Page 156 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
I pushed down the rage, the helplessness that threatened to overwhelm me. I had to be strong and think clearly. For Zoey. For Roland.
“We’ll find them,” I said in a low growl. “Whoever’s helping George, whoever’s putting my family at risk, we’ll root them out and make them pay.”
Warman’s expression hardened with determination. “Damn right we will. I’ll start asking questions, see what I can dig up. In the meantime, you focus on taking care of Zoey and Roland. They need you now more than ever.”
I heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching and turned to see my parents running up the path. My dad’s eyes locked with mine, and in that moment, I saw understanding reflected back at me. He placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring.
“Come on, son,” he said gently. “You have to calm down. Zoey needs you.”
Anger raged, and I wanted to remind him that I was the goddamned alpha now. But when I looked into his eyes, I saw only concern and support.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus. Zoey needed me. Ro needed me. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions get the best of me now.
Together, we made our way inside, where Ro was groaning loudly. My heart clenched at the sight of him writhing on the floor. Zoey clutched his hand as tears streamed down her face.
I dropped to my knees beside them and stroked Ro’s sweat-soaked hair. “It’s okay, buddy,” I said. “I know it hurts, but you’re gonna be okay. We’re all here for you.”
Zoey looked up at me, her eyes wide and fearful. “What’s happening to him, Noah? I don’t understand.”
I swallowed hard, my gaze flickering to my dad. He nodded, his face grave but reassuring.
“He’s shifting, Zoey,” I said. “It’s his first time, and it’s always the hardest. But we’re gonna help him through it, okay? You need to trust us.”
Zoey’s bottom lip trembled as she tightened her grip on Ro’s hand. “I trust you, Noah. He’ll be okay, right?”
“He’ll be just fine, honey,” my mother reassured her.
I took a deep breath, pushing aside my own fears and doubts as I focused on the task at hand. “Lance, I need you to grab some towels and a bowl of warm water,” I said.
Lance nodded, his face set with determination as he hurried out of the room. I turned my attention back to Ro, running my hands over his body as I checked for any signs of injury or distress. His skin was hot to the touch, his muscles twitching and spasming beneath my fingers.
“Dad, what do we do?” I asked. “I’ve never seen a shift this intense before.”
My father knelt beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder. “It’s different for everyone,” he said, “but we’ll get him through it. We just need to be patient and keep him as comfortable as possible.”
I swallowed back the lump in my throat as I turned to Zoey. “You should talk to him. Let him know that you’re here, that we’re all here for him.”
Zoey nodded, tears glimmering in her eyes as she leaned down close to Ro’s ear. “Hey, baby. It’s Mommy. I know it hurts, but you’re being so brave. We love you so much, and we’re gonna take care of you, okay? Just hold on a little longer.”
Ro whimpered, and I saw Zoey wince as he gripped her hand. I felt a surge of pride and love for both of them. They were so strong, so resilient. God, they were amazing.
As Lance returned with the supplies, I set to work, using the warm towels to soothe Ro’s aching muscles. My dad and I took turns coaching him through the shift, encouraging him to breathe and relax.
Ro let out a sharp cry, his back arching off the floor as his bones began to shift and reform beneath his skin. I winced in sympathy, remembering the searing pain of my own first transformation.
“It’s okay, Ro,” I placed a hand on his chest. “I know it hurts, but it won’t last forever. You’re going to be okay.”
Zoey looked up at me, her eyes wide and fearful. “Are you sure?”
I tried to project a sense of calm and confidence that I didn’t entirely feel. “I’m sure. He’s a strong kid, and he’s got all of us here to support him. He’s going to get through this. I promise.”
She held my gaze for a long moment, searching for reassurance in my eyes. Finally, she let out a shaky breath. “Okay,” she whispered. “Okay.”
We sat there for hours, watching as Ro’s body slowly transformed from human to wolf. It was a painful, messy process, but through it all, we never left his side.
As the first rays of dawn began to filter through the curtains, Ro finally stilled, his small wolf form curled up on the floor between us. Pride and relief washed over me as I looked down at him, marveling at the strength of this little boy who had already been through so much in his short life.
“He did it,” I said softly, looking up at Zoey with a tired smile. “He made it through.”
