Page 173 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Zoey’s shoulders slumped slightly. “I know. And I appreciate it, I really do. But Noah’s not like Dad. He’s different.”
I hauled Bridget’s suitcases up to her room, and once she was settled, Zoey, Ro, and I walked back to the car in silence. I could sense the tension radiating off Zoey, and I longed to take her hand and offer some small measure of comfort. But I held back, not wanting to overstep.
As we climbed into the car, Zoey let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry about my mom,” she said. “She hasn’t dated anyone since Sam, and I think it’s because she hates men now.”
My heart ached for Zoey and her mother. They’d endured so much pain. “You don’t have to apologize. I understand where she’s coming from. And I’m not going to push her to like me or trust me. I know that’s something I’ll have to earn over time.”
“Thank you for being so understanding. I know this can’t be easy for you, having to deal with all of my baggage.”
I rubbed her thigh. “You’re not baggage. You’re a survivor. And I’m honored to be a part of your life, in whatever way you’ll have me.”
Zoey’s lips curved into a small smile, and she squeezed my hand back. “I’m glad you’re here. I don’t think I could do this without you.”
A glimmer of hope bloomed in my chest as I drove over to Heather’s house. It wouldn’t be easy navigating the minefield of Zoey’s past and her mother’s mistrust. But I was determined to support her in whatever way she needed.
I glanced at Ro in the rearview mirror. “Hey, buddy, I have some pack business to take care of. Do you want to come with me while your mom and grandma spend some time together?”
Ro’s face lit up. “Really? I can come with you?”
I grinned. “Absolutely. It’ll be fun.”
Zoey looked over at me, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. “Are you sure, Noah? I don’t want him to be a bother.”
I shook my head. “He could never be a bother. Besides, it’ll give you and your mom some time to catch up without any distractions.”
“Thank you.”
I parked in front of Heather’s house, then cupped Zoey’s cheek, brushing my thumb over the freckles dotting her skin. “Everything is going to be okay. I promise.”
She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. “I know. I… I trust you.”
I leaned in and pressed a long, lingering kiss to her lips, pouring all my love and support into it. When I pulled back, Zoey’s eyes glimmered with unshed tears.
Just then, the front door opened, and Heather stepped out, her posture tense and her face tight with worry. She looked just as nervous as Zoey had been earlier. I got out of the car and went to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. I sent a gentle push of my alpha influence toward her, willing her to relax and feel at ease.
Heather’s shoulders sagged, the tension draining from her body. “Thank you. I needed that.”
“Anytime, Heather.”
Pride and protectiveness surged through me. This was my family now, and I would do whatever it took to keep them safe and happy.
“Bye, Mom. Bye, Aunt Heather.” Ro waved as he skipped to the car ahead of me.
“Have fun, you two,” Zoey said.
I grinned as I opened the door for Ro, watching him clamber in with a wide smile on his face. “Ready to go, buddy?”
“Yeah, Let’s go meet the pack.” He bounced in his booster seat, his green eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I chuckled, shutting the door and making my way around to the driver’s side. As I climbed in and started the engine, I said. “You’re gonna love them. They’re a great bunch.”
He nodded, his black hair flopping into his eyes. “I can’t wait to meet them. Mom’s told me a little bit about pack life, but I want to see it for myself.”
As we drove through town, I pointed out a few landmarks to Ro and told him stories about growing up here. When I parked in front of the alpha house where the pack was gathered, I said, “Remember, buddy, these people are like family. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but they mean well.”
Ro grinned and unbuckled his seatbelt. “I got this. I’m ready.”
We walked inside together and were immediately greeted by a chorus of hellos and welcomes. I introduced Ro to everyone, and he shook hands and smiled like a miniature adult, his natural charm shining through.
