40. Noah #2
He studied me for a long moment, then nodded and released me.
“How the fuck did he know they were with me?” I said. “They only came to stay last night.”
Warman sighed, his expression grim. “Noah, I hate to say it, but there must be someone in town who’s in George’s pocket. He’s got eyes and ears everywhere. It’s disappointing that one of our own would turn on us like this.”
My hands clenched into fists at my sides as I tried to stifle the urge to lash out, to punish those who threatened my mate and her son. But I forced myself to focus on Warman’s words.
“George’s pockets are deep,” Warman continued. “And he’s into some shady shit. Loan-sharking, among other things. Anyone who owed him money could be leveraged as a weapon against you and Zoey.”
The thought made my stomach turn. How many people in our town were under George’s thumb? How many would be willing to betray us, to put Zoey and Roland in danger, just to save their own skin?
I pushed down the rage, the helplessness that threatened to overwhelm me. I had to be strong and think clearly. For Zoey. For Roland.
“We’ll find them,” I said in a low growl. “Whoever’s helping George, whoever’s putting my family at risk, we’ll root them out and make them pay.”
Warman’s expression hardened with determination. “Damn right we will. I’ll start asking questions, see what I can dig up. In the meantime, you focus on taking care of Zoey and Roland. They need you now more than ever.”
I heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching and turned to see my parents running up the path. My dad’s eyes locked with mine, and in that moment, I saw understanding reflected back at me. He placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring.
“Come on, son,” he said gently. “You have to calm down. Zoey needs you.”
Anger raged, and I wanted to remind him that I was the goddamned alpha now. But when I looked into his eyes, I saw only concern and support.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus. Zoey needed me. Ro needed me. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions get the best of me now.
Together, we made our way inside, where Ro was groaning loudly. My heart clenched at the sight of him writhing on the floor. Zoey clutched his hand as tears streamed down her face.
I dropped to my knees beside them and stroked Ro’s sweat-soaked hair. “It’s okay, buddy,” I said. “I know it hurts, but you’re gonna be okay. We’re all here for you.”
Zoey looked up at me, her eyes wide and fearful. “What’s happening to him, Noah? I don’t understand.”
I swallowed hard, my gaze flickering to my dad. He nodded, his face grave but reassuring.
“He’s shifting, Zoey,” I said. “It’s his first time, and it’s always the hardest. But we’re gonna help him through it, okay? You need to trust us.”
Zoey’s bottom lip trembled as she tightened her grip on Ro’s hand. “I trust you, Noah. He’ll be okay, right?”
“He’ll be just fine, honey,” my mother reassured her.
I took a deep breath, pushing aside my own fears and doubts as I focused on the task at hand. “Lance, I need you to grab some towels and a bowl of warm water,” I said.
Lance nodded, his face set with determination as he hurried out of the room. I turned my attention back to Ro, running my hands over his body as I checked for any signs of injury or distress. His skin was hot to the touch, his muscles twitching and spasming beneath my fingers.
“Dad, what do we do?” I asked. “I’ve never seen a shift this intense before.”
My father knelt beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder. “It’s different for everyone,” he said, “but we’ll get him through it. We just need to be patient and keep him as comfortable as possible.”
I swallowed back the lump in my throat as I turned to Zoey. “You should talk to him. Let him know that you’re here, that we’re all here for him.”
Zoey nodded, tears glimmering in her eyes as she leaned down close to Ro’s ear. “Hey, baby. It’s Mommy. I know it hurts, but you’re being so brave. We love you so much, and we’re gonna take care of you, okay? Just hold on a little longer.”
Ro whimpered, and I saw Zoey wince as he gripped her hand. I felt a surge of pride and love for both of them. They were so strong, so resilient. God, they were amazing.
As Lance returned with the supplies, I set to work, using the warm towels to soothe Ro’s aching muscles. My dad and I took turns coaching him through the shift, encouraging him to breathe and relax.
Ro let out a sharp cry, his back arching off the floor as his bones began to shift and reform beneath his skin. I winced in sympathy, remembering the searing pain of my own first transformation.
“It’s okay, Ro,” I placed a hand on his chest. “I know it hurts, but it won’t last forever. You’re going to be okay.”
Zoey looked up at me, her eyes wide and fearful. “Are you sure?”
I tried to project a sense of calm and confidence that I didn’t entirely feel. “I’m sure. He’s a strong kid, and he’s got all of us here to support him. He’s going to get through this. I promise.”
She held my gaze for a long moment, searching for reassurance in my eyes. Finally, she let out a shaky breath. “Okay,” she whispered. “Okay.”
We sat there for hours, watching as Ro’s body slowly transformed from human to wolf. It was a painful, messy process, but through it all, we never left his side.
As the first rays of dawn began to filter through the curtains, Ro finally stilled, his small wolf form curled up on the floor between us. Pride and relief washed over me as I looked down at him, marveling at the strength of this little boy who had already been through so much in his short life.
“He did it,” I said softly, looking up at Zoey with a tired smile. “He made it through.”
Zoey let out a choked sob, burying her face in my chest as I wrapped my arms around her.
My mom leaned into my dad. “Remember when Noah and Nate first shifted?” she asked him. “Neither wanted to admit how much it hurt. They kept trying to one-up each other, acting all tough.”
A small smile tugged at my lips as I recalled that day. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Nate and I, always competing, even through the pain of our first shift.
Dad chuckled. “Oh, I remember it well. Nate shifted first, but then Noah outdid him, coming out so much bigger.”
I shook my head slightly in amusement. Leave it to Dad to point out how I’d ended up larger than Nate. Always keeping score, even with something neither of us could control.
“Yes,” my mom laughed. “Just like when they were born. Nate came first, but I certainly remember how much bigger Noah was. I’m the one who pushed those boys into the world, after all.”
Zoey’s quiet giggle joined Mom’s easy laughter. Despite the tension of the moment, Mom’s silly birthing story seemed to ease Zoey’s nerves. I was glad she could find a reason to smile right now.
Feeling Zoey relax helped settle my own roiling emotions. I drew in a deep breath, consciously releasing the tightness in my shoulders.
Ro woke up then, looking around at us with wide eyes and a shocked expression on his wolf’s face.
He began to explore his new body. His dark fur was sleek and glossy, and his amber eyes shone with a mix of wonder and confusion.
I could sense his wolf instincts taking over, urging him to run and play.
Dad stepped forward. He gently patted the young alpha, a low rumble of approval vibrating in his chest.
“You did well, Roland,” Dad said. “The first shift is always the hardest, but you handled it with courage and strength.”
Ro’s tail wagged at the praise, his posture straightening with pride. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. During my first shift, my father’s approval had meant everything to me.
As if reading my thoughts, Dad turned to me. “You’ve grown into a fine alpha. I’m proud of the way you’ve guided Ro through this.”
I swallowed hard, touched by my father’s rare display of affection. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
Dad shook his head. “You underestimate yourself, son. Your strength and compassion are what make you a great leader.”
I ducked my head as I felt heat creeping into my face. “Come on,” I said to Ro. “Let’s get you out back.”
Ro bounded off toward the back door, and the adults followed him. As Ro trotted around the yard, his tail held high, responsibility settled on my shoulders. This young alpha was looking to me for guidance, for support. And I was determined to be there for him every step of the way.
“Ro,” I called, catching his attention. “How about we go for a run? Let you stretch your new legs?”
Ro yipped eagerly, his body quivering with excitement. I chuckled, remembering the thrill of my own first run as a wolf.
“Stay close to me,” I said. “Your senses will be heightened, and everything will feel different. Trust your instincts, and trust your wolf. He’s a part of you now.”
Nodding at my father, we both shifted and ran through the trees, the wind ruffling our fur. Despite the shit that had come my way that morning, peace settled over me.
Ro raced ahead, his paws barely touching the ground. I let him run to his heart’s content, Dad and I corralling him and keeping him near the paths. We gave him about a half hour, then we guided him back toward the house.
I jogged around the garden with Ro, our paws thudding against the soft grass. My wolf rubbed up against my father, showing our gratitude, then pulled away and reveled in the freedom of movement as we ran side by side. After a few laps, I veered off toward Zoey, my heart swelling with affection.
I approached her slowly, my head lowered. She smiled, her hand outstretched. I rubbed my body against her, marking her with my scent. A rumble of happiness escaped my throat as I sat and leaned against her legs.
Zoey’s fingers tangled in my fur, scratching behind my ears in just the right spot. “You’re amazing, Noah,” she said. “Thank you for being there for Ro.”
I huffed in response, my tongue lolling out in a wolfish grin. We sat together for a moment, basking in the shared connection.
Ro’s excited yips drew my attention, and I turned to see him bounding toward us, his tail wagging furiously. I stood, shaking out my fur, and together we raced around the garden, our paws pounding the earth in perfect sync.
As we ran, Ro’s energy began to wane. His steps faltered, and his breathing became labored.
I slowed my pace, guiding him back toward the others.
I shifted back to my human form, the transformation smooth and effortless after years of practice.
Dad stood beside me, his expression serious as he appraised Ro’s tired form.
“Ro,” I murmured, kneeling in front of him. “It’s time to shift back. We’re here to help you.”
Ro whined, his ears flattening against his head. His fear and uncertainty radiated off him. Dad placed a hand on my shoulder, a silent show of support.
“Focus on your chest, where your heart is,” Dad said. “That’s where you’ll find the focal point for your wolf. Use that to shift back.”
Ro closed his eyes, his small body trembling with effort. I reached out, placing my hand on his furry head.
“You’re in control, Ro,” I said. “Visualize your arms and legs, what makes you the boy you are. It’s going to hurt, but we’re right here with you.”
Long minutes passed as Ro struggled to find his way back. His whimpers broke my heart. But finally, slowly, his form began to shift, fur receding to reveal smooth skin, paws elongating into fingers and toes.
When it was over, Ro lay panting on the grass, his body shaking with exhaustion and pain. I gathered him into my arms, holding him close.
“You did it, Ro,” I whispered, my heart nearly bursting with pride. “I know it hurts, but it will get easier now that you know how to do it.”
Ro managed a weak smile, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thanks, Noah,” he rasped in a hoarse voice.
I hugged him tighter, my gaze meeting Dad’s over Ro’s head. Ro slumped in my arms, his small body going limp as exhaustion claimed him. He let out a shuddering sigh, his breath warm against my neck.
“Thank you,” Ro said, the words slurring together as sleep tugged at him. “For helping me.”
“Of course.” I shifted him slightly so his head rested more comfortably against my shoulder. “I’ll always be here for you.”
He didn’t respond, his breathing already evening out into the steady rhythm of sleep. I glanced up, meeting Zoey’s gaze. Her eyes were soft, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she watched us.
I’d never given much thought to being a father, to having a family of my own. My focus had always been on my career and proving myself in the ring. But now that I was holding Ro, something stirred in me.
Maybe this was what I’d been missing, the piece of myself I’d been searching for without even realizing it. The chance to be there for someone, to guide them and watch them grow.
As I carried Ro back to his room, the weight of him in my arms felt right, like a missing piece falling into place. I laid him gently on the bed, then pulled the covers up around him. He looked so peaceful now that he’d gone through his first shift.
Zoey stepped up beside me and rested her hand lightly on my arm. “Thank you for everything you did for him today.”
I squeezed my eyes shut for a second to hold back the emotions surging through me. “I wish I could do more.”
She squeezed my arm. “You’re doing plenty. More than you know.”
Watching the steady rise and fall of Ro’s chest, I thought back to my first shift, to the fear and pain that had consumed me. My father had guided me through it, his presence a steadying force in the chaos.
That bond had fractured over the years, worn away by expectations and disappointments. But now, as I stood here with Ro and Zoey, I realized how much I wanted to build something different. Something stronger.