I was about to continue when Derrick stiffened. A second later Sally Quaid flashed into the room. She threw her hands up dramatically, “Hey guys, guess who's back?” Her voice faded as she stared at Derrick. He growled, “MINE!” He looked like he was forcing himself to stay put. Sally squealed, “Well hey there handsome!” She jumped into his arms and tapped his nose, “I’ve been dreaming about you.” She kissed him much to his surprise.

When they finally broke apart Sally said, “Lex, Ted, we will have to catch up another time. Come on wolf man.” He introduced himself, “Derrick. My name is Derrick.” She laughed, “I’ve been calling you wolf man for quite some time now. Derrick will take some getting used to.” She led him from the room, and he followed her in what was very much a trance. Matt yelled, “Congrats man!” I echoed that sentiment, “Congratulations, Derrick.”

Lexi was grinning from ear to ear. Ted said, “He better treat her right. She deserves it.” Matt reassured him, “Babe, you know he will.” Ted reiterated, “He’d better. She deserves the world.” Lexi smiled, “They’ll be fine. Sally spoke to the War Goddess.” Ted’s jaw dropped, “YOU’VE BEEN SITTING ON THAT?! TELL ME EVERYTHING!” Lexi laughed, “She couldn’t see Derrick’s face, but the Goddess showed her their life together and their kids.”

She turned to me, “I think her guards should still be doubled until we find Noah. She will let Derrick mark her, but…” I interrupted, “I have no intention of letting anything happen to her. I’ll see you later.” My dad made a face, but I left. Matt was hot on my heels.

I slammed the door to my car shut. Matt winced, “Ooff. What did the car door to you?” I glared at him. I linked Kincade and Kevin, “Stay outside her place tonight.” They replied simultaneously, “Yes, Alpha.” Lexi called me, but I didn’t answer.

Matt asked, “What’s the plan here?” I said, “You go spend time with your mate. I’m going to spend time with my brother.” Matt sighed, “Chase, talk to her.” I snarked, “Why? So, she can go behind my back when someone is ACTIVELY trying to kill her?! She could’ve gotten hurt!”

Matt snorted, “With your dad? Come on. At least answer her phone call.” I growled, “Like she answered mine?” Matt punched my shoulder, “Are you a pup? ANSWER your damn phone!” I growled, “I’m the Alpha here, Matt.” Matt retorted, “And I’m the Beta. It’s my job to tell you when you’re being an idiot. Spoiler alert, you are being an IDIOT! She hurt your pride. You can be mad, but if you don’t talk to her; you’re just as guilty as she is.” I didn’t care for his point.

Matt continued, “She deals in secrets. That’s what her people do. You can’t expect her to change that on a dime for you. Particularly when you have your fair share of secrets right now.” I reminded him, “She ASKED me to keep that secret.” Matt reasoned, “I’m just saying talk to her.” I growled at him but picked up my phone.

I greeted her shortly, “Lexi.” Lexi asked, “Chase, why did you just leave?” I retorted, “Like you did?” Lexi sounded confused, “I didn’t walk out on you.” I replied, “You left your protection behind.” Lexi said, “Honestly, I’m not used to having twenty-four seven protection details. It takes some getting used to.” That was also reasonable.

I took a deep breath. “I need to run off some energy. I was really worried about you.” Lexi sounded sad, “Ok, I’ll just have a girl’s night tonight then.” Matt glared at me. I made my tone gentler, “I’ll see you later, ok?”

Lexi said, “I’m inviting Haley so I’ll call you when she leaves.” I replied, “Alright. I love you.” Lexi sounded uncertain when she replied, “Yeah... ok. Bye.” I winced. Matt complained, “Well, I’ll just run with you to Cameron’s since Ted will be involved in their girl’s night.”

I apologized, “I’m sorry but I can’t just shut off my feelings. I already feel inadequate as her mate and then she just runs off. I didn’t know where she was. I just needed her to let me know that she was taking off. What are her and my dad even up to?” Matt questioned, “What does that matter to you? They don’t hate each other. That’s a good thing.” He was just going to make valid reasonable points all day.

I shifted and ran to Cameron’s. Reagan was standing there with her hands on her hips when we arrived. She demanded to know, “What did you do?” I frowned, “Why do you think I did anything?” Reagan just raised an eyebrow while we grabbed shorts. I didn’t say anything.

Finally, she sighed, “He’s in his office waiting for you.” We found him exactly where she said he was. Cameron was sitting at his desk. He looked up, “Hello, brother. I got a report that you and your Beta ran past our borders.” I acknowledged, “I figured you would.” Cameron asked, “What happened?”

I explained, “Lexi took off today. She ditched Kincade and Kevin without notice and took off.” Cameron frowned, “I’d ask how, but she’s Hood. Why did she ditch them?” I said, “I don’t know. She was doing something with dad.” Cameron yelled, “DAD? What?!”

I nodded, “They started over and have some secret project going on together. Dad told me he was going on a day trip. He failed to mention it was with her.” Cameron questioned, “So, the reason you are here instead of with Lexi is because?” I shouted, “I’m pissed off, that’s why! She’s now with Haley for some girl’s night.”

Cameron frowned, “Even if you're pissed, you talk to your mate.” I admitted, “I didn’t want to yell at her. I wanted to calm down.” Cameron said, “Ok, let’s get ourselves a beer.” We all walked out and started drinking.

I asked them, “How can I protect her when she can just ditch my men? They had NO fucking idea she was gone. Not even a clue.” Matt cleared his throat, “Not to be that guy, but can we remember what week it is? Ted told me after their Shroud visit.”

I paled when I remembered. I was an ass. Cameron asked, “What week is it?” I cringed, “The anniversary of her parent’s death.” Cameron said, “We need more beer. You’ve stepped in it, big brother.” I sighed, “I already feel like shit, Cameron.”

Cameron frowned, “Because she slipped your guys? That doesn't make sense.” Matt laughed, “He’s hung up on the Black Arrow.” Cameron’s eyebrows hit the top of his forehead. He asked, “What?” I explained, “I think she’s my second chance mate. Bolt thinks because we haven’t marked Lexi both bonds are going. I dream about the Black Arrow now, like an asshole.”

Cameron tried not to, but he ended up laughing. I dryly told him, “I’m glad my misery is funny to you, little brother.” Cameron reasoned, “It’s a dream, Chase. I had a dream once that I was fighting a mattress, and it won. Do you know what that means? Nothing.”

I sighed, “I feel like the world’s worst mate.” Cameron said, “You aren’t winning any prizes tonight, but your dreams are just dreams. Don’t let that ruin your reality. You know, when you’re awake, and not sleeping.” Bolt finally said something, “He might be right.” I retorted, “Good of you to say something.” He huffed, “You aren’t the only one who is angry.” I knew that.

The three of us drank until we were a little tipsy. It was harder as werewolves, but not impossible. My phone rang and I smiled when I saw who it was. I answered, “Hello, Sweetheart.” Lexi giggled, “You called me Sweetheart. You were mad at me earlier. I didn’t even get a kiss.”

I admitted, “I was scared.” Lexi said, “Ohhhh the big bad Alpha was scared. Why?” I explained, “You could’ve gotten hurt.” Lexi laughed, “I’m tough, I can kick ass.” I admitted, “I’d like to see that.” Lexi laughed again, “Ted said you have a gym. I could fight someone!”

Bolt growled, “No.” I told her, “I’d prefer if you didn’t.” Lexi laughed, “I’d bet it would get you all hot and bothered. You’d forget all about being mad at me.” I replied, “I’m not mad anymore.” Lexi squealed, “YAY! Are you coming home?” I smiled, “I’m on the way.” I hung up. Reagan said, “Thank god. Go.” I shifted.

Matt followed me. It definitely wasn’t our best or fastest run. Matt veered off at Ted’s and I ran to Lexi’s. I walked in and was greeted by her moaning. I slammed the door shut and ran upstairs. Lexi screamed, “Chase!”

I threw her bedroom door open so hard it might have cracked. She was using her vibrator. I growled, walked over to her, and took control. I began to pump it inside her and started to lick her clit. She was screaming in seconds.

Her legs were trembling. She pleaded, “Chase... please... I…” I didn’t stop. I didn’t even acknowledge her please. Eventually when I stopped, I trailed kisses up her body. I entered her slowly. Her little moan when I was fully inside her warmed me to my core.

I whispered, “I love you, Lexi.” She giggled and tapped the end of my nose with her index finger. “I love you too. Don’t tell Chase.” I nuzzled her neck agreeing, “It will be our secret.” I made love to her until neither of us could go any longer. I pulled her to me and fell asleep.

When I woke up Lexi was smiling at me. She happily stated, “You came home.” I smiled, “I’ll always come home to you.” She apologized, “I’m sorry I took off, it’s a habit.” I said, “I’m sorry I left and ignored you.” She frowned, “You didn’t ignore me.”