Page 197 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
I could see the war waging within her eyes, the desperate need to keep me safe battling with the knowledge that this was our only path forward.
Finally, she nodded, a shaky exhale escaping her lips. “Okay,” she whispered. “Okay. But you have to promise me. Promise me you’ll come back to me.”
I leaned down, resting my forehead against hers. “I promise. I’m coming back to you, no matter what. You’re my forever. We have a happy-ever-after waiting for us, Zoey. A life together, a family. And I’ll be damned if I let George take that from us.”
A small, watery smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I want that more than anything. I want a future with you.”
“And we’re going to have it,” I promised. “I’m going to make sure of it.”
We swayed gently to the music playing in the background. For a moment, I let myself get lost in her—the scent of her hair,the warmth of her skin. This was what I was fighting for. This was what I refused to lose.
As the song came to an end, I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Let’s get some rest. It’s been a crazy couple of days.”
Zoey let me lead her toward the bedroom. As we settled under the covers, she curled into my side, her head resting on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.
“I love you, Noah,” she whispered, her words slightly muffled against my skin.
“I love you, too, Zoey,” I replied softly. “More than anything.”
And with that promise on my lips, I drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever tomorrow might bring.
53
ZOEY
Itook a deep breath to steady my racing heart as I stepped into my therapist’s office, my mother trailing reluctantly behind me. We settled into the plush chairs, an uncomfortable silence filling the space between us as Elaine watched us.
“Zoey, how have you been doing since the recent attack?” Elaine asked gently, her pen poised over her notepad.
I clasped my hands together in my lap. “It’s been… difficult. But I’ve realized some important things.”
“And what are those realizations?”
“That none of it was my fault. George is a cruel, manipulative man. An abusive narcissist. Nothing I did caused him to be violent.”
Elaine looked pleased with me. “That’s an important realization. You didn’t deserve any of the abuse he inflicted on you.”
I swallowed hard. “For so long, he drilled it into my head that I made him hit me. That it was my fault when he lost control. But I know now that those were lies to control me.”
“You’re right. His reasons were excuses to continue the cycle of abuse.” She jotted down a few notes on her little tablet.
I wanted to cry, but I was so goddamn tired of crying because of that asshole. “The only thing I blame myself for is not leaving him sooner. I should have gotten out a long time ago.”
My mother reached over and squeezed my hand. I squeezed back, grateful for her presence, even if it had taken some convincing to get her to join me.
“You got out. That’s what matters. You survived, and you’re healing. Be proud of your strength,” Elaine said.
I let her words sink in. I had survived. I was strong. And I refused to let George hold any more power over me.
“Speaking of strength.” I turned to my mother. “I couldn’t love Noah fully or accept his love until I made peace with the truth. That I deserve love. I’m worthy of being loved, and the abuse George put me through doesn’t change that.”
My mother’s eyes welled up. She gripped my hand tighter, her bottom lip trembling.
“Oh, Zoey,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry you went through that. So sorry I couldn’t protect you from it.”
I shook my head. “It’s not your fault. We can’t control the actions of abusers. But we can heal from the scars they leave behind. Noah is helping me do that, helping me see myself the way he does. As someone deserving of love and respect.”
Elaine smiled warmly at the two of us. “It sounds like Noah has been a very positive presence in your life. I’m glad you’ll have his support as you continue on this healing journey.”
