Page 127 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
More people chimed in, the majority expressing their agreement and appreciation for my honesty. Relief washed over me. My pack supported me, and I hadn’t been sure they would.
I raised my hands, signaling for quiet. They gradually settled, all eyes fixed on me.
“I understand your concerns. Believe me, I’ve considered them myself. But we can’t forget that human laws, as important as they are, can only go so far in dealing with our kind.” I chose my next words carefully. “Pack law exists for a reason. It gives us the flexibility to handle situations like this, to protect our own when the human world can’t. By working alongside the policewhile also following our own traditions, we can ensure that justice is served and our pack remains safe.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, and the tension began to dissipate. I caught sight of a few skeptical faces, but the majority seemed to understand this was a pack matter.
“I promise you, I will do everything in my power to keep everyone safe,” I said. “But I can’t do it alone. I need your support, your trust. I may be new to this position, but I am determined to earn the respect of each and every one of you to demonstrate that I am worthy of the alpha title. George has evaded all my attempts to issue a challenge and has tried to circumvent shifter law by resorting to guns instead of tooth and claw. I am no coward, and will face him alone if I have to, but if we confront this threat as a unified front, we will come out stronger and more resilient as a pack.”
As I looked out at the sea of faces, I saw determination and loyalty reflected back at me. In that moment, I knew I’d made the right choice in being honest with my pack. They deserved the truth, and in return, they gave me their unwavering support.
With a final nod, I smiled. “Thank you all for coming today. Your presence and your words mean more to me than you know. Let’s move forward as one pack, united in our purpose.”
As the last of the pack members filed out of the room, my father approached me. He stood before me, his shoulders slightly hunched, and I could see his emotions pressing down on him.
“Noah, I owe you an apology. I was wrong to doubt your judgment and question your decision to be honest with the pack.”
I stood there, stunned. In all my years, I had never heard my father admit to being wrong, especially not to me. I could see the sadness in his eyes, a look that I wasn’t accustomed to seeing on his usually stoic face.
“I shouldn’t have tried to undermine your authority,” he said. “You are the alpha now, and it’s time for me to step back and trust in your leadership.”
A lump formed in my throat as I listened to his words. For so long, I had yearned for his approval, for him to believe in me. And now, here he was, offering it freely.
“Thank you, Dad,” I said. “That means a lot to me.”
A flicker of a smile crossed his face. “I want to be a help to you, Noah, not a hindrance. I want to support you as you navigate this new role and the challenges that come with it.”
I clasped his shoulder. “I appreciate that, more than you know. I’m going to need your guidance and your wisdom. But I also need you to trust me, to believe in my ability to lead this pack.”
“I do, son,” he said. “I have faith in you, and I promise to do better in showing that faith.”
I gave my father a solemn nod. As he walked away, his shoulders squared with a newfound sense of purpose, my mother came over and wrapped her arms around me.
“You did great, Noah,” she whispered. “l knew you had it in you.”
I returned her hug, drawing strength from her unwavering support. “Thanks. It means a lot to have you in my corner.”
She pulled back, her hands resting on my shoulders as she smiled at me. “Always, my son. Always.”
With a final squeeze, she released me and caught up with my father. Hand in hand, they walked to the kitchen. Warmth spread through me as I watched them. I wanted that. That enduring love and partnership.
As I turned to head out to my car, Mike and Lance walked up to me.
“Alpha Noah,” Lance said. “We wanted to speak with you about Zoey’s protection detail.”
“Go on.”
Mike stepped forward. “We want to volunteer our services and personally ensure her safety until George is found and dealt with. Taking me out the way he did, leaving me for dead... he’s a fucking lunatic, and that lass won’t be safe until he’s been dealt with. I won’t let that bastard slip through again, Alpha. She’ll be safe with us.”
I considered their offer. Zoey’s safety was my top priority, and I knew Mike and Lance were two of the most trusted and capable pack members. George’s attack on Mike had apparently further fueled his commitment to keep Zoey protected.
“I appreciate your support and dedication,” I said. “I would be honored to have you both as Zoey’s personal guards.”
They nodded. “We won’t let you down, Alpha,” Mike said. “We’ll keep her safe, no matter what.”
As I shook their hands, sealing our agreement, I felt more relieved than I had in a long while. With Mike and Lance watching over Zoey, I could focus on the other pressing matters at hand. She’d be in good hands with them.
“Thank you, both of you,” I said. “Your loyalty and service to the pack, and to Zoey, will not be forgotten.”
