Page 134 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Our bodies responded with pure need, aching to be closer. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It mirrored my own, synchronized in a dance of desire and passion. The pleasure, anticipation, and vulnerability created an intoxicating combination that left us both breathless and yearning for more.
We were both breathing hard when we finally broke apart. Noah rested his forehead against mine. “God. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”
I grinned. “I think I might have some idea.”
He chuckled, then winced and pulled back slightly.
I frowned. “Are you okay? I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Your side...”
“It’s fine. Just a little sore still. But it was worth it.”
I bit my lip, glancing away. As much as I wanted this, wanted him, we needed to be careful. “We should take it slow. At least until you’re fully healed.”
Noah sighed. “You’re probably right. How about a glass of wine? We can talk for a while.”
“That sounds nice.”
He led me into the kitchen, then filled two glasses with red wine. I leaned against the counter, watching him. Even injured, he moved with a grace and power that took my breath away.
“So, how’s Ro doing?” he asked, handing me a glass. “Is he adjusting okay, with everything that’s happened?”
I took a sip of my wine. “He is. But he’s worried about you. He’s afraid that because of what George did, you won’t want him to be part of the pack and won’t want to train him anymore.”
Noah’s eyes widened. “What? I would never abandon Ro like that.”
“I know. I told him that. He’s scared.” I leaned down into my glass. “George really did a number on him.”
“Hey.” Noah set his glass down, then placed his palms on my cheeks. “I promise you, no matter what happens between you and me, I will always be there for Ro. I’ll keep teaching him and helping him. Nothing is going to change that.” He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. “I mean it. I care about you both so much.”
We stayed like that, holding each other. Then something occurred to me.
“Wait,” I said. “I thought when you became alpha, you’d have to give up coaching? That you wouldn’t have time anymore?”
Noah pulled back, picking up his glass again. “I’m hoping to keep only a few students. The ones who really need me, like Ro. I won’t be able to be as hands-on as before, but”—he shrugged—“my dad never gave up golfing. I figure I can make time for a boxing session here and there.”
I stared at him in amazement. “I never thought... Noah, are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like you have to?—”
“I want to,” he said firmly. “Being alpha is important, but so is this. You, Ro, the gym... it’s part of who I am. I’m not ready to give that up.”
I set my glass down and threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. He grunted a little in pain, but hugged me back just as fiercely.
Letting go of him, I took another sip of wine. “Noah, what exactly does being alpha mean for you? How will it change your life?”
He rubbed a hand over his face. “Well, I’ll have to run the pack, and be there for them emotionally. I’m also responsible for the businesses the pack owns. And I have to look out for the well-being of all the members.”
“So, it’s kind of like being a coach to… everyone?” I asked, trying to wrap my head around the scope of his new role.
Noah looked contemplative. “You know, I never thought of it like that before. But yeah, I suppose it is, in a way.”
“I’m glad you’ll still be a positive influence in Ro’s life. I have to admit, and I’m a little embarrassed, but I’m pretty sure Ro tried using some of the same manipulation techniques George did. Not with the same finesse, but I’ve seen a glint of it.”
Noah grew serious and took my hand. “Ro’s just a kid, and George was his main role model for a long time. It’s natural that he’d pick up some of that behavior.”
I squeezed his hand, grateful for his understanding. “I know. I just worry about him. About the impact George had.”
We sat at the kitchen counter in comfortable silence for a while, my head on his shoulder, his arm around me. It felt good, safe. Eventually, I glanced at the clock and sighed.
“I should get going. It’s getting late, and I need to be close to Ro after everything that’s happened.”
