Page 96 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

My dad admitted, “I get that the rogue thing was wrong. On so many levels, I feel intense guilt for using what caused Emma’s death, and Nadine’s first mate to lose their lives to manipulate the situation. I don’t know if I can make up for it, but your girlfriend come on. This is just a passing fling! You won’t even care about her when you meet your mate.”

I growled, “Get out of my office before I fight you again.” Cameron stood and dragged our dad out of the office. Isaac shuffled out after them. Cameron came back inside. He demanded, “Can someone tell me what the FUCK is going on?”

I snarked, “Did you not catch up during that meeting?” Cameron frowned, “What did dad do to Lexi?” I said, “Other than assault her to plant a bug?” Cameron nodded. I explained, “He went back to her office under the guise of apologizing to tell her to stay away from me. HE TRIED TO KEEP HER FROM ME!”

Cameron sighed, “He wouldn’t do that if you told him who she was.” I argued, “He never should’ve gone in the first damned place. Now, I’ve got fucking Hood problems! He should’ve trusted me. He should’ve NEVER gone near her!”

Reagan was on my side, “Cameron, I think it’s time Chase and I had our chat. We need the Alpha blood in the room to be dialed down not up. You know you’d have done what Chase did if it was me Frank had come at.”

Cameron looked at her startled. Reagan gently said, “Come on. Don’t you lie to me, Cameron Daniels. If your dad made me cry...” I interrupted, “She had a damn panic attack thinking he would keep us apart. He casually threw out needing to talk to her dad. He can’t because she tripped over her father’s DEAD BODY and broke her arm when she was eight years old!” Cameron winced.

Reagan whispered, “You’d do the same thing he did, Cam. Everyone out. Chase and I need to talk.” Everyone left and I picked up the note on my desk.

Meet me in two hours. Come to the graves you followed Lexi to where she met her brother.

Come alone.

The Hood

Great. Just fucking great. I looked at the clock. I had some time, but not a lot. Reagan announced, “So, Lexi is your mate.” I asked, “HOW can everyone but my dad see that? Even Nadine picked it up.” Reagan snorted, “If the entire damn pack isn’t a bunch of idiots, they picked it up too. You just fought your dad on the lawn for her.”

I sidestepped her, “To be technical she was only part of the reason, a large part, but he’s been undermining me at every turn lately. Since you and Cameron left he’s been worse.” Reagan frowned, “I’m sorry about that, really.” I shrugged, “It’s not your guys’ fault.”

Reagan laughed humorlessly, “It is. Your dad never planned on losing Cameron to run a pack. He’s proud of him, but he never planned to let him go.” I pointed out, “It’s thirty minutes away.” Reagan waved her hand, “Your dad’s an Alpha just like you and Cameron. He likes things to go according to his plan. He sees a piece of your mother leaving him. He only has two of those pieces left. He’s scared for you, and that’s why he went to Lexi. He couldn’t bear to lose you or Cameron. When you add to that, Cameron and I took over a territory we all know will be a target is making him a little crazy.”

I grumbled, “Then he should come to your pack and drive you two crazy.” Reagan shrugged, “Now, know the answer to my next question depends on if I kick your ass. Why doesn’t Lexi know about Sophia?” I answered, “She doesn’t want to know. I was going to tell her. Hell, I was going to stay away from her. Then demons attacked her, and I had to interfere. People are coming at her from all sides. My hands are tied because of Sophia. I can’t have her by my side this way. She doesn't want to know, and I respect that. I need to handle it.”

Reagan pressed, “Did you tell Sophia?” I snorted, “If she said something stupid, I’d rip her head off.” Reagan sighed, “So, she doesn’t know.” I acknowledged she was right, “No, she doesn’t.” Reagan sat back, “Alright. I really like Lexi. You two make a hell of a lot of sense. If this is her choice when this blows up in your face, I’ll remind her she didn’t want to know.” I responded, “I’m hoping to have it resolved. I’ll tell her all about it when I’m officially single.” Reagan gently told me, “Life has a way of getting in the way of your plans. Keep her safe.”

My office door flew open and Susie ran in with tears streaming down her face. My dad and Cameron stood frozen outside. Susie cried, “She’s going to hate us now, Chase! He ruined everything!” Reagan’s eyes filled with tears. I motioned for her to leave. She nodded and turned for the door.

My dad cringed, “Susie….” Susie yelled, “NO! This is all your fault! She is my friend! Now she won’t come play with me!” I linked Matt, “Close my office door now.” Matt’s arm reached out and shut the door.

Susie cried, “Your Princess will never come home now!” I hugged her, “Susie, Lexi still likes you. I’m sure she will come over and play with you. I’ll just make sure dad isn't in the house.” Susie wiped her tears, “All the other pups said we probably won’t get our Halloween party now. Lexi was supposed to throw it with TeleTed, and he’s friends with her.”

She sobbed, “What if they don’t like me anymore, Chase? I want your Princess to like me! She even invited mommy to talk about the Halloween party! Mommy was so happy that she cried! Your Princess would make mommy feel like she really belonged here. Now she’ll never come live with us!” I had no idea what to do or say.

I did the only thing I could think of. I picked up the phone and called Lexi. She immediately answered, “Chase?” I said, “Lexi, I have someone here who needs to talk to you.” Susie cried, “Lexi?” Lexi was immediately concerned, “Susie? What’s the matter? Are you alright?” Susie said, “My daddy was mean to you. Now you won’t be Chase’s Princess, or my friend, and we won’t have our party.”

Lexi consoled her, “Sweet little, Susie wild bears couldn’t stop me from being your friend. Tell you what. It’s you and me this weekend. I’ll come over Saturday and we will hang out. Ok?” Susie wiped her tears, “Chase said he’d make daddy stay away if you came over.”

Lexi assured her, “Then he will make sure that’s the case. Ted and I are working on the Halloween party. I just sent your mom the details for final confirmation.” Susie sniffled, “What about being Chase’s Princess? Alpha Eric got a Princess and you’re Chase’s.”

Lexi laughed, “I suppose I am a kind of Princess. I am Chase’s though, that’s for sure.” Susie pressed, “You’re not mad at Chase?” Lexi assured her, “No, I’m not mad at him, I promise.” Susie squealed, “So you’ll come live with us someday?” Lexi laughed, “If your brother will have me, I’ll come live with you one day.”

My heart soared at the thought of Lexi living here. Susie squealed and clapped her hands, “YAY! We need you because you’re our Princess.” Lexi laughed, “I’ve got to get to a meeting, but I’ll see you Saturday. Alright?” Susie happily agreed, “OK!” I had to laugh. Lexi was able to fix this entire thing with a few words. I told Lexi, “I’ll see you tonight, sweetheart.” Lexi replied, “That sounds like a plan.” I hung up.

Susie hugged me and opened the door. There was quite the gathering on the other side. Susie ran to Nadine, “Mommy! Chase called Lexi. She said she still wants to be my friend. We are playing together this weekend but daddy isn’t allowed!” She stuck her tongue out at him and he actually looked ashamed. I felt bad for my dad as he watched Nadine and Susie walk away. Isaac pulled him out of the house.

I looked at the time, and realized I needed to go. Matt sighed in relief, “Ahhh back to work. I can’t believe we have situations at hand that make me excited for paperwork, but I really am.” That was unfortunate.

I handed him the note, “I have a meeting.” Matt tensed, “I don’t like this at all. I can’t let you go alone.” I disagreed, “You can, and you will.” Matt reasoned, “He could’ve figured it out. Everything. The you’re his sister’s mate who is married.” I nodded, “I’m sure he did. He knows Lexi is seeing her string. My dad shouting about her leaving me alone would’ve been a large hint I’m her string if he didn’t already know.” Matt demanded, “You link me if you need anything.” I nodded and took off.

I knew Derrick was following at a distance. I had to snort at my Beta and Gamma. They were good ones. I made it to the clearing. The Hood was there with shorts for me. He tossed them over, “Here.” Derrick linked me, “I can’t hear a damn thing.” I replied, “Lexi probably had the area enchanted.” I shifted back and grabbed the shorts off the ground.

The Hood ground out, “I said alone.” I asked, “What can you do about a Gamma looking out for his Alpha? Besides, I smell the man named Isaiah from my office in the distance.” The Hood said, “I didn’t say I would be alone.” I pointed out, “Neither did I. I don’t have to do as you say.”

The Hood’s hands tightened into fists. He ordered, “Protect Lexi Scott better.” I tensed, “You know I’m her string then.” The Hood snorted, “I’ve known since you met her. You protected her from Demons. I was about to step in when your men interfered.”

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