Page 189 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
It was time to put the rabid dog down. And I would be the one to do it.
An hour later,I strode down the hospital corridor. The sterile scent of disinfectant mingled with the coppery tang of blood,making my stomach churn. Images of Zoey’s pale face flashed through my mind, fueling the rage simmering beneath my skin.
As I rounded the corner, I nearly collided with Bridget. She stumbled back, eyes wide and haunted. “Noah, I... I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”
I steadied her with a gentle hand on her arm. “It’s all right. Are you okay?”
She shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “No. No, I’m not. How can I be when my daughter is lying in a hospital bed because of that monster?” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “This is all my fault. If I had been a better mother, if I had shown her what a healthy relationship looked like, maybe she wouldn’t have ended up with George.”
My heart clenched at the anguish in her words. “Bridget, listen to me. This is not your fault. The only person to blame here is George.”
She met my gaze, her green eyes swimming with guilt and self-recrimination. “But I should have protected her. I should have been there for her. Instead, I let my own pain and trauma push her away.”
I squeezed her arm, trying to convey the sincerity of my words. “You did the best you could. And Zoey knows that. She loves you, and she needs you now more than ever.”
Bridget wiped at her tears as she pulled herself together. “I just want her to be safe. I can’t bear the thought of losing her.”
“You won’t,” I promised. “I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure George never comes near her again.”
She searched my face, a flicker of hope igniting on her face. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
“I do. Zoey is...” I swallowed hard, the words catching in my throat. “She’s everything to me. I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Bridget’s shoulders sagged in relief, and she flashed me a watery smile. “Thank you. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to get along with, but I’m grateful for your support.”
I returned her smile as this newfound understanding passed between us. “We’re family now. And family sticks together, no matter what.”
She squared her shoulders. “I’m going to stay in Boldercrest. Zoey needs me, and I’m not going to let her down again.”
That was the best news I’d heard all day. “Good. She’ll be happy to have you close.” I glanced toward Zoey’s room, yearning to be by her side. “I should get back to her. Will you be all right?”
Bridget took a deep breath. “I will. Go be with her. She needs you, too.”
With a final nod, I turned and made my way to Zoey’s room, my resolve hardening with each step. George’s days were numbered.
After Mike confirmed that all had been quiet, I stepped into Zoey’s dimly lit hospital room, my heart clenching at the sight before me. Ro was curled up next to her on the bed. Zoey’s arms were wrapped protectively around him, even in sleep. I was sure the nurses had probably objected, but knowing Zoey, she had fought them on it.
I moved to the bedside, carefully running my hand over Zoey’s dark hair, then gently stroking Ro’s mop of curls. The boy stirred, his eyes blinking open, but he didn’t move away from his mother’s embrace.
“Hey, buddy,” I whispered, pulling up a chair to sit beside them. “How are you holding up?”
Ro’s bottom lip trembled, his small hands fisting in the fabric of Zoey’s hospital gown. “I’m angry. My wolf is angry, too.”
I understood the primal rage that came with the need to protect one’s family. “It’s okay to be angry. A lot has happened.”
He looked up at me, his hazel eyes—so much like Zoey’s—filled with a pain no child should know. “I don’t want him to be my dad anymore. I don’t want him to hurt Mom again.”
I patted his shoulder. “I know, Ro. I know.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat, my chest aching with his trust, his faith in me to make things right.
I watched Zoey sleep. My wolf growled, demanding retribution, but I held him back. Right now, Zoey and Ro needed my strength and comfort, not my rage.
I settled into the chair, preparing to watch over them through the night. “Get some rest,” I told him. “I’ll be right here. I won’t let anything happen to you or your mom. I promise.”
Ro’s eyelids were already drooping as he snuggled closer to Zoey. “Thanks, Noah. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too, Ro. Me too.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen, seeing Leon’s name flash across it. I stepped out into the hallway, keeping my voice low as I answered. “What you got for me, Leon?”
