Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 263

Chapter 263 Are You Okay?

Natalie’s POV:

On the other end, I was at the Scott Group, wrapping up a late meeting to finally approve the pharmaceutical project’s procedures.

+20 Free Coins

I’d been away for a few days, and a backlog of work had piled up. Matthew had handled some of it, but the core tasks still needed my personal attention.

This time, however, I’d returned to Moon-Shadowed Pack with Leonardo’s people. The team from Silver- Maned Pack was incredibly efficient. They helped me finish everything in under two days. The project stayed on schedule, and every detail was handled perfectly.

Leonardo had lent me his pack’s best team for this kind of work specifically. He was worried I’d overdo it.

I almost refused, thinking of his father, Ryan, and not wanting to impose. But Leonardo was still recuperating at home. Every time he coughed or frowned, I couldn’t bring myself to turn him down.

Besides, Leonardo was a workaholic himself. The moment our plane landed, he was already checking messages, his low voice giving instructions over the phone. I wanted to finish quickly so he could focus on resting at home.

I’d even decided that if nothing urgent came up, I’d take some time off to help him recover fully.

Earlier, when I met with Lily and the others, I delegated a lot of work, getting a head start on things.

As I left the Scott Group building, I immediately called Leonardo.

He’d sent me a message during my meeting.

It was just asking what time I’d be home and telling me to have Aaron pick me up. But he’d asked the same thing this morning, then again at noon. This was the third time.

I knew he missed me. After I replied, saying I was still in the meeting, he didn’t disturb me again.

Thinking back, it was pretty clingy of him to message so many times.

Clinginess often came from insecurity.

As a top Alpha, Leonardo was used to being in control, not asking for things. He rarely voiced his needs, and I’d felt this strongly during our time together.

I was insecure in relationships, too. As a hybrid werewolf who once thought I was just human, I always felt like an outsider in werewolf society. My way of coping was to swallow my doubts or push people away, relying only on myself.

‘I used to think Leonardo was cold, that he was like me. But now I saw it differently. The more insecure he felt, the harder he tried to hold on. He minimized his own needs and gave everything, even knowing he might get hurt.

1/2

19:46 Mon, Jan 19 GT.

Chapter 263 Are You Okay?

He laid bare all his weaknesses to me-I had to handle them with extra care.

Leonardo picked up on the first ring, as if he’d been holding his phone, waiting.

+20 Free Coins

“Natalie,” he said. His voice was a little rough, but that deep, rich baritone was magnetic, completely captivating. “All done with work?”

“Yeah.” I couldn’t help smiling when I heard him. “I’m heading back now. About 30 minutes.”

“Good. Head to your place. I’m not at the Sanchez Estate,” he said.

His words surprised me. I frowned. “Who said you could go running around? Didn’t you hear the doctor? You’re supposed to be resting at home!”

The Sanchez Estate had staff and doctors. Fiona and the others could keep an eye on him, make sure he

didn’t overexert himself.

“They fuss too much,” he said, his voice growing softer the more I worried. “And… truth is, I wanted us to be alone.”

“You’re unbelievable…” I was annoyed. But what could I do? He’d already said that.

I couldn’t very well make him turn around and go back now.

I stated, “What did the doctor say? Did you get your bandages changed today? Never mind, I’ll check when I get there.”

Anxious to see him, I quickly got in the car and drove home. Leonardo didn’t want to hang up, so we stayed on the call.

Not wanting to distract me, he only said, “Drive slow, no rush,” when I set off, and then stayed quiet.

But as I neared home, Matthew’s call interrupted ours

I parked, answered, and walked toward the elevator. “Hello.”

“Are you free for dinner tomorrow night? With Liam and me,” Matthew said, his tone light. “There’s something I’d like to talk about.” I had a good idea what it was-probably about Penelope.

I’d heard about what happened to Liam these past few days. When I was back at the office, Matthew was there, too. We’d both prioritized finishing the pharmaceutical project without discussing it.

Since Matthew wanted to talk, I was happy to agree. “Sure. Tomorrow night then.”

I hung up just as the elevator reached my floor.

Before I could even press my finger to the scanner, the door swung open.

Leonardo’s tall frame filled the doorway. The moment he saw me, he froze for a second, his expression tense and serious. He pulled me firmly against his chest. “Are you okay?”

19:46 Mon, Jan 19 GT