Page 36 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 2

He quickly continued, “That’s not your fault, and I think you’d do it anyway because it’s who you are. You are pure of heart, but I am not. I’m your balance as you are mine. I’m selfish for you where you are incapable of being so. When your heart calls you to heal everyone’s pain, I’m here to hold you back or to find an alternate path that is best for you. Let me do that. Let me be your big brother. Promise me.”

Haley sighed, “I promise I’ll call you before doing a big charm, ancient magic, or when I don’t know all the side effects of something.” Aiden shot me a grateful look then admitted, “That is a bigger promise than I was expecting from you, little sister.”

Haley admitted sheepishly, “I want to learn more and I want you to teach me. I trust you and I don’t really trust anyone else with the knowledge I need. The elders in Faerie, well I don’t trust them. I’ll need you to help train the triplets and any other children I have.”

She winced, “I didn’t know Alexander would have an empathetic connection to me. I just know I’ll have another daughter one day and she will have stronger sight than anyone before her.” Aiden said, “Yes, you and I along with your wolf will teach her she can do things about what she sees. Mother made a huge mistake not interfering the right way. There’s nothing wrong with trying to sway people from the path’s one sees. Your other children will be powerful. There are other powers both your line and mine will have. We will figure this out as we always should have done things. Together.”

Haley handed Alexander to Astrid. He cooed at her, and she rocked him. Haley hugged Aiden to his surprise. She pulled back smiling, “You yelled at me.” Aiden chuckled, “Yes, your friend over there encouraged me to tell you my true feelings about the things you do sometimes. She said you would be happy like you are, you little weirdo.”

Haley confessed, “I’m glad she did. I know I’m not perfect.” Aiden disagreed, “You are perfect. You just need to override your ‘I’m alone and I don’t need anyone to help me’ streak. You are better with your Hackura family about that. I understand why you aren’t with me…”

He trailed off and teared up, “But I am trying, and I am here for you little sister.” Haley started to cry too, “Don’t say that. You have been great! You have been the big brother I always wanted. You started even before you knew I had powers. You danced with me at my wedding, in front of other fairies. It’s what I always wanted. For you to accept me. Don’t cry please. I’m sorry.”

Aiden said, “It’s not you who needs to be sorry, little sister. You feel this way because of me and our family.” Haley sighed, “No, I should’ve talked to you about this before. I didn’t know you weren’t aware I’ve noticed you’ve changed. You’ve never even yelled at me before for anything. Even when I snuck down to watch when you punished a fairy for treason. Yelling at me is a big change.”

Aiden laughed, “Who would’ve thought that my little sister would be happy I got mad at her?” Haley shrugged, “It shows you actually care. I’m sorry I just do fairy things without knowing everything I should about them. I should’ve been stronger to handle that magic for Emmaline.”

Aiden said, “You can’t help doing things you lead with your heart. It’s what I am here for. Had you grown up differently you’d know more, but you had to hide away what you knew. I just don’t want you to do that anymore. As far as the magic, you handled it better than anyone in history.”

Haley said, “I won’t hide away anymore. I’ll be better about it. I know I don’t know everything there is to know about being a fairy.” Aiden kissed her forehead, “You know more than you should, given your lack of training.”

Once they were done talking, I asked, “What day is it?” Haley gasped, “Oh no tell me we didn’t miss the fifth?!” I paled, “Sally’s wedding!” I couldn’t miss that. I didn’t even want to be away from Chase that long. It was too long.

Aiden said, “The mating ceremony of Sally and Derrick has not started in the earthly realm. It will be in about two hours.” I exclaimed, “We have to go back for it! Poor Chase! It didn’t feel like that much time. I don’t want the focus to be on us though. It needs to be on Sally and Derrick.”

Haley conjured my phone, “Call Ted an explain your feelings.” She hugged Aiden again, “Thank you, big brother.” He smiled, “You’re welcome.” He mouthed “Thank you.” to me. Haley got on her own phone.

I heard Eric growl, “Aiden Holloran I’m not in the fucking….” Haley giggled, “Aww, Thor. It’s ok.” His tone instantly changed, “Angel? Are you and Alexander ok?” She walked far enough away I couldn’t hear them anymore.

I walked away myself to call Ted. He picked up on the first ring yelling, “LEXI! GIRLLL!!! HOW DARE YOU NOT CALL ME! I have been WORRIED SICK!” I told him, “I wasn’t exactly aware of what was going on. It’s a long story.” Ted scoffed, “That you WILL tell me.”

I heard the smack of a hand as he chided, “Matt, you WILL NOT take my phone and talk to her. It’s TeleTed and Lexi time.” I heard Matt say, “You didn’t need to smack my hand away. Ask when she’s coming back.” Ted told him, “I was about to ask that!”

I answered, “Today. I’ll be there for Sally and Derrick’s ceremony. I know Chase and I need to talk, but I need someone to tell him we can’t take focus from Sally and Derrick. I WILL talk to him. Just afterwards, and away from the group. I don’t want us to distract from what the day is about.”

Ted agreed, “Consider it done. I’ll tell Sally the ceremony is on.” I asked, “Why wouldn't it be on? Is Derrick married too?” Ted snorted, “No, she didn’t want to do it without you.” I winced, “I’m sorry. I’ll be there. Of course, I’ll be there. I’ll call her.”

Ted said, “I’m going to get your mate out of your house, and into the shower. He reeks.” I frowned, “Why does he reek?” Ted said, “Poor bastard hasn’t gotten out of bed since you left. Other than to kill Gamma McCann.” My heart hurt. Poor Chase. I cradled my stomach before hanging up the phone.

I told my babies, “We are going home to daddy Emma and Emmett.” A happy sense came over me. I took that as their being excited. I called Sally. She answered immediately, “Lexi?! Are you ok?” I assured her, “I’m fine and I’m coming home. You have put off your happiness long enough for me. It’s ok to be selfish.”

Sally sniffled, “It wouldn’t be right without you there.” I assured her, “I’m coming and you're getting married.” Sally pressed, “Are you really ok?” I thought about the future Haley showed me, and I smiled. I told her, “I’m really very ok.” Sally sighed, “Ok good.”

I heard someone mutter, “Thank fucking god.” I chuckled, “Derrick’s with you, isn’t he?” Sally said, “Yeah. I made him leave the room but…” I interrupted, “Werewolf hearing. I’ll see you soon, ok?” Sally said, “Ok, Lex.”

I called Chase next, but he didn’t answer. He was probably in the shower. I called Heath next. He answered, “Lexi?! Where the HELL have you been? No texts, no calls just Haley saying you were ok. Then she disappeared on me, and Bjourn called. He said Eric told him Haley was going to show you something that was going to make her pass out.”

I laughed, “Ironically, you and I have talked. It was just in the future. I saw your kids and mine.” Heath yelled, “I’m sorry, your kids? MY kids?” I answered, “Yes, your son and your daughter, Jasmine and Joe.” Heath admitted, “I always loved the name Jasmine. This is going to require a larger explanation. You know that right?” I laughed, “Yes, I know. Just a heads up, our kids are REALLY fast.” Heath chuckled, “They would be, we are fast.”

We were both silent for a moment. I told him, “I didn't mean to leave everyone without a word.” Heath said, “I was so worried you’d pop a pill and Chase,” he sighed, “I’ve checked on him in your house. I don’t even think he registered that I was there. Haley popped in once too. She spoke in Fealish. One thing was her calming thing. The other she wouldn’t tell me what she did. I’m guessing it was something interesting.”

I laughed, “I’m sure it was. I didn’t take a pill, and I won’t. I wanted to really badly but I didn’t.” Heath sighed in relief, “I figured she wouldn’t let that happen, but I…. I was really worried.” I apologized again, “I’m sorry. I’m coming home today.” Heath admitted, “I knew you wouldn’t miss Sally’s wedding. I’m coming to that too.”

I laughed, “Who else is coming? Anne and Tony are a given. Is Allie coming? I know she’s close with Sally.” Heath said, “I think that’s the first time you mentioned her since you found out she’s the one who went in as a pet to keep an eye on Haley.” I grumbled, “I’m still pissed at you for that. She still can’t fight her way out of a paper bag, but she and Sally are close. I like Allie as a person, you know that.”

Heath laughed, “Yes, she’s coming with a few other of our people. She’s excited to see Sally, but she’s nervous about seeing you.” I found it interesting that he knew that. I asked, “Is that why I haven’t seen her?” Heath answered, “Yes.”

I sighed, “I’ll talk to her. I think I’m going to get talked out today.” Heath muttered, “You have no idea.” The ironic thing was it was everyone else who had no idea. I cradled my stomach. I said, “See you soon, big brother.” Heath responded, “See you soon, Lex.” We hung up.

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