Page 167 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Shall we go through and eat now?” I asked.
My mother smiled warmly. “I think we should have a little celebration for Roland’s first shift. I know it’s a bit belated, but after everything that’s happened...” She trailed off. I could see the concern etched on her face, the worry for Ro and the tension from the situation with George.
“That’s a great idea,” I said. “I’m sure Ro would love that.”
I led them into the dining room, where Zoey and Roland were already seated at the table. Ro’s eyes lit up when he saw my parents, and a grin spread across his face. He jumped up and ran over to hug them.
Chuckling, my father patted Ro on the back. “Hey there, buddy.”
As we settled into our seats and passed around the dishes, the aroma of the home-cooked food filled the room.
“I love your top, Angie.” Zoey smiled warmly at my mother. “That color is gorgeous on you.”
“Thank you. I’d love to say, ‘Oh, this old thing,’ but I bought it especially for tonight.” My mother laughed.
As we ate, the conversation flowed easily, the earlier tension slowly dissipating. Roland chattered on about his first shift, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
I glanced at my father. He was watching Ro with a mixture of pride and something else I couldn’t quite place. It was strange to see him like this: supportive, even complimentary.
Was everyone right? Had I misjudged him all these years?
As the evening progressed, my father and I discussed pack business, and I found the conversation surprisingly amicable. We talked about the upcoming border negotiations with the neighboring pack, and for once, he actually valued my input.
“I think it’s a good idea to have the meeting on neutral ground.” I took a sip of my drink. “It might help ease any tensions.”
My father scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I agree. We don’t want to give the impression that we’re trying to assert dominance.”
I stared at him. I hadn’t expected him to agree with me so readily. It was a nice change, not having to fight tooth and nail to be heard.
The doorbell interrupted our conversation. Excusing myself, I went to answer it and found Chief Warman standing on the porch, a deep frown etched between his brows. Him being back so soon didn’t bode well.
“Noah,” he said. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
Dread twisted in my gut. “George got away again, didn’t he?”
Chief Warman nodded, frustration pouring off him. “My squad is out searching for him now, but he’s managed to slip through our fingers. I’m sorry.”
I clenched my fists, anger rushing through my veins. How many more times would George evade justice? How long would Zoey and Roland have to live in fear?
“I appreciate your efforts, Chief,” I said. “But I think it’s time we handle this the pack way.”
Chief Warman shook his head. “Noah, I understand your frustration, but we need to do this by the book.”
A growl rumbled through my chest. “With all due respect, Chief, the book hasn’t been working. My family can’t keep waiting for the law to catch up to George.” I looked him directly in the eyes. “You should know, I’ve issued him an official challenge.”
Chief Warman sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Noah, the police accept pack law, but only if it’s not misused. You can’t just go around killing people.”
“I know, but I also can’t sit back and watch my family suffer. George has proven time and time again that he’s a threat. He’s dangerous. If he comes after Zoey or Roland again, I won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary. Protecting my pack and my family is not misusing shifter law, Pete. It’s doing what’s right. I’d much rather this was done through legal channels for Zoey’s sake, but…”
“But this is getting risky for everyone involved,” Pete said, finishing my thought. He studied me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. Finally, he nodded. “I get it. I really do. Just be careful, okay? Don’t let your anger cloud your judgment.”
I tried to calm the rage simmering beneath my skin. “I won’t. But I also won’t let George terrorize my family any longer.”
With a final nod, Chief Warman walked back to his car. I watched him go, my mind swirling with my decision.
I was walking a fine line, but sometimes the law wasn’t enough. As alpha, it was my duty to protect my pack, and I would do whatever it took to keep them safe.
Even if it meant taking matters into my own hands.
