Page 125 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Zoey needed to know she could trust me, as a man and as a wolf. That I would never let any harm come to her, from George or anyone else.
Tucking the phone away, I let out a slow breath. One step at a time. For now, I needed to focus on strengthening the pack andtracking down that sadistic bastard. Then, when the dust settled, I would win my mate’s heart.
My father’s car was already in the driveway. I sighed, not looking forward to the inevitable confrontation. But it had to happen. I needed to establish my authority as alpha, even with my own father.
“Thanks for the ride.” I leaned over to give my mom a quick kiss on the cheek before opening the car door. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Remember what I said. Be firm but respectful. He’s still your father.”
“I know.” I shut the door and watched her drive off, the police escort trailing behind. Then, squaring my shoulders, I went into my home.
Inside, I found my father pacing the living room. He looked up as I entered, his expression unreadable. “Noah. We need to talk.”
“I agree. But there are a few things I need to make clear first.” I moved farther into the room, keeping my posture relaxed but assertive. “I am the alpha now. That means my word is law. I appreciate your counsel, but ultimately, final decisions rest with me. Including how to handle the George situation and what to tell the pack.”
He frowned. “About that. I’ve called a pack meeting for this afternoon. We need to address their concerns and put an end to the gossip.”
Goddamn it. I knew he’d pull some shit like this. “And you didn’t think to run this by me first? I’m the one who should be calling pack meetings, not you.”
“I was only trying to help. The pack is unsettled. They need reassurance.”
“Which I will provide, on my terms.” I took a step closer. “You’re the one who called me back, remember? You made megive up my boxing career, a life I loved, because you said the pack needed me. That you couldn’t lead them anymore.”
He bristled. “I remember. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have a say?—”
“It means exactly that. You can’t have it both ways. Either I’m the alpha, or I’m not. There’s no in-between.” I softened my tone slightly. “Dad, I know you’re trying to help, but you need to trust that I can handle this. That I’ll do what’s best for the pack.”
His shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him. “I do trust you. More than you realize. I’ve had a hard time stepping back… letting go.”
“I get that. But it’s time. Past time.” I gripped his shoulder. “I need you to step back and let me lead. The same way you would have done for Nate.”
He froze, staring at me.
I met my father’s gaze squarely. “You think the wrong son died, don’t you?” The words tasted bitter on my tongue. “That it should have been me instead of Nate.”
His brows shot up, eyes widening in shock and lips parting. I’d never seen him look so stunned. Sohurt.
“Noah...” He shook his head. “I have never, notonce, thought that. How could you even believe...?” He dragged a hand down his face.
I crossed my arms and waited.
“Nate and I were close, I won’t deny that. We bonded over him being the future alpha. But that doesn’t mean I loved you any less. Or that I would ever wish...” He swallowed hard. “I grieved for your brother. I still do. But if I lost you, too… Noah, I shouldn’t have ever lost either of you. I’d never wish you dead.”
He glanced away, blinking rapidly. When he looked back, his expression was raw, vulnerable in a way I’d never seen. “You and your brother... you’re everything to your mother and me. Sodon’t you dare think, even for a second, that we’d rather have you dead.”
My throat closed up. My chest ached. I wanted to believe him. Needed to believe him. “But you were pushing me to take the oath, only then to regret it and trying to orchestrate everything behind the scenes.”
“I was against it because it seemed every decision you were making put you further into the crosshairs of that crazy bastard. I didn’t want to lose you, too. Not because I didn’t believe in you.” He stepped closer and clasped my shoulders. “You’re my son. And I am so damn proud of the man you’ve become. The alpha you’ll be.”
I reined in my emotions and blew out a shuddering breath. “Thank you, Dad. That means a lot.”
“I mean it.” He squeezed my shoulders once more before letting go and stepping back. “And I promise, from now on, I’ll do my best to support you. No more second-guessing.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” I said with a half-smile.
He returned my smile, and the tension between us dissolved. “As for the pack meeting, that’s up to you now. You’re the alpha. I’ll follow your lead.”
After he left, I pulled out my phone and sent a mass text to the pack, confirming that there would indeed be a meeting at the alpha house this afternoon, where I would address them. It wouldn’t be easy to tell them about George. They’d have questions, concerns. Perhaps there would even be some anger and blame. But hiding the truth was not an option. It was time to step up, come clean with my pack, and figure out our next move. Together.
