Page 12 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Always,” Sam affirmed with a nod. “You’re home, Zoey. You’re home.”
Heather prepared tea for the adults and a decadent hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows and whipped cream for Roland. Settled comfortably on the worn armchair in her living room, I shared some of the routes we’d taken over the last week to keep George off our backs. Then, Heather and Sam updated me on their lives over the last five years. I appreciated the fact that both refrained from peppering me with questions in front of Ro. He’d witnessed enough without having to hear about it, too.
Ro yawned widely, his eyelids drooping. While we’d been talking, he’d been completely absorbed in the Lego set Heather had bought him, but the exhaustion from traveling was taking its toll.
“Can you show me where we’re sleeping, Heather?” I asked. “I think it’s bedtime for Ro-Ro.”
“Mom,” Ro growled, his cheeks flaming at the nickname. I didn’t miss his use of “Mom” instead of “Mommy.” He was growing up so fast. I hoped I’d gotten him away from George’s influence before it could taint my son.
“I’d best be off. I’ll see you tomorrow, right, Ro?” Sam asked as he stood.
Ro glanced at me first, and I nodded. Sam was a good man. The best.
Ro approached Sam with his hand held out, his face set with courage. “Thanks for helping us, Mr. Sam, sir,” Ro said. He’d paid less attention to the Legos than I’d thought.
Sam took my son’s small hand in his and shook it. “Thank you for getting your mom here, Ro. You’re a good son.” He appeared to think for a moment, taking in Ro’s serious expression. “Why don’t you call me Grandpa Sam?”
“Okay, Grandpa Sam,” Roland said, trying it out. His voice echoed with a maturity that went well beyond his tender age of eight.
I blinked back tears and glanced at my sister, who was discreetly trying to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.
“Say goodnight to Grandpa Sam, Ro,” I prompted.
After we said goodnight to Sam, Heather led us upstairs to the room she had assigned Ro. It was cozy and inviting, with what appeared to be brand-new blue bedding and curtains.
Groggy with sleep, Roland mechanically brushed his teeth while I helped him into his pajamas. He was out before his head hit the pillow. I brushed his hair away from his face and placed a tender kiss on his forehead. Not wanting him to wake up in the dark, I left the light on in his en suite bathroom.
Closing the door quietly behind me, I took a cleansing breath. I braced myself for the impending conversation. Heather had aright to her questions, and I owed her the answers, but it didn’t make them any less humiliating.
I shook my head as anger surged inside me—anger at myself. Heather was my sister. She wasn’t going to judge me.
“Okay, all your bags are in the other guest room,” Heather said when I returned to the living room. She sat down and gestured for me to sit next to her on the couch, and her knee brushed against mine as I did.
“Thanks, Heather.” I barely recognized my hollow, strained voice.
“Zoey...” She worried her lower lip between her teeth. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
I nodded, pulling at a loose thread on the cushion. “It’s just... Mom went through so much before Sam came into our lives. My father was a real piece of work and crushed her spirit. She never truly recovered from it, and that damaged her relationship with Sam. I don’t think she’s ever trusted another man, keeping a distance to protect herself. I promised myself I’d never end up like that.”
“Hey.” Heather was firm. “You’re not to blame for George’s actions. You’re brave, Zoey. You got out. That’s what matters.”
“But is it enough?”
“Damn right it is,” Heather snapped, her green eyes blazing. “And George? He’s not getting anywhere near you or Roland again. Not on my watch.”
My attempt at a smile was feeble. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. I can’t even think straight, I’m so tired.” I sighed as I gathered the dirty cups.
Heather took the cup I was holding. “I’ll take care of the dishes later. You go to bed.” With melodramatic flair, she declared, “Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.”
Taking her at her word, I went upstairs, pulling my nightshirt out of my bag. In the bathroom, I went through the motions ofbrushing my teeth and changing my clothes. With a sigh of relief, I settled into bed and slipped into a deep slumber the moment my head hit the pillow.
The smellof coffee jolted me awake. I sat up in bed, heart pounding in my ears until I remembered where I was. I was in Boldercrest. I was safe. Once my heart rate slowed, Roland’s animated conversation with Heather reached my ears, and I smiled. So different than mornings with George, when we had to carefully assess his mood before taking any action or speaking any words. I dressed quickly and joined my son and sister downstairs.
Heather was standing at the table with a cup of coffee in front of her.
“Is there one of those for me?” I asked.
“Mommy!” Ro bounded over, a wide grin splitting his face. “Auntie Heather is teaching me how to make pancakes. I’ve eaten four, and I made one for Heather, and she ate it all up and said it was the best pancake she’d ever had. Do you want one, Mommy?”
