Page 9 of The Married Alpha And His Arrow: Vol 2

I admitted, “Lexi told me the story. You’re the one who figured it out. She would’ve kept doing it if you hadn’t caught her. You were suspicious enough to follow her to the bathroom. You stopped her.” Heath shrugged, “I guess.”

I gritted my teeth, “Stop making me compliment you, man. You don’t like me. I know you don’t, but you’re a good big brother. Lexi would be devastated if she knew you thought otherwise. She loves you. We may argue about who doesn’t protect her, but these fucking people have no right to say a damn thing to either of us about protecting her. We’ve been there while they have been hiding in the damn shadows.”

He nodded in agreement. I continued, “You and I can give each other shit because we care. We have been actively trying to protect her. Showing up to get her moments before you did doesn’t give them a damn reason to say shit to us. I had people with her, and you were right behind them. We have been there for her when they haven’t.”

Heath’s lips twitched, “Are you really going to make me like you?” I shrugged, “I’ll settle for you not actively hating me.” Heath sighed, “Fine. I don’t actively hate you.” I said, “Good. Let’s get her back and let them know where they stand in her life.”

Heath nodded, “They have a lot to explain.” I said, “I didn’t get the impression Lexi cared for their explanation.” Heath was sarcastic, “Because there’s nothing they can say that will be good enough. We were kids, and they were adults. They were supposed to be there for us. Even if they think we didn’t like them, that shouldn’t have mattered.” I nodded actually agreeing with him.

Matt linked me, “Aww, you guys buried the hatchet.” I raised an eyebrow at him and caught a flash. I linked Ted, “Matt’s going to be pissed.” Ted replied, “Tell me you wouldn’t do the same. She’s my girl, my best friend. I need to see that she’s ok. Plus, I came armed and I’m with Tate.”

I said, “Try not to shoot anyone on our side.” Ted yelled, “Hey! I’m a better shot than that. Are you going to tell Matt I’m here?” I replied, “No, it’s his wolf telling him that you should be worried about. You’re lucky the wind is in your favor. He’s distracted by me and the need to bring our Luna home.”

Ted replied, “Well, thanks for not telling him.” I warned him, “Don’t get hurt. For the record, if I thought this was going to be dangerous, I’d tell him you are back there.” Ted scoffed, “Tate would never let me get me hurt, but whatever you say Alpha.” I rolled my eyes and followed Heath into the clearing.

Heath admitted, “I don’t know if I can ever like you, but the fact that you love Lexi this much does mean something to me. Don’t hurt her. I didn’t protect her in the past, and I should’ve. I won’t hesitate to do it now. No matter the cost.”

I asked, “What does that mean?” Heath looked haunted, “What I said. Lexi is the most important person to me. No matter what it costs me I will protect her.” I was confused, “I’m going to need to buy a vowel to figure out what the hell you're talking about.”

Heath cryptically said, “One day soon, you’ll know. Also, can you say that exact phrase in front of Haley Conners. The hilarity that would ensue would make my whole damn day.” I snorted, “I’m sure she wouldn’t get it.” Heath agreed, “She wouldn’t get it. She would go on a rant, and it would be hilarious.”

At the same time, we both heard crying. I growled, “Lexi.” As Heath yelled, “LEX!” Lexi screamed my name. Cameron linked me, “She’s fine, brother.” I retorted, “She doesn’t look fine! They made her cry!” Cameron sighed, “Yes but…” I growled, “But nothing!” Bolt agreed, “Let’s rip them apart.” That idea had promise.

I ran to her and ripped her out of the arms of the man carrying her. I was holding Bolt back. He wanted to claim her because she smelled like another male. I reasoned, “She’s sick, Bolt. Look at her.” Bolt whimpered but he calmed down. Now he was pacing, simultaneously wanting to take care of her, and rip apart the people who had quite obviously upset her.

I glared at the man I was assuming was her cousin, James. He frowned, “I didn’t hurt her, it’s some fairy thing.” I growled, “She’s crying!” James shrugged saying, “Family stuff.” Heath angrily told him, “You aren’t our fucking family.”

When Lexi and Heath had a moment I said, “You must be James then.” James inclined his head, “I don’t if I must be James, but I am James.” I growled, “Was now really the best time to delve into this shit? You couldn’t have waited until she was more herself?”

The man that must be their uncle said, “It’s not like we announced it, I’m her dad’s twin. She figured it out herself.” I replied, “You could’ve waited for Heath, he was coming to get her. You could’ve let him help her. Instead, you selfish assholes took her and forced her to deal with you when she’s sick.” Their uncle sighed, “I didn’t know he was coming. I was following her; I didn’t know he was there until I already had her back. No one called me. I would’ve talked to him.” He glared at his parents. Weird.

I heard Lexi throwing up. I rushed over to hold her hair back. I choked back my growl when her grandparents said she’d had a drug problem they didn’t know about. Great. Now, I was going to have to defend Heath to these damn people. Could the Moon Goddess go torture someone else for the evening?

I glared at an older woman who started to step towards Lexi with Gatorade. She stopped in her tracks. She looked really sad, but I couldn’t find it in me to care. Ted linked me, “She’ll throw anything up they give her. It’s mean to give her anything else at this point. She can eat in an hour.” I replied, “Thanks, Ted.” He huffed, “Yeah, I guess if you really want to thank me shift into the big bad wolf and eat granny over there.” I nearly laughed out loud.

The older man started to speak. Heath cut him off, “Do yourself and favor and shut the fuck up until we get MY sister taken care of.” Their uncle spoke, “We’ve been taking care of her for almost three hours.” Heath scoffed, “Oh? Three whole hours. I’ve been taking care of her since she was eight. Shut the fuck up before I shut you up myself.” The grandfather chided, “Don’t be disrespectful.” Heath got in his face, “When I see someone worthy of respect, I’ll be respectful.”

My dad linked me, “I’ve got her, don’t worry. You should link the pack doctor, she’s really pale.” I agreed. I linked our pack doctor to make sure he saw Lexi when she made it back. Something told me I’d be busy. That fired my anger on all cylinders because I wanted to take care of my mate. Not deal with the piss poor excuse of a ‘family.’

When Lexi outed Ted, Matt was stunned. I linked him, “You’re slipping.” Matt yelled, “YOU KNEW?!” I said, “Yup, I caught him earlier.” Matt grumbled, “Thank so much for the head’s up.” I reminded him, “He’s with Tate.” He sighed, “I accept that reasoning.”

One of their grandfather’s made the mistake of talking to Ted. I wanted to laugh, “Bad move. Ted is protective of Lexi.” Heath smirked. Then quickly grew angry when his grandfather said he messed up on Ted’s designation within the Hood.

Matt linked, “I’ll rip this old man’s damn throat out. Ted is NOT a fighter. TRUST me I’ve watched his self-defense classes.” I agreed, “He’s not going anywhere. Heath isn’t going to change his mind.” Heath backed me up seconds later saying the same thing.

Tate approached us. Matt linked, “YES! Now, I know Tate’s moniker. He’s the Ghost!” I replied, “Then you definitely know if Ted’s with him he’s safe.” The Ghost was known for never being seen by cameras, or his targets. One second you were alive and the next you were not.

I snapped to attention when they said the thought Lexi was Noah’s. Bolt and I both growled. My anger was barely restrained. Heath actually snorted. The rest of them looked terrified. My eyes never left the old man who’d spoken.

Cameron linked me, “Do NOT kill him.” He wasn’t fast enough to stop me from punching my mate’s grandfather. I was satisfied by the astonished looks on their faces before Cameron pushed me backwards standing between us. Matt stood watching their group.

I was about to charge forward and finish the fight when Lexi’s broken whisper reached my ears. It wasn’t even a choice. I was at her side as fast as my legs would take me. I was checking her up and down making sure nothing else had happened to her.

I linked my dad, “Dad, what happened?” My dad asked, “Seriously? I worry about you sometimes Chase, I do.” I took her back from my dad. She looked so pale. Everything in me calmed at her touch. I was convinced their grandfather wanted to die. I was pretty sure he wanted me to kill him when he cleared his throat ruining the moment. Bolt growled, “He does. Let me rip him apart,”

My dad linked me, “I can’t believe you didn’t realize before now she called you over to stop you from killing them all.” I retorted, “He still might not leave this clearing alive. Bolt and I are pretty convinced he wants us to kill him.” My dad shook his head, “No, he doesn’t. He’s a fool who doesn’t realize what he’s doing. Riling up an Alpha wolf when you aren’t their mate is a bad idea. Clearly that needs to be circulated outside packs. Supernatural’s are losing it.” Just these people were losing it.

I linked Kincade, “I want Lexi checked out. She might need fluids through an IV. The doctor will know though.” Kincade nodded. Bolt growled, “What I know is she is way too pale for my liking.” I told him, “I’m right there with you, buddy.”

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