Page 153 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
The shrill ring of my cell phone jolted me awake. I fumbled for it on the nightstand, peering at the bright screen through half-open eyes.
3:06 a.m. Unknown number.
“Hello?” I rasped.
“Mr. Alexander? This is ADT Security. We’ve received an alarm at your gym on Main Street. The police are en route.”
I bolted upright. “What happened?”
“It appears there was a break-in, sir. The external door sensor was tripped.”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll be right there.” I hung up, already throwing the covers off.
My phone rang again as I pulled on my jeans. This time, it was Kyler.
“Bro, we got trouble at the gym,” he said as soon as I picked up. “Cops just called, said it was vandalized.”
“Fuck. The security company called me. I’m heading over now.”
Zoey stirred beside me, her dark hair fanned out on the pillow. “Noah? What’s going on?”
I put a hand on her shoulder. “There was a break-in at the gym. I have to go check it out. You and Ro stay here, okay? Keep the doors locked.”
Her hazel eyes went wide with fear, no doubt remembering George’s threat. “Are you sure? We can come with you.”
“No, you’ll be safer here. I’ll call Lance to come keep an eye on things.”
I could tell she wanted to argue, but finally she nodded. “Okay. Be careful.”
“I will. Try to get some more sleep.” I kissed her forehead before grabbing my keys and wallet.
In the hallway, I paused outside Ro’s room. The kid was sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes. “Noah? What’s happening?”
“Nothing you need to worry about, buddy. Something came up at work that I have to go deal with. Your mom’s here, all right? I’ll be back soon.”
He mumbled a “’kay” before flopping back on the pillow. With a last glance at him, I pulled his door halfway shut.
Downstairs, I called Lance as I shrugged into my jacket. He picked up on the second ring, sounding completely alert despite the hour.
“Lance, hate to do this to you, but I need you at my place ASAP. The gym got hit, and I gotta go deal with it. Can you come keep an eye on Zoey and Ro for me?”
“On my way, boss. Be there in ten.”
No complaints, not even a sigh. Just immediate action. I wasn’t used to that kind of loyalty yet or having people at my beck and call. But man, was I grateful for it right now.
“Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“Just doing my job, Alpha. See you in a few.”
I waited on the front porch until Lance’s SUV pulled up, engine purring. The sandy-haired shifter hopped out and jogged up the walk.
“Appreciate you coming so fast.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Zoey and Ro are still pretty rattled after that asshole George’s threat yesterday.”
Lance’s eyes flashed amber in the porch light. “Don’t you worry, Alpha. No one’s getting past me. I’ll keep them safe.”
I looked him in the eye, seeing nothing but steadfast resolve there. “I know. Thanks.”
With a final nod, I jumped into my truck. A break-in at my new business, death threats against my mate and her kid... being alpha was turning out to be a real clusterfuck so far. I hoped to God it wouldn’t get any worse tonight.
