Ezra's Second Chance

Ezra had worked hard for years. He trained with the best of the best. Alpha's second sons, Betas, even Lycans were all trained here. They were looking to become part of the Royal Guard. The most elite force in the Kingdom. They protected the King, his guests, and would protect his family if he married. There had been a war meant to unseat the King and since then they'd become even more picky about who would make the Guard. Ezra was an Omega, the lowest of werewolves. He'd proved himself in war and had proved him in training. Now, he was the King's personal bodyguard. A decision that many he trained with didn't like. They saw themselves as more worthy, being better than a simple Omega. Ezra kept proving time and time again that he was the man for the job. That Omegas could do great things if they set their mind to it. The King had called Ezra to his office this spring morning. He sat at his desk, a massive piece of antique furniture, and raked his hands through his hair. When Ezra entered the King didn't look up. "Queen Margaret is coming for an extended visit," he sighed. Ezra sat up straight. Queen Margaret and her daughter had been here when Ezra first came. He'd met Aria, the princess at the ball following his ceremony to enter Guard training. "I thought when she'd left last time she was done with you... She left in the middle of the night unannounced," he said finally. "I thought so too. I've been punishing myself ever since. I was going to propose you know," The King answered. "I did not know." "I was... but I messed things up badly with her. She finally, all these years later, has agreed to come back. I want to make it right. She hasn't married and that has me hopeful. She must marry, her late husband and mate bled their accounts dry and landed them in debt. However, I won't marry her because she needs it and is too proud to accept help. I'll only marry for love." Ezra understood this. The King had a Queen once, his mate. She died many years ago giving birth. The baby, a son and heir, had died with her. Ezra cleared his throat, "I'm sure you want heightened security while she's hear. For her daughter as well if she's coming?" "Yes... and that's another thing. Why I called you hear really. Her daughter, princess Aria, has had some issues lately. She found her mate and was set to marry, however he cheated on her and disappeared without a trace. The bond is still intact and it plagues her. Queen Margaret says Aria is very depressed, she's worried for her mental state. So an extra man to keep an eye on her would be a good idea." "Yes, sir," Ezra answered. He was gutted when he heard about Aria. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She didn't deserve that treatment. Anger boiled within him. Who would treat such a sweet person so badly? He needed to clear his head. He didn't know why she got to him so much. "Anything else, sir?" "No, you are dismissed." Ezra left the room and went straight to the training grounds. Just entering the giant gym, with it's training ring in the center, calmed him. The smell of weights, leather and sweat was the scent of his happy place. He'd spent so many hours here carving his mind and body into what it was today. Proving his was more than "just" an Omega. He put up a punching bag and practiced MMA on it. He let his mind wander as he went through the motions. A royal guest meant everyone would be working a few more hours than normal. He would personally pick the man who would shadow Aria. She could be very vulnerable right now. He needed a man he trusted with his own life, who would give him detailed reports. If Aria needed any extra support, he wanted to know about it and provide it. Suddenly, a pain ripped through his chest. He fell to one knee, but quickly recovered. He stood up and cursed under his breath. "Bridgit..." He hadn't felt anything from the bond in all these years, but she was set for release any time now. His mate had been a spy during the war, causing excessive loss of life. She only turned to help them when she was found out and her side killed her mate. Ezra was not pleased to find he was her second chance mate, but he hoped for the best. When she showed no remorse for the crimes she'd committed and lives she'd cost he knew he couldn't be with her. She must've been released and found someone right away. They'd never slept together so the bond wasn't full power, but it could definitely still be felt. Did she do this on purpose? Was she playing him? What was her game here? Ezra knew he'd have to find out and put an end to it if he was to focus on his job.