The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Bull's Eye Pt. 1

        Lexi Scott smiled as she looked around her new office at the Marriott at the edge of Haley and Eric’s territory. Haley had wanted me to look closer to her, but something about this place just felt right. I couldn’t believe I’d done it. For the first time in my life, I’d done something for me. Not for my brother, the hood, or Noah. This was mine. Bull’s Eye Party Planning - We shoot straight into the heart of your dream party making it a reality. I’d thought the name and tagline were quite fun and a bit of inside joke. Haley loved it though, she went ON and ON about how funny it was. The Black Arrow had a company with Bull’s Eye in the name. For the first time I’d done something on my own without my hood family. I had to smile because I couldn’t have done it without Haley.

Flashback to a few months ago

       I had just wrapped up a five and a half long mission. I desperately wanted to see Heath. He was picking me up at the airport. I skipped out of the terminal ready to give my big brother a hug. My face fell for a second because it wasn’t my brother picking me up. It was Raphael, my Angel with benefits friend. I smiled, “Raphael, I wasn’t expecting you.” Raphael smiled, “Heath called. He got pulled into a last minute meeting. He knew you wouldn’t mind seeing me here instead of him.” I smiled, “Not at all.” he grabbed my suitcases and drove us to his temporary place here. I gave him a questioning look. Raphael shrugged, “Heath said he’d meet you here in a few hours.” I smirked, “What to do with all this free time?” I ran inside his apartment. He was right behind me. I teased him, “Show me your bad side, Raphael.” Raphael smiled, “I will BA.” I smiled. Raphael had come into play during my last mission. Since he was an Angel, he was one of the few people who knew me as Lexi and the Black Arrow. I ripped his shirt off him and climbed up him wrapping my legs around his hips. He slammed us back against the wall. “You’re so beautiful, Lexi.” I smiled, “You’re not half bad yourself.” We were wrapped up in each other until my phone beeped. I sighed. “Heath is almost here.” Raphael smiled, “I have to return in a few weeks to my realm.” I touched his face, “I know.” Raphael said, “I’ve enjoyed this Lexi. I’d like to keep enjoying this until I have to go.” I smiled, “No complaints from me. For an Angel you’ve got moves. I have no complaints.” Raphael smirked and kissed me. “I’ll be seeing you around then, Lexi Scott.” I smiled, “You have my number. You get an itch, I’ll come scratch it. If I get one, you’ll be my first call.”

        Raphael said, “You will not like what Heath has to say to you.” I frowned, “What do you mean?” Raphael said, “He kept things from you. I did not discover what was happening, until after I’d left you from completing my own mission. I wanted you to know that I did not know. I know we are not each other’s forever, but I respect you enough that I’d have told you.” I frowned, “I don’t like the sound of that. Is Heath alright?” Raphael said, “Heath was never not fine. Just keep in mind, everyone is ok now. If you need me, I’m here.” My phone beeped signaling Heath was here. I kissed Raphael, “Thanks for the warning.” Raphael smiled, “I have your back as you had mine, and what a fine back it is.” I laughed, “Sometimes, it amazes me you are an angel. You’re so dirty.” Raphael smirked, “You’ve corrupted me, mind, body, and soul. If you were my wing, I’d be more than happy, but alas your string and my wing are still out there.” I smiled, “You will make your wing very happy one day.” Raphael smiled, “As you will make your string. You have to open up your heart again to someone Lexi.” I shrugged, “Maybe when I meet him, I’ll be ready.” Raphael smiled, “Go on. You know how your brother is about waiting, and he missed you.” I laughed, “Know it all’s are obnoxious, Raphael.” Raphael smiled, “Can’t help it. I’m an Angel. I know all the things.” I laughed, “I know.” I grabbed my bags and ran out to see my brother.

       I squealed when I saw Heath. I threw my bags down and wrapped my arms around him. His arms were crushing me against him. “I missed you so damn much, Lex. I don’t think I can send you on a mission this long again. I mope about without you.” I laughed, “I got all the intel we needed though. I was their leader's type, and I’m the best.” Heath laughed, “You are. You said you didn’t mind, but… I read your reports. Were you really comfortable with everything Lex?” I laughed, “I told you a million times through coded messages it was fine. I didn’t dislike Henrick. He is a very attractive man. If I hadn’t wanted to sleep with him, I wouldn’t have. You know me brother. I do plenty of dating missions without having s*x. I liked Henrick, he liked me. We had chemistry.” Heath snorted, “Like you and Raphael?” I smiled, “Raphael came in after Henrick ended our time between the sheets. Raphael did make him quite jealous though.” Heath and I got into his car. Heath said, “Henrick is not a man used to women not pining over him.” I laughed, “I don’t pine over men. Once was bad enough.” Heath frowned, “No one knows besides me you pinned over Noah.” I said, “I know, and I appreciate that Heath.” Heath sighed, “You never talk about that day. Noah felt awful. He thought the pull was to you. We all did.” I said nothing. Heath and Noah fought horribly after the string ceremony. Whatever he was to me, Noah was my brother’s best friend and his lieutenant in the hood. I wasn’t going to tell my brother the truth. I promised myself that I’d take Noah’s cruelty with me to my grave. For Sally and Heath. Sally was as sweet as they come, and I just couldn’t do it to her. I really couldn’t do it to Heath. We’d lost our parents, and he’d lost his string. As much as I hated it… he couldn’t lose Noah too.

      I changed the subject, “Raphael said you had something to tell me I wouldn’t like.” Heath’s hands tightened on the wheel, “He shouldn’t have said anything.” I frowned, “You were going to keep it from me?” Heath said, “No, I wouldn’t keep it from you. I was going to tell you. I was just going to wait until after we’d had dinner. Sally cooked you a welcome home meal. It should be waiting at my place when we get back.” I smiled, “Of course she did. I had plans to call and catch up with Haley later. I don’t think I’ll stay in our place long.” Heath frowned. I’d never stayed more than a night or two in the shroud in this realm where the hood lived ever since the string ceremony. I just couldn’t do it. We pulled into Heath’s house. Sally was leaving. I hopped out of the car and smiled at her, “Hey Sally. How are you?” She glanced at Heath quickly before saying, “Oh great. It’s good to see you again. You’ve been gone so long this time.” I smiled, “Such is the way of life for me.” Sally nodded to Heath who smiled at her. I sent Heath our signal for space. I could tell Sally wanted to talk to me. Heath excused himself. Once he was inside, I said, “Sally, are you alright?” Sally looked around, “Can we talk? Not now… but soon? Before your next mission?” I smiled, “Of course. I want to stick around for a bit. Catch up with Haley.” Sally looked away. I frowned, “Is Haley alright?” Sally said, “Oh ummm she’s fine… now.” I raised an eyebrow, “NOW?” Sally sighed, “Talk to Heath. He wants to tell you. Just before your next mission... we need to talk, ok?” I nodded, “Are you ok, Sally?” I noticed she was smiling, but it wasn’t reaching her eyes. “I’m fine.” I frowned. She was lying, and not well. I walked into the house and smelled her amazing cooking. She really should open her own catering business or restaurant. 

       Heath said, “What did Sally want? Did she tell you what’s going on?” I frowned, “She said she wanted to talk later.” Heath sighed, “I don’t want you to be blindsided about that. I know that I’m not the person people feel they can talk to here. My string would’ve been that for them, but for now it’s you. This… I can’t have you go blind into. Noah and Sally are trying to have a baby. It’s not been working out.” I was only surprised they’d waited this long to try; they'd known they were each other’s strings for three years. “It’s fine Heath. I’m surprised they’ve waited this long.” Heath said, “They’ve been trying for two years.” I sighed, “I’ll talk to Haley.” Heath smiled, “You always amaze me Lex. You don’t have to do that. I’ll do it.” I laughed, “She likes me much better than she likes you.” Heath said, “I’m a male, so… there’s that.” I laughed, “One day she’ll meet her mate, and then we can work on you two being friends.” Heath paled. I frowned then it hit me. “OH YOU ASS! She met her mate while I was gone?! Is she ok? God, I need to get to her! How long ago, Heath?” Heath sighed, “Right after you left.” I gaped at him, “If she’s not ok Heath….” I trailed off. Heath said, “She’s fine.” I said, “Sally said she’s fine NOW. Explain what the hell happened Heath!” Heath frowned, “She met her mate.” I hissed, “If he rejected her, and he’s still alive; I’ll kill him.” Heath put up his hands, “He did not reject her. He loves her.” I said, “WHO is he?” Heath smiled, “Alpha Eric Conners.” I sat astonished, “Shut up.” Heath smirked, “I said something similar when Bjourn told me. Anyway… they met.” I said, “You don’t know how she is, do you? Did she do ok with him? Does she still have a panic attack when men touch her? Does he understand? How could you not tell me? You know I feel like she’s family to me!” Heath said, “I know that. Haley asked Bjourn if you were friends recently. She’s made some now and realizes you two are more than what she thought before.” My lips twitched. That was a big step for Haley.

         Heath continued, “She was taken.” I said, “Excuse me?” Heath sighed, “Her fairy uncle.” I hissed, “Fabian. Who I am NOT allowed to kill.” Heath said, “He’s dead. So…” I gaped. Heath said, “Just let me tell the story, Lex. Please.” I sighed, “Fine.” Heath looked pained, “Her fairy uncle promised her to King Damon.” My anger was making me shake. A royal fairy was promised to a vampire?! It was good he was dead. I’d disobey my brother’s order and make a special arrow made of iron. I’d have Fabian’s name etched into it. I’d sink it in his heart and watch him turn to dust. Heath continued, “Eric had left Haley at their home because of the vampire threat to attend the supernatural summit.” I frowned. That would’ve hurt her feelings, leaving her behind. Haley was much more sensitive than she let on. Heath wasn’t done yet though, “Vampires and fairies attacked her in their home. She was hit with iron multiple times.” I hit the table with both hands. I knew how much that had to hurt her. “She kept fighting. She saved their pack any losses, including her mother-in-law.” I smiled. That was Haley for you. “She almost made it to safety before Arion stepped out and hit her with more iron. He’d waited until she turned her back.” I sat back in my seat in astonishment. Aiden and Arion were the worst brothers in the history of the realms, but they’d never ever hurt her before physically. To hit her with iron… Fucker. Dead fucker. I’d get him. He took her from her mate? For Fabian? He was a dead fairy. “It came out after she was abducted that Haley was pregnant.” 

         My eyes went wide. I could no longer stay silent, “AND YOU DIDN'T’T CALL ME BACK IN?! HEATH!” Heath said, “I didn’t call you back, but I didn’t do nothing, Lex. I helped them. Allie went and posed as a pet.” I frowned, “Allie couldn’t fight her way out of a fight with a cat! A tame cat.” Heath said, “I didn’t send her to fight. I sent her to be our eyes. She reported to me, and I reported to King Titus what we’d found.” I said, “I would’ve gotten her out. I could’ve posed as a pet!” Heath ran a hand through his hair, “They put her through SIMS.” I hissed, “THEY f****d UP HER HEAD? HEATH HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME!” Heath sighed, “You know your mission was important.” I said “f**k the mission! She’s… she’s like my little sister!” Heath sighed, “She’s fine. She killed the vampire king.” I smiled, “Because she’s a badass.” Heath nodded, “No arguments. She’s all back to normal now. She had triplets recently.” I looked at him with tears in my eyes, “I can’t believe I missed her baby shower. At least they aren’t married. If you let me miss her wedding...” Heath looked away. I know my face turned red, “I MISSED HER WEDDING?! The Hackura date for DECADES before they get married!” Heath winced, “They are mates, Lex. Originally Haley was given to Alpha Conners as a bride for a treaty to end the war between the werewolves and fairies.”  Tears coursed down my face, “I’m calling her.” Heath said, “Lex, please. I missed you, I want to spend time with you.” I said, “For future reference, Haley and you are my family. You’re all I’ve got. The two of you. If I get back and find out something happened to EITHER of you while I was and I wasn’t told… heads WILL roll. So pass that onto your lieutenant.” I spat out Noah’s title refusing to say his name. “He’d be first on my list. He knew what Haley was to me too. Let me just GUESS who told you I should stay put, and you listened to him. Didn’t you?” 

        Heath sighed, “It’s not Noah’s fault.” I said, “Oh that’s where you're wrong. You would’ve pulled me back. We both know it. The ONLY person who could have convinced you not to, is your lieutenant.” Heath said, “Will you ever say his name again?” I said, “No. He is my lieutenant, and that’s it. I don’t even have to listen to his orders. I am here for you and you alone brother. I love our people, but the ONLY thing that kept me here after what he did to me, was you.” Heath was taken aback, “Lexi…. You can’t mean that.” I said, “I mean it. The Hackura would’ve taken me in. Haley OFFERED to take me in. Astrid offered to train me to be in their army. I had options, brother. I stayed for you. I work for you, I SERVE you. Do NOT make the mistake of EVER trusting Noah’s word when it comes to me. Or you will lose your Black Arrow. Are we clear?” Heath paled, “I don’t care about the Black Arrow. I care about you! You said you were over Noah.” I said, “I’m beyond over him, Heath.” Heath frowned, “Then...what the hell?” I said, “You will NEVER understand the hurt he caused me. I made sacrifices for the people around here, and you. Of course this is how I am repaid. You tell your lieutenant he has no say over what I get to find out or when. EVER.” Heath said, “Lex, what are you talking about?” I said, “Ask him. And when he doesn’t answer you saying he has no idea. Remember that the next time you ask him for advice about something about me. I just bet you Heath…. He says nothing. He will say to do what YOU feel is best. I am leaving. I’ll call you later.” Heath said, “No, Lex please! Just stay! I’m sorry!” I turned, “I’ll be back to see your brother, but now I need to check on my little sister.”

       I went to my car and slammed the car door shut. I drove through the shroud that hides our territory in this realm. I called Haley. “BA! You’re back! We have so much to catch up on!” She giggled, “Eric!” I smiled, “I just heard. Haley I am so sorry. I would’ve come for you. I would’ve come for your wedding, and your baby shower. I would NOT have let you be some vampire kings f*****g snack. I’m so mad at Heath, I can barely see straight.” Haley said, “Bjourn said it was the troll who needs to die fault, not Heath’s.” I laughed. Haley had taken to calling Noah a troll after the disastrous string ceremony. She had a long list of other names, but troll was the nicest. I’d told her to go with that. “I know. I still should’ve been there. Meet me at our place. I’m on the way.” Haley said, “I’ll pop to you.” She was quiet for a moment then I heard her say, “Oh COME ON! I’ll be with THE Black Arrow Eric. You can meet her later! It’s girl time! HA! The triplets are down for the night already. Bye Eric. Love you.” I heard a pop and swerved as she popped next to me. “Hi Lexi!” Her phone rang. I saw Thor’s name on the readout. “You call him that? You found your Thor?” She smiled, “I did.” She answered, “Haley is having f*****g girl time, and can’t come to the phone right now. Please leave your message at the beep. BEEP!” I had to laugh. I heard Alpha Conners snarl. I took the phone, “Alpha Conners. I assure you; no harm will come to her. She’ll be back … well not shortly, but she will be back.” Alpha Conners sighed, “Text Blade where you are. He will come guard the both of you.” I laughed, “Tell Blade it’s Haley and I’s secret place. He will know where we are.” 

      I drove to my little house. No one knew I owned it or that there was a house here Haley had conjured it for me. I couldn’t stay in the shroud where the hood was after Noah. She’d conjured this place in seclusion for me. Even if someone followed me here, I had to invite them in to see it. Blade could find it and so could Haley. That was it. This was my place, and I didn’t want anyone to take it from me. Haley popped us inside. I got the drinks rolling. We laughed and talked for hours. I said, “I don’t want to go on a mission this long again.” Haley smiled, “Then f*****g don’t. Your brother won’t give you an assignment like that again. Bjourn texted. Heath is losing it. He’s so upset you left angry.” A part of me felt guilty, but I was still pissed.

        I shrugged. Haley said, “You know what you need?” I laughed, “What do I need?” Haley said, “Something for your f*****g self. You do hood missions for your brother. You made the Black Arrow feared to make him proud. You are the approachable leader of the hood for your people. You need something besides this house for Lexi. You always loved coordinating and planning parties. You helped me in the Hackura realm. You love planning parties almost as much as I do. You have the contacts Lex. You could work for supernatural’s and keep your hood schedule. You have that… I don’t remember his name, but your best friend in the hood. He hates missions. He LOVES organizing.  You know the one... The one that pines after Harper’s boytoy lover.” I laughed, “Ted. His name is Ted.” Haley said, “Sure him. He could keep everything on track while you still take missions. OH YOU SHOULD DO IT! You could help me plan partial fairy events to get you started!” I laughed, “You don’t need help with that. You can snap everything you want.”  Haley shrugged, “It would be nice not to have to deal with it. I’ve got A LOT to do. I can tell you the vision and plan. You could coordinate food, event spaces. I’m sure Eric could pass your name around to some people too!” I thought about it, “You really think I could do it?” Haley’s eyes sparkled with excitement, “f**k YES YOU COULD! Come on! Let’s call pinner of Harper’s boytoy lover! I’ll even pop him in, and we can plan everything!” I laughed, “His name is still Ted, Haley.” She shrugged and grabbed my phone.

Flashback ends

            I was brought out of my memories by Ted walking in my office. “Hey girl! You look a million miles away.” I smiled, “Thinking back to when this was just an idea. Now we have clients, events, and an office.” Ted smiled and sat down, “I’m just happy to finally contribute to something in the hood. My parents are through the roof proud.” I Laughed, “You helped Sally in the kitchens!” Ted shrugged, “And you convinced her to be the caterer for enough events she can start her own business. She’s so excited.” I sighed, “She wants to talk about something. I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to catch up with her.” Ted smiled, “She’s been doing better. The catering business is lifting her spirits. I catch that signature Sally smile sometimes.” I nodded, “Good. Get a meeting with her for the morning.” Ted said, “Sure. Going over the menu for the fairy event this weekend?” I said, “Let’s call it that.” Ted laughed, “Hijacking a work meeting to talk about personal things. I like it Lex. I’m glad you’re doing this. It’s about time you did something for you girl.” I laughed. Ted said, “Why did you pick this place though? I thought you’d pick the hotel right outside the castle our dear princess now lives in.” I frowned, “I wanted to, but… something about this palace Ted… I just know I’m supposed to be here.” Ted smiled, “The goddess works in mysterious ways, I guess. Maybe she put you here so I could meet my string. Or yours.” I laughed, “It better be both. We are a package deal.” Ted stood, “Damn straight we are girl!” 

            I smiled and walked across the street to the cute little coffee shop they had here. This weekend was our first big event. We’d had several smaller ones, but this one was big. Haley’s event had over two hundred people coming. I was going to stay here all weekend to make sure it went well. I’d been staying at my little house which was ironically not far from the hotel I’d chosen. I grabbed a coffee and went home. I texted Haley frequently now. I’d only missed a few months and the girl meets her mate, gets married, gets abducted, and pops out babies. Texting her often was a must. Heath was happy I was finally over being mad at him for the whole debacle. He’d given me a break on missions. He was proud I was starting my own business. Most people were. They think I don’t hear the rumblings going through the hood. I did though. I know Noah was pissed. That made me love it all even more. I got to my house then changed my mind. I wanted to stay at Haley’s. I looked oddly at my home. I loved it because no one could sense me here. Haley had magically protected my house on several levels. It was because of Noah that I’d wanted no one to be able to sense me in my little home away from home. I was feeling more confident lately though. Noah would NEVER walk into Haley’s home. He would not risk Alpha Conners killing him. I texted Haley, and she was all for me staying over as Lexi. I’d met her friends and Alpha Conners recently as BA. We’d had a girl’s weekend. Haley called it our badass girl gang. It was amazing. I smiled and got back in my car. For the first time in three years I wouldn’t be magically concealed in this area. For some reason that just felt right. I drove to Haley’s and unpacked my overnight bag. She’d already had a room all ready for me when I arrived.