Page 5 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

I questioned, “Another partial fairy?” Nick answered, “No, it was a staff member brought in for the event.” I frowned. My pool of potential mates had expanded. I knew whoever she was, she wasn’t nearby; but she wasn’t far either. Bolt wasn’t howling incessantly anymore. She wasn’t close enough to smell, but she was obviously here in this territory.

I spoke to Bolt through our connection, “Bolt, we have to go. We will come back though, I promise. I really need some sleep. I promise you we will find our mate.” Bolt sighed, “Alright. I am tired. It’s comforting being here though. I know she’s around. Can’t we search more places?”

I agreed for the sake of peace, “We can.” Bolt told me, “I know the Sophia situation isn’t your fault. Dad is right. You are a good person. We have to make mate understand because we need her. She’s everything. We don’t even have sex with Sophia.” I replied, “I know.”

I noticed Nick was watching me with a keen eye. I shook myself, “I’ve got to get back, but congratulate your Princess Luna and Alpha Eric on her event. It’s a big undertaking. My sister-in-law is in awe of her.” Nick laughed, “We all are. Have a good day, Alpha Chase.”

I frowned. I didn’t think I’d be having a good day for quite some time. I waved, “You too, Nick.” I remembered something and turned around, “You just had a pup, right?” Nick smiled, “Yes, a little boy.” I held out my hand, “Congratulations.” Nick took it, “Thanks, man. You’re sure you’re alright?” I forced a smile, “Of course.”

Nick raised an eyebrow, “You are our ally, Alpha Chase. We are bound to help you, and you’re a good man.” I snorted, “Your Princess Luna doesn’t seem to agree.” Nick stiffened, “She has her own story, but she doesn’t dislike you. Regardless of your reasons she sees a path that could’ve been taken, and she is scared to see it in any reality.” I stared at him, “I have no idea what that means.” Nick smiled, “I’m sure now that you are back, you will find out. Welcome home, Alpha Chase. We missed you around here.”

I sighed and went back home. Bolt was still upset. Matt was staring at me clearly worried. He spoke to me as soon as I got out of my car, “Even before you left for Europe you never spent all day away from the territory. You’re my best friend, just tell me what’s going on. I already know you were in Alpha Eric’s territory. Molly called while you were gone, wondering if you were ok. It seems Beta Caleb’s son, Nick, didn’t get the impression you were.”

I shrugged him off, “I just need sleep.” Bolt grumbled, “We need our mate.” I sighed, “I know that, Bolt. It was better in Alpha Eric’s territory.” Bolt pointed out, “We can’t sit at the college all day every day. If we could go find her, we could bring her here.” I replied, “I need Sophia to sign the annulment papers. We can look for her. We just can’t approach her yet.” Bolt growled, “I WANT her!”

I pushed past Matt and went upstairs. I laid down in my bed, “Bolt, we can argue more tomorrow. Let’s just get some rest.” Bolt whined, “Alright. I don’t know how I will forgive you if our mate doesn’t want us.” I admitted, “That makes two of us. I’m sorry. I know I haven’t said it, but I’m sorry. I didn’t think Sophia would stall and refuse the annulment. I thought it would be a blip on our radar. I’ve always wanted a mate, you know that. I know some wolves don’t want to meet theirs, but I always have.”

I continued, “I won’t accept a rejection. I’ll sit outside her house every day and beg her to give me a chance if that’s what it takes. I’ll let you be in wolf form constantly, so she only has to deal with you. I don’t know what I’ll do, but I’ll figure it out. You don’t deserve this.”

Bolt sighed, “When I become more annoying about this later you can remember I said, neither do you. I can’t promise I won’t fight Sophia though.” I sighed, “She will see reason. We have been friends for twenty plus years. That means something.” Bolt grumbled, “Not enough for her to follow through on her promise.” I closed my eyes, I had nothing to say to that. He was right. What had I gotten myself into?

The rest of the weekend passed with Bolt and I getting into countless arguments. I ended up getting coffee three times a day in Alpha Eric’s territory. I’m sure he and his brothers thought I was losing it. Nick or Jim usually showed up where I was to see if I needed anything.

Matt and Derrick definitely thought I was losing my mind. They could be right. My dad tried to talk to me, but I couldn’t tell him about the situation. The only one I couldn’t box out was Susie. I wasn’t surprised when Susie bounded into my office moments later.

She hopped up into my lap, “Daddy said you're in a bad mood. I’ve come to cheer you up!” Bolt had been inconsolable because he said our mate wasn’t around anymore. He was back to howling in my head. I was lucky to get three hours of sleep before he pestered me about finding our mate.

I smiled at Susie, “Dad doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” She touched my face, “You know, sometimes I get sad that I’m basically a secret. I only get to play with a few members of the pack. I had so much fun with Cam and Reagan at their pack. I got to play with all the kids my age. I think Cam is trying to show dad I can be outside. There were LOTS of big scary men guarding us, the other kids said that wasn’t normal.” My heart broke for my little sister. Hopefully Cam could get through to our dad. Goddess knows he didn’t listen to me.

She waved her hand, “My point is, sometimes I’m sad about it. Then I remember I’m daddy’s precious secret, and he loves me.” I agreed, “He does. We all love you. I know I haven’t been in a great mood, but I could never be in a bad mood with you.”

Susie smiled, “I know. I told you why I get sad sometimes, and that’s a big secret you can’t tell!” She told me very seriously. I made an X on my chest saying, “Cross my heart, I won’t tell.” Susie nodded, “I won’t tell why you’re so upset either. Mommy says it helps to talk about the things that upset you. I know you haven’t told anyone. I heard daddy, mommy, Matt, Reagan, Derrick, and Cam talking about it on the phone. You can tell me though. I’m a big girl now, I can keep a secret.”

I laughed, “I know you can. Bolt is upset. Our mate was around this weekend, and now she’s not. I’m worried she will reject me because Sophia…” I trailed of unsure of how to phrase this. I continued, “Won’t sign some papers I have for her.” Susie nodded, “The papers so you won’t be married anymore. Reagan is very upset about that. When I was there yesterday Reagan told me the Princess was having an event. Is that why you went to their territory?” I was reminded that she was so observant, and smart, for a five-year-old.

Her eyes widened and she whispered excitedly, “Is your mate a fairy? That would be SO COOL! Maybe she could pop me somewhere fun!” I admitted, “I don’t know what my mate is. I didn’t find her.” Susie sighed, “You should go talk to Alpha Eric. Daddy says he’s not as scary now that he has his Princess. You just need your Princess too. I’ll help you the slay the dragon!”

I smiled, “Will you?” She nodded, “Sometimes it’s a mean stepmother. All Princesses have something holding them back. Mommy said the Princess can save herself, but a helping hand never hurts.” I agreed, “Your mom is right. You are a strong, fierce little thing Susie. Never forget that.” Susie smiled, “Maybe Alpha Sophia just needs someone to tell her a story about a strong Princess. Then she can sign your papers for you.”

I hugged her, “You are so smart.” Susie sighed, “I know. My tutor tells me all the time.” I frowned, “I thought dad agreed to let you go to school with the other pups.” Susie frowned, “He changed his mind.” I kissed her cheek, “I’m sorry, he shouldn’t have done that.”

Susie shrugged, “He’s just scared. One day, I’ll get to do the things I want. I told mommy it was fine because she yelled at daddy. She said it wasn’t fair that I’m being punished because he lost your mom. I don’t want them to fight.”

I kissed her cheek, “Tell you what, I’ll talk to him about you going to school with the other pups. I’ll hire another teacher, and we can keep your class small. I’ll have warriors with your class at all times.” Susie squealed, “Really Chase? Really, really?” I nodded, “I’ll have Matt pull up our candidates. I’ll get it sorted for next week. Ok?” She nodded, “I love you.” I smiled, “I love you too, Susie.”

She ran to the door and turned, “You should go see Alpha Eric. He has to understand how you feel now because he has his Princess. I bet he will help you.” She ran off after that. If only everyone had the mind of a child.

I linked Matt, “I need you in the office.” He answered, “On the way.” He came in looking at me wearily. I instructed, “Get me a list of candidates for teachers. I want the best one, and I want them in my office this afternoon.” Matt was startled but replied, “It’s my little sister.” I smiled, “Perfect. Jenna just graduated last year, right?”

Matt nodded, “We don’t have a teaching position open. She was going to ask for permission to apply for one in Alpha Eric’s territory since they have more openings with their pack’s fairy pup boom.” I shook my head, “No, I need her here. We have a position open now. Stay and you’ll understand. I’ll talk to my dad then her.” Matt frowned but took a seat.

I linked my dad, “Can you come to my office?” My dad replied, “Coming.” Matt questioned, “Are you alright? Can you just tell me what’s going on with you?” I shrugged, “Nothing.” My dad walked in, “Are we finally talking about what’s been bothering you?” I shut that down, “No, I am fine. We are talking about Susie. I found out you have a tutor coming in for her schooling.”

My dad went ridged. He asked, “And?” I sat back, “And I have a compromise that will make you, Susie, AND Nadine happy.” My dad leaned forward, “I’m listening.” I started my proposition, “Jenna graduated last year.” My dad nodded, “I know. I asked if she would tutor Susie, but she really wants a class of her own.”

Perfect. I said, “Which is where my solution comes in. I’m going to open up a teaching spot for her with pups Susie’s age. Our current class has twenty-five pups in it. We can move some to Jenna’s classroom. We have an empty room that Jenna can make her own this week.”

My dad asked, “How many pups?” I prepared myself to argue with him, “At least six counting Susie. What number is your limit on what you’re comfortable with? Susie needs to socialize. She told me how much fun she had in Cameron’s pack with the other pups. I’m also going to assign two warriors to guard the class.” My dad countered, “Three warriors and myself.”

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