sally. He could’ve saved you.” Sally cried, “I do accept him. I just wanted time!” Noah laughed, “Now you have no time.” He slit her throat. I screamed. He tossed her behind the couch just like mother had been. I gagged.

*End dream/flashback*

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