Page 130 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“There’s my boy. Ready for some epic adventures?” Sam ruffled Ro’s hair affectionately.
“You bet.” Ro pumped his fist in the air. “We’re gonna have the best time ever.”
As they headed for the door, Ro suddenly spun around. “Wait. Where are you going? Why can’t I come with you?”
I crouched in front of him and tucked a stray curl behind his ear. “Remember, sweetie? I told you earlier that I’m going to my self-defense class, then seeing Noah tonight.”
Ro’s bottom lip jutted out in a pout. “But I wanna see Noah, too. He promised to teach me some cool new boxing moves.What if Noah says I can’t be a boxer or be in his pack anymore, Mom? Will I always have to hear Dad talking in my head?”
My heart clenched at the fear in his eyes. “Noah would never do that, Ro. If he says George can’t communicate with you like that anymore once you’re fully part of the pack, he means it.”
Seeking confirmation, I glanced at Sam, who nodded. The grip of fear that had taken hold of my heart lessened. George wouldn’t be able to manipulate Ro.
I squeezed his shoulder. “I promise I’ll talk to Noah about setting up your next lesson. But tonight, it’s just going to be the grown-ups, okay?”
Ro kicked at the floor, his shoulders slumping. “Okay, I guess.”
Sam clapped a hand on Ro’s back. “Hey, champ. What do you say we swing by the ice cream shop on the way home? I hear they’ve got a new flavor that’ll knock your socks off.”
Ro’s face instantly brightened. “Really? Can we, Mom? Please?”
I laughed at his hopeful face. “Oh, all right. But just one scoop, you hear? I don’t want you bouncing off the walls all night.”
“You got it.” Ro grabbed Sam’s hand, practically dragging him out the door. “Let’s go, Grandpa, before all the ice cream melts.”
As their laughter faded down the walkway, I leaned against the doorframe, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips. Ro’s resilience never ceased to amaze me. If only I could bounce back so easily from life’s curveballs.
But dwelling on the past wouldn’t change it. All I could do was keep moving forward, one day at a time. And right now, that meant facing the man who made my heart race and my palms sweat.
Ready or not, Noah Alexander, here I come.
“Mom, wait!” Ro stopped me just as I was about to head out the door. He ran back to me. “Your guards are going with you, right? They’ll keep you safe?”
I gave him a side hug. “Yes, honey. They’ll be with me the whole time.”
Ro’s bottom lip trembled. “But... it didn’t matter before. Dad still got through Noah’s guards. What if he tries again?”
How could I reassure him when I was just as terrified about that? I pulled him into a tight hug, fighting back my own tears. “I know, baby. But this time, I’ll have the human police with me, too. They’re armed and trained to handle situations like this.”
Ro sniffled against my shoulder. “Promise you’ll come back?”
“I promise.” I held him tighter, silently praying I could keep my word.
After a long moment, Ro pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed but determined. “Okay. I trust you.”
I smiled as I brushed his hair back from his forehead. “That’s my brave boy. Now, go have fun with Grandpa Sam. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Ro gave me one last hug before running off to join Sam. I watched them drive away, then headed back upstairs to get ready.
In my bedroom, I stared at my open closet. What should I wear to the gym tonight? Casual, smart, or sexy? I shuffled through the hangers. Maybe jeans and a nice top, something that would complement my coloring. I pulled out my favorite pair of dark-wash jeans and a purple silk shirt. That should do it. Not too casual, not overly dressy.
I changed into the outfit and checked myself in the mirror. The shirt draped nicely over my curves without being too revealing. Satisfied, I grabbed my packed gym bag and headed downstairs.
The doorbell rang just as I reached the bottom step.Who could that be?The shifter and police guards were already stationed outside. I opened the front door.
“Yes?” I gripped the door, peering at them cautiously.
“Ms. Lester?” a tall, muscular, somewhat familiar man asked. “I’m not sure you remember us? I’m Mike Cortada, and this is Lance.” He gestured to the slightly shorter but equally burly man beside him.
