Page 192 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Marcus answered, “She’s in the Ribbon. I’ll open a portal to your home. Let’s go. Molly, the second Haley gets back…” He trailed off as Harper came into the room. Marcus changed his directive, “Brother, get Haley to the Shroud when she gets back.” Harper’s eyes widened when he saw me. His horrified face was the last thing I saw before everything went dark.

When I came to, I was in a bright meadow. I blinked several times. I looked around, “Shit! If I died from a few bites from rogue, I am going to be ROYALLY pissed off.” I heard a laugh, “My child, you are not dead.”

I turned around so fast I almost fell over. I saw a woman decked out in armor. I asked, “War Goddess?” She smiled, “You are so very smart.” I went down onto my knee. She commanded, “Stand, my child.” I stood, “What have I done that you honor me with your presence?” She smiled, “Do you even have to ask? I would love to meet all my children. I’ve even met your brother.”

My jaw dropped, “WHAT?! He never mentioned it.” She laughed, “He didn’t particularly like what I had to say. You know that muscle in his jaw that ticks. He was fit to be tied.” I frowned, “What did you tell him? When was this?”

The War Goddess answered, “Three years ago. I told him he could not kill someone he desperately wanted to at that moment. I told him he needed to do more research, but that he still couldn’t kill that person.” I admitted, “I wasn’t around much three years ago.”

The War Goddess frowned, “Yes, I am sorry for what Noah has put you through. It’s wrong of me to say, as a mother should love all her children, but your fairy friend is right though; He’s a Troll.” I laughed, “He is.”

The War Goddess said, “The Fairy Goddess actually held an audience with me recently for another one of her children who crossed over recently.” I questioned, “Why?” The War Goddess smiled, “For something that is silly. She had a child who requested you give someone hell, but I already know that you will.”

I asked, “Who asked? Who am I giving hell to? Fabian is dead. I’d never do a fucking favor for that piece of shit.” The war goddess laughed, “The Fairy Prince asked that you give Cassandra Conners a hard time.” I snorted, “I’m not doing it for him. That’s just absurd. I intend to give Cassandra Conners shit for the rest of her life.”

The War Goddess smiled, “As I said, it was unnecessary. Enough about fairies though. Let’s discuss you and your wolf.” I smiled, “I love him.” She nodded, “I know you do. You need to stick to your plan for him to mark you. If you come back unmarked many paths alter.”

I frowned, “I won’t force him.” The War Goddess laughed, “My child, he’s forcing himself not to mark you now. He’s biting his own arm for goodness sake. He wants to mark you. Both of your beliefs that you are doing this for the other is what is in your way. Stop that. Get out of your own way Lexi Scott and be happy. Mention that to your brother too. That boy…”

I blurted out, “Was his string murdered?” She nodded sadly, “Yes, they would’ve been great, but his second chance they will… well if they can get over what’s between them they will be happy. I think. That might have been a mistake on my part. If they can’t be happy, I have another for him. I do hope this one can work out though.”

I was shocked. My brother had a second and third string? The War Goddess told me, “Your brother just got confirmation today his string was murdered. He is not happy. He was coming to see you when he saw the carnage all around. He was desperate to find you. Try not to be too upset with him when you wake up. He worries about you.”

I asked, “Why would I be upset with him?” She explained, “He was not nice to your wolf. He refused to let him come see you.” I sighed, “Well, when I wake up I’ll talk to him, then go see Chase.” She nodded. “I can’t stress enough Lexi you must be marked when you come home.”

I assured her, “I got it. Can you tell me about my family? My mom and dad’s family.” She smiled sadly, “You and Heath have the big family you always dreamed of. None of this was meant to happen. My children were not supposed to be separated in two Shrouds. Your parents were not meant to die as they did. Sometimes the paths people go down is dark, and no matter what divine signs you put in their path they ignore them.”

I pressed for answers, “Are you talking about my mother’s ex-boyfriend?” She nodded, “He ignored my gift of his string. He is evil. It was one of the many little seeds of doubt sowed between your family.” I asked, “What? How?” She said, “I cannot tell you that. I can tell you that your father’s family believes something that is true but not wholly. Your parents were led to believe a different person was to blame. They had false evidence it was a member of their family. Seeds of doubt crept in. It was very sad.”

I pushed, “How do I find them?” She smiled, “Come back marked from your getaway with your wolf, and they will find you.” I frowned, “Why would they care if I’m marked?” She laughed, “It’s not that they care about that. It’s just that path of you being marked leads to the path where they help you. You get to meet them. Try to keep an open mind. I know it hurts you what they’ve done.”

I interrupted, “They owe Heath and I one hell of an explanation.” She agreed, “They do. We will talk again, my child.” My eyes widened, “We will?” She nodded, “Yes, we will. Remember, join together with your wolf. Have him mark you and soon. Tell your brother that I want him to be happy. His first string wants him to be happy. He doesn’t need to have this insane drive for everything to be perfect before he goes after his own happiness.”

I defended my brother, “He grieved the loss of his string, and what could’ve been.” The War Goddess nodded, “He did. He’s very angry about the whole situation, and he threw himself into protecting you. He’s determined to be an amazing leader. He already is. I never meant for him to feel so alone.”

I cringed, “That’s my fault.” She disagreed, “It’s not your fault. You both were trying to give the other something. The fault lies with me. I’m beginning to think his third string was the true string for him all along. His first, well she hurt him in denying their connection. She even told him she’d reject him if she knew how at first. She came around, but he suffered all the while, which I truly regret. It pains me.” I didn’t know that.

The War Goddess waved her hands, “Anyway, you two will always be at your best when you are together. Something Noah knows.” I frowned, “You’re saying he did it on purpose? He caused a rift with us for a reason.” The War Goddess smiled, “I implied that he did. He knows both of you so well. It’s part of why he wanted both Sally and you. She was not in the original plan that my devious children have going on.”

I groaned, “This is giving me a headache.” The War Goddess laughed, “You will have more than a headache when all is said and done. Be careful my child. Together with your brother, your wolf, and your friends; those opposed to you don’t stand a chance.”

With that I came back to my body. I sat up. Haley’s eyes were blazing, and Heath was pacing. I called, “Heath.” He whirled and yanked me into a sitting position for a hug. I saw that Sally, Ted, Harper, and Marcus here too.

I pulled back, “Wow, a few rogue bites and you call in the national guard.” Haley said, “What the fuck is the national guard?” I laughed, “Don’t worry about it.” Haley sighed, “I’ll just Google it.” I studied her then laughed, “You are why Noah was blue.”

Haley hissed, “He shouldn’t just be fucking blue. He should be blue like his icy heart and writhing in the same pain he put Sally through. Stupid warlock wussy fucking wimps! We’d have had him. I messed up. I should’ve enchanted the area for ANYONE who means harm. I specified to you, Sally, and Ted. I will rectify that issue.”

I reassured her, “Hey, you didn’t mess up. I saw a few people with burns and Noah was blue. Like a Smurf.” Haley yelled, “What on GOD’s green earth is a Smurf?! He was blue like his icy fucking cold dead heart.” I laughed. “I missed you. What on earth is the Ribbon?”

Haley sighed, “Alternate realities.” I was dumbfounded, “What?” Haley explained, “I’m twice light bound to Eric, so we were chosen for the Ribbon. We are eternal soulmates across any reality. We go into other realities at different times. Some in the future, some in the past, to unite each other and fix things; then we come home.”

I commented, “That is the coolest thing I have EVER heard.” Haley snorted, “It’s infuckingconvient at times.” I nudged her, “Hey, that enchantment you put on my arrows worked. I never ran out of arrows, and the warlock’s spells didn’t affect me.” Haley smirked, “Hell yes it did! Because I am that good.”

She looked a little worried for a second. I questioned, “Haley?” She frowned, “It’s probably nothing. That’s just more complicated. Bexley says I’m more powerful because I’ve fully accepted my fairy side.” I surmised, “But you think there’s more to it.” Haley pursed her lips, “I think there could be. I’m looking into it.”

Heath asked, “Could we have a minute guys?” Everyone nodded. They all filed outside except Haley. Heath questioned, “Haley?” Haley said, “I just want a hug then I’ll pop away.” I gave her a hug. She said, “See you Monday.” I chuckled, “For?” Haley said, “I was invited to a meeting with you.” I frowned then smiled. “By?” Haley answered, “Sir Arthur.” I laughed, “See you Monday then. If you can stay after for a moment. I have a question.” She nodded, “Of course I can.” She popped outside.

Heath hugged me, “Why were you covered in rogue bites?” I explained, “There were a lot of them. I killed over one hundred before I got bit.” Heath said, “Cameron’s pack is not well trained.” I nodded “I noticed. Why is that?”

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