Page 139 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
I helped him strap on a pair of gloves and led him over to the heavy bag. “Show me your stance.”
Ro shuffled his feet, his hands coming up in a poor imitation of a fighter’s stance. I adjusted his posture, widening his base and bringing his hands up to protect his face.
“Like this.” I demonstrated. “Keep your guard up, elbows in. Now, give me ten jabs on the bag.”
Ro huffed but did as I instructed. His form was sloppy, his punches lacking power and precision.
“Again,” I said when he finished. “This time, focus on your technique. Snap your wrist as you make contact, drive the punch from your shoulder.”
We continued like that for several minutes, me calling out combinations and Ro doing his best to follow along. But I could see the frustration building in the tension in his frame.
“This is boring,” he whined, dropping his hands. “I want to fight, not just hit a stupid bag.”
I bit back a sigh. “You need to work on the basics first. These drilling techniques build muscle memory so you can?—”
“But it’s not fair.” His lower lip jutted out in a pout. “I saw that other boy fighting. Why can’t I? Is it because you don’t like me?”
Zoey started to stand, her brow furrowed in concern at Ro’s outburst. Now I could see what she meant by his employing similar manipulation techniques he’d witnessed from his father. I gave a subtle shake of my head in her direction before focusing on Roland again.
“Ro,” I said firmly, leaking a bit of my alpha authority into my words. “This kind of attitude won’t work on me. I won’t bemanipulated. When I’m training you, I give orders for a reason. If you can’t follow through, then maybe boxing isn’t for you.”
Ro’s eyes widened in feigned innocence, but I held up a hand to stop him before he could protest.
“Lose the attitude. I’ve explained why you need to drill techniques. When I see you putting in the effort, then I’ll let you spar. But not before, and certainly not when you try to manipulate me. Understand?”
I could feel Ro trying to resist the weight of my alpha presence, and he clenched his fist at his sides and ground his teeth. But eventually, he had to submit. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, eyes downcast.
“I accept your apology. But don’t pull this crap again, got it?”
Ro nodded again, far meeker this time. He was just a kid, testing boundaries, trying to find his place. But I knew if I allowed him to try to manipulate situations now, it would only get worse as he got older. Better to be calm but firm while he was still young.
“Good,” I said. “Now, go get changed, and we’ll call it a day.”
As Ro trudged off toward the locker room, I went to Zoey. She was worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, her eyes on Ro’s retreating back.
“Noah, I’m so sorry about—” she began, but I held up a finger to stop her.
“What was that affirmation you learned?”
Zoey inhaled slowly, then let the breath out in a measured exhale. “I am worthy of love and compassion. I am not responsible for everything that happens.”
I nodded. “That’s right. You’re not responsible when Ro tries to push boundaries. He’s a kid and trying to find his place. You set the boundaries and keep him in check, but don’t apologize for his behavior.”
Zoey let out a long, slow breath. “You’re right. I know you’re just trying to help him.”
“I am,” I agreed. “Speaking of which, do you think Heather or Sam could pick Ro up? I’d like to take you to dinner, if you’re free.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of Zoey’s mouth as she pulled out her phone. “Let me check.” She tapped out a quick message, and her phone pinged instantly in reply. “Sam says he’s just down the road with a friend. He can swing by and get Ro.”
“Perfect,” I said. “It’s a date.”
Zoey grinned at me, and warmth bloomed in my chest. Things with Ro might be challenging at times, but seeing Zoey slowly coming out of her shell and learning to trust again made it all worth it.
I kissed Zoey, right there in the middle of the gym. I didn’t care who saw us. I wanted everyone to know that this incredible woman was mine.
Zoey melted into the kiss, her hands coming up to rest against my chest. For a moment, the rest of the world faded away, and it was just the two of us.
“Ew, yuck! Kissing is disgusting!”
