The Married Alpha and His Arrow

Bull's Eye Pt. 3

       I wanted to get his take, “And… the lieutenant.” Ted frowned, “He’s not happy.” I said, “I guess it does make Sally work some more.” Ted’s gaze sharpened, “That’s what odd. He HAPPY of course because Sally is so happy. He says he’s angry about the missions this will set you back.” I frowned, “I’m still taking missions.” Ted shrugged, “He wanted on the Colliers’s mission.” I said, “I don’t do missions longer than six months. That’s a two-year mission, minimum.” Ted said, “I know. It’s been weird all around.” I said, “Weird how?” Ted said, “Noah is pissy. Heath doesn’t understand his problem. You’ve been doing missions since you were fifteen. Everyone knows you deserve a break.” I snorted, “The lieutenant has always been about his numbers and reports.” Ted said, “Yes… he has.” I said, “You have that look. What’s the gossip?” Ted said, “The gossip is he thinks you're unfocused and this will scatter you further. He worries everything you built for your hood name will be destroyed. That he hurt you so badly, you’re finally lashing out at the hood itself.” Anger seeped into my bones, “HOW DARE HE! I have given EVERYTHING to the hood. TO MY BROTHER!” Ted said, “Everyone knows that. Only a few believe he could be right, and that’s because they know how badly he hurt you. Most people are telling him he’s overreacting. Which is making him behave more irrationally. I don’t think he’s used to people not believing he is right.” I said, “He’s not. Noah is usually right. Or I used to think so anyway.” Ted laughed, “No one is perfect, girl. Least of all that man.” I turned to him in surprise. Ted laughed again, “Do you think I’d ever side with anyone who hurt my girl? You’re my best friend Lex. You’ve never cared that I’m into men. You even beat the crap out of the boys in grade school when I wore a dress and they said I couldn’t. You’re always everyone’s champion. Noah can suck a d**k. No one hurts my girl and gets me in the breakup. Forever on your side Lex.” I smiled, “I love you, Ted.” Ted smiled. “I know.” 

       Sally came back by when work ended. I told Ted he was welcome to stay at Haley’s. He smirked, “And miss Noah losing his s**t about his string and his ex’s sleepover at the Princess, who hates all things Noah, house? Hell to the f**k no bitches. TeleTed is out. I’ll report all at the run throughs bright and early.” Sally couldn’t hide her laugh. We got to Haley’s in record time. Haley was in love with Sally the moment she saw her. I was right too. Haley was on a Noah tirade. Sally actually laughed the whole evening. Haley said, “You missed the first girl gang of bad asses day Sally, but the next one; you're in!” I laughed and explained Haley’s badass girl gang to Sally. Sally nodded, “Heck yes, I am in!” Haley giggled, “PERFECT! Team let’s get Sally a better f*****g man!” Sally was in stitches laughing. I was worried. I hadn’t seen her this happy in over three years now that I’d thought about it.

       The next morning I woke up to Haley and Ted arguing. Ted said, “I have a message for you.” I said, “Oh?” Haley said, “THE f**k he does! You so much as attempt to give her that message, and I’ll break BOTH your legs. Then have a tree hang you in the air for HOURS!” One of her sons popped to her. She smiled at him, “Good morning EJ.” The baby cooed at her. I said, “Ted, what is it?” Alpha Jackson Conners came into the room. Ted instantly shrank back. Haley said, “Yeah, Ted. What is it?” Ted sighed, “You have a mission after this event. The Princesses' feelings about Noah were not exaggerated. In the slightest.” I looked at Haley then laughed, “I know that’s not the whole message, but Thank you Ted. I’ll get the details from Heath afterwards.” Ted nodded. Sally came down whistling, “Let’s get to work.” Alpha Jackson Conners raised an eyebrow. Ted took off after Sally, “She looks well rested for someone who is mated. I don’t recognize that type of mark that she bares, but I can’t sleep without my mate.” He came over to Haley and stood beside her, “My brother is quite put out you were gone when he woke up.” Haley smiled, “I had to handle an asshole problem.” 

        I frowned, “You love Ted.” Haley said, “Not that asshole.” I sighed. Noah. “Tell me he didn’t come here.” Haley smiled, “He knows better.” Alpha Jackson Conners said, “Who knows better, Haley? Do we have a problem?” I said, “My ex. Sally’s uhh…” Haley said, “Mate. He doesn’t deserve her. I love her, and he’s the f*****g worst. We are on the lookout Jackson. Team better mate for Super Sally.” Alpha Jackson Conners stared at his sister-in-law in surprise, “You dislike him that much Haley?” Haley said, “He's a rotten troll ass that doesn’t deserve anyone half as good as Sally, or my girl Lexi. No, No, he doesn’t deserve a f*****g quarter of their awesomeness.” Alpha Jackson laughed, “I’m surprised he’s still breathing.” Haley said, “I swore… he wouldn’t die by my hand UNLESS he becomes a f*****g problem. I just know he’s going to be a f*****g problem one day. Then… I WILL kill his f*****g petty, vindicative, jealous ass.”  Alpha Jackson laughed, “I have no doubt you will do just that. Should he enter my brother’s territory I can’t imagine he’d live long given how you feel.” I laughed, “Noah knows that.” Alpha Jackson smiled, “Good. Haley, Eric wants to see you.” She gave me a hug and popped away. Haley had snapped Sally into a wine-colored A line cocktail dress. I had Haley snap me a black lace top dress with a satin bottom. Sally smiled, “I haven’t felt this good in years.” I smiled, “You know what… neither have I. I get satisfaction from missions, but this… We did this Sally.” She squealed. “We did. I have provided food for all these partial fairies.” Sally and I mingled. 

         I laughed when Haley introduced a partial fairy male to Sally. Haley came over smirking. “She has no idea what to do with that.” Haley smiled, “His name is Oscar. He likes her.” I laughed, “She’s taken.” Haley said, “Is she though? I think that’s debate. She’s flirting back. I would run the other way if someone was like that with me.” I held in my snort, but someone behind me didn’t. I turned to see Alpha Jackson again. “Seriously sister-in-law of mine? You would have no clue you were being flirted with.” Haley rolled her eyes, “Ignore him Lexi. These people think everyone is interested in me.” I laughed, “Of course they are. You are amazing.” Haley smiled, “Aww you just say that cause we are friends.” Jackson muttered, “We say it because it’s the f*****g truth.” Oscar conjured flowers for Sally. She blushed so hard. I sighed, “I wish Noah could give her this.” Haley snorted, “Narcist assholes like Noah aren’t capable of this. Have no fear. I will wear everyone the f**k down, and we will get Super Sally a better person.” The event was a smashing success. When I was leaving, I was planning on going back to my cottage. Instead Ted handed me an envelope. I sighed. This is what our missions were in. 

       “Your plane leaves in two hours.” Ted said tightly, “You CANNOT be serious! I haven’t even been debriefed!” I said. Ted said, “It’s an urgent request, and the lieutenant felt you’d had enough time to ‘play.’” He put it in air quotes. Anger filled me, “You tell the lieutenant I said he can go STRAIGHT to hell. Do you know what my mission is?” Ted nodded, “Demons again.” I gaped, “Seriously? After the last fiasco where Haley had to come in because I went dark after I said I was f*****g GOING DARK?!” Ted said, “Glad we are on the same page. You’re traveling as Debbie Lyons.” I said, “Why do I know that name?” Ted shrugged, “I don’t know. It’s not an alias you’ve used before. Everything has to be new for this one.” I pulled out everything, “Alright.” My I.D. was there with my face and name. Something was tugged at my mind. I knew the name Debbie Lyons. I shoved that aside. I barely made my plane. I immersed myself in the packet. Debbie Lyons was a college student. Easy enough. She had just moved from Detroit. Ironic. Not very original, Noah. Detroit Lions is their football team so I’m Debbie Lyons. Seriously? What is his game with this mission?

       When I landed my rental car was waiting. I pulled up to the apartment complex I’d be staying in. I hadn’t even been there an hour when a knock came on my door. I answered recognizing the Demon immediately, “Hello, you are our new intern, the college student Debbie Lyons?” I nodded, “Yes, I am.” she nodded, “Let’s go.” I frowned that seemed odd. I wasn't getting a good feeling. I went to the office and was introduced to everyone. I met my boss, and they had me start copying files. My mission was to get a flash drive download of their hardware. That was going to be hard since I was in the file room on the opposite side of the damn building from the main frame. Despite that I’d made it through to the weekend. I’d been sending updates to my brother. I’d only been to the office twice. I hadn’t gotten the intel we needed. These demons didn’t trust me. That much was clear. They were standoffish and didn’t want to talk to me.

         I told Heath something was off. He thought that I could salvage it. I sighed. Saturday night the same little demon girl knocked on my door. “We are having an office party. The boss wants you there.” I sighed, “You’re having an office party… On a Saturday night.” The demon girl just nodded. I frowned, “Alright. Let me grab my stuff.” The demon frowned, “Hurry up. I’m missing the party.” I closed the door. I sent my brother a text indicating I was walking into a trap. He was going to mobilize our people to stand by. I left my apartment and ended up in the warehouse district. “You have office parties out here?” The demon girl laughed, “Where else can demons let loose.” She handed me a bottle of water. I opened it and the instant it hit my tongue I knew something was off. I began to feel weightless. I managed to send my SOS out to my brother. I fell out of the car trying to get away. The demon laughed, “She’s down boys. So, Debbie Lyons. Who are you really?” I said, “You’re making a mistake. I am Debbie Lyons.” The demon laughed, “Debbie Lyons is the mother of Alpha Lucas Lyons. Former Luna of the Blue moon pack. You’re not a wolf. Who are you?” f**k! That’s how I knew her name. I’d just spent time with Lacy Lyons. Debbie was her mother! Emmaline’s soon to be mother-in-law. How could Noah be so careless and stupid?!

        I snorted, “Seriously? This is because I have the same name as someone else? You are making a mistake. I AM Debbie Lyons, but obviously not the wolf Debbie Lyons. People have been known to have the same name before this you know?” The demons laughed, “You will tell us.” I tried to move my hand, but I couldn’t move. Tears pricked my eyes. This was going to hurt. Heath couldn’t get people here in time. Damn it Lexi! You know better than to drink water in a situation that’s off. Two men laid me out on the ground.  There were ten people here. This was not going to be good. I couldn’t close my eyes even in my terror. I couldn’t look away. I heard a pop and was simultaneously relieved and horrified. 

         Haley screamed and popped on top of me. “Haley no!” I screamed. She took a baseball bat to the head. I cringed, “Haley I’m alright.” Haley hissed as she took several shots to the ribs simultaneously. I heard her ribs cracked. Tears pricked my eyes. I was supposed to protect her, not the other way around. “Why can’t you move? Are you hurt badly? I can’t sense that your spine is injured.” Haley managed to ask. I said, “Drugged.” Haley seemed to calm down. She called the wind, and the demons were scattered. “YOU f****d UP ASSHOLES ARE f*****g IN FOR IT!” Haley screamed. She took their air. All ten of them. I had never seen Haley take that many people’s air at once. Demons were harder for her to pin down than others. She called her swords to her and cut the demon in half that had hit her with a baseball bat. She ran back over to me. Everyone was dead. Even for Haley, that was impressively quick. A euphoric sense came over me, and I realized that Haley was healing me. My eyes snapped open several moments later. I sat up, “Haley? Are you alright?” Haley smiled, “I’m glad you’re ok.” I said, “They hurt you. I heard your ribs crack. Did you heal yourself?” Haley said, “No, I’ll pop you home then get myself something to eat in my home. If we have luck on our side, Eric has not realized I am not home. This will be a doozy to explain, but if he’s been searching for me. He’ll be angrier. He hasn’t linked me though, so odds are he has not noticed.” I sighed, “Heath called you?” Haley nodded, “I’d have kicked his ass if he didn’t. Let’s get you home.” 

       Haley popped me into Heath’s house. He was pacing. Noah was right there beside him. Both of them looked haggard. Heath ran to me as did Noah. Haley called the wind and threw Noah into a wall. “f*****g try it again, troll.” Noah sat up rubbing his ribs, “I was worried about her.” Haley glared at him, “Trolls don’t get to f*****g worry about the beautiful fair maidens. Lexi, you good here? I can force him outside.” I said, “I’m fine Haley.” She gave me a hug, “Call me later this week. Let’s do lunch or something.” I smiled, “Sounds good.” Haley popped away. Heath said, “What happened Lex?” I said, “My alias matched a werewolves name. A former Luna. They didn’t believe there were two of us.” Heath turned to Noah, “ARE YOU f*****g KIDDING ME NOAH?” Noah paled, “I’m…. I’m sorry. It was one of our alias’ Everything came together so fast. I … Lexi… I’m so sorry.”

        Sally was right. He was believable. I wanted to believe him, but right now I was too pissed. I’d have to think about it later whether this was some sick revenge plan or a genuine accident.  Heath said, “You could’ve gotten her KILLED Noah!” Noah said, “NO! No, I would never let Lexi get hurt. We had people heading to her. The Princess is just faster.” That I believed. Noah did have people ready to help me. I felt a little better than. Heath said, “We will talk about this later Noah.” Noah nodded. He paused at the door, “I am glad you’re ok, Lex.” I said, “It’s Lexi, Lieutenant.” Noah turned. His astonishment showed in his eyes with a hint of anger. He nodded to me then left. I stayed with Heath for several hours. I felt awful when I’d learned Haley had to pop to Emmaline and her friends to save one of their lives. Something bad had happened at their school dance. Emmaline was such a sweet soul. She was very pure despite what Haley had told me about her life. It seemed royal partial fairies never had an easy path in life. 

        Haley had to heal a wolf. One I’d even met at our girl gang day, and Now Bjourn was pissed off. Emmaline was texting me about what was going on. So I gave her as many details as I could. Haley was unconscious from saving a wolf so she couldn’t provide any. I was becoming more and more impressed by Haley. Normally, one healing was her limit. She was getting so much stronger. A portal opened in my brother’s living room, and a very pissed off Prince Bjourn Cambridge stepped through and stood before us. He said, “Lexi, I am glad you are alright.” Prince Bjourn’s gaze turned to my brother all sense of friendliness seeped out of his gaze, “Heath.” My brother nodded, “I did what you would have done for your own sister, Prince Bjourn.” Bjourn picked him up by the scruff of his shirt. “STOP sending my sister in situations blind. This isn’t even the first time this year you’ve done it. Watch yourself Heath. I like you, but I will NOT allow you to endanger my little sister. Are we clear?” Heath said, “I’d let you kill me a thousand times over to save Lexi, Prince Bjourn.” My eyes burned, “I’m sorry Bjourn.” Bjourn said, “This is not your fault. Heath, you’re on notice. If my sister gets one more f*****g bruise because of you this year, you will not like my next visit. I’ll even bring her wolf with me. Your sister can tell you how much he loves Haley.” He punched Heath in the face and left. I ran over to Heath, “Are you ok?” Heath sat up, “I’d have done the same if I was him. I just… I can’t let anything happen to Lex. I can’t believe Noah was so careless. With YOU of ALL people. It will NEVER happen again Lex. I promise. I’ll oversee all your aliases from now on.” I nodded, “It’s ok Heath. He should’ve done a better job. It’s not your fault.” 

       Heath pulled me into him, “You are all I have Lexi. I can’t lose you. Not you.” I said, “I’m here big brother, and I’m fine. Bjourn was serious, Heath. I don’t want you to get hurt either.” Heath said, “I know he was. So was I. I will die for you any day Lexi. I can’t lose you too.” He held me to him. “I was so scared. You’ve never used your SOS.” He started to cry. “I thought I’d lose you Lex before anyone could get there, and I can’t... I can’t lose you. You’re my baby sister. You’re all I have left.” I held onto him tightly, “I am fine, Heath. I’m not leaving you. I’m right here.” He sobbed into my hair. “I promised dad I would protect you. I failed you today.” I said, “You didn’t fail me Heath. Noah was hasty and sloppy. It happens. We will make sure it doesn’t happen again. The demons weren’t going to kill me Heath. They wanted answers.” Heath said, “Bjourn said Haley had bruises.” I winced, “She popped to me. She shielded me, and they hit her instead of me. Once she calmed down, and realized I was alright she kicked their ass. Her powers have to be growing. Maybe it’s being with her mate, but she’s more lethal than before.” Heath said, “I don’t care what the reason is, I’m just glad you’re ok.” I decided to stay with Heath for the night. He needed me close by. Raphael texted. He wanted to meet up. It was his last night here. I sent him my regrets. I told him what happened, and that I couldn’t leave my brother. He understood. I was sad I wouldn’t get to see him before he left, but we both knew this thing between us had a time limit.

        I heard heath crying in his room. I walked into his room and slept in his bed like we did when we were children after our parents died. He apologized profusely. I kept telling him it wasn’t his fault. He disagreed saying as our leader it was his job to make sure people didn’t half ass their jobs. He was gone when I woke up. He left me note saying breakfast was in the fridge, and to come see him before I left. I ate quickly and ran to my brother’s office. Noah was thankfully nowhere to be seen. Heath smiled as I walked in, “How are you doing?” I said, “I’m fine. Haley healed me before we came back.” Heath nodded, “I want you to take a break on missions. I know you just had a break to set up your business, but I don’t care. I’ll have a mission for you around Halloween. It was going to be sooner, but I need to make sure everything is in line for it. I know it’s not fair, but I need time too. I have never been more afraid than when you sent me your SOS. I can’t send you out right now. I’m sorry.” I hugged Heath. “It’s fine. I’ll just focus on my events. Ted will be thrilled.” Heath searched my eyes, “You really aren’t mad?” I shrugged, “If I didn’t have my business, I probably would be. Honestly Heath, this will be a good break for me. I can grow my client base and give it my full attention.” Heath said, “You could look for your string.” Sally’s warning flashed in my mind. “I don’t know Heath. I want to focus on Bull’s eye right now.” Heath smiled, “That name is still funny every time I hear it. I know I lost mine Lex, but having a string is amazing. I want that for you.” I said, “You should look for your second chance string then Heath. I know you’d get one.” Heath sighed, “You know I want to find out who killed our parents. I just don’t have time right now.” I smiled, “We are quite the busy pair, big brother.” Heath smiled, “That we are.” I stayed and ate lunch with Heath before I left.

        Ted and I worked really hard to grow our business together. I was constantly in meetings. I was in Haley’s area Wednesday night, but she had her fairy training session. She wanted me to stop by, but I was too tired. I had just left a meeting with the new vampire King, Arthur.  Haley had given him my name. I’d seen a few vampires I wouldn’t mind tangling in the sheet with. I’d even gotten one’s number. I might need a round with a vampire since Raphael had left town if I needed to blow off some steam. I was about to walk into the hotel when the scent of sandalwood hit me. I whirled. It was so strong. I looked around, but I saw nothing. My body propelled me towards the tree line. My heart was racing. There was nothing here though besides me. I sighed, “What is wrong with me?” I heard a rustling and whirled, but again found nothing. “Get it together Lexi. There’s no here.” I sighed and walked back to the hotel. My body was practically revolting. It was an actual effort to walk away. 

        Ted was waiting for me inside my office, “How was the meeting with the King? I saw your notes. Looks like he will be a good client. He trusts the Princess, and he wants to work with another supernatural. Right now, we are the only one that fits that bill. Sure other supernatural planners are in the market, but none with the Princess Haley stamp of approval.” Ted stopped to study me, “Why are you flushed? Are you ok?” My mouth was dry, “I just need some water.” Ted nodded. I clutched the water to me tightly. “I’m fine. Yes, I think King Arthur will be a great client. It will give us great exposure to the vampire community at large. He’s hosting a party to celebrate his reign here in Tennessee with the other Kings and Queen in the surrounding area. He’s trying to secure alliances.” Ted nodded, “We can work with that.” I nodded, “Let’s get to work Ted.” We worked on several ideas for the King’s party. Once I had two solid proposals for the King to choose from, I sent them over with my standard contact. Feeling satisfied I told Ted we could head home for the night. When I got in my car. I could feel eyes on me. I smirked. Whoever it was, they were going to find out how good of an evasive driver I was. It took men ten minutes, but I shook them. I made it my cottage and got inside. I had no idea what was going on today. A part of me knew I should report it, but the other half of me; the louder half, was worried Noah would use it to try and stop me keeping up my business. I sighed and got ready for bed. Noah was not going to take one more damn thing from me. I’d just be vigilant and lose any tails.