Page 103 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Susan sighed, “She would never tell me who she was dating. I know he had a sister though that your mom liked. She tried to end the relationship several times. I think she ended up going to your grandfather for help. Her boyfriend was hitting her, and she didn’t know what to do.”

I nearly went into shock. I thought my grandparents died soon after my dad took over. I asked, “My grandfather?” Susan nodded, “He was the leader of the Hood at the time. He hadn’t handed the title to your father yet.”

I shoved that aside then asked, “What happened to the ex-boyfriend?” Susan said, “I know your grandfather kicked him out of the Shroud, but a few people left at that time as well. I was never sure which one he was. I contacted Allison’s parents, your grandparents, after her death. I haven’t touched based with them in a few years, but they were doing alright the last few times we spoke.”

I went straight into denial, “That’s not possible. They died before Heath was born.” Susan tilted her head, “Your grandparents are very much alive. Both sets actually.” I frowned, “What do you mean?” Susan seemed stunned. She told me, “I had dinner with your mom’s parents about a year before your parents were murdered. They were like my own family. My parents are slowly coming around to me being a vampire.”

My thoughts were swirling. My mom's parents were alive? At least they were a few years ago. Where the HELL have they been? I needed to change the subject. We were in the company of too many people who could hear us.

I changed subjects completely, “Why did you become a vampire?” She smiled and pointed to the man talking to King Arthur, “That’s my string, the King of North Carolina. My Matias. I met him on a mission with your mother. She was so happy for us that we’d found each other. We brought Matias home to meet everyone. Your dad had just returned. He’d taken a longer mission and missed your mother and my string ceremony. Your parents discovered they were each other’s strings.”

I’d heard my parents describe that moment. Susan continued, “They came to help me get settled in North Carolina. Since Matias is King of a different state, and I didn’t want to go back and forth; I decided to leave the Shroud to be with my string. Your mom and I shed many tears over our separation. You look just like her with your father’s eyes.” I whispered, “Thank you.”

Susan smiled, “I’ve been looking into her death. I was hoping her parents would speak to me. I keep looking for clues.” I admitted, “My brother is looking.” Susan smiled, “He’s quite determined, your brother. He has the tenacity of your mother with your father’s looks.”

I was surprised, “You’ve met him?” Susan shook her head, “Sadly, no. I tried to come see you both. I wanted to come see you, after but my parents were no longer in your Shroud. They are with the other group. I was told you all needed family, and since I couldn’t be there for you all the time; I wasn’t welcome.”

I actually shouted, “Heath and I would’ve loved to meet you! We have no family but each other.” Susan frowned, “You have a very large family. Didn’t your father’s family take you in? That’s what I was told happened.”

I rubbed my temples, “My dad didn’t have a family. They died.” Susan’s jaw dropped, “I… your mother said they were mending fences. I… I am so sorry. I thought you knew. Who the heck raised you and your brother then?”

I frowned, “The Hood members. Mostly the Calvert’s and my friend Ted’s parents. His mom made sure we were always taken care of.” Susan smiled instantly, “Anne and Tony’s boy. I have heard of him recently. He’s the first Beta Male in werewolf history.”

I pointed out Ted to her, “He’s over there.” She turned, “He looks like her.” I asked, “Did Anne know my mom's family?” Susan frowned, “She does. Everyone knew your father’s family. They were our leaders.” I lost my filter, “I don’t see why Anne wouldn’t say something.”

Something else clicked. I asked, “Wait where do your parents live?” Susan was smiling at Matais and was distracted. She answered, “Huh? Oh. The other Shroud. They moved there about six months before Heath was born.”

My mind was reeling. There was a second Shroud. Matias vamped in front of us, “My dear, this young woman looks much like your friend from all those years ago.” Susan laughed, “His mind is a vault. This is Lexi Scott, Allison’s daughter.” Matias smiled, “Your mother spoke of you often. You have certainly grown into her spitting image.” I was touched by his compliment, “Thank you, King Matias.”

Matias shook his head, “None of that nonsense. Your mother was family to my Susan, which makes you family to us. Should you ever need a place to stay, you are welcome in our home.” I nodded gratefully, “Thank you.”

Susan gushed, “She’s the party planner.” Matias smiled, “Do you do out of state shindigs?” I smiled, “For you two, we’d do it.” I took a card out of my bag, “Call anytime. You’re not too far away.” Matias added, “I have a private plane, so the journey wouldn’t be bad. You did a very good job with this event.” I smiled, “Ted did all the set up today. He’s my partner.” Matias turned, “Yes, he looks like his mother.”

Ted walked up, “You know my mother?” Susan answered, “We grew up together. I saw her a few years ago. She showed me your picture. Told me all about how she was anxiously awaiting your string’s arrival in your life. I know you have him now. I was so proud to hear about you being the first Beta Male. I just know your mother is through the roof proud.” Ted replied, “She is. I’ll tell her you say hello.”

They walked away. My mind was running our conversation on a loop. All these people I’d known my whole life knew I had more family out there. Why was there a second Shroud? Did Heath know? Why would my mom stay in a relationship she’d kept hidden with someone who was hitting her? That just didn’t sound like my mom.

The event wound down around two in the morning. Ted and I tore everything down. Ted had brought an SUV, thank the Goddess. We put everything in his car. I told him to take off while I did another loop of the venue to make sure we got everything.

I got in my car and had driven about twenty minutes when my car died. I groaned, “What the actual fuck?!” I picked up my phone. No service. I sighed and got out. I popped the Hood. Nothing was wrong. That’s when I smelled gas. I walked behind my car. I inspected the undercarriage and cursed, “Shit.” Someone had punctured the gas tank line. My car had been leaking gas which meant this was a set up.

I hit the ground as a shot rang out. Someone yelled, “MaryBeth! We need to chat.” I groaned, “Fuck me. Seriously? Can’t we chat without the guns, Bobby?” Another past mark was showing up. This was one of my first missions post Noah.

Bobby called, “You looked real pretty tonight!” Another shot rang out. “Maybe I could enjoy that dress and you before we chat about less pleasant things.” I sarcastically replied, “There’s nothing like shooting at someone to set the mood. What’s this about?”

Bobby answered, “I heard you might know what happened to twenty million dollars of mine.” Now I was totally lost. I had taken intel from Bobby not money. I asked, “What? When?” Bobby replied, “A couple months back.” I tried to reason with him, “Bobby, I haven’t seen you in three years. How the hell would I steal your money?” Bobby replied, “The tip said you did.” I yelled, “The tip is full of shit.”

I heard a growl in the distance then a pop beside me. Haley greeted, “Hi, I heard you were here, and shots were fired. Eric’s mad at me.” I laughed, “That would explain the growl.” Haley smiled, “He’ll get here eventually. Who the fuck is this guy?”

Bobby asked, “Who is with you?” I ignored him and explained the situation to Haley, “Bobby seems to have gotten information that I stole twenty million dollars from him.” Haley asked, “Did he now?” She popped and I heard a groan in pain. I ran to her side. She nodded to me.

I asked, “Bobby, what tip? Who gave it to you?” Bobby replied, “I don’t know. It was an anonymous IP address. My guys have tried to track it down but can't get anywhere with it. The tip was credible and traced the computer back to one you own, MaryBeth.”

Haley snorted, “You look less like a MaryBeth than anyone I have ever met.” Bobby stated, “Her name is MaryBeth.” I rolled my eyes. Bobby huffed, “I should’ve approached you at the party. We could’ve had some fun like old times before this.”

Haley laughed, “This guy? Really?” I shrugged, “I wanted to see if sex was bad post the Troll. We were together a lot right after that debacle. He’s not bad in bed either.” Haley snorted, “I guess if he didn’t talk…no I can’t see his appeal.” Bobby indignantly replied, “Hey lady, I’m a ten.”

Haley curled her fingers, “It’s Princess and I don’t know how anyone could be a number, but I’d probably pick a hundred. Whatever, he doesn’t even have faith in himself.” I tried to cover my laugh since Bobby was gasping for breath.

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