The Married Alpha and His Arrow

First sight Pt. 1

       Alpha Chase saw a beautiful girl with dark hair in a meadow. I couldn’t make out her face, but I could tell she was beautiful. There was something following her. I couldn’t get her attention. The shadow consumed her, and I woke with a start. I looked around my room startled. “It was just a dream.” I said out loud. I had dreamt of a dark haired girl. I couldn’t reach her, but something was after her. I couldn’t warn her. Shaking, I got out of bed. I stepped into the shower letting the water run down on me. The dark haired girl was consuming my thoughts. I shook myself. I didn’t even see her face. I needed to get it together. I went to my office and looked at my schedule. I could spend a few hours around lunch to check out the first party planner’s officer. I called and got an appointment with them which was surprisingly easy.

      I smiled with my plan in place and happily got my coffee. I realized with a start; this was the first time Bolt had been content in the morning since we’d felt our mate near. Bolt snorted, “We have a plan. We WILL find her. Maybe we should find the dark haired girl from our dream too. I do not like her being in danger. It felt so real.” I sighed, “I don’t know how to find her. I didn’t like feeling like she was in danger either though.” Matt came into my office. He stared at me for several moments before saying, “Ok, just so we are clear.” Matt started saying. I rolled my eyes. “You are maintaining nothing is wrong with you? Even though for the first time in four years, you are here, in your office before me.” I said, “Matt, let’s just get to work.” Matt raised an eyebrow, “So there is something wrong. Come on. Let me help you, Chase.” I thought about it. “I have a plan. I will need your help when a piece clicks into place. I’ll bring you up to speed then. For now, I’m dealing with this myself.” I would need Matt’s help once I found my mate. She would need to be guarded. I needed her to be safe. My thoughts ran to the dark haired girl again before I shoved that out of my mind. 

            Matt brought me out of it because I wasn’t being successful. He asked, “How long do I have to be in the dark about what’s wrong with you?” I said, “I really don’t know. I’m working on it.” Matt said, “You know what would help you? It’s an out there thought, but… me. Dumbass. I could help you. I’m only your Beta, it’s my job on two fronts.” I shook my head, “I need to do this first part alone. I’m sorry Matt. You can get Beta Alfred to get his Alpha to sign my annulment papers. That would be a massive help.” Matt snorted, “I am only one man. Maybe if I suck up to Beta Dylan or Beta Caleb, I could borrow a fairy to help. The Princess seems to have that line for taking no s**t more than the duchess does. I’ll go with Beta Caleb.” I shrugged, “Don’t care how you get it done. Fairy, demon, wolf, angel, hood member, I don’t f*****g care. I want out.” Matt said, “I’ll just call Beta Alfred.” I said, “Good.” 

       Susie pushed into my office. I smiled at her. She looked at Matt, “Ummm… I need to talk to Chase.” Matt sighed, “First my Alpha keeps things from me. Now, I’m being kicked out of our office by a five-year-old.” I laughed, “At least she’s cute.” Matt said, “She’s lucky she’s cute. I’m fierce.” Susie giggled, “You love me.” Matt gave her a quick hug. He glared at me then left. Susie ran over to my desk and sat in my lap. I asked, “What’s up little sister?” Susie smiled, “Mommy and I made cookies for your Princess, but I didn’t tell her why. Did you talk to Alpha Conners?” I smiled, “I did. He’s going to help me as much as he can without upsetting his Princess.” Susie frowned, “The Princess just doesn’t understand.” She looked at me brightly, “You could let me talk to her. I know she’d see it my way. I am good at that Chase. I really am.”

            I laughed, “I know you are. I might just have to put you in the game, Susie.” Susie laughed, “I’m ready and rested coach!” Nadine came into my office, “I just knew you’d be in here Susie.” Susie said, “Chase and I have a secret meeting. We have a project.” Nadine laughed, “Oh yeah? What’s your project?” Susie thought about it, “Project Cookies.” Nadine smiled, “Did we make those cookies yesterday for Chase?” Nadine turned to me, “She’s been very secretive about these cookies.” I laughed, “In a way they are for me.” Susie beamed. Nadine said, “Well little miss we have an army and armored cars ready to take us to get a few school supplies.” I was stunned. Susie squealed, “I get to go with you?” Nadine smiled, “Your daddy is the head of this pack, but I’m the neck. Daddy is coming with us too.” I rolled my eyes. That made more sense. I asked, “How many warriors will I be down?” Nadine looked guilty, “Your dad pulled twenty of them.” I stood, “Where is he?” Nadine said, “In the car.” 

        I walked outside. I saw four SUVs. I turned to those in the last two cars. “Go back to your posts.” They nodded. My dad stepped out, “I need them Chase.” I said, “You don’t. Ten warriors, yourself, and Nadine is more than enough dad. You do not have the authority to pull them. You may be leaving to go ten minutes down the street, but I have to know when you take my people. If we were attacked by rogues, and I don’t know where the f**k my men are; That’s a problem. I have let this go on long enough. I am not a child; I am the Alpha here now dad. I’m glad you’re taking Susie to pick out here school supplies, but these are my men. Understood?” My dad shuffled, “I’m torn between being pissed at you and being so damn proud.” I said, “Well, I’m torn between being pissed and even more pissed at you dad. You can’t keep Susie walled up here forever constantly guarded by twenty-two people. One day, she’ll meet her mate. Isn’t it better if she knows a bit more of the world before then?”

            My dad paled, “I have at least thirteen years before that happens.” I said, “She will resent you eventually dad. I’m not saying full blown freedom. I’m just saying twenty people to go ten minutes away is excessive. Especially considering you have probably called the manager of the store I own to shut it down.” He looked guilty so I knew he’d done that as well. “Is overstepping. It’s actually beyond excessive. Next time you run this by me or Matt. Are we clear?” My dad sighed, “Fine. It’s hard getting used to not being in power anymore.” My face softened, “Dad I’ve been in charge for almost four years. You have to trust me.” My dad stiffened, “I trust you son.” I said, “Then act like it. Or at the very least have the decency to pretend to respect me in front of my men. If you don’t, then they won’t. I’ll lose control and have to assert my dominance on the pack to remind them I am their Alpha. It’s not what I want.” I turned before he could say anything else. I smiled at Nadine who was standing in the door worriedly glancing between my dad and me. I bent down and gave Susie a hug, “You have fun. Get yourself a colorful backpack.” Susie giggled, “I’m so excited Chase.” Nadine linked me, “Frank didn’t mean to undermine you.” I smiled, “It’s still weird to hear people call him by his name. He may not mean to, but he does. I can’t have it anymore. He has to know that.” Nadine nodded, “You’re a good Alpha, Chase. Frank tells me that all the time. He’s proud of you.” I smiled, “Thank you Nadine. I would never leave Susie unprotected. You know that, right?” Nadine patted me on the cheek, “I know you wouldn’t. You are a good man Chase, and an even better brother.”

            She walked out the door walking to where my dad stood staring at me. I turned and went into my office. Matt was already waiting. He said, “You know. When one argues with their father who happens to be the former Alpha. In front of the main house people hear. Especially when you live with a bunch of werewolves who have super hearing.” I sighed, “I am aware.” Matt laughed, “So you intended to cause a panic about anyone disrespecting your orders so that you’d have to assert your dominance?” I said, “Better to have them whispering about the potential of it than have someone do something stupid because my dad can’t remember he handed the pack over to me.” Matt said, “Everyone knows it’s just because of Susie. He’s overprotective of her.” I snorted, “Over half the pack thinks she’s a rumor. They will know Monday that she’s not, but I need to step out of everyone’s shadows. It’s time to be my own man and Alpha.” Matt said, “Everyone?” I said, “My dad, Sophia, Sophia’s pack. I am the Alpha of this pack, not some kid who just took over. I EARNED the right to take over my pack at eighteen. I worked hard. I went to Europe for special training. I have reached my limit of s**t I can take Matt. Sophia disrespects me by not honoring our agreement. My dad undermines my authority over some deep fear about keeping Susie safe. As if I would deny him men to take her to get her school supplies. Last I checked, I am not an unreasonable man. Sophia’s pack has been trying to pressure me to mate with her and mark her as my Luna. I haven’t been firm enough about that clearly.” Matt said, “No you aren’t an unreasonable man. In other news, Derrick is on the phone with Beta Alfred.” I frowned. Derrick was my Gamma, Reagan’s brother. “Why aren’t you on the phone with Beta Alfred?” Matt shrugged, “Apparently he didn’t like my tone. Words were exchanged and it got heated. Derrick seemed to think he could keep his head better than I could. Through a series of events Derrick took the phone, and I am now here. Being linked about our Alpha asserting his dominance if he were to be disobeyed.” 

            I raised an eyebrow. Matt said, “You’re my best friend Chase. You may be keeping secrets, but this clearly bothers you. What bothers you, bothers me. I don’t care if Sophia has some deep seated fear of annulling your marriage. Her pack is not my concern. SHE is not my concern. It would hurt you the most if your mate rejected you Chase, but she is my Luna. It would hurt our pack. I swore an oath to you and this pack right along with an oath to our future Luna. I do not care about Sophia and her issues.” I felt guilty. I should tell him about trying to find my mate because she was close. I opened my mouth to explain everything to Matt when Derrick walked in. He immediately said, “Beta Alfred said he understands your position and will explain your feelings to his Alpha.” My phone rang a second later. “Hello, this is Alpha Chase.” Sophia said, “Chase, your people are threatening my Beta. I won’t have it.” I said, “Agreed. Give me my annulment and my people will leave your Beta alone.” Sophia said, “CHASE DANIELS! Threats are not acceptable!” I said, “Neither is forcing someone to stay married to you when they do not want to be married to you. Neither is going against your word, YOUR OATH AND PROMISE! If you are looking for sympathy you WILL NOT find it here Sophia. You are pushing me. That pushes my people. If you want to mad at someone be mad at me. They act on my orders and mine alone. If that upsets you then SIGN THE DAMN ANNULMENT PAPERS!” 

            Sophia sighed, “So the rumors are true. You are not acting like yourself Chase.” I said, “Neither are you. The REAL Sophia, the one I grew up with fought anyone who said she didn’t deserve her place as Alpha. What the hell happened to you?” Sophia sighed, “I don’t have a mate.” I said, “So I have to wait for your mate to appear to be done with this? That’s not what we agreed to Sophia. WHAT ABOUT ME? What if I meet my mate? What if she rejects me because of YOU!” Sophia said, “I’d talk to her. Just don’t accept her rejection. I’d tell her there’s nothing between us.” Matt said, “Sure, that would go well. Let’s have the wife talk to the mate. What could possibly go wrong? You could have a pillow fight later during your sleepover in your underwear.” Sophia said, “Beta Matt. You owe my Beta an apology.” I growled, “He does not, and I’m telling him here and now not to give it. This is the treatment you can expect here until I have my annulment.” Sophia said, “Chase, we are allies for god’s sake! You can’t threaten my Beta with bodily harm.” I raised an eyebrow at Matt, who shrugged. Derrick was trying not to laugh. I softened my voice, “Sophia, I will always be your ally. We’ve been friends since we were kids. I just can’t be your husband anymore. I never should’ve been. I need you to give this to me.” Sophia said, “You said I had more time.” I responded, “I told you I was running out of time. With Cameron becoming an Alpha of his own pack, we lost Reagan here. The pack feels a hole. We have our former Luna Nadine still here, of course, but they want their rightful Luna. Everyone in my pack KNOWS you will never be their Luna.” I looked down at the paper Derrick slid in front of me.

            Anger coursed through me, “But according to the reports I’m looking at your pack does not know that. Seems rumors of you becoming Luna soon are circulating.” Sophia growled, “WHAT? Alfred!” Alfred sighed, “We just got that report too. They are trying to force both of your hands. Alpha Chase is known as an honorable man. If they get that circulated around…. They think he will act.” I growled, “Get your pack in line Sophia. Or I’ll take action.” I hung up the phone and put my head in my hands. When I looked up Derrick was fidgeting and so was Matt. Bolt said, “Mate is near again Chase.” I sighed and asked my Gamma and Beta, “What?” Matt said, “Huh what? Nothing. I... nothing.” I raised an eyebrow. Derrick said, “My wolf is just a little anxious. It was brief.” I wanted to groan. That must be how I looked when Bolt told me my mate was nearby. Good lord. Where are all our mate’s fairy’s? Matt said, “That’s it!” I said, “What?” Matt said, “Nothing.” I knew he’d just figured out what happened to me the other day. Derrick glanced at him in surprise. Derrick didn’t understand because he wasn’t in my office. Matt was becoming more visibly agitated whereas Daniel had calmed down. “Matt do you need to take a run?” Matt said, “What? No. I’m fine.” I sighed; His mate must be near too. I wonder what was stopping him. He wasn’t married. He only had one girlfriend before. He never slept with her though. He wanted to wait for his mate. I had no idea why he wouldn’t go search. I shrugged. Maybe that wasn’t it. The three of us got to work. Around noon Matt shot out of the room like he’d been shot to go train. Derrick sighed, “He’s been like that for almost a month at times.” I frowned, “What?” Derrick said, “It’s usually in the mornings. He had I were running the border with Alpha Conners several mornings together. He usually gets all jittery around there. I don’t run that route, but he does. Every day.” I frowned. I couldn’t very well expect Matt to tell me his issue when I wasn’t telling him. I nodded to Derrick, “Has your wolf felt antsy near that area?” 

            Derrick frowned, “Not exactly I feel something faint. It’s not strong, just humming lightly.” I nodded, “Let me know if anything changes.” I had no idea what Derrick’s wolf’s problem was, but I was sure I knew what was going on with Matt. To a degree anyway. He had no reason not to track down his mate. I looked at the time. I needed to check out the first party planner on my list. I got in my car and drove an hour into Alpha Conners territory. I’d actually gotten an appointment quite easily. I sat in the reception for a minute. An attractive blonde came out. I was disappointed instantly, it wasn’t her. She wasn’t my mate. She’d been my most likely candidate that Alpha Conners would’ve used. “Alpha Chase? Are you ready?” I stood, “I’m sorry. I’ve wasted your time.” The party planner frowned, “Well, should you need our services do not hesitate to reach back out.” I took her card. It was the least I could do. “I will.” I went and sat in my car. I didn’t have an appointment with the second party planner, but I went there anyway. Nick showed up, “Alpha Chase, nice to see you again.” I sighed, “You too. I guess Alpha Conners knows what I’m doing.” Nick smirked, “When we heard you an appointment with a party planner, he figured it out. He has a message for you.” I tensed. I couldn’t back off. Alpha Conners could kill me. I’d give him a good fight though. I just couldn’t stop. This was my mate. I internally cringed as I asked, “What’s the message?” Nick said, “You aren’t following the right path.” I frowned, “What do you mean?” Nick smirked, “That’s all he was willing to give you.” I said, “Do you know what he means?” Nick said, “I do, and I believe you will figure it out too.” I sighed, “I have to check out the party planners. My mate could be one of them.” Nick said, “I, nor my Alpha told you not to.” 

            I frowned, “He said I’m on the wrong path.” Nick smiled, “He did. Think about what he means.” With that Nick left. I had no idea what he was talking about. I went and checked out the second party planner because I had time. I sighed in disappointment when I walked into the office. The cinnamon smell wasn’t here either. I walked out without saying anything to anyone. I drove back home to my home and sat in my car. I needed a run. I got out and took off. I was close to my border with my brother when I heard crying. I paused for a moment then I ran full speed. I halted when I saw who it was. It was Matt. Out here sobbing where he knew no patrol would be for running by for hours. I shifted back and grabbed some clothes. “Matt? What’s wrong?” Matt whirled. “I… nothing.” I sighed and sat beside him. “See I may not have all the skill you do, but not unlike you; I know you are lying to me. Something is clearly wrong” Matt snorted and wiped the tears from his eyes, “You just know because you found me out here crying. What are you even doing out here?” I said, “I needed a run. What are you doing out here?” Matt said, “Thinking.” I said, “Matt.” He waited several moments then said, “What would you say if I said… Not that I don’t, but what if I told you I don’t like girls?” I said, “That would make a lot of sense actually. You love the notebook more than Reagan does.” Matt said, “Would you take my position from me?” I startled, “What the f**k man? NO! You are my beta. I don’t give a s**t if you like guys and not girls.”

            Matt snorted, “Don’t get any ideas. You’re not my type.” I said, “I’m pretty sure I would’ve known if I was at this point.” Matt sighed, “My wolf knows my mate is nearby. He wants to go find her.” I said, “How do you know it’s a her?” Matt said, “Most wolves are mated to she wolves. Our goddess isn’t like the others. I just don’t like girls. I tried. I just...don’t. I don’t want to find my mate. I’d have to reject her, and my wolf would hate me. I can’t do that to her or myself though, I can’t pretend to like women for my mate. It’s just not me in that situation. She would think there is something wrong with her. It would be better to reject her and let her get a second chance mate.” I said, “You don’t know your mate is a girl. The goddess isn’t cruel. Have you been dating guys on the side this whole time?” Matt smirked, “A few.” I said, “Any I know?” Matt said, “No, then you’d know I was gay. The first guy I was ever with was at the summit right after we took over the pack. He was from Nebraska; we did long distance for a while. We just couldn’t keep it up. I did sleep with Alpha Eric Conners a few years back though.” I gaped, “YOU WHAT? Seriously? Damn Matt. I’m actually impressed. How am I not your type if he is? I’m an Alpha too!” Matt laughed, “Your mad I’m not into you? This is not how I thought this conversation would go one day.” I asked, “Does anyone know?” Matt said, “Molly caught me leaving Alpha Conners room. We had a long chat. She told me to talk to you.” I said, “You can talk to me about anything. Everyone here will accept you for who you are.” Matt said, “The Beta line needs to continue. They will demand you replace me.” I growled, “Anyone who DEMANDS anything of me is gone. Anyone so much as suggests you be removed from your position, and I will banish them from this pack. They will not be welcome here.” 

            Matt gaped at me. “Seriously?” I nodded, “And I won’t give them a recommendation for a new pack. Their backwards asses can figure their own s**t out without my help. The beta line can continue through you without you having s*x with a woman. Science is a wonderful thing in these modern times. You have the money to hire a surrogate. I’m sure there are even people in the pack who would want to be the mother of your child. No, I KNOW there are women who want to be the mother of your child. Even if they aren’t your mate. You’re the Beta here Matt. I hate that you thought I would give a s**t about who you love. You’ve been my best friend our entire lives.” Matt shrugged, “I know. Some things run deep Chase. This is one of those things. If I wasn’t the Beta no one would care, but the Beta being gay… that’s not a thing.” I said, “They won’t care if they know what’s good for them. I’m serious Matt. Anyone who says something is gone. I won’t have that type of attitude here. I don’t want anyone in my pack denying who they are or figuring it out. I don’t care if our pups are gay, straight, bi, whatever. We are their pack. We are here to love and protect them. We are not here to make them feel like they can’t be who they are. When you’re older and ready for a pup, we can find you a surrogate. Or a willing co-parent in our pack or our allies. So long as they understand your child will be our future Beta.  I assure you there will be no shortage of women lining up to have a child with the Beta of our pack. If I were you, I’d look at the women who lost their mate first and didn’t have a child, but that’s just me.” Matt had more tears in his eyes. I was not sure what to do. So I said, “Oh come on man! What did I say? If you keep crying, I’m going to go back to being pissed that you’re into Alpha Conners but somehow not me.”