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The bastard had the nerve to chuckle as he helped me to a chair in the foyer. He slipped my simple flats on one at a time, his hands lingering on my bare legs as he gazed up at me.
A low whistle had my head snapping up as Elias stood with his sunglasses already on. The keys dangled from his fingers. “You know how Ma is about being late, Xavier. Let’s go.”
* * *
ELIAS
Less than two miles down the road, my cell rang through the speakers of the SUV. I pressed the green answer button as Ma’s picture flashed across the screen.
“Hey, Ma. We’re about ten minutes out.”
“Sweetie, Jonathan is here, and he wants to discuss something with you.” Her voice was slightly breathy as she spoke and my instincts went on full alert.
“Can you hand him the phone, please?” I bit back my temper.
“It’s about Bridget,” Jonathan said without preamble as he came on the line. “Get here and I’ll explain everything.”
“You’re the brains behind Dreamscape, aren’t you?” Surprisingly, Xavier kept the bite of venom out of his tone when he spoke. He didn’t care for Jonathan, despite suspecting him for being behind the organization that helped Alena escape Society.
Alena’s sharp gasp echoed through the vehicle. “I knew his voice sounded familiar,” she exclaimed and slapped her palm on her thigh. “I just thought it’s because you’re Elias’ cousin, but now I remember. You were the first person who spoke to me.”
“Once you get here, I’ll explain,” John repeated before the line went dead.
“Now it all makes sense.” I tightened my grip on the steering wheel in an all too familiar gesture of frustration. “We didn’t even have to explain much about Alena’s past with that asshole. He already knew it. And not just because he’d been working on Abbott’s case.”
Alena leaned forward and placed her hand on my shoulder. “What he’s doing is a good thing, Elias. A wonderful thing. We need to help him instead of being upset with him. I’m sure he had his reasons for not telling you sooner.”
Simon nodded. “She’s right, mate. We need to hear him out, and see what he knows about Bridget.” He already had his phone out and was typing away at it. “I had texted her a couple days ago to check in, but didn’t hear back. Just figured she was busy.”
We had rescued his ex-fiance from Society much like Jonathan did for Alena. “Do you know where she is?” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the frustration transform Simon’s face.
He shook his head. “No, we keep things vague so nothing can be tracked.”
I pulled into the familiar driveway and up to the front door. No one parked right in front of the house on the circular drive, and today I didn’t much care for manners. I wanted to know what Jonathan had to say.
Ma was already waiting outside, sitting on one of the wooden rocking chairs Dad had built for her. She rose to her feet, elegant as always. Soft blue eyes shone with worry, and dark blonde hair framed her face. A smile lit up her expression as I helped Alena from the SUV.
“It’s so good to finally meet you, sweetheart.” Instantly Ma wrapped Alena in a hug and the sight made me suck in a harsh breath. My throat was thick with emotion as Alena took in a deep shuddering breath.
“Don’t make her stand outside all day, Norah. Let’s get her inside,” Dad called out playfully. “Alan and I want to hug her too.”
Ma released Alena, but held her at arm’s length for a moment. She reached up and wiped her tears away. “You are family now, Alena. Anything you ever need, Alan, Grant and me are here for you.”
I wrapped an arm around Alena’s shoulders as fresh tears streamed down her face. “Way to go, Ma. Make her cry within two minutes of meeting her.”
We filed inside, Alena and I at the back to allow her a moment to gain composure. “You’re doing great, little one.” I kissed the top of her head.
“It’s just like you said.” Her voice was filled with wonder as she took in the house. Warm and inviting, Ma had perfected her home and made a safe place for anyone who entered. The scent of cinnamon and orange blossoms floated through the air, natural and enhanced by the scents of Ma, Dad, and Papa.
“Plan on dinner here, probably one a week.” I laughed.
“I don’t think I’d mind that at all.” My hand slid down her back to reach for hers. I twined our fingers together just before we rejoined the group.
Jonathan stood gazing out the window with a tumbler of amber liquid in one hand. His body was rigid, coiled, and ready to strike.
“Should we cut straight to the chase?” Simon asked as he made his way to the wet bar to prepare drinks.
“Might as well.” Jonathan let out a heavy sigh and ran the fingers of his free hand through his hair. “As you guessed, I’m one of the leaders behind Dreamscape. We provide support and assistance to omegas of Society that are being abused by alphas. Through a series of contacts we have in place throughout Society, we’ve been able to find those that have been abused the worst and get them out of their circumstances. Alena was one of those omegas.”
