Page 102 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
But even as the words left my mouth, I heard George’s mocking laughter and the slam of a car door. Followed by the squeal of tires and the roar of the engine fading into the distance. Terror was etched on Ro’s face as he clung to the back seat, visible through the rear window.
I struggled to my feet, ignoring the searing pain in my gut. Zoey clung to my arm, her fingers digging into my skin. He was getting away. And he had taken Roland with him.
“He’s got Ro!” Zoey cried. “We have to go after them. We have to save my baby!”
I scanned the street for a vehicle. My mind raced, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I had to stay focused, had to push past the agony of my wounds.
Ro’s terrified face flashed through my mind, the boy I had come to love as my own. He was trapped in that car with George, crying out for his mother. For me.
“I’ll get him back, Zoey,” I growled. “I swear on my life, I won’t let that bastard hurt either of you ever again.”
Zoey’s hazel eyes met mine, a flicker of hope amidst the fear. She squeezed my hand tightly.
“I trust you. With everything I have, I trust you.”
Those words fueled me, gave me the strength to stagger toward Zoey’s abandoned car. I yanked open the driver’s door, thanking the gods that the keys were still in the ignition.
“Get in,” I told Zoey as I slid behind the wheel. “Call the police and tell them what’s happening. I’m going after George.”
Zoey scrambled into the passenger seat, already dialing 911 with shaking hands. I revved the engine, tires screeching as I peeled out onto the street.
George had a head start, but I’d be damned if I let him get away. Not with Ro’s life on the line. Not with Zoey counting on me.
I gripped the steering wheel, teeth clenched against the pain, and floored the gas pedal. The chase was on.
I sped down the road, my gaze locked on George’s taillights in the distance. Beside me, Zoey spoke rapid-fire into the phone, her words tumbling over each other as she relayed the situation to the 911 operator.
“He’s headed east out of town,” she said, her free hand gripping the door handle. “Please, you have to hurry. My son is in the car with him.”
Glancing over at Zoey, I saw the fear etched into every line of her face. I reached over and put my hand on her knee.
“We’ll get him back,” I promised, my words a fierce vow. “I won’t let George hurt Ro.”
Zoey met my gaze, her hazel eyes brimming with unshed tears. She swallowed hard.
“I know,” she whispered. “I know you’ll do everything you can.”
I turned my attention back to the road. We were gaining on George. In the back of my mind, my wolf stirred, eager to break free and hunt down the threat to our mate, to Ro. But I couldn’t shift again, not with the bullet still lodged in my gut. I had to rely on my human strength and wits to save Ro.
I gritted my teeth, ignoring the searing pain in my stomach. My focus narrowed to a single point: the car ahead of us and the precious cargo it carried.
I thought of Ro’s innocent face.Hang on, buddy.I’m coming for you. Just hold on a little longer.
Beside me, Zoey remained on the call with the police dispatcher, her fingers white-knuckled around the phone.
“They’re sending officers to intercept George,” she repeated. “But she said not to engage him ourselves. It’s too dangerous.”
I shook my head, a humorless laugh escaping my lips. “Too dangerous?” I growled. “I don’t give a damn about the danger. I’m not stopping until Ro is safe.”
“I know,” she murmured. “And I’m with you. Every step of the way.”
“Come on, come on.” I willed the car to go faster. Every second counted. Every moment Ro spent in George’s clutches was a moment too long.
Zoey’s ragged breathing filled the car, and my sharp hearing picked up on her pounding heart. I wanted to comfort her, but I couldn’t tear my focus away from the road ahead.
“What if he hurts Ro?” she asked, her voice quaking. “What if we’re too late?”
The same fears clawed at me, too, but I couldn’t let them take hold. “We won’t be too late. I won’t let that happen. I swear, I will bring him home.”
