Page 190 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“I found him. He’s in Craigsville. But he’s not alone, Noah. He’s got at least six guys with him, all armed to the teeth. It’s not safe for you to go in alone.”
I ran a hand through my hair and grinded my teeth together. “Where is he?”
Leon rattled off an address, and I committed it to memory. “Thanks, Leon. I owe you one.”
I ended the call and stepped back into the room. Ro and Zoey were still asleep. Leaning down, I brushed my lips over Ro’s forehead.
“I’ve got to go take care of some business, buddy. You watch over your mom for me, okay? I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Ro stirred and rubbed his face. “Are you going to kill my dad?”
The question hit me like a punch to the gut. I hesitated, unsure how to answer.
Ro sat up, staring at me with a wisdom that was far beyond his years. “It’s okay if you do. I like you better as a dad, anyway.” He paused. “If you don’t, I will.”
I swallowed hard, emotion clogging my throat, and then I hugged him close to my chest. “I like the sound of being your dad, buddy. I promise I’m going to do everything I can to keep you and your mom safe. Hopefully, that doesn’t mean doing anything too permanent.”
The words tasted like lies.
I gave Ro one last squeeze, then stepped out into the hallway, pulling out my phone.
“Dad, it’s me. It’s time to gather the men. I need our best fighters, our best shooters. George’s holed up with at least six armed men. I can’t take them on alone.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No.” I started walking toward the elevator. We had to move quickly. “Mom would never forgive me if something happened to both of us. I need you to stay behind and coordinate things from here.”
There was a long pause, and for a moment, I was sure he’d argue with me. But then he sighed. “All right. I’ll make the calls and have the men meet you at the house. But you be careful, understand? I love you, son. I’m proud of you.”
I closed my eyes, letting his words wash over me. “I love you, too. I’ll see you soon.”
51
ZOEY
Islowly opened my eyes, my mind still hazy with sleep. I reached out beside me, expecting to feel Ro’s small, warm body curled up next to mine, but my hand met only cold, empty sheets.
“Ro?” I said groggily, lifting my head. But the hospital room was empty and quiet. Where was everyone?
Just then, the door opened, and a doctor in a white coat walked in, clipboard in hand.
“Good morning, Ms. Lester. How are you feeling today?”
I pushed myself into a sitting position. “Better, I think. A little groggy still.”
The doctor scanned over my chart. “That’s to be expected. The good news is, all your tests came back clear, and your breathing has improved a lot.”
“Does that mean I can go home?”
“Yes, we’ll be discharging you shortly.” The doctor smiled at me over his glasses. “I’ll have a nurse come in to go over your discharge instructions and paperwork.”
I slumped back against the pillows in relief. I didn’t like being in the hospital. The doctor listened to my lungs again, gave me a thumbs-up, then left.
I was just about to buzz for a nurse to ask where Noah and Ro were when the door swung open again. My heart leapt as Noah strode in, his handsome face lighting up when he saw me. Ro was right beside him, clutching a big bouquet of flowers in one hand and a fluffy teddy bear in the other.
“There’s my girl,” Noah said as he kissed my forehead. “Ready to bust out of this joint and go home?”
Emotion clogged my throat as I looked up at him and Ro. Seeing the two people I loved most here to take me home made my heart feel close to bursting.
