Page 158 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Focus on your chest, where your heart is,” Dad said. “That’s where you’ll find the focal point for your wolf. Use that to shift back.”
Ro closed his eyes, his small body trembling with effort. I reached out, placing my hand on his furry head.
“You’re in control, Ro,” I said. “Visualize your arms and legs, what makes you the boy you are. It’s going to hurt, but we’re right here with you.”
Long minutes passed as Ro struggled to find his way back. His whimpers broke my heart. But finally, slowly, his form began to shift, fur receding to reveal smooth skin, paws elongating into fingers and toes.
When it was over, Ro lay panting on the grass, his body shaking with exhaustion and pain. I gathered him into my arms, holding him close.
“You did it, Ro,” I whispered, my heart nearly bursting with pride. “I know it hurts, but it will get easier now that you know how to do it.”
Ro managed a weak smile, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thanks, Noah,” he rasped in a hoarse voice.
I hugged him tighter, my gaze meeting Dad’s over Ro’s head. Ro slumped in my arms, his small body going limp as exhaustion claimed him. He let out a shuddering sigh, his breath warm against my neck.
“Thank you,” Ro said, the words slurring together as sleep tugged at him. “For helping me.”
“Of course.” I shifted him slightly so his head rested more comfortably against my shoulder. “I’ll always be here for you.”
He didn’t respond, his breathing already evening out into the steady rhythm of sleep. I glanced up, meeting Zoey’s gaze. Her eyes were soft, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she watched us.
I’d never given much thought to being a father, to having a family of my own. My focus had always been on my career and proving myself in the ring. But now that I was holding Ro, something stirred in me.
Maybe this was what I’d been missing, the piece of myself I’d been searching for without even realizing it. The chance to be there for someone, to guide them and watch them grow.
As I carried Ro back to his room, the weight of him in my arms felt right, like a missing piece falling into place. I laid him gently on the bed, then pulled the covers up around him. He looked so peaceful now that he’d gone through his first shift.
Zoey stepped up beside me and rested her hand lightly on my arm. “Thank you for everything you did for him today.”
I squeezed my eyes shut for a second to hold back the emotions surging through me. “I wish I could do more.”
She squeezed my arm. “You’re doing plenty. More than you know.”
Watching the steady rise and fall of Ro’s chest, I thought back to my first shift, to the fear and pain that had consumed me. My father had guided me through it, his presence a steadying force in the chaos.
That bond had fractured over the years, worn away by expectations and disappointments. But now, as I stood here with Ro and Zoey, I realized how much I wanted to build something different. Something stronger.
41
ZOEY
Ichewed on my bottom lip, shoulders hunched as I sat on the couch next to Noah. Guilt gnawed at my stomach. Not because I blamed myself, but because George was such a pain in the ass to everyone.
“Could it have been a rival gym that vandalized your place?” I asked, even though I wholeheartedly believed it was George.
Noah shook his head. “Boxing is competitive, but gyms don’t stoop that low to sabotage each other.”
A knock sounded at the door. Noah went to answer it and returned with Chief Warman. The stern look on the police chief’s face made my pulse quicken.
“We interrogated the man arrested for trying to break in here,” Warman said gruffly. “James Gray. Turns out he owed money to George. Did this job to clear his debt.”
“Did he say anything else?” Noah asked.
“Claims George sent him a burner phone with instructions and where to pick up the weapon. He was told his wife and newborn would be hurt if he didn’t comply. George had pictures of them.”
A chill ran down my spine. George had stooped to threatening a baby to get what he wanted. Would this ever end?
Noah wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. I resisted the urge to push him away, even though I couldn’t deny that his strength and protectiveness made me feel safer. I wanted to put all my trust in him—and part of me did trust him—but after what George had put me through, it didn’t come easy.
