Page 151 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“I was just wondering... what were Nate and Noah like when they were boys? Especially around their first shift?”
Angie’s eyes softened with understanding. “Ah, I see. You’re worried about Ro, aren’t you?”
I bit my lip. “I know shifters go through this all the time, but I can’t shake my nerves.”
Angie patted my back reassuringly. “It’s completely normal to feel that way. But I promise you, Ro will be just fine. Shifter children are resilient. Their bodies are made for this.” She paused, a mischievous glint entering her eyes. “As for Nate and Noah... well, they were quite the handful. Nate was always a neat freak, just like their father. Everything had to be in its place, and he couldn’t stand a mess. But Noah”—Angie shook her head fondly—“was the complete opposite. That boy was always getting into trouble, leaving his things scattered everywhere and driving his brother crazy.”
“Really?” My eyebrows rose. The Noah I knew was so responsible and put-together.
“Oh, yes,” Angie said. “He loved pranking Nate by going into his room and messing everything up. The two of them were constantly at each other’s throats.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “In fact, it got so bad that their father suggested we put Noah into boxing classes, just to give him an outlet for all that energy.”
Noah, who had been listening from the other side of the room, looked up sharply. “Wait, what? Dad was the one who suggested boxing?”
Angie nodded. “He did, sweetheart. You needed a way to channel all that pent-up energy, and he thought boxing would be good for you.” She laughed, looking around. “It certainly taught you some discipline and, if nothing else, how to pick up after yourself.”
A range of emotions played across Noah’s face—surprise, confusion, and finally a tentative sort of understanding. This information had caught him off-guard, and I made a mental note to ask him about it later.
Angie gave me a warm hug. “You’re doing a wonderful job with Ro, Zoey,” she whispered. “And I’m so glad Noah has you in his life. He needs someone like you. Someone who can love him for who he is.”
I hugged her back fiercely. “Thank you, Angie. That means more to me than you know.”
After she left, I helped Noah clean up the kitchen. I glanced over at him, taking in the pensive look on his face.
“Hey,” I said softly, bumping his hip with mine. “You okay?”
He blinked, coming back to the present, and offered me a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just processing, I guess.”
I understood. “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? Finding out about your dad and the boxing?”
Sighing, Noah ran a hand through his hair. “It is. I always thought he was against it. That he didn’t approve of me fighting. But now? I don’t know. It’s like everything I thought l knew about him is wrong.”
I took his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Maybe this is an opportunity. A chance to see your father in a different light and understand him better.”
He looked down at our joined hands, his thumb stroking over my knuckles. “Maybe you’re right. God, I wish I had known sooner.”
My heart ached for him, and I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around his waist. “I know, but you can’t change the past. All you can do is move forward, and try to be the best man and the best alpha you can be. And I know you will be, because you are amazing. You’re kind and strong and brave, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”
Noah buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply. “I’m the lucky one. You and Ro... you’re everything to me. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so grateful that you’re mine.”
After the dishes, I put Roland to bed, which wasn’t difficult. The pending shift had left him exhausted. I smiled as Roland’s eyelids fluttered closed, his dark lashes fanning out against his pale cheeks. He looked so young, so innocent in sleep, and my heart swelled with love for my little boy.
Noah knocked lightly, then came in. His hand settled on my shoulder, a warm, reassuring weight. “He’s out like a light. Poor kid’s had a long day.”
I reached up to cover his hand with my own. “I’m worried about him and his first shift. I know it’s normal, but…”
“But you’re his mom, and you want to protect him from everything.” Noah squeezed my shoulder gently. “I get it, Zo. But he’s going to be okay. We’ll be there for him, every step of the way.”
I leaned back against him, his solid presence behind me soothing my frayed nerves. “I wish I could keep him like this forever, you know? Safe and happy and innocent.”
Noah chuckled and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “Me too, babe. But we can’t stop him from growing up. All we can do is love him and support him, no matter what.”
I turned in his arms and smiled up at him. “When did you get so wise?”
He grinned. “Must be all that time I spend with you. You’re rubbing off on me.”
I laughed quietly, mindful of Roland sleeping nearby. “I think you’ve got that backward, mister. You’re the one who’s always keeping me grounded.”
Noah’s expression softened, and he brushed his knuckles over my cheek. “We keep each other grounded, Zo. That’s what partners do.”
