Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 344

Chapter 344 Count the Stars

Natalie’s POV:

I felt the pressure of Leonardo’s grip around my hand tighten, his fingertips cool against my skin. I could only imagine the storm brewing within him. Maybe it would be better if I weren’t here?

“Fiona and I will step out for a bit,” I said softly, giving his arm a gentle stroke before starting to rise. “Take your time talking with Dr. Peterson.”

But the moment I moved, Leonardo’s fingers clamped down, holding me in place.

His head was bowed, hiding his expression, but he showed no intention of letting go.

I was taken aback for a second, and then my heart just melted. Leonardo seemed to realize what he’d done, his grip loosening slightly.

“That’s alright. Mrs. Sanchez, you are welcome to stay,” Jayden said at just the right moment, his voice gentle. “This is just a casual chat. The mental bond between mates is often the most powerful healing force. Your presence might help Mr. Sanchez feel more secure.”

I glanced at Fiona. She caught my look and smiled knowingly, “I’ll leave you to it then. I’ve been meaning to check out that famous store nearby that sells ingredients specifically for werewolf diets. I’ll grab some things for a nice, simple lunch.” She signaled to Jayden’s assistant, Autumn, and the two of them left the apartment.

That left just the three of us. Jayden pulled a sketchbook and a charcoal pencil from his bag and offered us a warm smile.

“Mr. Sanchez, Mrs. Sanchez, I hear you’ve recently completed the Moon Goddess’ vow and are still on your honeymoon? Congratulations. May your bond be eternal.” His blessing felt genuine and effortless.

“Thank you,” I replied with a smile.

With just a few swift strokes, Jayden sketched a charming cartoon on the page-it was Leonardo and me, sitting side-by-side on the couch. Our fingers were laced together, and my head was tilted slightly toward his shoulder. The style was wonderfully warm and cute.

I took the drawing, genuinely impressed. “This is really good!”

“It’s not my skill,” he said with a laugh. “It’s only when you see something beautiful and record it with a joyful heart that the result can be so lovely.”

Leonardo’s POV:

Listing her virtues felt like trying to count the stars. Besides, the question itself felt flawed. Every part that made up “Natalie”—her smile, her stubbornness, her occasional flashes of temper, the resilient Alpha core hidden beneath her Beta exterior that never failed to stir me, even her unique pheromone, growing clearer and sweeter, belonging only to me… All of it came together to form the other half of my soul bond. I loved it all. I craved it all.

“I could never list them all,” I said, looking at Natalie beside me. “And I love every part of her.” I could smell the slight rise in her blood temperature, that sweet, flustered scent of

embarrassment.

She gave a soft cough, her cheeks flushed, and turned to Jayden. “Dr. Peterson, could we maybe talk about something other than me?”

“Of course,” Jayden agreed amiably, shifting his focus back to me. “Mr. Sanchez, in your recent life, have there been any specific moments where you felt particularly at peace? Where your emotions felt steady, as if the turmoil deep in your bloodline could be soothed?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation, my gaze once again drawn irresistibly to Natalie.