Page 141 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Noah changed the subject. “How does Indian sound? There’s a great place in town. The Spice of Life. They make an incredible butter chicken.”
My stomach rumbled at the thought. “Oh, God, yes. Chicken tikka masala sounds heavenly right about now.”
With a chuckle, Noah laced his fingers through mine, and we wandered over to the swings. After his outburst, Ro had waitedpatiently, tracing patterns in the dirt with the toe of his sneaker. When Noah started pushing him, he squealed in joy.
But then I caught a glimpse of the guards at the perimeter. Their alert stances reminded me of the danger that still lurked. Goosebumps covered my skin as an unsettling thought slithered through my mind. Was George out there somewhere, watching us right at this second? Plotting his next move?
I shook my head, trying to dislodge the paranoid fears. I had to focus on the good. On Ro’s smile, on Noah’s unwavering support, on building a new life free from?—
“Zoey? You still with me?”
I blinked, realizing Noah must have called my name a few times. Heat crept up my neck. “Sorry, I was just...”
Noah squeezed my hand. “Thinking about him?” When I nodded, he pulled me closer, his solid frame grounding me. “We’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you or Ro. We have the cops and the pack guards. He can’t get to you here.”
The urge to apologize and downplay my fears rose in my throat. But I swallowed it back. Elaine had told me to stop invalidating my own feelings. So instead, I simply held Noah’s gaze and let myself lean on his strength.
“You’re right,” I said softly, mustering up a smile.
Sam’s car pulled up alongside the park. Ro’s face lit up, and he sprinted toward the vehicle.
Sam stepped out, his weathered face crinkling into a smile as Ro chattered animatedly about the remote-control car they’d been working on. He pulled a small plastic bag from his pocket and held it out to Ro.
“Look what I found, kiddo. The missing gear we needed.”
Ro practically vibrated with glee as he snatched the bag and held it aloft like a trophy. “Awesome. Thanks, Grandpa. Can we finish the car tonight? Please, please, please?”
Sam chuckled. “We’ll see. You ready to head out so your mom and Noah can get on with their plans?”
Ro’s smile dimmed a fraction, but he nodded. He darted back to us, crashing into me with a fierce hug. “Sorry I was naughty earlier, Mom,” he said into my sweater. “I’ll be good for Grandpa. I promise.”
My heart melted. “I know you will, baby. I love you.” I kissed the top of his head, savoring his warmth before I let him go.
Noah held out a fist. “Have fun with your grandpa, buddy. We’ll hang out again soon, yeah?”
Ro bumped his much smaller fist against Noah’s. “Yeah! Maybe you can help me with the car next time.”
“You got it.” Noah slipped an arm around my waist as we waved goodbye to Ro and Sam. As their car pulled away, he turned to me, his eyes soft. “So, still up for that curry? It’s a beautiful night for a walk.”
I leaned into his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent. “Absolutely. Lead the way.”
Noah pulled out his phone and fired off a quick text. “Just letting Mike know to take the car over to the restaurant.” A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “There are certain perks to being alpha.”
I snorted. “Oh, I’m sure. How long before you’ve got people picking your dirty socks up off the floor, huh?”
He laughed, the sound warm and rich. “Hey, I’m not that bad,” He laced his fingers through mine as we began to stroll in the direction of the restaurant. “Though I can’t say I’d complain if someone else did my laundry once in a while.”
As we walked hand in hand, the streets of Boldercrest seemed to come alive around us. Laughter spilled from open windows, mingling with the distant strains of music and the chatter of passersby. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the promise of autumn.
Noah grinned at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ll have you know, I’m perfectly capable of picking up after myself. I don’t put my clothes on the floor in the first place.”
I quirked an eyebrow, teasing. “Oh, so you’re telling me the alpha of the pack is secretly a neat freak?”
He chuckled, squeezing my hand gently. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” He looked at me, his gaze burning into me. “But honestly, Zoey, I want you to know that being with me doesn’t mean you’ll be picking up after me or catering to my every whim. That’s not the kind of relationship I want.”
A thousand butterflies erupted in my stomach. “I know. I was just teasing. But I appreciate you saying that.”
We turned a corner, and The Spice of Life came into view, its colorful awning fluttering in the breeze. As we drew closer, the mouth-watering aromas of Indian cuisine wafted toward us, making my stomach grumble.
