Page 45 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Your wolf sounds confident,” she teased.
“Confident? That’s one way to put it,” I said, still grinning. Her laughter was a melody I could listen to all night long.
Leaning back in my chair, I watched Zoey’s reactions closely, admiring the way her entire face lit up with curiosity. “I’m a Canadian Timber wolf,” I told her, with more than a hint of pride. “We’re like the giants of the wolf world.”
If I wanted to brag—and I really didn’t—I could have told her that people said my wolf was the biggest anyone had seen in centuries. Bigger even than Nate’s, which had led to much sibling rivalry, most of it good-natured.
“And between you and me”—I leaned in as if sharing a secret—“the Canadian Timber wolf is the holy grail of wolf DNA that everyone desires. It’s top-tier.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows rose in mock surprise, and she covered her mouth to stifle another giggle. “Sounds like someone’s a bit cocky.”
“Ah, you have no idea.” My wolf rumbled, pleased with the attention.
From there, it was as if a switch had been flipped. Zoey relaxed, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. We chatted about everything and nothing, sharing smiles and fleeting glances. When she told me that Sam and Roland were fixing up a remote-controlled car and how much Roland loved tinkering, I remembered the reason I’d used to ask her out for dinner.
“He’ll be coming of shifting age soon,” I began, watching her closely. “And without an alpha around?—”
“Is that important?” she cut in. “I didn’t realize... I mean, I knew he’d need other wolves around. That’s why coming here seemed right.”
“Your ex never told you that an alpha should be present for Ro’s first shift?” I asked, though I already suspected the answer.
Zoey shook her head. “No, he never showed much interest in Ro as his son. Hell, he barely acknowledged him, let alone his wolf. George’s primary concern was George, his business, and how he appeared to others. Unless he needed a prop to create the illusion of being a dedicated family man, Ro was barely a blip on his radar.”
I hated myself for bringing it up. Her easy demeanor had disappeared, and she started folding and unfolding her napkin until it tore at the seams. Zoey’s gaze swept across the restaurant, her posture stiff, as if she feared the mere mention of George’s name would make him appear.
“I think… I think he hated Ro for diverting my attention away from him,” Zoey said. “George believed my focus should be on him and only him.”
Nothing she told me was a surprise. From the information I’d found on George James online, I’d already figured he was an arrogant, manipulative piece of shit. And that had just been a surface-level search.
But watching this remarkable woman, my mate, practically brought to her knees just speaking about him? That this fucker still held so much sway over her?
A fierce desire ignited within my wolf. He wanted to pursue the bastard, wanted to crush him. Taking deliberate, measured breaths, I concentrated on tightening my control over him, determined not to let her see the true depth of my power. It would spook her. Roland was a great kid, so bright and resourceful. His wolf would be powerful, a force to be reckonedwith. Both he and Zoey deserved a life that surpassed what they’d experienced so far.
I reached across the table to take her hand, offering reassurance. She hesitated when I touched her, but when she relaxed and left her hand in mine, the triumph was greater than any championship title.
“The first shift isn’t easy,” I told her. “It can be rough, especially if you’re going at it alone. Having other wolves around definitely makes it easier. I wanted to ask you if you’d be okay with my father and me helping Roland? Having two alphas onside will help his wolf feel safer and comfortable, which would allow him to shift without causing too much trouble.”
She watched me carefully as I spoke. I held her gaze, hoping she could see the truth in my offer. Zoey’s guard momentarily faltered, allowing a vulnerable honesty to shine through.
“Really?” she asked with hope and disbelief. “You’d do that for Ro?”
“Of course.” I nodded. “It’s what any responsible alpha would offer.”
She played with the edge of the tablecloth, avoiding me. “That... that would mean a lot to us. To Ro.”
“Hey,” I said softly, waiting for her to look up before I continued. “We’ve got his back, Zoey. You’re not in this alone anymore.”
Something unspoken passed between us, a silent acknowledgment of a bond that was forming, fragile but true. A small smile teased at the corners of her mouth, transforming her expression into something lighter. Hopeful, even.
“Thank you.” As simple as they were, the two words conveyed her immense relief.
“Anytime,” I said, my wolf stirring with the urge to protect, to care for these two souls who had stumbled into our lives. “Anytime.”
As we finished our meal, George’s presence diminished, though his impact remained. I shifted the conversation away from her past to lighter topics, sharing stories about my life, Nate, and my passion for boxing.
When the check came, she reached into her purse.
“I’m a gentleman,” I told her. “I wouldn’t invite you to dinner and make you pay.”
