Page 99 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
For the second time that night, I shifted. Muscles and bones contorted with practiced ease as my human form gave way to the massive wolf. My sandy fur bristled with anticipation. No hesitation, no fear, only the need to protect. To fight.
The forest became a blur of trees as I took the direct path to Heather’s place. Two hulking wolves jumped out from the underbrush. Not as big as me, but fierce, their eyes glinting with malicious intent. They weren’t here by chance.
I growled, a low rumble that vibrated through the ground. There was no mistaking my meaning or intent—get the fuck out of my way, or suffer the consequences.
They lunged simultaneously, teeth bared, aiming for my throat. I sidestepped and rammed into the first wolf, sending him skidding across the dirt. The second one was smarter, darting in quickly, nipping at my flanks. But I was faster. I was nothing but rage and strength, and these pups didn’t stand a chance.
Claws and fangs flashed in the pale light, the sound of snarls ripping through the silence. Soon, they lay unconscious on the forest floor, defeated. I didn’t even spare them a glance as I leaped over their bodies, legs pumping hard as I picked up speed.
Heather’s house was closer now, and with every beat of my heart, I felt the threat looming larger. George’s stench was all over the ambush, reeking of his cowardice and cruelty.
I pushed harder, faster. Deep down, I knew George was making his move, and Zoey and Ro were in the crosshairs.
Not if I could help it. Not while I still breathed.
28
ZOEY
Ismiled at the receptionist of the spa as I paid for the day’s indulgences. My hands were soft from the lotions, and my back was less knotted than it had been in months.
“Take care,” she told me with a bright smile.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, pulling my jacket tighter around me. The sky outside was gray, matching the muddle of thoughts in my head. Heather had been right when she’d suggested the massage, the manicure, the temporary escape. “Just be kind to yourself,” she had said. And for a few hours, I listened.
But as I drove through the familiar streets, all the relaxation fled from my mind. My thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Noah and how he seemed to see straight through to my battered heart. I hated how our last encounter had ended, hated that I’d caused the pain I’d seen flashing across his face.
“Better me than George,” I said. At least the wounds I’d inflicted could heal. If George got to Noah... I shuddered at the thought, quickening my pace. Noah didn’t deserve the crossfire he’d found himself in, and it was all because of me.
As I brought my car to a stop in front of Heather’s house, my stomach stopped when I saw the car parked outside. I knew thatexpensive Jaguar. It belonged to George. He couldn’t be here, at Heather’s house.
Oh, God. Ro!
I jumped out of my car, leaving my keys in the ignition, and ran up the sidewalk.
The door creaked as I pushed it open, the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla greeting me. It was usually a comforting smell, but today it did nothing to ease the tightness in my chest. I stepped into Heather’s living room and froze.
George sat there on the couch, looking like a king sitting on a throne of fear and violence. Heather was slumped in the corner, her hands bound, her head lolling to one side. Ro was hunched in the armchair, eyes wide with terror, his small frame shaking.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised at how steady my voice sounded. Inside, I was shaking.
“Zoey,” George said, a slow smile spreading across his lips. “Your tone when we spoke… it didn’t sit right with me.” His gaze flicked over to Heather, then back to me. “You sounded almost... defiant.”
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my face impassive. “Defiant?” I echoed, though it felt like I was speaking from miles away.
“Yes,” he said, standing up to his full, imposing height. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen that backbone of yours. I must admit, I like it.”
His grin stretched across his face, but it wasn’t pleasant. My stomach turned. I’d seen that smile before. It promised pain.
“George, you need to leave,” I said firmly, but inside I was a mess of nerves, each word an effort not to let the bile rise up my throat.
He smiled at me again, that same chilling smile devoid of warmth and sincerity. “I’ll leave,” he said slowly, “but you andRo are coming with me. You’ve had your little rebellion. Now it’s time to come home.”
“Home?” I spat. “There’s no home with you.”
He stood, a deliberate motion that was more threat than act, and stalked towards me. I could feel Ro’s fearful gaze on my back. I took a step in retreat, trying to keep space between us, trying to think through the panic that clawed at the edges of my mind.
“Stop playing games, Zoey.” George’s fingers were inches from my arm.
