Page 17 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
My hand trembled as I picked up the new phone Sam had gotten for me. The text alert had sent me into a tailspin. I had to remind myself that no one could trace me through this phone, especially not George. There was no digital trail in my name. We’d made it look as if I had gone completely off-grid. I’d deleted all my dormant social media and email accounts, and since George hadn’t allowed me my own phone, he had no way to track me.
Sam was my shield now, the barrier between me and the man who thought he owned me. But no matter how many layers I put between us, the fear that George would appear refused to leave me. George James had a way of getting what he wanted, and noone had ever said no to him. He had deep pockets, and resources I couldn’t even begin to fathom.
He’d find me. But I would be prepared.
As Ro walked into the kitchen, I marveled at how much he’d relaxed in just two weeks. I would do everything in my power to preserve that, to give him the childhood he deserved.
“Does my Ro-Ro monster want some breakfast?” I asked, tickling his sides. His uncontrollable giggles soothed my fractured soul.
After giving him one last tickle, I guided him to his seat at the table. “Can I have eggs on toast, please, Mommy?”
“Well, since you asked so politely.”
I cracked an egg into a sizzling pan, the sharp pop and hiss almost drowning out the whirl of thoughts in my head. While I made breakfast, Roland sat and concentrated on assembling the puzzle Sam had bought him. Despite that it was labeled for ages ten-plus, Roland breezed through it without any difficulties. His tongue poked out between his teeth, and his black hair fell over his forehead as he concentrated.
“Mom?” Roland asked, looking up at me. “Will Dad find us?”
The question hit me like a punch to the gut, and I quickly schooled my expression into something calm and reassuring. “No, baby, we’re safe here.”
But the truth was, I didn’t know if we were safe. Not really. George was out there, and even though he had no real pack to command, his goons were loyal enough to do his dirty work. I shuddered at the thought of them finding Roland. He was next in line to be alpha, a title that held significance even though George didn’t have a traditional pack, only a twisted empire.
I had been anxious that George might report me for kidnapping. I’d crossed a major line when I took his son away. But Roland had seen too much, heard too much. No child should have knowledge of such things, but it would work in our favorif George dared to drag us to court. Even then, I’d only involve Roland as a last resort. The phone Lucas had provided me with had been put to good use. I had an arsenal of evidence in the form of photos and videos that painted a story no one could ignore or sway with bribery. I’d uploaded it all to the cloud before ditching the phone.
I flipped the eggs onto a plate as I considered my own future. If I really wanted a new life, I needed a job, one where I wouldn’t be looking over my shoulder every second. And maybe a small apartment, with neighbors who wouldn’t ask questions. Somewhere I could finally breathe.
“Breakfast is ready,” I said, pushing aside the image of George’s scowling green eyes. I had to focus on what was ahead, not what I’d left behind.
“Thanks, Mom,” Roland said, his voice echoing through the kitchen. I was free from George, but freedom was bittersweet. It felt claustrophobic, like a room with walls too close together. As I watched Roland eat, I knew I wouldn’t, couldn’t, let those walls close in on us ever again.
“Did you get the text?” Heather asked as she walked into the kitchen.
I looked up from the sink, wiping my hands on a dishtowel. “The one from the gym? Yeah, I got it.” My voice was steady despite the flutter in my stomach. The first self-defense class was this afternoon. It was a concrete move toward something like security.
She leaned against the counter and studied me. “Three o’clock. You ready for it?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I said. “Not exactly excited to learn how to throw a punch, but...” I shrugged.
Heather nodded, understanding flashing in her eyes. “It’s not just about fighting, Zoey. You’re taking back control.”
“Exactly. After... everything, it feels like I’ve completely lost myself. Like I was molded into George’s ideal version of me. It’s been a while since I felt like I have control over my own life. It’s all such a twisted mess. Doing this class, for myself, might bring a tiny piece of Zoey back. And it has the added benefit that I’ll be able to defend myself, so it’s a win-win.” I hesitated for a moment before adding, “Thanks for doing this with me.”
She dismissed that with a wave of her hand. “Just because I’m a shifter with fighting instincts doesn’t mean I can’t continue to grow and develop. Besides, I’m not letting you go at this alone.”
Her support was a lifeline, an anchor in a world that had been turned upside down, yet I couldn’t completely shake off the fear. But fears could be faced, especially when you had someone by your side.
“Do you have any workout clothes?” Heather asked. “I’d lend you something, but you’re about four feet taller than me. And you wear boats, not shoes.”
“You exaggerate,” I said, determined to shake off the melancholy and embrace Heather’s light-hearted enthusiasm. “I’m only two feet taller, and I wear canoes, not boats.”
Heather stared at me, momentarily stunned, before she barked out a laugh. “Zoey!”she said, dragging my name out like she had when we were kids. “You made a funny?”
We laughed, and Roland’s puzzled look only made us laugh harder.
Once I regained my composure, I groaned. “I don’t have anything appropriate for a self-defense class. We’re going to have to go shopping again.”
Heather couldn’t contain her excitement. She grabbed Roland’s hand and twirled him around the kitchen. “We’re going shopping, we’re going shopping!”
“Mom, do I have to go shopping? Can I see Grandpa Sam today instead?” Roland asked softly, and the hope in his eyes tugged at my heart.
