Ezra's Second Chance

On a Mission

Ezra was set to be gone for a week. Officially, his orders were to set up some sort of correspondence with Bridgit. Unofficially, he was set on settling the mate business. If he couldn't keep things civil, he'd track her anyway.

First, he wanted some information from the King. He'd been waiting outside the King's office for two hours waiting to get a word with him. It seemed everyone needed the King today. Finally, he was called in. The King looked tired, but not unkind. "What can I do for you, Ezra?" he asked.

Ezra sat down and sighed heavily. "I'd like to know why you destroyed Bridgit's hometown over seafood trade. She told me you found a better price elsewhere and suddenly pulled trade. You were their biggest trade deal and their entire economy collapsed. That just doesn't sound like something you would do."

The King sat back and cross one ankle over his knee. "It's not something I would do, it's not something I did do. They were a port town and trade was their main source of income. On the outside anyway... Truth is, they were running a human trafficking scheme and the seafood trade was a cover. I don't think any of the real fishermen that supplied their fish knew, but the seafood coming in on ships? They were also carrying loads of humans. Crates and barrels running in and out around the clock... perfect cover. I gave them the opportunity to stop, straighten out and continue legitimate business, but I found out they had just buried the trafficking deeper. So I ended them. It was unfortunate for those who ended up displaced without an explanation, but the majority of the town knew what was happening," the King explained at length.

Ezra ran his hand through his hair. "What do wolves need humans for? We're self-sufficient and way stronger. What sort of thing could humans be doing that wolves can't do better?"

"Servants, or slaves rather. It's very frowned upon to have wolves as literal slaves. Sure, Omegas aren't treated well in every pack and do the grunt work often, but they are paid and have proper housing. Humans aren't even given a decent place to sleep. They're also used as punching bags, because abusing wolves is a very serious act. I won't stand for human mistreatment in my Kingdom."

"Do you think Bridgit knew?" Ezra asked.

"I don't know. She was young, so maybe not. There were some very young people involved, so it's no guarantee though," the King answered. He stood and poured two glasses of whiskey. "You'll have to ask her yourself," he said as he handed a glass to Ezra.

Ezra drained it in one go, thanked the King and left the office. His other order of business was to find Aria. He needed to tell her he'd be leaving. The gardens were always a good place to find her so he headed there first. Sure enough, he rounded a corner and saw her amongst the greenery and flowers. She wore a deep blue dress that seemed to float to the ground. Her black hair was pinned up in an elaborate updo. She held a delicate lily in her hand. She looked so small next to the big trees and hydrangea bushes. When her eyes met his she smiled. It almost reached her eyes this time. "What brings you to the gardens?" she asked.

Ezra nodded at the security guard who stood a few feet back. The man slightly retreated. "I have to be gone for a week. Official business," he said.

Her smile faded, but being a royal, she replaced it almost instantly. "Sorry to hear that," she said sweetly.

"If you need anything at all, you have your man call me okay?"

"Of course, I'll be sure to do that," she answered.

"And when I get back I expect to hear a full report on what happened between the King and your mother," Ezra winked.

Aria laughed lightly, the sound of it like silvery waterfalls. "I'll work my hardest to be their personal matchmaker," she said.

"They're in good hands with you." Ezra plucked a rose from a white rose tree and handed it to her, "keep this until I get back and think of me?"

Aria took it and sniffed it, "for you, of course."

Ezra didn't know why he did something so ridiculous and felt embarrassed, but no going back now. He bid her goodbye and watched her security guard rematerialize out of nothing.

Halfway through packing his bag his phone rang, he smiled when he picked it up. Alina, his sister.

"Hey little brother!" she said.

"I'm not so little anymore," he answered.

"Neither am I, your nephew has me as big as a barn," she laughed. She was expecting their second baby any day now. She'd married her chosen mate, Alexander, after they'd both been rejected by their fated mates.

"Any day now right?"

"I'm due in a week, but praying he comes any day now. Look, I called to ask how things were going. I know Bridgit is released..."

"How do you know that?" Ezra asked sharply.

"Because I can do basic math, calm down."

"Oh... sorry... umm, things are fine."

"Ezra Taylor don't you lie to me," she scolded.

"Okay, okay. Actually, she didn't accept my rejection and now she's getting busy. I'm about to leave to find her and fix this mess," Ezra answered. He grimaced as he waited for her response.

"Oh Ezra, please be careful? Don't get yourself mixed up in anything dangerous."

Ezra laughed, it seemed his sister would never fully wrap her mind around Ezra being the King's bodyguard and a member of The Royal Guard. Dangerous was his job description. "I'll be careful and stay out of trouble," he said soothingly.

"Keep me updated. If you need back up Alexander will have your back."

"He's about to become a father again, he can stay put."

"Ezra, if you need anything, call okay? Don't worry about anything, just call," she pleaded.

"Alina, I will. I'll be safe and I'll be fine. I'll update you when I can okay? Don't worry yourself straight into labor."

"Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing..." she laughed.

"You take care okay? Let me know the minute he's born!"

"I will, I love you baby brother," she said softly.

"I love you too." They ended the call and Ezra finished packing. He left that same day, he had not time to waste.