Page 7 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 1

Theories swirled that my mate could be a fairy from his wife’s event. I knew it was likely, but it was still startling. I hoped that this was my answer, but something in me told me that my mate wasn’t a fairy… But I had to find out for sure.

I began to pace again. She’d reject me. I’m married. FUCK! WHY DID I GET MARRIED? I needed this to end. I was going to go crazy. Hell, I might already be there. I’m pacing the house of an Alpha who could snap me like a twig if he wanted.

I voiced my concerns that the Princess could and probably would keep my mate from me if she was a fairy. I’d probably even deserve it. Alpha Eric explained the problem was about me being married to someone who wasn’t my mate. She was afraid to reality hop somewhere and find Alpha Eric with Claudia Harden. What did that even mean?

Cameron had told me what went down with Claudia Harden and the Princess at the summit and before she gave birth. Bolt growled, “If she was alive, I’d kill Claudia Harden myself.” I had to agree. Too bad the Princess had already killed her.

Claudia had even tried for me when I became Alpha. I felt a pull to her, but I’d had a girlfriend at the time. It was an effort, but I refused to cheat on Tierra. Now that I knew it was some fairy enchantment, I was even more pissed. I’d felt like such an ass for being tempted, and it was just some stupid fairy charm.

My problem only amplified when I realized yet again, there was another ally with a mate who didn’t like me. Alpha Lucas immediately disagreed with me, saying her soul hated me being with someone who wasn’t my mate. Yeah, well I could beat her there. My soul AND wolf right along with me, myself, and I hated it too.

The smell of cinnamon was driving my senses into overdrive. I questioned, “Why does your house smell like my mom’s cinnamon bread?” Part of me knew. Even as I voiced the question asking if Mrs. Blanch got the recipe from my mother before her death. I knew my mom didn’t give ANYONE, even my dad, that recipe. Eric confirmed Mrs. Blanch didn’t get the recipe.

The look he gave me told me we both knew that I’d known that. It was her. My mate smelled of the cinnamon bread I loved and missed so much. Tears filled my eyes; I missed my mom. I wanted my mate. I wanted my wolf to stop hating me and making me miserable. I wanted an annulment. I resumed pacing.

Bolt linked, “Come to the next fairy training session.” I replied, “I don’t think she’s a fairy.” Bolt bartered, “I’ll let you sleep and get work done without whining all week. Just do it. We need to check! No, we HAVE to check.”

I would damn well do anything to have peace with my wolf. I begged Alpha Eric to let me come to the next training session. I knew I was showing weakness, but I needed my mate. I’d stay in the shadows. I just needed to see her. That’s it. I could make sure she was safe, and then I’d fight it out with Sophia to agree to the annulment and sign the damn forms.

Alpha Eric was torn, but I saw it in his eyes. He understood. His wife wasn’t the only one haunted by what could’ve been if he’d married Claudia. He sympathized with me. He agreed. I left quickly before he could change his mind.

Bolt was finally at peace. I drove back home feeling more settled than I had in days. I pulled in my driveway astonished to see Cameron standing there waiting for me. He glared at me, stomping over to the car where he climbed into the passenger side. He demanded, “Drive to our place.” Since our mom had died, Cameron and I had a clearing we’d always go to. No questions could be asked if the other asked to go to our place.

I turned the car back on and drove. Cameron said nothing the entire drive. Once we got to the clearing he got out of the car and slammed the door. I opened my door. I reached out for him asking, “Is something wrong in your pack? I’ll help you, little brother.”

Cameron rounded on me, “It’s not about my damn pack!” I stared at him, “Is Reagan alright?” Cameron snorted, “Is Reagan alright? NO, you nitwit! Reagan is NOT alright. We are ALL worried about you! What the HELL has been going on with you? You’re not acting like yourself.”

I looked away, but Cameron pressed on, “You and I have never kept secrets from each other, brother. Matt, dad, Nadine, and Reagan are worried. I AM worried. ME!” I ran my hand through my hair, “Can you give me a week? I’ll explain next Wednesday night. Bolt is at peace for the first time in a week. Just give me some time.”

Cameron studied me before emphatically stating, “ONE week. I will be here at the same time next week. We will drive here, and you WILL give me answers.” Bolt huffed, “We could have mate with us. I don’t want to talk next week if we have mate.” I answered Bolt, “We will cross that bridge when we get there.”

I agreed, “I’ll explain it to you, and you alone, next week.” Cameron sighed in relief, “Fine. Even Ash is worried about Bolt and you.” I laughed. Ash was my brother’s wolf, and he was rarely worried. I called him on the shoulder, “Tell Ash we will be fine.”

Cameron evaluated me then changed the subject, “It’s a good thing that you’ve done for Susie with Jenna teaching her with the other pups. She calls Reagan to talk about it every day. She’s so excited.” I glared at him, “If someone had told me when I got back, I’d have done it sooner.”

Cameron shrugged, “I didn’t think you’d get the old man to budge. You know how he is.” I agreed, “I do, but I am the Alpha. This is my pack, and Susie is our heart whether everyone knows that or not. She’s the light behind the eyes of everyone who knows her. He can’t hide that forever.”

We got back into my car and drove to the house. Cameron shifted and started to run back to his territory. I linked Matt, “Get in my office.” Matt came in. I wasted no time, “Don’t go running to my brother if you have a problem with me.” Matt said, “No offense, but it was all I could think of. The only time you’ve kept something from me, Cameron knew about it.”

I sat back, “You didn’t tell him Susie knew.” Matt snorted, “I’m not putting her in that position. I love her like a little sister.” I restated, “Don’t go running to my brother. I am your Alpha, not him.” Matt urged, “Then talk to me.” I compromised, “Not now. I will tell you, just not now.” Matt sighed, “If that’s the best I’ll get I guess I’ll take it. Alfred Jr. dropped these off.”

He took out the annulment papers. I sighed in relief, opened them, and growled. I snarled, “SHE STILL DIDN’T SIGN THEM!” Matt cringed. I pounded on my phone. The man I wanted to speak to answered, “Beta Alfred speaking.” I growled, “Put her on the phone.”

Beta Alfred sighed, “I can’t. She’s on a date.” I snarled, “How lovely for her. WHY are these back here unsigned?” Beta Alfred said, “She didn’t want anyone to see them.” I countered, “But she’s dating.” Beta Alfred sounded indifferent, “Everyone knows you both date.”

Matt rolled his eyes. I spoke in a hard tone, “Alfred, you get your furry ass back here and pick up this envelope. If I so much as SEE an unsigned copy of this returned to me, I’ll come to your pack and ANNOUNCE I am seeking an annulment. Are we clear?” Beta Alfred gulped, “I’m on the way.” I ordered, “Tell your Alpha not to push me, I’m on edge.” I hung up the phone.

Matt clapped, “I will personally send out the announcement memo if you wish. If this annulment has become the bug that suddenly crawled up your ass; I’ll do it. Just give the word.” I admitted, “I really don’t want to do that to her, but I can’t get these back unsigned one more time. It was supposed to be over when I left. That was always the plan. She knew since we were eighteen I was going to train in Europe. I want to go back in time and kick my eighteen years old self’s ass. This is a nightmare.”

Matt assured me, “We will get it figured out.” I snorted, “Will we? Or will I pay for this the rest of my life?” Matt questioned, “How could you pay?” I stated, “My mate could reject me.” Bolt howled in pain.

Matt recoiled, “No, she might challenge Sophia, but we will figure this out. She won’t reject you.” I sighed, “Sophia is strong, I don’t want my mate to get hurt.” Matt pointed out, “Your mate will be strong too. She’s going to be a Luna.”

I put my head on the desk, “When Beta Alfred arrives, tell him I’m serious. If I see these papers unsigned back in my office. I’ll force her hand, and she will have no one to blame but herself.” I stalked out of my office taking my laptop with me.

When I got to my room, I looked up party planners in the area. The Princess had to have help at the party. Nick had said they’d had people in. I knew I couldn’t ask Alpha Eric for the list, but I could look on my own.

There were several established party planners in the area, plus a new one. I put the new one at the bottom of my list. Alpha Eric would likely use someone who was well established. I only kept the newest party planner on my list because I didn’t know the Princess. She might want to help a new person gain their footing and a party for the Conners would do that.

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