Page 107 of Knot The Only Onee

"You realize that I can't just let you go walking into the snake pit, right?"

For being such a big, scary dude, he was fiercely protective. Or at least that's what Alena said. And what I'd observed.

"I don't have any other choice." I threw my hands up in the air. "I don't want to put anyone else in danger."

"Good thing for you, I'm not anyone." His lips tilted up into a grin, and my brow furrowed. He looked strange when he smiled.

"Wipe that insane smile off your face. You're scaring her." Alena shook her head and slapped his chest again.

Xavier grasped her wrist, his hand massive compared to hers, and brought her fingers to his lips. He nibbled on the tips before letting her go. "I have a special set of skills and can remain unseen."

"Are you like Liam Neeson or something?" I snorted.

He shrugged as Alena rolled her eyes. "Something like that."

"He means to say he used to get paid a lot of money to sneak around and hurt very bad people." Alena wrapped her arms around his middle and rested her head against his chest. She gazed up at him, love sparkling in her eyes. I imagined it was the same way I looked at Noah, or James, or Lucas. "You'll protect her? Make sure the bad guys pay?"

"Always, princess." He kissed her forehead then turned to me. "Meet me out here after dinner. Alena, baby, can you distract the boys so they won't notice anything for a few hours?"

"Yep." Her head bobbed up and down. "Leave it to me."

His head tilted in my direction. "Guess we're taking a trip to Chi-Town."

CHAPTER51

Bridget

Istood next to the bed, biting on a knuckle to keep from bursting into sobs. James, Lucas, and Noah slept peacefully. Noah curled around Lucas’ back, and James pressed into his front.

I still wasn't sure how I extracted myself from between them, but here I was.

And I couldn't blow it by bursting into sobs now.

I blew them a kiss, carefully adjusted my backpack further up my shoulder, and quietly left the room.

With Alena in his arms, Xavier was waiting for me, their soft murmurs welcoming me. I took a moment to exhale and wipe the tears from my eyes before I stepped into their view. "You aren't going, Alena," Xavier growled as he peered down at her.

I nodded. "No way. You're staying here with the rest of your guys." I didn't even want Xavier going, but I only acquiesced so they wouldn't rat me out.

Even in the dim light, I could see the tears gathering in Alena's eyes as she shook her head. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she drew away from Xavier. "You have to stay here. Remember, we talked about this already. Xavier will stay far away, observe from a long distance, and only take action if someone else is in danger." I cut my eyes to him, and he nodded reluctantly.

He may be a monster of an alpha, but he didn't want to see me hurt. I could feel it in my heart.

Not to mention, Alena would probably be upset if something happened to me as well.

"I don't like this." Alena crossed her arms over her chest.

I didn't either, but we all did what we had to to save the ones we loved.

Xavier kissed Alena deeply, then pointed her back in the direction of their cabin and swatted her butt. “Love you, Princess. I’ll be back before you know it.”

Fifteen minutes later, I buckled my seatbelt on Elias' private plane with my foot tapping up and down in a rapid yet steady rhythm. I fidgeted as Xavier spoke with the pilot and then sat in the aisle across from me. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you," he said with a quick glance in my direction.

"Thank you," I managed to get out in response but dipped my head to hide the emotions transforming my face.

"I know you probably think I'm scary as fuck, which I am, but I'd never hurt an innocent omega." Xavier took a quick drink from the glass the attendant handed him before. "Plus, you're part of the family."

Family.