Page 89 of Big Bad Bully
“Even if it cost us?”
“Even then. That’s the lesson fate taught me when I met Madi. No matter what, your mate always comes first.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Billy
The next morning, Sully gives us the all-clear, security wise. The bridal party heads into the city center because the females–mostly Brick’s sisters, Ruby and Scarlett–want to do some luxury shopping. I would opt out to preserve my manhood, but my wolf doesn’t want Aubrey to go unescorted.
My assistant, Annabeth, did a great job with the logistics, and she somehow arranged a bullet-proof limo driven by one of Sully’s top security wolves, and we pile in. Scarlett pours champagne for everyone.
On the way, Aubrey’s phone rings. She glances at the screen and frowns. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.”
Through the phone, I hear the tinny voice of a panicked female. “Aubrey! Yesterday I got home, and my computer was gone. My apartment had been broken into, and they ransacked the place.”
I frown as Aubrey goes rigid.
“Did you call the cops?” she asks.
“No! Are you kidding? This isn’t a normal break-in. It’s Sentience! I told you someone was watching me! I’m in hiding. I don’t know if you’re in danger, but I wanted to give you a heads-up. Tell Jan, too.”
The scent of fear that comes from Aubrey turns my wolf ferocious. Everyone in the limo notes the change and focuses on Aubrey.
“I’m so sorry I got you involved in this–” the person on the other line is babbling.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Aubrey soothes. “I’ll be careful and will make sure Jan is too. We’ll be okay. Let me know when you’re somewhere safe.”
“What is it?” Madi asks.
Aubrey hesitates then shakes her head and forces a smile, clearly not wanting to ruin the festive atmosphere. “It’s nothing–just, um, someone I know had their house broken into.”
It’s clearly not nothing, but I let it go until I help her out of the limo, and we can talk in private. She doesn’t want to disturb Madi’s weekend, and I respect that. We’re at a group of luxury shops located in an outdoor courtyard with fountains and gardens.
The group scatters, agreeing to meet back up in a couple of hours.
“What happened?” I escort Aubrey away from the others. “That had to do with the Sentience espionage, right?”
She swallows. I hate the edge of fear I see behind her normally confident expression. “The Sentience whistle-blower had her place tossed. She told me before she thought someone was following her. That’s why I freaked out that night you were trailing me in your car.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry I scared you.”
She gives her head a quick shake. “No, don’t be. I just…”
“I’ll have someone check on your place and keep an eye on it while we’re gone. Who’s Jan?”
She gives me a surprised look, and I realize I revealed too much. I shouldn’t have heard her conversation over the music playing in the limo.
I play it off with a shrug. “I overheard. You were right next to me.”
“Jan is my lawyer friend. She and her partner own La Résistance, where I work. She might take the case if we get enough evidence.”
“Do you want me to put security on her as well?”
Aubrey’s eyes go round, but her body relaxes. I’ve given her relief. “You would do that?”
“Absolutely.” I dial Grayson, our front door guy. He’s one of Sully’s security team members, but he’ll answer to me as pack beta. “Call Jan and let her know,” I say to Aubrey.
We both have brief conversations, and I text Aubrey and Jan’s addresses to Grayson.
