Page 108 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
The reminder of my responsibilities settled like a lead weight in my chest. As if I didn’t have enough to worry about already.
“I know that,” I said. “But right now, my priority is making sure Zoey and Ro are safe. Everything else can wait. You told me that not so long ago.”
He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “All right. We’ll discuss it more when you’re back on your feet.” He stood and patted my shoulder. “Get some rest. The pack needs you strong.”
The door clicked shut behind him with a soft snick. I sagged back against the pillows, exhaustion sweeping through me like a tidal wave.
But even as my eyes drifted shut, my mind raced with thoughts of Zoey. The fear in her eyes, the desperate way she clung to Ro. The softness of her hand in mine.
Again, I slept. I woke with a start, my heart pounding and Zoey’s name on my lips. I had no idea how much time had passed. The room was dark, the only sound the steady beep of the heart monitor.
I shifted, wincing as pain lanced through my abdomen. The door creaked open, and a nurse came in, her face creasing with concern when she saw me awake.
“Everything all right, Mr. Alexander? Do you need more pain medication?”
I shook my head, my throat dry and scratchy. “No, I’m fine. Just a bad dream.”
She started checking my vitals. “You’ve been through quite an ordeal. It’s normal to have some nightmares and anxiety after a traumatic event.”
I barely heard her, my mind already drifting back to Zoey. I couldn’t seem to forget the devastation in her eyes. I hated that she blamed herself for everything that had happened. I hated that she’d pulled away from me, as if she didn’t deserve comfort or support.
I had to make her understand that none of this was her fault. That I would stand by her side, no matter what challenges came our way.
The nurse finished her checks and left, promising to bring me some water. I closed my eyes, trying to gather my strength.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I would find Zoey and Ro and bring them home where they belonged. I would show them that Boldercrest was the one place they could be safe, the one place they could build a future.
No matter what it took, no matter what obstacles stood in my way, I would fight for them. For a chance at a life together. Because in the end, Zoey and Ro were worth everything. My pack, my family, my own life—I would give it all up in a heartbeat if it meant keeping them safe.
With that thought firmly in mind, I drifted off to sleep. Zoey’s face was the last thing I saw before exhaustion claimed me once more.
31
ZOEY
Istood outside Heather’s hospital room. Through the open doorway, I could see Sam sitting beside Heather’s bed, his arm around Ro’s shoulders as my son animatedly retold how he escaped from his father’s car.
“And then I rolled out onto the grass. I got all dirty, but I ran so fast. I ran all the way back to your house!” Ro exclaimed.
Heather smiled at him and ruffled his hair. “You were so brave, buddy. I’m really proud of you.”
She was propped up against the pillows, face pale but alert. The doctor had assured us her concussion was mild and that as soon as she shifted, the healing process would speed up. But seeing the purple bruising on her temple made the guilt churn in my stomach again.
This was all my fault. I’d brought this danger and chaos into their lives. George would never have hurt Heather if not for me. Ro never would have had to jump out of a vehicle to get away from his own father if I hadn’t failed to protect him.
Noah’s words from earlier echoed in my mind.If Roland isn’t responsible for his father’s actions, why are you?He was right. Blaming myself wasn’t healthy or productive. But it was apattern etched deep in me after years of George’s manipulation. He had a knack for twisting things around until I believed everything was my fault, my responsibility. His temper, his violence, his cruelty—all of it landed on my shoulders in the end.
I wanted to utter the apology lodged in my throat, to tell Heather and Ro how sorry I was for endangering them, for being the reason George had upended our lives again. But I bit my tongue, knowing I’d only get scolded for it. I knew they didn’t blame me the way I blamed myself.
Sam glanced up, noticing me in the doorway. He tilted his head to the side, no doubt sensing the turmoil of emotions rolling off me. “You okay, Zo?” he asked gently.
I forced a weak smile and stepped into the room to join my little patchwork family. The guilt still weighed like lead in my chest, but I tried to focus on the positive. Heather would be all right, Ro was safe, and we were together. George couldn’t hurt us here. I had to believe that.
Heather patted the spot on the bed beside her, concern etched into the lines around her mouth. “Come sit with me.”
I hesitated for a moment before settling next to her, careful not to jostle her. She took my hand in hers, her skin warm and comforting. “I know what you’re thinking, and you need to stop.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but she squeezed my hand, silencing me. “This isn’t your fault. None of it. George’s actions are his own, and you can’t keep blaming yourself for them.”
