Ezra's Second Chance

Rumors Heat Up

Ezra set the investigators of The Guard onto Aria's mate's trail. It wasn't a priority compared to Silverwater Pack things, but they were devoting some resources to it. After that, he went to see Bridgit. She was sitting at her desk in her room writing on papers. It looked like she'd been at it for awhile, judging by the stack next to her. The door had been standing open a bit so Ezra just pushed it open and knocked on the trim. Bridgit took the papers and shoved them into the desk drawer. "Can I help you?" she asked.

"Has your parole officer been by?"

"He has," she answered shortly.

"Good. How are you settling in?"

"I'm doing fine."

"Have you had any trouble with the people around here?"

"I eat alone, I walk alone, I'm in here alone. No, I have no trouble. No one talks to me at all, so how could they cause trouble?"

"I'm sorry you're lonely and things are hard," Ezra said and he meant it.

Bridgit sighed, "I have my parole meetings to look forward to. At least I get to talk to someone."

Ezra did feel a little bad for her, but he knew she did bring all of this on herself. He also saw this as an opportunity to get closer to her. If he was closer he'd have more chances to find out more about her. "I'll check in on you whenever I can, okay?"

She looked at him, surprised. "Why?"

"Because I don't want you to be lonely like this," he shrugged. "I don't have a big social life, so when I have free time I'll spend some of it with you. Is that okay?"

"Yeah... that's okay," she smiled at him. "Thank you."

"I'll leave you to it for now, have a good night."

She just smiled at him until he turned and left. He could hear her opening the drawer to pull those papers back out. There was no cameras in her living spaces. He'd have to try to gain access to her desk... however, if she mailed anything it would be intercepted.

Ezra was exhausted. He fell into bed ready to sleep. He felt spread way too thin over too many projects. He knew that his own doing, Aria wasn't his responsibility and promising to find her mate wasn't something he had to do. It was the absolute worst time to have his attention diversified. He couldn't just leave her in this state though. He didn't know why her mother wasn't sending anyone to find him. Perhaps because she didn't know how bad off her daughter was, she thought Aria was just depressed and needed time. That the bond bothered her, but wasn't that big of a deal. If only she knew... Seeing Aria in that much pain, watching her vomit from the pain. He needed to make sure that ended as quickly as possible. No wonder she was losing weight and looked exhausted all of the time. How often was her mate doing this? Was he doing it on purpose? He had to know that the intimacy and the mark Aria carried would cause her immense pain. Everyone knew that. So since it's probably he knows... why is he doing it? Ezra would find out before he beat the man's face in.

He was woken early by a summons to meet his boss. Ezra bounded out of bed, dressed and headed straight there. It was still dark out. When he arrived in Ransom's office the man sat alone with only a lamp on.

"You're here, good," he said.

Ezra took a seat, he was anxious.

"There were some confirmed movements from Silverwater Pack. The rumors are true. Intel tells us that the pack is very small, but I wouldn't assume they are weak. They can't launch a war, but that doesn't mean they can't cause damage. Their numbers could grow."

"I see," Ezra said. Still unsure why he was here.

"Bridgit may know something. We just got word that she was in contact with a member of the pack right after she was released. Nothing since then, but it is still concerning. I need you to step up your efforts here. Which brings me to my next point. This stuff about Aria... leave the Princess alone. She is not your concern."

Ezra's jaw twitched. "With all due respect, sir... She is not my concern, but she is a royal guest in perrel. It is my duty to see that she is taken care of, as a member of The Guard."

Ransom leaned back and sighed heavily. "Do you have feelings for her?"

Ezra thought for a moment. "Honestly sir, I don't know. I might have once, but this is all duty. The situation is worse than her mother knows."

Ranosm looked thoughtful. "This situation with the Silverwater Pack takes top priority. When it is settled, then you may pursue Aria's mate. Unless something more pressing comes up."

"Thank you sir." Ezra wasn't happy about that, but at least he wasn't commanded to stand down permanently.

"And Ezra?"

"Yes sir?"

"She is a princess. She will want to marry someone of her rank. You are the King's bodyguard, but you are still an Omega."