Page 178 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
The guy backed away, hands raised defensively. “It wasn’t my idea, I swear. Some guy offered me a ton of cash for renovations. All I had to do was get some guys to mess up your place.”
“And you thought messing with me was a smart move?” My muscles tensed, my simmering blood turning to a full boil.
“I didn’t know they were going to take it that far. The plan was just to distract you so they could...” He gulped as he met my eyes.
“So they could what?” I growled, my patience wearing thin.
His shoulders slumped in defeat. “So they could take the kid. His kid.”
I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and slammed him into the wall. “You listen to me very carefully. If you ever come near my family again, I will make sure you regret it for the rest of your miserable life. Understood?”
He nodded frantically, all the color draining from his face. I tossed him aside, grim satisfaction coursing through me when he crumpled to the floor.
I stormed out of the gym, fists clenched at my side. George was more desperate than I’d thought. I needed to end this, once and for all.
As I drove back to Boldercrest, I called Chief Warman and let him know that it had, in fact, been George who’d arranged the vandalism at the gym. He didn’t sound completely surprised and promised to step up patrols. The thought of George targeting Ro pissed me off. He didn’t want Ro because he loved him. All he cared about was hurting Zoey and controlling her.
I stopped at Kyler’s place, and he greeted me with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. “You look like hell, man. What’s going on?”
I shook my head as I collapsed onto his couch. “It’s a long story. The short version is that George hired those guys to trash the gym while he tried to kidnap Ro.”
Kyler’s eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle. “Fuck. What are we going to do?”
I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the tension. “We need to figure out what to do with the kids we’re training. The gym’s going to be closed for at least a week while they repaint and repair the damage.”
Kyler leaned back. “Why don’t we train them here? I’ve got that gym set up in the basement. It’s not as big as yours, but it’ll do for now.”
“That could work. Thanks, Ky. I appreciate it.”
He shrugged. “That’s what partners are for, right? Besides, I can’t let you hog all the glory of training the next generation of champions.”
I chuckled, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. “You just want a chance to show off in front of the kids.”
Kyler chuckled. “What can I say? I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
We spent the next hour ironing out the details, deciding on a schedule and how to divide up the training sessions.
As we wrapped up our discussion, Kyler’s expression turned serious. He leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. “Look, Noah, I know you’re all in when it comes to Zoey and her kid, but are you sure she’s worth all this trouble? I mean, her ex is going to pretty extreme lengths to get her back. For God’s sake, he’s messing with your business.”
Irritation flashed at his words, my protective instincts surging to the surface. “This isn’t on Zoey, Ky. She doesn’t control what that bastard chooses to do.”
Kyler held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I know, I know. I’m just saying, it’s a lot to deal with, especially with everything else you’ve got going on.”
I shook my head. “If you want an answer, then yes, she’s worth it. She’s worth everything. The gym can be fixed, but I could never replace her or Ro. I don’t want to.”
Kyler’s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded in understanding. “I get it, man. I’ve never seen you like this about anyone before. But I can’t help worrying about you, you know?”
I softened, appreciating his concern. “I know you do, and I’m grateful for that. But I need you to trust me on this. Zoey and Ro, they’re my priority now. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”
Kyler sighed, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. “I can see that. Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? Don’t let this fucker drag you down to his level.”
I met his gaze, my jaw set with determination. “I won’t. But I’m not going to sit back and let him terrorize the people I care about, either. One way or another, I’m ending this.”
Kyler clapped me on the shoulder, his support unwavering. “I’ve got your back. Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
I clasped his hand. “Thanks, Ky. That means a lot. Hey, why don’t we all have dinner together later this week? You, me, Zoey, and Ro. It would be good for you to get to know them better.”
Ky’s signature grin spread across his face. “Dinner with the lovely Zoey? How could I refuse?”
