Page 134 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Heath:Get moving and stay safe out there.

Me:I’m practically out the door. You stay safe too. I love you, big brother.

Heath:I love you too.

Ted frowned, “You have to go already?” I nodded, “I’ll be fine.” Ted warned, “I’ll obsess about it until I see you in your Lexi clothes again.” He hugged me tightly, and whispered, “Be careful. You promise me?” I agreed, “I’ll be careful, Ted.”

I went out my back door and headed towards Alpha Raven’s territory. I pushed myself to see how fast I could get there. I skidded to a stop and climbed a tree deep in Alpha Raven’s territory in view of the pack house. I looked at my watch to check my time, forty-five minutes.

Damn. I was going to have to shave off time on my way back. I watched the patrols and took down notes. Meredith, the soon to be dead witch, was sitting outside with a group of people. They were all laughing until she took a phone call. Then they started to chant. I notched an arrow in my bow, then raised my arms.

The second my watch hit six o’clock I sent three arrows into her chest. Screams were echoing as I dropped from the tree and took off. Three wolves tried to catch me, but I blew past them. The one waiting at the border of Alpha Raven and Alpha Kyle’s territory was a problem.

I raised my bow and shot him in the paw. I didn’t want to kill him, he was just doing his job. He howled alerting others in Alpha Raven’s pack. It was too late though because I was already past his border. I saw a patrol as I passed Alpha Kyle’s territory and ran into Emmaline’s. Those warriors only looked at me curiously.

I could hear the growls and battle happening in Alpha Lucas’ territory, but I kept on going. My heart ached in my chest. I wanted to fight beside my friends. My heart lurched as I thought of Chase. He would be fine. I had to trust that. Haley wouldn’t let him get hurt.

I made it through Chase’s border, and into Alpha Sophia’s territory. They were being overwhelmed. To my shock, I saw Heath fighting with them dressed in his Hood gear. Several rogues were about to target him. Anger hit me and I took out my arrows and released them. Heath whirled around with a smile on his face.

The wolves howled in happiness as I joined them. I killed the witches first. They were putting spells on the wolves so they would be in pain and incapacitated. Thankfully, none of them had been killed. They were injured though. There were at least a hundred rogues. Luckily, Haley had charmed my quiver, but even with that I had to pull some arrows out of the ones I’d killed to keep going. I’d have to get her to put an endless supply of arrows charm on it. It was high as it was, but still I needed more.

Heath and I flashed away from the wolves quickly then into the Shroud. We’d only left once everyone opposing Alpha Sophia’s pack was dead. The second we stepped inside the Shroud I punched Heath in the arm. I yelled, “WHAT THE HELL?! If you were going to be there anyway, why the heck did I have to run like the damn wind to get there? I could’ve gone to my friend’s wedding reception.”

Heath snorted, “You had to hear the fighting happening when you passed. Or the start of the illusion most likely. There was no reception.” I asked, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be here?” Heath sighed, “I was just going to make sure they could handle it until you arrived. There were even more rogues than my intel had gathered. They would’ve lost pack members if I didn’t step in. Is Meredith dead?”

I retorted, “Of course she is. When have I ever failed you?” Heath smiled, “Never.” I asked, “What’s the deal with Alpha Sophia’s territory? Why do you care?” Heath looked away, “I do care. Deeply.” I pressed, “Because?”

Heath shrugged, “In part, we need the area outside our Shroud to be safe. Alpha Sophia was the only child her father had with her mother, his true mate. Her father was murdered.” I gasped, “I hadn’t heard that.” Heath admitted, “No one knows. Which is maddening. Werewolves don’t tend to get sick and die. Do they find his death suspect? No!” I answered even though he had, “No, they don’t as far as I know.”

I thought about it then said, “Wait! Only child with his mate… Does Sophia have siblings?” Heath answered, “She does.” I asked, “Were they out there fighting with us?” Heath shook his head, “No, they weren’t. She doesn’t know she has siblings. As far as that pack is concerned, Sophia is the only child her father ever had.”

I frowned, “Why wouldn’t her dad tell her?” Heath shrugged, “We can’t ask him. He’s dead.” I pressed, “Do you think he knew?” Heath admitted, “I don’t. An Alpha would raise their child. At the very least they’d bring them into the pack to watch them be raised. Sophia would have always been the choice to take over though.”

I asked, “How many siblings does she have?” Heath answered, “Three.” I shouted, “THREE?! I thought mates couldn't cheat on each other!” Heath shrugged, “Marked mates can cheat it would just cause them both intense pain physically. An unmarked mate can sleep with anyone only having it on their conscience.”

I didn’t want to think about that, so I shoved it aside. Heath continued, “Sophia’s siblings are all older than she is.” I sighed, “Does she have a brother? Do they not know about her?” Heath frowned, “I haven’t determined that yet. I just discovered the connection recently.”

I cringed as I asked, “Could… could they be behind these attacks? They could feel slighted. In their minds she got everything, and they got nothing.” Heath sighed, “I hope they are not, but they could be yes. I have a lot going on right now. I can’t dedicate a lot of time to investigating her family just yet.”

I offered, “Can I help you with anything?” Heath smiled, “You already did. Why don’t you come eat at my house tonight? I know you don’t eat much before missions.” I nodded. Chase would be busy with cleanup anyway.

We ran to Heath’s house. He had spaghetti and bread on warm in his oven. I teased, “So you just knew you’d get me to eat dinner with you.” Heath laughed, “I hoped. I knew you’d come with me into the Shroud to ask why I was there after telling you to be quick.”

I rolled my eyes, “Do you have any idea how fast I ran? I even shot an arrow at one of Alpha Raven’s wolves.” Heath shrugged, “They are following their Alpha down a bad road. They should’ve seen your actions as the favor it was. If they were found out by their allies Alpha Eric specifically, Haley’s Alpha…”

I cut him off, “I am aware of who Haley’s wolf is, Heath. I’ve met him as the Black Arrow and Lexi.” Heath waved, “Yes, well Alpha Eric would take over their pack. If the pack wants Alpha Raven’s son to take over one day, they need the witches to leave. With their leader dead, and clearly being in an unsafe territory; they will go.”

I tilted my head, “Do you want the son to take his father’s place?” Heath answered, “The son is not the father. Alpha Raven lost his mate, and his mind is deteriorating without her. He’s pining for the only woman he wanted before his mate. His children do not appreciate that. Their youngest sister is worse off than Susie Daniels was. She had freedom before her mother died, but he took it away. Only her family sees her, and she’s not allowed to even leave her room.”

I frowned, “That’s very sad. What happened to Alpha Raven’s mate?” Heath shrugged, “What usually happens that cause werewolves deaths, a rogue attack. The mother protected the daughter, as most mothers would.” I nodded. That was true.

Heath continued, “Alpha Raven was in a meeting. He made tracks to them, but he was moments too late. He’s lost it.” I questioned, “Then why not leak it that he’s helping Alpha Hammond. He’d be taken out.” Heath shrugged, “If it comes to it; I will. I just think his son will be a good leader.”

I pointed out, “Eric is a fair man. He could give the pack to the son.” Heath agreed, “Yes, should the son lay down arms and not fight for his father. Crazy or not, the man is his father. Alpha Raven’s day is fast approaching. The son will be out of the way if everything I think comes to pass. He won’t be there to fight that battle, and he will take his rightful place among his pack. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong.”

I surmised, “But you don’t think that you are.” Heath smiled, “I am not often completely wrong.” I said, “Trust me, I know. It’s kind of annoying sometimes.” He laughed and I smiled at him. We ate the rest of our dinner in silence.

Once we’d finished, I said, “Couldn't you leak it to Sophia about her siblings? I think she deserves to know. It must suck to think you are an island when you’re not. I would hate it if I didn’t know about you.” Heath sighed, “I’ll think about it.” I smiled, “You always do the right thing.”

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