Page 132 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
As we headed out into the gym, Emily purposefully bumped into me, nearly knocking me off balance. I steadied myself, biting back a retort. She was probably trying to get to the front of the class, eager to show off for Noah.
Noah was already in the room, talking with Carla. I was surprised to see him, given his recent injury. Emily made a beeline for Noah, her voice dripping with false concern.
“Noah, are you sure you should be here? You were shot not that long ago. I know the doctor told you to avoid any strenuous activities when he discharged you. I told you I’d be happy to nurse you privately at home.”
As she put her hand on Noah’s chest, a surge of possessiveness coursed through me, fueling an urge to storm over and pluck off each fake eyelash adorning her eyes. Let her know exactly where she could shove herprivate nursing.
Wait… where on earth had that come from?
I must have made a disgruntled noise because Emily turned from Noah and stomped over to me, her talon-like nails pointing accusingly at my face.
“You,” she seethed. “How dare you show up here? You have some nerve,” she screeched, raising her voice a few octaves. “Noah, our alpha, was shot because of you. He shouldn’t be in the gym, teaching a class, for some human bitch.”
“I didn’t hurt him,” I said, my voice soft but carrying a resolute edge. “Before you run your mouth with rumors and gossip, make sure you have the facts.”
Noah was looking at me over her head, and I could tell he was about to come over and intervene. I subtly shook my head. The last thing I wanted was to draw more attention to the situation.
Carla stepped in. “I think that’s enough, Emily. I suggest you calm down. Everyone has their own personal journey, all gathered here with the purpose of learning, evolving, and finding healing. If you’re here for any other reason, then I suggest you leave. This is my class, and anyone is welcome, be they shifter, human, male, or female. Noah’s here to provide some extra guidance tonight. He won’t be doing anything too strenuous.”
Emily looked ready to erupt, but she reined it in and strutted away to join her girlfriends.
As the other students filtered in, I tried to center myself. No matter what drama Emily tried to stir up, I wasn’t going to let her distract me from that goal. I was done being a victim. Done letting others dictate my choices and my future.
Carla led us through a series of warm-up exercises. I focused on my movements, trying to ignore Emily practically throwing herself at Noah. She kept finding excuses to brush against him, her hands lingering just a little too long when he adjusted her stance.
“Like this, Noah?” Emily purred, arching her back and sticking out her chest. “Am I doing it right?”
I gritted my teeth. That bitch. I was right here. Emily wasn’t here to learn self-defense. She was trying to seduce Noah.
But to my surprise, Noah seemed completely unfazed by her advances. He stepped back, putting some distance between them. “You need to focus on your form, Emily. This isn’t about looking good; it’s about learning how to protect yourself.”
A wave of relief washed over me as Noah continued to rebuff Emily’s attempts at flirtation. He moved around the room, offering guidance and encouragement to the other students, his attention never lingering on any one person for too long.
As we transitioned into practicing strikes, I threw myself into the drills, channeling my frustration into each punch and kick. The satisfying thud of my fists against the pads helped clear my mind, and I got lost in the rhythm of the movements.
“Good job.” Noah appeared at my side. “Remember to keep your guard up, even when you’re attacking.”
I adjusted my stance and ignored the spark of pride that ignited at his praise. I wasn’t the most experienced fighter in the class, but I was improving with every class.
By the end of the session, I was sweaty and tired, but I also felt a sense of accomplishment. I had faced my fears and pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I hadn’t let Emily get under my skin.
I caught Noah’s gaze from across the room. He gave me a small, reassuring smile, and my heart fluttered in response. Despite the chaos of the past few weeks, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
I took a long, hot shower after the class, letting the steam and the pounding water soothe my aching muscles. I stayed under the spray until I was sure everyone else had left the locker room,not wanting to face any more awkward encounters or pitying looks.
Once I was dressed, I sat on the bench, taking a moment to compose myself. My mind was still racing from Emily’s outburst, but despite the drama, I was more balanced than I had been before the class.
I had questions, things I needed to talk to Noah about before we could move forward. But for now, I just wanted to bask in the feeling of accomplishment. I’d stood up for myself. That was something I wouldn’t have done before.
A soft knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts. “Zoey? You in there?”
My stomach fluttered at the sound of Noah’s voice, but I pushed it down. “Yeah,” I called back. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
I took one last deep breath and stood up. It was time to face whatever came next. My heart pounded as I opened the door.
“Hey,” he said softly, a gentle smile on his face. “You ready to go?”
I didn’t trust my voice. He took my hand, his touch sending a thrill shooting down my spine, and led me out to his car.
