Page 112 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
A flicker of hope ignited in my chest, only to be extinguished by his next words.
“Problem is, we can’t find him. His estate is empty, his known associates aren’t talking. It’s like he’s vanished into thin air.”
My heart sank, the momentary relief giving way to renewed fear. Of course George wouldn’t make it easy. He never did.
Warman leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Zoey, do you have any idea where he might have gone? Any place he might feel safe? Somewhere he could lay low?”
I shook my head helplessly, my mind racing. George had properties all over the world, hidden away under shell companies and false names. He could be anywhere.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “He never told me much about his business, or where he went when he disappeared for weeks at a time. I was just... I was just there to look pretty on his arm.”
I’d been nothing more than a trophy. A possession to be displayed and discarded at his whim.
Warman sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “All right. We’ll keep digging, see what we can turn up. In the meantime, I’m posting more men outside your sister’s house. They’ll keep an eye out, make sure George doesn’t come sniffing around again.”
No amount of police presence could truly keep us safe from George. But it was something, a small measure of comfort in a world turned upside-down.
“Thank you,” I said, my fingers tightening around Heather’s. “For everything.”
Warman stood, giving us a nod. “We’ll be in touch. Call me if anything comes up, anything at all.”
With that, he was gone, leaving us alone in the quiet of the hospital room. I sagged against Heather, the events of the night catching up to me in a rush.
“What are we going to do?” I whispered. “How are we going to keep Ro safe?”
Heather’s arms tightened around me. “We’ll figure it out, Zo. We’ll do whatever it takes. George is not getting his hands on either of you ever again. I swear it.”
I wanted to believe her, to cling to the conviction in her words. But deep down, l knew the truth.
George would never stop. Not until he had what he wanted.
And what he wanted was me.
I stood on shaky legs, the weight of Warman’s words settling heavily on my shoulders. George was out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for his chance to strike. And no matter how many assurances Warman gave, no matter how many officers he posted outside Heather’s house, it would never be enough.
“I can’t stay here.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “I can’t put you and Ro in danger like this. If George comes back...”
“Stop.” Heather’s grip on my hand tightened. “You’re not going anywhere.”
I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “You don’t understand. George won’t stop. He’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants. And you said it yourself—what he wants is me.”
“Then we’ll fight him,” Heather said. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Both of you.”
I wanted to believe her, to draw strength from the fire in her eyes. But the fear was too strong, the memories of George’s cruelty too fresh.
“I’m scared,” I whispered. “I’m so scared, Heather. For Ro, for you, for everyone who’s gotten caught up in this mess.”
Heather’s arms were around me in an instant, holding me tight. I clung to her, burying my face in her shoulder as I shook with sobs. She held me until the tears subsided and the fear had loosened its grip on my heart.
“We’ll get through this.” She stroked my hair. “I promise you, Zo. We’ll find a way to keep you and Ro safe.”
I pulled back from Heather’s embrace, wiping my eyes with trembling hands. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I shouldn’t be falling apart like this. Not when you’re the one who’s hurt.”
Heather shook her head, her expression fierce. “Don’t apologize, Zo. You have every right to be upset. This is a nightmare.”
My throat tightened. “I just feel so helpless. Like no matter what I do, he’s always going to be there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.”
A nurse walked into the room, keeping Heather from replying. I recognized her from our self-defense class at the gym, but couldn’t quite place her name until I saw her name badge. Emily.
