35. Zoey #2
How could I reassure him when I was just as terrified about that? I pulled him into a tight hug, fighting back my own tears. “I know, baby. But this time, I’ll have the human police with me, too. They’re armed and trained to handle situations like this.”
Ro sniffled against my shoulder. “Promise you’ll come back?”
“I promise.” I held him tighter, silently praying I could keep my word.
After a long moment, Ro pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed but determined. “Okay. I trust you.”
I smiled as I brushed his hair back from his forehead. “That’s my brave boy. Now, go have fun with Grandpa Sam. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Ro gave me one last hug before running off to join Sam. I watched them drive away, then headed back upstairs to get ready.
In my bedroom, I stared at my open closet.
What should I wear to the gym tonight? Casual, smart, or sexy?
I shuffled through the hangers. Maybe jeans and a nice top, something that would complement my coloring.
I pulled out my favorite pair of dark-wash jeans and a purple silk shirt.
That should do it. Not too casual, not overly dressy.
I changed into the outfit and checked myself in the mirror. The shirt draped nicely over my curves without being too revealing. Satisfied, I grabbed my packed gym bag and headed downstairs.
The doorbell rang just as I reached the bottom step. Who could that be? The shifter and police guards were already stationed outside. I opened the front door.
“Yes?” I gripped the door, peering at them cautiously.
“Ms. Lester?” a tall, muscular, somewhat familiar man asked. “I’m not sure you remember us? I’m Mike Cortada, and this is Lance.” He gestured to the slightly shorter but equally burly man beside him.
“I remember,” I said. “You’re the guard who was hurt behind the house.
” The last time I’d seen the man standing in front of me now was when the paramedics were loading him into the ambulance.
Noah had stood beside me, his clothes drenched in Mike’s blood.
Now that he was here, relief washed over me. “You’re okay? All healed?”
Grinning mischievously, he proudly pointed to the faint scar on his forehead. “I’ve got a few battle wounds. Adds a bit of rugged charm, don’t you think?”
“I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for?” His grin faded.
“Did you do it? I don’t remember your scent from that night.
” He tapped his nose. “I assure you, lass, that smell will forever be etched in my memory, and your fragrance is a thousand times more pleasant than that repulsive scum. Don’t even think about apologizing for that piece of shit, got it? ”
I blinked at him in disbelief. Here was a man who could have easily held anger and resentment towards me, but he didn’t.
Before doubt could sneak in, I sought refuge in the affirmations Elaine had given me, silently reciting the mantra.
I am worthy of love and compassion. I am not responsible for everything that happens.
With a cheeky wink, Lance broke the silence. “Well, as much as I enjoy catching up, we should start moving. Noah assigned us to take you to your class tonight.”
I frowned in confusion. “But there are already guards here. Why would I need more people?”
Mike shifted his weight. “Noah insisted, ma’am. He wants to ensure your safety personally.”
I glanced between them, unsure. More bodyguards seemed like overkill. The house was already well-protected, with shifters and cops watching the perimeter 24/7 since the shooting.
I hesitated, biting my lip. As much as my instinct was to trust Mike, I couldn’t take what he’d said at face value. George was more than capable of discovering Mike’s name and fabricating a story to get hired thugs close enough to grab me. I had to confirm their identities.
“All right,” I said with a small shrug. “Let me just grab my coat.”
I shut and locked the door on them, then pulled out my phone and texted Noah.
Me: Did you send new guards to me?
Noah: Yes, Mike and Lance. They volunteered. Sorry, I should’ve warned you. They’re very good, you’ll be safe with them.
I fired off a quick reply thanking him as I unlocked the door. It was really thoughtful of Noah to arrange this, especially when he was still recovering. He seemed to truly care about my well-being, expecting nothing in return. So different from George...
I shook my head firmly, zipping up my coat. I needed to stop comparing Noah to my ex. George’s maliciousness was an anomaly. Not everyone had ulterior motives.
Locking the door behind me, I followed Mike and Lance to the waiting car. Mike opened the back door of the black SUV for me, and I settled into the leather seat.
I buckled my seatbelt as the engine rumbled to life. I looked out the tinted window, watching the familiar streets roll by. Despite the circumstances, it was good to be getting out and doing something normal again.
The corners of my mouth quirked up wryly at the thought. When had this become my new normal? Shaking my head, I resolved to go with it for tonight. I had a feeling I’d need to get used to accepting help, whether I liked it or not.
As we drove, I found myself thinking about how different Noah was from George.
Noah’s thoughtfulness and genuine concern for my safety—and Ro’s, Heather’s, and Sam’s—was such a contrast to George’s self-serving nature.
George would have never gone out of his way to ensure others were protected unless there was something in it for him.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. I needed to stop using George as a benchmark for everyone else’s behavior. He was his own special brand of crazy, and it wasn’t fair to project his malicious intent onto others.
When we pulled into the gym’s parking lot, I spotted a police cruiser parked a few spots away. Another reminder of the extra security measures in place. Mike and Lance escorted me inside, their presence both reassuring and slightly intimidating.
Carla greeted me with a warm smile. “Hey, how are you? How’s Roland?”
“Hi, Carla. I’m all right, thanks. Ro is itching for a boxing match with Noah. Did Heather get in touch?”
“She did,” Carla replied. “She sent me a text saying she couldn’t make it tonight.”
“I wasn’t sure she’d have time. The hospital called and asked if she could cover a shift, so she had to rearrange her plans. I nearly canceled, too.”
I’d been disappointed Heather hadn’t been able to make the class, but she’d encouraged me to come.
I was just grateful that she wanted to continue the class.
Being a shifter, she had a natural talent for fighting and didn’t really need self-defense classes, but she said she found it intriguing to explore different techniques.
“I’m glad you’re here. I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Carla said as she moved on to chat with another classmate entering the gym.
I made my way to the changing rooms, my stomach fluttering with nerves as I pushed open the door.
My heart sank when I saw Emily inside, preening in front of the mirror.
She was wearing even less than usual, her skin-tight workout clothes leaving little to the imagination.
A full face of heavy makeup completed her look, which seemed more appropriate for a night out at a club than a gym session.
Emily met my gaze in the mirror, and she sneered. Ignoring her, I changed into my workout gear. I refused to let her ruin this for me. These classes were my way of reclaiming my power and building my confidence. I would not let Emily’s pettiness take that away from me.
As we headed out into the gym, Emily purposefully bumped into me, nearly knocking me off balance. I steadied myself, biting back a retort. She was probably trying to get to the front of the class, eager to show off for Noah.
Noah was already in the room, talking with Carla. I was surprised to see him, given his recent injury. Emily made a beeline for Noah, her voice dripping with false concern.
“Noah, are you sure you should be here? You were shot not that long ago. I know the doctor told you to avoid any strenuous activities when he discharged you. I told you I’d be happy to nurse you privately at home.”
As she put her hand on Noah’s chest, a surge of possessiveness coursed through me, fueling an urge to storm over and pluck off each fake eyelash adorning her eyes. Let her know exactly where she could shove her private nursing.
Wait… where on earth had that come from?
I must have made a disgruntled noise because Emily turned from Noah and stomped over to me, her talon-like nails pointing accusingly at my face.
“You,” she seethed. “How dare you show up here? You have some nerve,” she screeched, raising her voice a few octaves. “Noah, our alpha, was shot because of you. He shouldn’t be in the gym, teaching a class, for some human bitch.”
“I didn’t hurt him,” I said, my voice soft but carrying a resolute edge. “Before you run your mouth with rumors and gossip, make sure you have the facts.”
Noah was looking at me over her head, and I could tell he was about to come over and intervene. I subtly shook my head. The last thing I wanted was to draw more attention to the situation.
Carla stepped in. “I think that’s enough, Emily.
I suggest you calm down. Everyone has their own personal journey, all gathered here with the purpose of learning, evolving, and finding healing.
If you’re here for any other reason, then I suggest you leave.
This is my class, and anyone is welcome, be they shifter, human, male, or female.
Noah’s here to provide some extra guidance tonight.
He won’t be doing anything too strenuous. ”
Emily looked ready to erupt, but she reined it in and strutted away to join her girlfriends.