15. Noah
NOAH
G rinning, I pressed the speaker on my phone. Zoey and I had plans tonight, and nothing would ruin this for me. Not even George’s ominous shadow lurking in the back of my mind.
“Good news?” I asked my father, anticipation for the night ahead buzzing through me.
“George is gone for now,” Dad said. I could picture him running his hand through his silvering hair, a habit when he was deep in thought. “Don’t let your guard down. I still have men stationed at Heather’s address. He’ll show again eventually, and we both know it’ll be her place he’ll target.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, glancing at the clock. I still had an hour before I had to pick Zoey up. “Any ideas what to expect?”
“After digging into his background, I’ve come to realize he’s a devious bastard, which means we should brace ourselves for the unexpected.
Noah… I have some connections,” Dad added, and I heard the creak of floorboards as he paced his study.
“I’ve got people who owe me. They could help us handle George without resorting to extremes. ”
“Peaceful solutions are always better. That’s what you’ve always taught,” I said, tracing the faint scar above my brow, a reminder that not all fights ended cleanly.
“We’ve always been a peaceful pack. It’s what I’d prefer, but if push comes to shove, would you be ready?” He hesitated, his usual confidence wavering. “If it comes to it, could you…”
The question settled like a heavy stone in my stomach. It was one thing to fight in the ring, to feel the pump of adrenaline and the rush of a win. The red mist of my wolf swirled around me, tempting me with its bloodlust, yet I had always maintained tight control.
Could I really take a life? My wolf said yes. George was a threat to the pack, to Zoey and her son. A shiver ran through me, but not from fear. I needed to protect her, protect the pack. It was ingrained in every fiber of my being.
Witnessing Zoey’s transformation had been an absolute honor.
I was under no illusion that it would take time and patience, but yesterday, when she relaxed and erupted into laughter, I could see a glimpse of the confident woman she was always meant to be.
It was a far cry from the timid soul who had entered my gym weeks ago, clutching Heather’s hand as if it were her only lifeline.
Fucking George. The possibility of him undermining her hard-fought freedom intensified my anger. My wolf vibrated with the need to shield her and Roland, to keep them safe. For them, I’d do anything. Even if it meant embracing the darkness I’d always kept at bay.
I picked up the phone, taking the call off speaker.
“Are you prepared for what this could mean, Noah?” my father asked again.
“Prepared?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “No one’s ever really prepared for that kind of choice. But if that’s what it takes to keep them safe, then I’ll do whatever’s necessary, Dad.”
My father let out a resigned sigh. I understood his silent message. His reaction to the unwelcome outcome was a reminder of the person who raised me, a man who valued fortitude and empathy.
“I pray it won’t come to that, son, but whatever happens. I’ll stand with you. They’re family now, you know. Zoey and the kid.” His words were rough with emotion. “I want to meet them soon, Noah. Properly.”
“I want that to happen, Dad. Soon.” The idea of Zoey and Roland together with my parents gave me strength.
“All right. You go enjoy your evening.” There was a pause, and I imagined him nodding to himself, ready to face whatever came our way. “We’ll deal with the rest when the time comes.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
I hung up and put the phone in my back pocket. It was strange, this tenuous peace between me and my father. I hoped it would last, that we could build and mend our relationship.
Tonight was about beginnings. About hope and possibilities. And I wouldn’t let anyone, especially not George, steal that away from us.
As I drove into town, I absentmindedly ran my hand along the underside of my chin, over my rough beard. I parked and ran over to Trusty Cuts, the familiar scent of aftershave lingering in the air as I approached. Wanting to make a good impression tonight, I opted for a haircut and a smooth shave.
Stepping out of the barber’s shop, I couldn’t help but feel a bit lighter. The fresh cut and shave were more than just grooming. In a way, they were armor for tonight’s encounter.
I caught a few gazes lingering on me as I walked down the sidewalk, the women passing me throwing appreciative smiles my way.
There was a time when those looks would’ve sparked something in me, a conquest or maybe just the anticipation of a fleeting connection.
But not anymore. They didn’t know that my heart was already spoken for.
Reaching my truck, I paused, hand on the door handle. For years, I’d been a nomad of hearts, never staying long enough to see the morning light in the same bedroom twice. It wasn’t in me to settle down, or so I’d thought. I’d been too focused on my career.
Zoey had changed all that without even trying. She was the missing piece I didn’t know I was searching for—my fated mate. And damn, did it terrify me. Not the intensity of it, but the fragility of her trust in me.
“Hey, Noah!” a familiar shout came from across the street. I turned to see Gordon, a buddy from the gym, waving. He had a knowing grin plastered on his face, the one that said he could see right through to the whipped puppy inside me.
He jogged over to me. “Looking sharp, man! Big date tonight?”
“Something like that,” I said, forcing a casual tone.
Men were even more prone to gossip than women, spreading rumors faster than wildfire.
I had no shame in being seen with Zoey, but I didn’t want her to endure the embarrassment of walking into the gym and being teased about our relationship.
When she was ready, I’d pay for a plane to pull a banner announcing my fated mate to the pack and the town.
“Good luck, then,” Gordan said. “Not like you need it. I bet the ladies love a boxer, eh?”
“Thanks,” I muttered.
Gordon clapped me on the shoulder before heading off, leaving me alone with my thoughts again.
Fated mate. How would I even begin to explain that to Zoey? Hell, when would be the right time to lay my entire world at her feet?
A sigh escaped me, fogging up the cool evening air.
Zoey had been through hell and back, and she was so strong for taking the steps to heal.
She needed someone who could protect her, teach her, and, above all, wait patiently until she was ready.
I’d stand guard over her heart until she knew it was safe to enter into a lifelong commitment with me.
With a determined nod, I got into the car.
Tonight, I wanted to show her that I would be there for her, that she could rely on me.
As I pulled away from the curb, I promised myself that no matter what, my new mission was to preserve Zoey’s laughter, her healing, to let it flourish, even if it meant facing down my own demons to keep her safe.
I held the bouquet of tulips, her favorite flowers, behind my back as I stood in front of the door.
The vibrant colors seemed almost dull compared to the anticipation lighting up my insides.
Heather had become a vault of information on Zoey.
Ever since Mom and Heather had orchestrated their little morning meeting, Heather had become Team Noah and much more open in sharing her insights about Zoey.
Zoey opened the door, and I pulled the flowers out with a flourish, like a magician performing a trick.
She covered her mouth with her hand. “For me?” Her hands trembled as she accepted the bouquet, and a tear trailed down her cheek. “I can’t remember the last time someone gave me flowers. And they’re tulips, my favorite!” she exclaimed, inhaling their sweet fragrance.
“Only the best for you,” I said, pushing down the roar of anger at the thought of her being deprived of such simple joys for so long.
Every muscle in my body tensed, my wolf fighting to surface.
He didn’t like that Zoey had been so neglected.
She deserved the world. I swallowed the growl clawing up my throat. This moment was about her, not my rage.
“You look incredible.” My voice came out far rougher than I intended as I took her in.
She wore a pretty sequined top and modest-length turquoise skirt that complemented her dark hair and hugged her in all the right places.
She wasn’t as thin and scrawny as she had been that first day I met her. A good sign.
“Thank you, Noah.” Zoey’s cheeks flushed, and if I weren’t already captivated, that would’ve sealed my fate.
“Those are beautiful, Zoey. Here, let me.” Heather appeared at her side and took the flowers. “I’ll put these in water. You two should get going.”
Her tone brooked no argument, and I couldn’t help but appreciate Heather’s spirited ways. With a satisfied smirk grazing her lips, she ushered us toward the door.
“Have fun,” she called after us as she closed the door with a soft click, leaving Zoey and me alone on the porch.
“Shall we?” I extended my arm to Zoey.
The door to The Peak, a Brazilian restaurant, swung open, and the aroma of sizzling meats spilled out onto the sidewalk.
I led Zoey into the cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Exposed brick walls were adorned with antique farming tools, and the soft murmur of conversation and lively samba music filtered into my ears.
“Hope you like meat,” I said, glancing down at her. The warmth and depth in her hazel eyes made my heart skip a beat.
A delicate blush stained her cheeks as she nodded shyly. “I do, actually.”
“Good.”