Page 157 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Zoey let out a choked sob, burying her face in my chest as I wrapped my arms around her.
My mom leaned into my dad. “Remember when Noah and Nate first shifted?” she asked him. “Neither wanted to admit how much it hurt. They kept trying to one-up each other, acting all tough.”
A small smile tugged at my lips as I recalled that day. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Nate and I, always competing, even through the pain of our first shift.
Dad chuckled. “Oh, I remember it well. Nate shifted first, but then Noah outdid him, coming out so much bigger.”
I shook my head slightly in amusement. Leave it to Dad to point out how I’d ended up larger than Nate. Always keeping score, even with something neither of us could control.
“Yes,” my mom laughed. “Just like when they were born. Nate came first, but I certainly remember how much bigger Noah was. I’m the one who pushed those boys into the world, after all.”
Zoey’s quiet giggle joined Mom’s easy laughter. Despite the tension of the moment, Mom’s silly birthing story seemed to ease Zoey’s nerves. I was glad she could find a reason to smile right now.
Feeling Zoey relax helped settle my own roiling emotions. I drew in a deep breath, consciously releasing the tightness in my shoulders.
Ro woke up then, looking around at us with wide eyes and a shocked expression on his wolf’s face. He began to explore his new body. His dark fur was sleek and glossy, and his amber eyes shone with a mix of wonder and confusion. I could sense his wolf instincts taking over, urging him to run and play.
Dad stepped forward. He gently patted the young alpha, a low rumble of approval vibrating in his chest.
“You did well, Roland,” Dad said. “The first shift is always the hardest, but you handled it with courage and strength.”
Ro’s tail wagged at the praise, his posture straightening with pride. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. During my first shift, my father’s approval had meant everything to me.
As if reading my thoughts, Dad turned to me. “You’ve grown into a fine alpha. I’m proud of the way you’ve guided Ro through this.”
I swallowed hard, touched by my father’s rare display of affection. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
Dad shook his head. “You underestimate yourself, son. Your strength and compassion are what make you a great leader.”
I ducked my head as I felt heat creeping into my face. “Come on,” I said to Ro. “Let’s get you out back.”
Ro bounded off toward the back door, and the adults followed him. As Ro trotted around the yard, his tail held high, responsibility settled on my shoulders. This young alpha was looking to me for guidance, for support. And I was determined to be there for him every step of the way.
“Ro,” I called, catching his attention. “How about we go for a run? Let you stretch your new legs?”
Ro yipped eagerly, his body quivering with excitement. I chuckled, remembering the thrill of my own first run as a wolf.
“Stay close to me,” I said. “Your senses will be heightened, and everything will feel different. Trust your instincts, and trust your wolf. He’s a part of you now.”
Nodding at my father, we both shifted and ran through the trees, the wind ruffling our fur. Despite the shit that had come my way that morning, peace settled over me.
Ro raced ahead, his paws barely touching the ground. I let him run to his heart’s content, Dad and I corralling him andkeeping him near the paths. We gave him about a half hour, then we guided him back toward the house.
I jogged around the garden with Ro, our paws thudding against the soft grass. My wolf rubbed up against my father, showing our gratitude, then pulled away and reveled in the freedom of movement as we ran side by side. After a few laps, I veered off toward Zoey, my heart swelling with affection.
I approached her slowly, my head lowered. She smiled, her hand outstretched. I rubbed my body against her, marking her with my scent. A rumble of happiness escaped my throat as I sat and leaned against her legs.
Zoey’s fingers tangled in my fur, scratching behind my ears in just the right spot. “You’re amazing, Noah,” she said. “Thank you for being there for Ro.”
I huffed in response, my tongue lolling out in a wolfish grin. We sat together for a moment, basking in the shared connection.
Ro’s excited yips drew my attention, and I turned to see him bounding toward us, his tail wagging furiously. I stood, shaking out my fur, and together we raced around the garden, our paws pounding the earth in perfect sync.
As we ran, Ro’s energy began to wane. His steps faltered, and his breathing became labored. I slowed my pace, guiding him back toward the others. I shifted back to my human form, the transformation smooth and effortless after years of practice. Dad stood beside me, his expression serious as he appraised Ro’s tired form.
“Ro,” I murmured, kneeling in front of him. “It’s time to shift back. We’re here to help you.”
Ro whined, his ears flattening against his head. His fear and uncertainty radiated off him. Dad placed a hand on my shoulder, a silent show of support.
