Page 66 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Hello,” I managed, stepping into the foyer.
“Just call me Angie,” his mom said to me, then crouched down to speak to Roland. “Do you like cookies, Roland?”
“Uh-huh,” Roland said, a smile forming on his face.
“Perfect! I need a taste tester for my latest batch of cookies. What do you say?” she asked, her hand extended toward him.
“My mom makes the best snickerdoodle cookies you’ll ever taste,” Noah said.
“Can I, Mom?” Roland looked at me, his body quivering with excitement.
“Of course you can.”
With that, he let go of my hand and followed Angie toward the kitchen.
Noah chuckled. “He’s in good hands.”
“Seems like it,” I said, surprised by the genuine warmth I felt from his family.
The momentary peace shattered when Noah’s expression turned serious, and he guided me to the living room, where we could talk privately. Christian and Noah shared a meaningful gaze, communicating without uttering a single word.
“Sit down, my dear,” Christian said.
My pulse raced, bracing myself for whatever unpleasant revelation was about to come.
“George paid us a visit,” Christian began.
“George was here?” I felt the color drain from my face. “In Boldercrest? When? Why didn’t you tell me? Oh my God. Ro!” Words tumbled out in a rushed frenzy, one after another. “Noah? Why? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Christian answered, “Noah and I spoke with him. We made it clear you were under pack protection and were not to be approached. Told him if he wanted access to his son, it was to be done through a legal representative.”
Noah’s hands were firm yet gentle on my shoulders, the crease between his brows deepening as he spoke. “I’m sorry, Zoey. I wasn’t trying to be deceptive. After everything you’ve been through, I thought you needed some peace.”
“Peace is one thing,” I said, my stomach churning. “But I can’t deal with not knowing, especially when it comes to George. He’d withhold information from me all the time, Noah. He terrifies me, yes, but I have a right to know what he’s doing.” I glanced at both men in turn. “If I am going to protect my son, I need every bit of information available. Please, don’t keep this from me.”
“Understood,” Noah said. “No more secrets. You have my word.”
“You have mine as well,” Christian said.
“Thank you.” I gave them both a shaky smile. I understood their reasoning. For all my talk of keeping Ro safe, I wasn’t in much of a position to do so. A few self-defense classes did notmake me a fighter. I was thankful they were looking out for us, but I wished they’d have been upfront with me.
Their apologies appeared genuine, so I couldn’t even find the strength to be angry because they’d had good intentions. But they’d seen the hurt, and they wouldn’t do it again. Of that, I was certain.
“Speaking of George,” Christian’s tone shifted, all business now. “He may have left town, but he’s not the type to just let things go. He sent someone after you today, and he’ll do it again.”
“Great,” I muttered, hugging myself. “So, what now?”
“First, we stay vigilant,” Christian said. “You standing up to this Malakai isn’t going to go down well with George. It might make him angry enough to try something more direct.”
The room began to spin, and I felt sick, a metallic taste filling my mouth.
“Whatever happens,” Noah said, moving to stand in front of me. He cupped my face with a tenderness that seemed at odds with the strength in his calloused fingers. “He won’t get close enough to try anything, Zoey. I promise you.”
The touch, so full of concern and warmth, melted through my defenses. I let out a sigh and leaned into him as if drawn by a force beyond my control.
Christian cleared his throat. Noah and I sprung apart, but he slid his hand down my arm, linking his fingers with mine and giving a reassuring squeeze. Embarrassed heat colored my cheeks.
“I know it’s daunting,” Christian steered us back on topic, “but maybe we should consider taking legal steps. It’s not just about confrontation; it’s about protection.”
