Page 138 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“I won’t overstep anything you’re doing.” I chose my words carefully. “But I’m not going to sit on my hands, either. I have resources and connections. I can help.”
Warman sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Noah, I know you mean well, but this is a delicate situation. We can’t risk anything jeopardizing the case against him in the human courts. This needs to be done absolutely by the book.”
I wanted to argue, to tell him I could handle it, that I would do whatever it took to keep Zoey safe. But he was right. I couldn’t risk making things worse for her.
“I understand,” I said. “I won’t interfere with your investigation, but once the human courts are done, George must abide by our laws as a shifter. If Zoey or any of my pack are put at risk because of him, all bets are off. I need you to keep me in the loop, all right? If anything changes, if there’s anything I can do to help, I want to know.”
Warman looked like he wanted to argue with me, but in the end, he nodded. “I will. She’s lucky to have you in her corner.”
I shook his hand, thanking him before he turned to leave. As I watched him go, I clenched my fists at my sides. George was out there, biding his time. And when he made his move, I would be ready.
I turned back to the ring, my mind already shifting gears. I had work to do, a fighter to train. But in the back of my mind, I was already forming a plan. George would face his crimes, one way or another. And I was going to make damn sure of it.
I stepped into the ring, my focus zeroing in on my fighter. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, his gloves up, ready to work. I nodded at him as I slipped on the pads.
“All right, let’s go,” I said. “Combinations, just like we practiced.”
He started in, his punches sharp and precise. I called out encouragement, but my mind was elsewhere. The danger Zoey was facing, her vulnerability, occupied my thoughts. I had to do something, but what? I was still learning the ropes of being alpha and figuring out how much pull I had.
The ringing of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. I stepped back, holding up a hand to pause the session. “Take a break, I’ll be right back,” I told my fighter, ducking out of the ring to grab my phone.
“Noah,” Lance said when I answered. “Just wanted to give you a heads-up. Zoey’s on her way to you with the kid.”
I glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was already time for Ro’s session. “Thanks for the call,” I said, already heading for the door. “Be right back!” I called out to the curious stares as I jogged by.
I stepped outside just as Zoey and Ro got out of the car. When she looked up at me, my breath caught in my throat. There was something different about her. A lightness to her step, a brightness to her smile that I hadn’t seen before.
She walked toward me, a new sway to her hips and confidence in her stride. It was like seeing her for the first time all over again.
“Hey, you,” she said as she stopped in front of me.
“Hey, yourself. You look good, Zo. Really good.”
She ducked her head, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I feel good. Better than I have in a long time.”
I hugged her, breathing in the scent of her shampoo, feeling the warmth of her skin. My wolf rumbled happily. We were content for the first time in years.
It was the therapy, the work she was doing to heal from the trauma of her past. Seeing the progress she’d made, the light in her eyes, I wondered if therapy was something I should consider for myself.
But for now, all that mattered was the woman in my arms, the love I felt for her growing stronger every day. I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to make sure she never had to live in fear again.
“Come on.” I took her hand in mine. “Let’s go inside. I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”
Zoey smiled at me as we walked into the gym, her hand warm in mine. Ro trailed behind us, his face sullen.
I led them over to the ring where I’d been working with my new fighter. “Zo, this is Jake. Jake, meet Zoey and her son Roland.”
Jake waved one gloved hand in greeting. I could see the questions in his eyes, but he kept them to himself.
“Nice to meet you,” Zoey said politely.
Ro grunted, his attention already on the punching bags and training equipment scattered around the gym.
I squeezed Zoey’s hand before letting go. “Why don’t you have a seat? It’s time for Ro’s session.”
Zoey settled onto a nearby bench as I turned my attention to her son.
“All right,” I said to Ro. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
