Page 43 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 2

Matt linked, “It’s just a crush and Ted says her name is Allie.” It could be. Sally started to walk down the aisle, but I couldn’t pull my eyes from Lexi. It was going to be hard to focus on anything but her, but I would for my friend. I was tired, but my energy seemed to be making a comeback with her being this close to me. My hands twitched to hold her, but I made a fist and turned to face Derrick.

Matt linked me, “I was wondering if I was going to have to whap you upside the head.” I retorted, “Linking would’ve been fine.” Matt winked, “But nowhere near as fun or funny.” I put my personal life aside in my mind because Derrick was one of my best friends. I would do this for him because he’d always had my back. I was going to have his.

I performed the ceremony and surprised them by inducting Sally into the pack. If I’d been with it more this week, we would’ve talked about this being part of the day. It was the best time to do it anyway, and I knew Sally wanted to join.

She studied me and I heard her in my head, “Thank... ou… .ase…” I replied, “It’s a work in progress. For your first attempt, it was really good.” She smiled. I wondered about something. I linked Derrick, “When Sally first linked you was it…?” Derrick smiled, “We had to work on it.” I wondered how Lexi just picked it up right away.

Derrick announced our run would be later. Matt coughed, “He did that for you too.” I linked Derrick, “Thank you.” He winked at me. Derrick led Sally in a dance, and everyone started talking. My eyes stayed on Lexi. She and Heath were talking, so I forced myself to the other side of the venue. I could wait for her to come to me. I could do this.

I frowned when Heath said there was something she wasn’t telling him. I had no idea what that was which means I didn’t know it either. Lexi admitted he was right, but she planned to tell him soon. Was I going to be kept in the dark?

These questions were plaguing me. It was torture listening to them talk. When Heath explained about Opal, I couldn’t stop my growl. Alpha Eric said, “Alpha Chase, well done on the ceremony. I lost a twenty to my Beta.” I asked, “How did you do that?” Beta Caleb answered, “Eric bet you weren’t going to be able to look at anyone but Lexi. My lovely Luna linked me that Lexi wouldn’t want you to do that. So, I bet him, and the little Luna was right.”

I briefly glanced at their group. My eyes landed on Haley, “Thank you for whatever you did that brought her back to me. I know it was done to the detriment of yourself.” Haley grinned, “My brother was quite upset with me about it.” She looked quite gleeful for someone whose siblings was upset with them.

I asked, “Do you find that entertaining?” Haley answered, “No.” I questioned, “Then why are you smiling.” She replied, “Because it means he really does care.” Matt said, “You are such a unique little person.” Haley pointed out, “Everyone is unique no one is the same as anyone else.” Matt laughed, “Right you are.” They walked away. I watched Heath lead Lexi around the dance floor. I realized what he was doing.

I said, “He’s leading her to me.” Matt snorted, “He’s now a few feet away, and you just figured that out? Chase, you need sleep.” I couldn’t be bothered to answer. Bolt linked, “We aren’t married anymore? Please let that be true.” Heath wouldn’t lie to her.

I looked at Matt. He linked, “That’s official. Alpha Eric’s lawyers sent me the final paperwork. Your fake marriage is really over it’s all annulled.” I sighed in relief. Lexi hugged Sally and Derrick. I couldn’t stop myself so I moved to her. Tears filled my eyes when she melted back into me.

Sally and Derrick provided a distraction for us to leave. Alpha Eric linked me, “Do me a favor, and to be clear you fucking owe me so many favors at this point, DO NOT hurt Lexi’s feelings or fuck this up in any way, shape or form.” I assured him, “I won’t.”

My dad linked me, “Just tell her the situation she’ll understand. She loves you.” I replied, “Thanks dad.” Cameron linked me, “I’ll be in the living room if you need me. Reagan’s not feeling well so I’m bringing her up to the house.” I rolled my eyes because that was an excuse on both their parts.

I linked Reagan, “Do you actually not feel well? Or are you giving Cameron the excuse he wants to be close to help me out if needed?” Reagan laughed, “I could sit down here, but it’s quieter at the main house. Cameron is VERY worried and that stresses me out.” I told her, “You are one in a million, sister in law of mine.” She replied, “So are you and your mate.”

I led Lexi into our room because dammit it was going to be our room. When she touched me electricity flowed through me. I couldn’t let go of her as I explained the entire situation. She was disgusted that if we had a daughter she couldn’t lead. I was stunned.

She was still thinking about pups with me? Bolt linked, “That’s good, right? It can’t be bad.” I replied, “It’s not bad, it’s amazing. She’s thinking long term and about our future here. That’s good.” I would make sure any daughter of mine could lead, and I’d be damned if anyone made them get married to do so. Even if I died SOMEONE would tell my daughter she was not doing that.

My pups would not be forced to do anything they didn’t want to do. If we had a son who wanted to be the lead warrior instead of Alpha, or the enforcer of the pack that was fine. My pups would follow their hearts and their passions.

I linked Matt, “We need to talk about our first female lead warrior tournament.” He replied, “I assume the conversation is going swimmingly well with Lexi if you’re linking about that.” I replied, “She’s talking about our pups and our daughters being able to lead. So, I think it’s good.” He replied, “Beyond good. That’s golden. I’m taking a shot to celebrate and I’ll even have one for you.”

I was getting sidetracked. I got back on topic and finished explaining things. I wanted her to know that I’d trained really hard to be ready at eighteen to take over. Few packs do that anymore. It’s usually around twenty-one that the next Alpha takes over. It gives them time to really study how to be an Alpha because they don’t have to worry about school. Being an Alpha’s apprentice is basically their first job. Sophia just wasn’t ready and that wasn’t really even her fault. She was just taking care of her sick dad and finishing high school. She didn’t have time for anything else. That she managed straight A’s and taking care of her dad was impressive.

Lexi was completely sincere and beyond understanding I wanted to let Kincade kick my ass when Lexi teared up saying I was married. I gripped her tighter not wanting to let go of her. I hated myself for causing her this type of pain.

I tried to gloss over the information that would lead her to think about Heath, but Lexi closed her eyes and pushed away from me. Cameron linked me, “Uh oh. I think she put it together.” Lexi’s anger snapped within my chest forcefully.

Bolt linked, “Umm is it the wrong time to tell mate Sophia does not currently have us or her brother, and she certainly never had us?” I replied, “Yes, it is the wrong time about Heath.” Bolt huffed, “I would still like to say it.” At least he didn’t.

Cameron linked me, “Heath just walked in and looks pained.” I ordered, “Get him out of here. Tell him it’s raw for her right now, but she will calm down.” Cameron informed me, “Dad got him out.” Good. Neither of them needed to know the other’s initial reaction to all this. It was a shit storm and there was a lot of hurt here for Lexi.

Shock and anger coursed through me when she asked if I didn’t mark her because I wanted both of them How could she think that? Cameron linked, “You need to answer this fast or there will be doubt forever.” I followed his advice.

Lexi was being gracious in this conversation. I honestly wondered what ideas she’d had when she thought about what my situation was. I lost it recalling thinking I’d lost Lexi in that war room. She explained about Reagan. Honestly, I was impressed Reagan was as with it as she was.

Cameron linked, “I was impressed too. I don’t know how she managed to stand. Reagan thinks she was already pregnant, and that allowed her to focus a bit more.” I asked, “Can I tell Lexi about your pup?” Cameron answered, “Of course. Side note, this entire conversation went better than I anticipated it going.” I snorted, “You’re telling me. I was prepared to let her kick my ass.”

Her eyes lit up with the news. I assured her that every single woman in my past was a stream, whereas Lexi was the ocean. After I promised that to her, I saw her let everything go. The weight from my shoulders was gone and my lips were on hers. Cameron linked, “We are just gonna go now.” I didn’t bother to answer him.

We discussed what brought her back to me. Honestly, I there wasn’t anything that I could ever give Haley Conners that would accurately she her my appreciation. I was stunned she’d seen our pups. I wondered what they looked like. I asked if she knew their names. Lexi said their names were Emma and Emmett. My eyes filled with tears. We’d named our little girl after my mother. Was it sad I already felt like Emma had me wrapped around her little unconceived finger? Bolt huffed, “No.” He was a goner too.

I didn’t know where Emmett came from, but I liked it. It was a strong, commanding name. I needed her. I didn’t even need to take her out of her dress. That would come later. When we both came as a light howl went up among the pack.

Matt linked me, “Hallefreakinglujah” I didn’t respond. I just held on to Lexi. I was never letting her go again. I wanted her so damn much. I wanted our life with Emma and Emmett. I would do anything. I wanted them so badly I could taste it.

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