Page 17 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I asked him, “Matt, do you need to take a run?” Matt distractedly replied, “What? No, I’m fine.” I sighed. His mate must be near too. I wondered what was stopping him. He wasn’t married. He only had one girlfriend, and that long since ended. He never even slept with her. He wanted to wait for his mate. I had no idea why he wouldn’t go search. I shrugged. Maybe that wasn’t it.

The three of us got to work. Around noon Matt shot out of the room like he’d been shot, saying it was to go train. Derrick sighed, “He’s been like that for almost a month at times.” I frowned, “What?” Derrick said, “It’s usually in the mornings. He and I were running the border with Alpha Eric several mornings together. He usually gets all jittery around there. I don’t run that route anymore, but he does. Every day.” I frowned. I couldn’t very well expect Matt to tell me his issue when I wasn’t telling him.

I asked Derrick, “Has your wolf felt antsy near that area?” Derrick frowned, “Not exactly, I feel something faint. It’s not strong, just humming lightly.” I cleared my throat, “Let me know if anything changes.” I had no idea what Derrick’s wolf’s problem was, but I was sure I knew what was going on with Matt. To a degree anyway. He had no reason not to track down his mate.

I looked at the time and realized I needed to head off and check out the first party planner on my list. I got in my car and drove an hour into Alpha Eric’s territory. I’d actually gotten an appointment quite easily. I sat in reception for a minute before an attractive blonde came out. I was disappointed instantly; she wasn’t my mate. She’d been my most likely candidate that Alpha Eric would’ve used.

She smiled politely, greeting me, “Alpha Chase, are you ready?” I stood, “I’m sorry. I’ve wasted your time.” The party planner frowned, “Well, should you need our services do not hesitate to reach back out.” I took her card. It was the least I could do. I assured her, “I will.” I went and sat in my car.

I didn’t have an appointment with the second party planner, but I went there anyway. Nick showed up, “Alpha Chase, nice to see you again.” I greeted, “You too. I guess Alpha Eric knows what I’m doing.” Nick smirked, “When we heard you had an appointment with a party planner, he figured it out. He has a message for you.”

I tensed. I couldn’t back off, but Alpha Eric could kill me. I’d give him a good fight though. I just couldn’t stop. This was my mate. I cringed internally as I asked, “What’s the message?” Nick said, “You aren’t following the right path.” I frowned, “What do you mean?”

Nick smirked, “That’s all he was willing to give you.” I pressed, “Do you know what he means?” Nick said, “I do and I believe you will figure it out too.” I sighed, “I have to check out the party planners. My mate could be one of them.”

Nick pointed out, “Neither my Alpha nor I told you not to look.” I frowned, “He said I’m on the wrong path.” Nick smiled, “He did. Think about what he means.” With that Nick left. I had no idea what he was talking about. I went and checked out the second party planner because I had time. I sighed in disappointment when I walked into the office. The cinnamon smell wasn’t here either. I walked out without speaking to anyone.

I drove back home and sat in my car in the driveway. I needed a run, so I got out and took off. I was close to the border with my brother when I heard crying. I paused for a moment then I ran full speed. I halted when I saw who it was, my Beta. He was out here sobbing where he knew no patrol would be for running by for hours. I shifted back and grabbed some clothes.

I softly asked, “Matt? What’s wrong?” Matt whirled startled, “I… nothing.” I sighed and sat beside him. I joked, “See I may not have all the skill you do, but not unlike you; I know you are lying to me. Something is clearly wrong.”

Matt snorted and wiped the tears from his eyes, “You just know because you found me out here crying. What are you even doing out here?” I shrugged, “I needed a run. What are you doing out here?” Matt whispered, “Thinking.” I snorted, “Matt.”

He waited several moments then said, “What would you say if I said… Not that I don’t, but what if I told you I don’t like women?” I sat back and thought about it. I admitted, “That would actually make a lot of sense. You loveThe Notebookmore than Reagan does.”

Matt pressed, “Would you take my position from me?” I startled, “What the fuck man? NO! You are my Beta. I don’t give a shit if you like men and not women.” Matt snorted, “Don’t get any ideas, you’re not my type.” I teased, “I’m pretty sure I would’ve known if I was at this point.”

Matt sighed admitting, “My wolf knows my mate is nearby, and he wants to go find her.” I asked, “How do you know it’s a her?” Matt rubbed his hand down his face, “Most wolves are mated to she wolves. Our Goddess isn’t like the others. I don’t like women and I tried. I just don’t. I don’t want to find my mate. I’d have to reject her, and my wolf would hate me. I can’t do that either of us. I can’t pretend to like women for my mate. It’s just not me in that situation. She would think there is something wrong with her. It would be better to reject her and let her get a second chance mate.”

I put a hand on his back, “You don’t know your mate is a woman. Selene isn’t a cruel Goddess. Have you been dating guys on the side this whole time?” Matt half smiled, “A few.” I nudged him, “Any I know?”

Matt answered, “No, then you’d know I was gay. The first guy I was ever with was at the Summit right after we took over the pack. He was from Nebraska. We did long distance for a while, but we just couldn’t keep it up. I did sleep with Alpha Eric a few years back though.” I was stunned, “YOU WHAT? Seriously? Damn Matt, I’m actually impressed. How am I not your type if he is? I’m an Alpha too!”

Matt laughed, “Is this really our conversation right now? You’re mad I’m not into you? This is not how I thought this conversation would go one day.” I asked, “Does anyone know?” Matt admitted, “Molly caught me leaving Alpha Eric’s room. We had a long chat. She told me then I should talk to you.” I said, “You can talk to me about anything. Everyone here will accept you for who you are.”

Matt disagreed, “The Beta line needs to continue. They will demand you replace me.” I growled, “Anyone who DEMANDS anything of me is gone. Anyone who so much as suggests you be removed from your position, will be banished from this pack. They will not be welcome here.” Matt gaped at me. “Seriously?”

I nodded, “And I won’t give them a recommendation for a new pack. Their backwards asses can figure their own shit out without my help. The Beta line can continue through you without you having sex with a woman. Science is a wonderful thing in these modern times. You have the money to hire a surrogate. I’m sure there are even people in the pack who would want to be the mother of your pup without compensation.”

I paused then added, “No, Iknowthere are women who want to be the mother of your pup, even if they aren’t your mate. You’re the Beta here, Matt. I hate that you thought I would give a shit about who you love. You’ve been my best friend our entire lives.”

Matt shrugged, “I know. Some things run deep though. This is one of those things. If I wasn’t the Beta no one would care, but the Beta being gay is not a thing.” I said, “They won’t care if they know what’s good for them. I’m serious, anyone who says something is gone. I won’t have that type of attitude here. I don’t want anyone in my pack denying who they are or figuring it out.”

I continued, “I don’t care if our pups are gay, straight, bi, whatever. We are their pack. We are here to love and protect them. We are not here to make them feel like they can’t be who they are. When you’re older and ready for a pup, we can find you a surrogate.”

I amended, “Or a willing co-parent in our pack or one of our allies. So long as they understand your pup will be our future Beta and needs to be in our pack. I assure you there will be no shortage of women lining up to have a pup with the Beta of our pack. If I were you, I’d look at the women who lost their mate first and didn’t have a pup, but that’s just me.”

Matt had more tears in his eyes. I was not sure what to do. So, I teased him, “Come on man! What did I say? If you keep crying, I’m going to go back to being pissed that you’re into Alpha Eric but somehow not me.”

Matt laughed, “It would be awkward if I was into you. He’s just got that rough, powerful, strong, hot, tall, body of god, blonde hair going for him.” I gasped in mock horror, “It’s because I don’t have blonde hair?” Matt smiled, “I can’t really explain it. Alpha Eric really isn’t even my type. He’s just hot. All that raw, intense energy. I prefer to be the more masculine partner. I didn’t want to date him though, I just wanted to fuck him.”

I groaned, “God, I have to go to his territory on Wednesday night. Now I’m going to want to laugh the whole damn time.” Matt asked, “Why are you going there?” I sighed, “To check out the fairy lessons his mate hosts.”

Before he could follow up, I changed the subject, “Give finding your mate a shot. I don’t believe the Goddess would give you a woman. What if it’s Mr. Right?” Matt was quiet, “I’ll think about it.” I nodded, “Good. If you do find your mate, and it’s not a guy then just explain it to her before you reject her. I’m sure it will hurt you both, but she’d understand. On the other hand, if it is a guy Reagan is going to demand to move back in to get to know him.” We both laughed.

I shoved him, “On second thought, go get your man Matt! We need Reagan back. I miss my brother too.” Matt pointed out, “They deserve this opportunity to lead.” I agreed, “They do. I know Cameron will be an amazing Alpha. It makes me much less nervous about that border we share. We are surrounded by strong, stable allies now. I swear that Hammond fucker was letting rogues slip through into our territory on purpose.” Matt said, “It was worse when you were gone. I think he was testing our strength.”

I stood, “I’m sure he was disappointed by how strong we are then. Are you ok?” Matt nodded, “Yes. I’ve come out to two people who accepted me. Both are very important to me. I know it’s silly, but keeping my position is non-negotiable to me. I thought I’d have to suck it up and marry some woman to keep being the Beta. I’ve been at war with myself about how much I would hate my life. Being a Beta is in my blood just as much as liking men is.”

---