Page 172 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“He’s always resented me,” I said. “For not being the alpha he wanted me to be, for not living up to his expectations.”
“But what if that’s not the whole story? What if there’s more beneath the surface?”
Her words echoed in my mind as we made our way through the bustling airport. Could she be right? Could I have misjudged my father all these years? The possibility sent a flicker of hope through me, followed by a wave of uncertainty.
As we waited for Bridget to arrive, I found myself lost in thought, grappling with the idea of mending the rift between my father and me. It seemed an insurmountable task, yet Zoey’s gentle encouragement had planted a seed of doubt, a glimmer of possibility.
I easily spotted Bridget from across the airport lobby. She was the spitting image of Zoey, except her long, jet-black hair was streaked with gray. As they locked eyes, a palpable tension filled the air, years of unspoken emotions hanging between them.
Bridget took a tentative step forward, then another, until she stood before Zoey. For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, a myriad of emotions playing across their faces—uncertainty, longing, and fragile hope.
Then, Bridget reached out and pulled Zoey into a tight embrace. As she held her daughter close, she said, “You look so much better than the last time that twit George allowed us to FaceTime. You’ve gained weight. You look happy.” Zoey’s eyes shimmered with tears as Bridget cupped her cheek. “You’re beautiful,” Bridget said. “Absolutely beautiful.”
I watched the exchange, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. Pride, that Zoey had the courage to face her past.Relief, that she had the support of her mother, despite their complicated history. And a twinge of envy, for the chance to reconnect with a parent to heal old wounds and forge a new path forward.
Bridget’s attention shifted to Roland, who stood beside me, gripping my hand. Her face softened as she crouched in front of him.
“Roland, my dear grandson.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a neatly wrapped gift. “It’s so wonderful to finally meet you in person. Look at you, such a handsome young man.”
Roland’s face lit up as he accepted the present, his nerves melting away as Bridget smiled warmly at him. “Thank you, Grandma,” he said.
As Bridget stood and looked at me. The warmth in her eyes evaporated, replaced by a cool, appraising stare. “Noah, thank you for flying me out here.”
What was with the disdain?
“Of course, Bridget,” I said. “It’s the least I could do.”
She regarded me for a long moment, her arms crossed over her chest. I couldn’t quite read her, couldn’t tell if her contempt was directed at me specifically or at men in general. Given what I knew of her history with Zoey’s father, I couldn’t blame her for being wary.
I cleared my throat, desperate to break the tension. “Shall we head to the car? I’m sure you’re tired after your flight.”
Bridget nodded curtly, her attention already back on Zoey and Roland. As we walked out of the airport, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Bridget had judged me in that short exchange and found me lacking.
But I was determined to prove her wrong and show her that I was different. I would show her that I would never hurt Zoey or Roland the way their father had. I just hoped that in time, shewould come to see me for who I truly was, not just another man in a long line of disappointments.
I offered Bridget a room at my place, wanting her to feel welcome and comfortable during her stay.
“I’ve already made arrangements at the local bed and breakfast,” she said. “One of your pack members runs it, right? They seemed quite happy to accommodate the mother of thealpha’s mate.”
I flinched at her words. She’d said “alpha’s mate” like it was a dirty phrase. Zoey shot me a worried look.
“Bridget,” I said. “I know you’re not a fan of pack life, but?—”
She held up a hand, cutting me off. “I’m not bashing your way of life. I understand how it works. But my daughter is her own woman, with her own name and identity. It doesn’t have to be connected to a man’s in order for it to be important.”
I swallowed hard, feeling her words and the unspoken accusation behind them. “I know that, Bridget. I would never try to take that away from her.”
She studied me, her green eyes piercing the depths of my being. “Just keep that in mind, okay? Zoey’s been through enough.” She shot her daughter a look. “She doesn’t need another man trying to define her.”
Zoey groaned. “Mom, it’s really not a big deal. I don’t feel like Noah is defining my existence, but thank you for supporting me.”
Bridget made a scoffing noise in response. I nodded, my heart clenching at the thought of all the pain Zoey had endured. I wanted to tell Bridget that I was different, that I would never hurt Zoey the way her father had. But actions spoke louder than words, and I would have to prove myself through my deeds, not my promises.
As we drove to the B&B, it felt like Bridget was watching my every move, waiting for me to slip up. I had to be on my bestbehavior so I could show her I was worthy of her daughter’s love and trust.
But I also knew that earning Bridget’s approval would be an uphill battle, one that might take time and patience. All I could do was hope that in the end, she would see how much I truly cared for Zoey and Roland, and how far I was willing to go to protect and support them.
When we gotto the B&B, Bridget paused at the front door, her hand on the knob. She turned to Zoey. “I’ll always support you, honey. No matter what. I just want to make sure you’re being treated with the respect you deserve.”
