Page 187 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
But first, I needed answers. I needed to know who had done this, and why. And from the look on Noah’s face, the barely contained rage simmering beneath the surface, I had a feeling he wouldn’t rest until we had them.
I turned my gaze to the others in the room, my throat tightening with emotion. “Thank you all for being here,” I said, my words slightly muffled by the mask. “It means so much to me. But I need a moment alone with Noah, if that’s okay.”
They nodded, murmuring words of support and love as they left the room. My mom was the last to leave, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead before she went.
As the door clicked shut behind her, I turned back to Noah, reaching out to take his hand in mine. His skin was warm, his grip firm yet gentle, and I drew strength from his touch.
I studied his face. “Are you okay?”
He let out a short, humorless laugh. “No. I’m not okay. I’m about as far from okay as I can get.” He ran a trembling hand through his hair. “I didn’t know what was wrong with you. I thought... I thought I was going to lose you. And it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.”
I squeezed his hand. “I’m here. I’m still here.”
He squeezed back, almost desperately, as if he needed the physical reassurance that I was real. That I wasn’t going anywhere. “I know. But it was too close. Way too close.” He shook his head, pain and guilt warring in his eyes. “I should have protected you better. I should have?—”
“Noah, stop. This isn’t your fault. You didn’t send that package. There’s no way you could have known what was in it.”
He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I know that, logically. But it doesn’t change how I feel. It doesn’t change the fact that I let you down.”
I tugged on his hand, forcing him to meet my gaze. “You could never let me down. You’re here, with me, right now. That’s all that matters.”
He stared at me, his eyes searching mine. Slowly, he nodded. His expression darkened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Leon called me. He’s close to finding out where George is hiding.”
My breath caught in my throat. “What are you going to do when you find him?”
“I’m going to kill him.” The words were simple, matter-of-fact. As if he were discussing the weather and not the premeditated murder of another person.
I swallowed hard, my heart racing. “Noah?—”
“No. I’m done playing by the rules. I’m done waiting for the authorities to handle this. George needs to pay for what he’s done. And I’m going to be the one to make him pay.”
Before I could respond, the door to my hospital room swung open. Chief Warman stood in the doorway, his face a carefully constructed mask.
“I’m done. I intend to finish this. My way.” Noah turned to me. “I’m sorry, Zoey, I hoped this could be done through the police and human courts, but it’s not working. I can’t allow him to play these games. He’s hurting you and undermining me. I have to make a stand before it weakens my position.”
“He can’t go after George like this,” I implored the chief, hoping Noah would listen to the voice of reason.
Chief Warman shook his head. “I’m sorry, Zoey. Noah is within his rights to finish this. I may not like the challenge, but I can’t intervene in shifter law.”
“Challenge?” I demanded, “What challenge?” My voice rose in intensity, almost turning into a shriek.
“I made the challenge. You were there in the car, remember?” Noah stood, pacing the small room. “I can’t allow him to play these games anymore. You’re in the fucking hospital, Zoey. He’s challenging my authority on my lands. I need to finish this—our way.”
Chief Warman was silent for a moment, considering Noah’s words. Finally, he nodded. “If you’re going to do this, you better do it right. No half-measures. You make sure that bastard never hurts anyone again.”
“I will.” Noah’s promise hung heavy in the air.
With a final nod, Chief Warman turned and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Noah’s hand found mine, his fingers trembling slightly as they laced with my own. I squeezed, offering what little comfort I could.
“I won’t rest until you’re safe. I swear it.”
I wanted to kiss him, to pull him close and never let go. But my eyelids felt heavy, and I could feel sleep tugging at the edges of my consciousness.
As I drifted off, I heard Noah’s whispered words, a promise and a prayer all in one. “I love you. Always.”
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