Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 113

Chapter 113

Natalia

The rogue’s fangs were inches from my throat when a ferocious growl tore through the forest.

The wolf on top of me froze, his head snapping up just as a blur crashed into his side. The impact sent him flying off of me, yelping as he tumbled across the forest floor.

I scrambled to my feet as Damon’s wolf positioned himself between me and the rogues. His hackles were raised, his teeth bared. Although he wasn’t as large as some Alphas, there was no mistaking the power in his lean frame or the fury in his eyes.

The female rogue immediately took off running. The smaller male followed suit, limping and still holding his groin.

The large wolf that had pinned me down was the last to retreat. He locked eyes with Damon in a silent challenge, but Damon didn’t back down. Instead, he took a step forward, his growl deepening.

Message received. The large wolf finally turned and loped away.

Once they were gone, Damon shifted back into human form. I expected to see relief and concern–instead, I only saw anger in his green eyes.

“What the hell were you thinking?” he demanded. “Coming out here alone? You could have been killed, Natalia!” Before I could answer, he shook his head, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “I don’t even know why you’re out here in the first place. You said you were going for a run.”

“I was

>>

“In the opposite direction of our territory?” His eyes narrowed. “What’s really going on?”

Just as I was opening my mouth, something caught his attention. The vial from the healer had fallen from my pocket during the struggle and was now lying in the dirt, its contents gleaming gold and green in the late afternoon light.

Damon bent down and picked it up, turning it over in his hand. His expression shifted from confusion to

realization in a heartbeat.

“This is a contraceptive,” he said, looking up at me.

I froze.

“Why would you need a contraceptive, Natalia?” Damon asked. “We’ve never slept together.”

My mind raced for an explanation, but I came up blank. What could I possibly say that wouldn’t incriminate me?

Damon’s eyes widened as the pieces clicked into place. “You slept with him, didn’t you? With Andrei.”

The accusation felt like a gunshot in the quiet forest. I opened my mouth, closed it again, unable to form words.

My silence was answer enough.

“Come with me,” Damon said curtly, turning away and starting to shift. “We’re going home.”

1/3

Chapter 11

+25 Bonus

The Journey back to the house was excruciating. Damon didn’t so much as look at me, just walked up ahead in wolf form with his hackles raised. I padded behind him, knowing that the moment we were home, he would give me an earful. Maybe I deserved It.

And of course, as soon as we were in the study, a pack of ice on my rapidly–healing cheek, the dam burst.

“What the fuck were you thinking? Sleeping with Andrel? Are you out of your mind?”

“It was a mistake,” I said, looking away. “It happened at the banquet. I was drugged-”

“Bullshit.” Damon cut me off, “You weren’t drugged when I found you two in the training ring yesterday. Don’t tell me nothing was happening there.”

I flushed, unable to deny it. “Nothing actually happened in the training ring.”

“But it would have if I hadn’t shown up.” Damon paced the study, practically ripping at his hair. “Do you have any idea how fucking reckless this is? How dangerous? He’s going to use this against you, Natalia. Against us.”

“That’s why I went and got the contraceptive. It’s supposed to dampen my desires. I can’t help that he’s my fated mate, Damon. My wolf is in heat. I’m trying my fucking best.”

“But it doesn’t negate what’s already been done,” Damon growled. “You’ve already slept with him. Do you have any idea what would happen if people found out? We would become laughingstocks. Our fake marriage will be exposed. Everything we’ve built would be at risk.”

“No one’s going to find out,” I said quietly.

“You can’t know that.” Damon laughed bitterly. “All it takes is one slip, one rumor, and it all falls apart.”

“I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just… did.”

Damon was quiet for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice was softer.

“What does he have that I don’t, Natalia?”

The question caught me off guard. I snapped my gaze up. “What?”

“Andrei,” Damon said, his eyes meeting mine. “What is it about him that makes you want him, even after everything? I’ve been here for you. I’ve protected you, supported you, helped raise your children. I’ve never asked for anything in return except your friendship. But that man treats you like shit, and you still run back to him.”

“Damon-

“Is it because I’m not as strong as he is? Not as dominant? Because I actually give a damn about your feelings instead of just taking what I want?”