The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Losing it Pt. 2

      Matt rolled his eyes. I said, “You aren’t going to lose your pack Sophia. I’ll never let that happen. I’ll send the papers back next week, Ok?” Sophia gulped, “Ok.” I said, “Call if you need me.” Sophia said, “Same to you. I’m glad you guys are ok.” I hung up. Matt said, “They are making her go crazy. Sophia and I have more chemistry than you two, and that’s saying something because… she and I have none.” I sighed, “I keep telling myself it wasn’t a mistake to marry her, but the longer this goes on; the more it feels like one that’s going to mess up my whole life.” Matt studied me, “You need to sleep. Did you sleep at all last night?” I shrugged. Matt eyebrows furrowed, “What’s going on?” I shook myself, “Nothing. I’m fine. I’m heading out for the afternoon.” Matt was worried, “Maybe stay here and get some sleep Chase.” I shrugged. I got in my car and drove. I ended up at the college in Alpha Conners territory. I got out of my car and got coffee. After an hour Nick Kruthers sat down beside me. “Alpha Chase. We got word you were here. None of my Alpha’s knew you were coming. Can we help you with anything?” I laughed, “I wish you could. You probably could. No... I’m fine.” Nick frowned, “Are you alright?” I sighed, “My wolf is not happy. I’m married to someone I don’t love, and that’s turned into a nightmare.” We were both silent. I finally said, “I’m fine Nick.” He stared at me. I sighed, “I’m sorry for being in your territory without calling. Apologize to Alpha Eric Conners for me.” Nick said, “He didn’t care. He just wanted to make sure everything was ok. It’s not like you to just show up.” I sighed. It was going to be very like me until Bolt calmed down. He was disappointed we hadn’t run into our mate, but he was quieter here than at home. 

            I could see Nick was worried. I stood, “I’ll just get going.” I started to leave then turned, “How’s Princess Luna Conners’ event going?” Nick couldn’t hide his pride, nor should he. “It’s going very well. Alpha Conners is very proud of her. As is the pack. We had another pack member find his mate.” I smiled, “Another partial fairy?” Nick said, “Oh, no. It was a staff member brought in for the event.” I frowned. My pool of potential mates had expanded. I had no doubt my mate was in this area though. Bolt wasn’t howling. She wasn’t close enough to smell, but she was obviously here in this territory. I spoke to Bolt through our connection, “Bolt, we have to go. We will come back though, I promise. I really need sleep. I promise we will find our mate.” Bolt sighed, “Alright. I am tired. Its comforting being here though. I know she’s around. Can’t we search more places?” I said, “We will. I promise. We will find her.” Bolt sighed, “I know Sophia isn’t your fault. Your dad is right. You are a good person. Just… we have to make mate understand Chase. I need her. You need her. She’s everything. We don’t even have s*x with Sophia.” I answered him, “I know.”

        I spoke to Nick, “I’ve got to get back, but congratulate your Princess Luna and Alpha Conners on her event. It’s a big undertaking. My sister-in-law is in awe of her.” Nick laughed, “Oh we all are. Have a good day Alpha Chase.” I frowned. I didn’t think I’d be having a good day for quite some time. “You too Nick.” I remembered something and turned around, “You just had a baby, right?” Nick smiled, “Yes, a little boy.” I said, “Congratulations.” Nick said, “Thanks man. You’re sure you’re alright?” I forced a smile, “Of course.” Nick said, “You are our ally Alpha Chase. We are bound to help you, and you’re a good man.” I snorted, “Tell your Princess Luna that.” Nick stiffened, “She has her own story. She doesn’t dislike you. It’s what you did. Regardless of your reasons she sees a path that could be taken, and she is scared to see it in any reality.” I stared at him, “I have no idea what that means.” Nick smiled, “I’m sure now that you are back, you will find out. Welcome home Alpha Chase. We missed you around here.”

            I sighed and went back home. Bolt was still upset. Matt was staring at me clearly worried. He spoke to me as soon as I got out of my car, “Even before you left for Europe you never spent all day away from here. You’re my best friend Chase. Tell me what’s going on. I already know you were Alpha Conners territory. Molly called while you were gone. She was wondering if you were ok. Seems Beta Caleb’s son Nick didn’t get the impression you were ok.” I said, “I just need sleep.” Bolt grumbled, “We need our mate.” I sighed, “I know Bolt. It was better in Alpha Conners territory.” Bolt said, “We can’t sit at the college all day every day. If we could go find her…. We could bring her here.” I replied, “I need Sophia to sign the annulment papers. We can look for her. We just can’t approach her yet.” Bolt growled, “I WANT her!” 

       I pushed past Matt and went upstairs. I laid down in my bed, “Bolt, we can argue more tomorrow. We need sleep.” Bolt whined, “Alright. I don’t know how I will forgive you if our mate doesn’t want us.” I replied, “That makes two of us bolt. I’m sorry. I know I haven’t said it, but I’m sorry. I didn’t think Sophia would stall everything. I thought it would be a blip on our radar. I’ve always wanted a mate Bolt. You know that. I know some wolves don’t want to meet theirs, but I always have. I want her Bolt. I won’t accept a rejection. I’ll sit outside her house every day and beg her to give me a chance if that’s what it takes. I’ll let you be in wolf form constantly, so she only has to deal with you. I don’t know what I’ll do, but I’ll figure it out. You don’t deserve this.” Bolt sighed, “When I become more annoying about this later you can remember I said, neither do you Chase. I can’t promise I won’t fight Sophia though.” I sighed, “She will see reason. We have been friends for twenty-two years. That means something.” Bolt said, “Not enough for her to follow through on her promise.” I closed my eyes. I had nothing to answer Bolt back with. He was right. What had I gotten myself into?

            The rest of the weekend passed with Bolt and I getting into countless arguments. I ended up getting coffee three times a day in Alpha Conners territory. I’m sure Alpha Eric Conners, rather all the Conners brothers thought I was losing it. Nick or Jim usually showed up where I was to see if I needed anything. Matt thought I was losing my mind. I actually think he could be right. My dad tried to talk to me, but I couldn’t tell him. The only one I couldn’t box out was Susie. I wasn’t surprised when Susie bounded into my office moments later. “Daddy said you're in a bad mood. I’ve come to cheer you up!” Bolt had been inconsolable because he said our mate wasn’t near anymore. He was back to howling in my head. I was lucky to get three hours of sleep before he pestered me about finding our mate. I smiled at Susie, “Dad doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Susie ran over and jumped in my lap. She touched my face, “You know, sometimes I get sad that I’m basically a secret. I only get to play with a few members of the pack. I had so much fun with Cam and Reagan at their pack, Chase. I got to play with all the kids my age. I think Cam is trying to show dad I can be outside. There were LOTS of big scary men guarding us, the other kids said that wasn’t normal.” My heart broke for my little sister. Hopefully Cam could get through to our dad. Goddess knows he didn’t listen to me. 

            “My point is, sometimes I’m sad about it. Then I remember I’m daddy’s precious secret. He loves me.” I said, “He does Susie. We all love you. I know I haven’t been in a great mood, but I could never not be in a great mood with you.” Susie smiled, “I know. Now, I told you why I get sad sometimes, and that’s a big secret. You can’t tell!” She told me very seriously. I made an x on my chest, “Cross my heart. I won’t tell.” Susie nodded, “I won’t tell why you’re so upset either. Mommy says it helps to talk about the things that upset you. I know you haven’t told anyone. I heard daddy, mommy, matt, Reagan, and Cam talking about it on the phone. You can tell me Chase. I’m a big girl now, I can keep a secret.” I laughed, “I know you can. Bolt is upset. Our mate was near this weekend, and now she’s not. I’m worried she will reject me because Sophia… won’t sign some papers I have for her.” Susie nodded, “So you won’t be married anymore. Reagan is very upset about those papers. When I was there yesterday Reagan told me the Princess was having an event. Is that why you went to their territory?” Her eyes got wide and she whispered excited, “Is your mate a fairy? That would be SO COOL! Maybe she could pop me somewhere fun!” I smiled, “I don’t know what my mate is. I didn’t find her.” Susie sighed, “You should go talk to Alpha Conners. Daddy says he’s not as scary now that he has his princess. You just need your princess Chase. I’ll help you the slay the dragon!” I smiled, “Will you?” She nodded, “Sometimes it’s a mean step-mother. All Princesses have something holding them back. Mommy said the princess can save herself, but a helping hand never hurts.” 

            I smiled, “You mom is right. You are a strong, fierce little thing Susie. Never forget that.” Susie smiled, “Maybe Alpha Sophia just needs someone to tell her a story about a strong princess.  Then she can sign your papers for you.” I smiled, “You are so smart Susie.” Susie sighed, “I know. My tutor tells me all the time.” I frowned, “I thought dad agreed to let you go to school with the other pups.” Susie frowned, “He changed his mind.” I kissed her cheek, “I’m sorry Susie.” Susie shrugged, “He’s just scared. One day, I’ll get to do the things I want. I told mommy it was fine because she yelled at daddy. She said it wasn’t fair that I’m being punished because he lost your mom. I don’t want them to fight.” I kissed her cheek, “Tell you what. I’ll talk to him about you going to school with the other pups. I’ll hire another teacher, and we can keep your class small. I’ll have warriors with your class at all times.” Susie squealed, “Really Chase? Really, Really?” I nodded, “I’ll have Matt pull up our candidates. I’ll get it sorted for next week. Ok?” She nodded, “I love you, Chase.” I smiled, “I love you too, Susie.” She ran to the door and turned, “You should go see Alpha Conners. He has to understand now. He has his princess. I bet he will help you.” She ran off after that. If only everyone had the mind of a child. I linked Matt to get to my office.

            He came in looking at me wearily. “Get me a list of candidates for teachers. I want the best one, and I want them in my office this afternoon.” Matt was startled, “It’s my little sister.” I smiled, “Perfect. She just graduated last year, right?” Matt nodded, “We don’t have a teaching position open, Chase. She was going to ask for permission to apply for one in Alpha Conners territory since they have more openings with their back fairy baby boom.” I shook my head, “No, I need her here. We have a position now. Stay and you’ll understand. I’ll talk to my dad then her.” Matt frowned but took a seat. I linked my dad, “Can you come to my office?” My dad replied, “On my way.” Matt said, “Are you alright? Can you just tell me what’s going on with you?” I shrugged, “Nothing.” My dad walked in, “Are we finally talking about what’s been bothering you?” I said, “No, I am fine. We are talking about Susie. I found out you have a tutor coming in for her schooling.” My dad went ridged. “And?” I smiled, “And I have a compromise that will make you, Susie, AND Nadine happy.” My dad leaned forward, “I’m listening.” I said, “Jenna graduated last year.” My dad nodded, “I know. I asked if she would tutor Susie, but she really wants a class of her own.” I said, “Which is where my solution comes in. I’m going to open up a teaching spot for her with pups Susie’s age. Our current class has twenty-five kids in it. We can move some to Jenna’s classroom. We have a room that Jenna can make her own this week.” My dad said, “How many kids?” I said, “At least six counting Susie. What number is your limit on what you’re comfortable with dad? Susie needs to socialize. She told me how much fun she had in Cameron’s pack with the kids. I’m also going to assign two warriors to guard the class.” My dad said, “Three warriors and myself.” 

            Matt sighed. I said, “Three warriors, and you can’t be there.” My dad said, “She’s my little girl.” I said, “And she’s my little sister. She will be on pack lands. We have the school guarded and three additional warriors near her class. One inside, two outside. That’s plenty. If we are being technical Jenna herself is practically a warrior. She has Beta blood, and your best friend trained her himself.” My dad sighed, “Ten kids counting Susie.” I nodded, “Done. Matt, get Jenna. Dad, I know this is hard for you, but it will mean the world to Susie. Nadine will be happy too.” My dad looked away, “I know. I know it’s not fair. I just panic. I was relaxed with your mother, and I went against my instincts. She was killed because of it, son.” I said, “Dad, mom wouldn’t want you to do this to yourself. We can keep Susie safe here. It’s time to let the pack see the light of joy she is.” My dad had tears in his eyes, “She’s a spitfire with a heart of gold. Just like her mother.” I smiled, “Go tell Nadine the good news. Susie will start school with nine other pups Monday. Matt and I will work out the split from the current class.” My dad smiled, “You’re a good man son. Handling your old man like a pro. I taught you well.” He laughed as he left. As Jenna came inside my office, I heard Nadine squeal. Nadine came barreling through my door. She ran over and kissed me on the cheek, “You have no idea what this will mean to her. Or me. I have a friend who is someone’s second chance mate as well. His kids haven’t accepted her or her children. Thank you, Chase. For not only loving her but accepting me.” I smiled, “You made my dad happy. You are my stepmom after all.  My mom would’ve skinned me alive if I didn’t treat you as I would’ve treated her.” Nadine’s eyes filled with tears. She hugged a startled Jenna. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Jenna looked at Matt wide eyed, “What just happened?” Jenna asked as Nadine left shouting for Susie.

            I smiled, “I’ve opened up a teaching position that I want you to fill. You’d start Monday. You can get your classroom ready this week, and you’d have ten students. You’d have this week to prepare lessons and catch up on what they have learned so far this year.” Jenna looked at Matt baffled. Matt said, “Seems Chase learned today the former Alpha changed his mind about Susie attending school.” I nodded, “Susie wants to go to school. I want her to learn something of the world outside these walls. If this is the way to ease my father into that. I’ll do it. I know ten is a small class, but it’s something. Three warriors will be assigned to guard your class. One in the classroom with you, and two outside the door.” Jenna said, “Yes! I’ll take it! I love Susie, and I love teaching. I knew we wouldn’t have an option position for years. I was going to try for Alpha Conners territory since Molly is there. I want to stay here though. I don’t care that it’s a smaller class.” I nodded, “Matt can show you your classroom and you can start planning.” Matt linked me, “I still know something is up with you, but this is a good thing you are doing.” Susie came running back into my office, “YOU REALLY DID IT!” I laughed, “Did you doubt me?” Susie shook her head quickly, “You did it so fast! When you find your princess, I’ll help you! I’m going to go bake cookies for her with mom!” A warrior linked me to come outside, “I’ll be right back Susie.” Susie nodded. 

            I walked outside, “Bob?” Bob smiled, “Susie told me to link you in five minutes. It’s been five minutes.” I smiled, “I wonder what she’s up to. I have an assignment for you. Starting Monday, you will be one the three warriors guarding Jenna Hughes classroom.” Bob was confused, “Jenna Hughes got a teaching position? Who left?” I said, “No one. She will be taking a smaller class so Susie can attend with other pups.” Bob laughed, “I accept this assignment with pleasure.” I nodded, “My other thoughts are Doug and Steve.” Bob nodded, “We all already know her. It’s not like there’s a large group of us who even know her. Doug and Steve will be happy to see her so happy. I think they are great choices.” I smiled, “Good, let them know.” I walked back inside. I started to run when I heard Susie on the phone. “Well, Susie we’ve never met, but I have known about you.” Susie squealed, “REALLY? I thought no one knew. Anyway, I called because Chase…” I said, “Susie Daniels!” Susie squealed, “Busted.” Alpha Conners laughed, “It was nice to somewhat meet you Susie Daniels.” Susie sighed, “You too. You’re not as scary as they say.” Alpha Conners said, “Let’s keep that between you and me. My wife would agree with you though.” Susie smiled, “She’s a princess. Chase needs his princess.” Alpha Conners laughed, “Does he?” Susie nodded and emphatically said, “He does.” I said, “Susie go find your mom and bake your cookies.” Susie smiled, “I just needed another minute, Bob was supposed to keep you busy.” I kissed her head, “You naughty little minx. Go on.” 

            I sighed, “Alpha Conners. Sorry to disturb you.” Alpha Conners laughed, “I don’t usually get such kind, sweet callers on my line. Your sister seemed to think I was the right person to help you with something.” I sighed, “Not at this moment.” Alpha Conners was quiet then said, “You know Alpha Chase. I will help you if I can. I’ll talk to Alpha Sophia if you’d like. I know your arrangement was supposed to be done by now.” I gaped, “How could you possibly know that?” Alpha Conners laughed, “I know a great many things. Just as I’ve known you have a little sister named Susie.” I said, “How long have you known?” Alpha Conners smugness came through the phone, “For five years.” I sighed, “Of course you have. I’ll let you know if you can help.” Alpha Conners turned serious, “See that you do.” I said, “I don’t want to cause you problems, Alpha Conners. Your mate doesn’t like me.” Alpha Conners sighed, “It’s not that she doesn't like you.” I laughed, “I was at her birthday. She doesn't like me.” Alpha Conners spoke, “It’s more about you than me.” I said, “I can’t see how that is possible.” Matt walked back in smiling, “I have to go. I apologize again for the interruption to your day.” Alpha Conners said, “Again, it wasn’t a problem. I hope she calls again. She’s pretty funny.” Alpha Conners hung up.