It was something I'd never had, and now that I'd experienced life with Noah, James, and Lucas, I never wanted to be without a family ever again. They taught me what it meant to be loved. The Rossi's had given me love in their own way, but I'd never felt like I was part of the group. But at Second Chance, I could finally be myself.
"You know we can always cancel or reschedule the flight and bring the guys with us." Xavier's head tilted to the side, his dark eyes flashing in the dim cabin light. It was as if he were trying to figure me out. See through to my soul and get a read on my intentions.
I shook my head. "No. What I'm doing is for the best."
My friend's mate nodded, not trying to talk me into or out of anything.
I greatly appreciated it because while I could remain strong right now, I didn't know how long I'd be able to stay that way if he threw things like logic in my face.
CHAPTER52
Xavier
Iobserved Bridget until she curled up in the chair and closed her eyes. Her breathing evened out, and I let out a relieved sigh as she drifted off to sleep.
I knew what I'd want to happen if it were my mate sitting in that chair.
I slid my phone out of my pocket and typed a text to Elias, Simon, and Noah.
Me: Bridget is with me on a plane to Chicago. We're going to confront her brother. Don't call, I'll give what details I can while she's asleep.
Simon: What the actual fuck Xavier? Why did you even let her go, much less help her?
Me: She would have gone anyway. At least she has me to help protect her in the meantime. Should I have let her go alone?
I could just imagine the scowl on Simon's face as he paced the the room.
Noah: Why would she confront her brother? We were going to come up with a plan.
Poor alpha had a lot to learn when it came to the selflessness of omegas. He would learn in time.
Who was I kidding? I was still learning after months of being with Alena.
Me: That's something you'll have to discuss as a pack. I'm just trying to protect her so my mate and friends don't get upset.
Simon: You're an asshole.
Elias: Don't let a hair on her head be harmed, or we're all in for it. I'll get with the guys and meet you there as soon as possible.
Leave it to Elias to be the calm one of the bunch and understand why I was doing this. He'd figure things out with Noah and call in another plane. We knew tons of people with barely used planes, and Elias tended to collect favors from people. He could call in a few of them in this instance.
The next hour ticked by as I pulled my laptop out and did surveillance work, trying to find Bridget's piece of shit brother. Jonathan may have said he was in the wind, but he didn't have my skills behind a keyboard.
After cross-referencing several of the douchewaffle's known aliases, I pinned him down to an AirBnB about an hour outside Chicago in an affluent suburb. He really was an arrogant asshole.
Which was why I was surprised Jonathan had yet to find him.
I fired off another text.
Me: Insert Google Maps coordinates.
Jonathan: What the fuck is this?
Me: Mike Aldridge's current location. I'm in the air about sixty minutes out. Don't do anything without me. I have his sister, and I've sworn to protect her.
Jonathan: Why do you have her?
Me: Long story. Do what you can from a distance and get whatever you can on the house and layout. Aldridge knows Bridget is coming. Once we land, she'll make contact and arrange a meeting. I'll be in touch.