Page 135 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Noah’s arm tightened around me before he released me and stood up. “I understand. Let me drive you home.”
We drove in silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Noah held my hand the whole way, rubbing soothing circles on my skinwith my thumb. When he pulled up to Heather’s house, he turned to face me.
“I meant what I said. I’m here for you and Ro, whatever you need. Don’t hesitate to call me, okay?”
I blinked back tears. “I won’t. Thank you. For everything.”
He leaned in, his lips brushing softly against mine. “No thanks needed, Zoey.”
We headed inside, and my hands shook slightly as I unlocked the front door. Not from nerves, but the proximity to Noah. He had that effect on me.
Ro came bounding down the stairs. “Noah!”
“Hey, buddy.” Noah grinned and ruffled Ro’s hair. “What are you doing up so late?”
“I heard you come in,” Ro said. “Noah, are you still gonna let me fight at the gym now that you’re the alpha?”
I blinked in surprise. How did Ro know about Noah becoming the alpha? I hadn’t told him. “Ro, where did you hear that Noah is the alpha now?” I asked him.
“I heard Grandpa Sam talking about it on the phone with someone.”
I sighed and gave Noah an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. Adults tend to forget about little ears listening sometimes. Seems Grandpa Sam has forgotten what it’s like to have kids around. I’ll need to remind him to be more discreet.”
Noah waved off my apology. “No worries.” He turned his attention to Ro. “Just because I’m alpha doesn’t mean things are gonna change much. The gym’s not closing. I may not be able to be there coaching as often, but you can definitely keep training as long as it’s what you want to do and it’s okay with your mom.”
Ro looked at me, his eyes wide and hopeful. “Can I, Mom? Please?”
Like I could say no to that face. “You can keep training.”
Ro whooped and pumped his fist in the air. “Yes!”
I grinned. Clearly, boxing meant the world to him, and I had made the right decision.
Ro bounced on his toes, a huge grin splitting his face. “This is awesome, I can’t wait to get my gloves back on.”
Noah chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Hold up there, champ. If you’re serious about training, you need to be at the gym tomorrow at three o’clock sharp.”
Ro nodded eagerly, his black curls bobbing. “I’ll be there, I promise,”
Noah made a show of looking at his watch, his brow furrowing. “You need to get some sleep. It’s really late, so you better head up to bed.”
Ro’s shoulders slumped a little, but he didn’t argue. He turned to me. “Goodnight,” he said. “Love you.” He planted a quick kiss on my cheek before running up to his bedroom.
I watched him go, my heart swelling with a mix of pride and apprehension. Once Ro was out of earshot, I turned to Noah, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You’re a natural with him, you know.”
Noah ducked his head, looking almost shy. “I just want to help however I can.”
I reached out and touched his arm. “I really appreciate you giving me the final word about Ro’s training. It means a lot to have your support.”
Noah’s gaze met mine, and a shiver ran down my spine at the intensity in his eyes. “I’ll always have your back. No matter what.”
His words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning. I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how close we were standing.
I wanted to trust him, to let myself fall into the comfort and safety of his arms. But the scars from my past still ached, holding me back from taking that final leap.
He pressed a chaste kiss to my lips, and I felt a pang of longing in my chest. I wanted him to stay, to wrap me in his embrace and chase away the shadows that still haunted me.
But I wasn’t ready. Not yet. I had to heal on my own terms, on my own time.
