Page 119 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“We’ll make it work. Whatever it takes.” A look of confusion crossed his face. “Wait. I thought as alpha, you couldn’t have another job outside the pack. Isn’t that against the rules or something?”
I leaned back against the pillows and smiled smugly. “I’ve been checking into the pack charters and paperwork, and from what I can tell, there isn’t anything that explicitly says I can’t.”
Kyler cocked an eyebrow. “Really? So, you’re saying you can still run the gym while being alpha?”
I smiled. “I wouldn’t be able to leave town often. It wouldn’t be safe to leave the pack without an alpha for long periods. That could leave us open to takeover challenges from other alphas.”
“But there’s nothing stopping you from owning the gym and working with your clients part-time?” Kyler asked.
“Exactly. And because you’d be taking on so much more responsibility, I want you to come in as a partner rather than just my employee.”
Kyler’s eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. “Partner? You serious?”
“Absolutely. You’ve been by my side through everything, Ky. I couldn’t do this without you, and I want you to have a stake in the gym’s success.”
As the words left my mouth, I realized just how much I meant them. Kyler had been more than just a friend and manager. He had been a constant source of support. A pillar of strength when I’d needed it most.
Before Kyler could reply, I held up a hand. “But before we make anything official, I need to speak with the accountants and attorneys first. And it’s important that you consult with someone you trust before making any decisions. I’ll get a contract drawn up, and if you’re still happy, then we can talk.”
Kyler’s grin widened as he punched me in the shoulder. I instinctively brought my hands up, pulling on the stitches in my side and groaning in pain.
“Just because you’ve got a decent southpaw,” I said through gritted teeth, “doesn’t mean your kids will be better in the bout. Mine will wipe the floor with them.”
Kyler laughed. “Sorry, man. Got a bit carried away there. But seriously, I think we’ll make great partners. I’ve got some ideas for the gym, but I’ll wait until I see the paperwork. Wouldn’t want to be cheated by a sore loser.” He chuckled. “Pun intended.”
His laughter faded. “Listen, Noah, I meant what I said. If you ever need to talk, or if you think it would be helpful for Ro to speak to someone who’s been in a similar situation, I’m here for you. I’ve always got your back, and I’d be happy to talk to the kid.”
Kyler’s words struck a chord within me, and gratitude surged up inside me. He understood the challenges I faced. Not just as an alpha, but as a man trying to protect those he loved.
“Watching your mom getting knocked around isn’t easy,” he said. “It’s not something men talk about. We tend to stuff it down with the rest of our emotions—at least, that’s the way it is with humans. Maybe shifters are different, but either way, if you or Ro need me, I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thanks, Ky. That means a lot.”
We performed our signature handshake—a complex series of moves that had evolved over our years of friendship. As Kyler left the room, I leaned back against the pillows, the exhaustion of the day seeping into the very marrow of my bones.
The sterile scents of the hospital permeated my nostrils, making my head throb and my stomach churn. I longed for the comfort of my own bed, the familiar smells of home, but I had to endure this a little longer. The pain in my stomach flared, but I resisted the urge to call for more medication. I didn’t like the way the drugs clouded my mind and dulled my senses. It left me feeling disconnected from my own body.
As I closed my eyes, my thoughts drifted to Zoey and Roland. I had been so focused on protecting them that I’d failed to consider the impact of their trauma from Roland’s perspective. The idea of a father raising a hand against the mother of his child was so foreign to me, so utterly unthinkable, that I struggled to wrap my mind around it.
Zoey had her therapist to help her work through the emotional scars George’s abuse had inflicted on her, but as faras l knew, Roland had yet to speak to anyone about what he had witnessed over the years. A sharp pang of guilt speared my heart for not addressing it sooner.
I made a mental note to continue mentoring Roland in the boxing ring. The kid had a natural talent, his footwork quick and his form impressive. Perhaps I could use our training sessions as a form of therapy, make the ring a safe space for him to process his emotions and build his confidence. And if he needed more support, I would talk to Zoey about finding him a professional to speak with.
Just as I was beginning to drift off, the sound of footsteps approached my bed. I cracked open an eye to see Chief Warman standing before me. Jesus, I was popular today.
“Noah,” he said, “I have all the statements I need. As a courtesy to you, being the pack’s alpha and all, I wanted to let you know that I’ll have a cop on Heather and Zoey at all times. They’ll be in plain clothes, keeping a low profile, but they’ll be there.”
“Thank you, Pete. I appreciate you looking out for them.”
Warman’s gaze held mine, a flicker of understanding passing between us. We both knew the lengths to which George might go to exact his revenge.
“I’m going to be blunt,” Peter said. “As the alpha, you need to step up your game in protecting your mate. She’s supposed to be under pack protection, isn’t she?”
His words were like a punch to the gut. I’d been getting shit from all sides lately, but he was right. I met his gaze, my resolve unwavering. “I can and will protect her. You have my word on that.”
His face brightened. “Glad to hear it. Make sure you do. That girl and her kid have been through the wringer. I’ve advised her to call that high-priced attorney you’re paying for, not that George James will pay a blind bit of notice. People like himalways think they’re above the law. Still, it’s good to have it in black and white. The more information we have on him, the better.” Warman’s expression grew grim. “Since Zoey came in for the restraining order, I’ve been digging into George James. I don’t like what I’ve found. Business competitors vanishing without a trace, a woman before Zoey who’s still alive but scared shitless at the mention of his name. She said he has cops, government officials, and judges in his pocket. I looked into her claims, and I’m certain she’s not lying.”
My heart sank. The depth of George’s corruption and influence was staggering. But Warman wasn’t finished.
