Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 142

“Are you seriously defending him right now?”

“I’m just saying that maybe we shouldn’t make any hasty decisions. The alliance has been beneficial for both packs, politically and economically.”

“And what about emotionally? What about my sanity? What about the twins?”

At the mention of the twins, Damon’s expression softened. “You’re right. Your wellbeing and the twins‘ safety come first. Always.” He sighed softly. “Look, if you really want to break the alliance, then I’ll support you. But maybe you should take a break and think about it for a while.”

He was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then he said, “Why don’t you go to the cottage for a few days? See the kids, clear your head. I’ll handle things here.”

The suggestion caught me off guard, but it was appealing. I missed my babies fiercely, and a break would do me good.

“Okay,” I said, nodding. “I’ll go. But just for a few days.”

Damon smiled faintly. “Take your time driving. Roll the windows down. I know the fresh air makes you feel better.”

I bit my lip. “You know me too well.”

“Which is precisely why I’m telling you to spend some time with the twins before making any rash decisions. Because I know, in a few days, once they’ve grounded you, you might change your mind.”

He was right, damn him. Damon knew me like the back of his own hand.

“And Andrei?” I tilted my head.

Damon sighed and turned to look at the forest where Andrei had disappeared. “Despite everything, I do know my brother. Part of him, at least. I’ll keep an eye on him.” He squeezed my hand. “Go.”

Returning to the pack house, I quickly threw clothes and toiletries into a bag without much thought. Blissfully, I didn’t hear a peep from Andrei. Or anyone else, for that matter.

The drive to the cottage took about two hours, the familiar route lulling me into a sort of trance. I did exactly what Damon suggested and rolled the window down, letting the wind blow through my hair.

By the time I arrived, the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the yard, and I was feeling marginally

better.

The front door burst open before I’d even turned off the engine. Max and Jane came flying out. “Mommy!” Jane squealed, launching herself at me the moment I stepped out of the car.

I caught her, swinging her up into a hug. I scooped up Max with the other arm and peppered kisses all over both

of their faces.

Grace appeared in the doorway, glancing around for Damon but ultimately disappointing herself when he wasn’t there. “Surprise visit?”

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“Just for a few days.”

“Well, you’re just in time for dinner. I made lasagna.”

The evening passed without a hitch. We ate dinner, played board games, and then I tucked the twins into bed, reading them their favorite story twice at Jane’s insistence.

“Stay,” Max said as I finished the second reading, his small hand clutching mine. “Sleep with us.”

I glanced at the narrow twin bed, which was barely big enough for one adult, let alone an adult and two growing children. But the pleading look in his eyes was enough to convince me.

“Alright, alright,” I chuckled. “Scoot over.”

They made room for me, one on each side, and I settled between them, their warm little bodies pressed against me. Jane fell asleep almost immediately, her face tucked up against my neck. Max held out a bit longer, fighting sleep.

“Mommy?” he whispered.

“Yeah, love?”

“Are we going home soon?”

“Soon,” I promised immediately, although I wasn’t sure if it was true. Not with Andrei acting the way he was. Not if I couldn’t trust him with their existence. Not with the alliance still hanging over us, constantly giving him access to our pack. But for now, I let both of us believe it.

Max seemed satisfied with that, his eyes finally closing as he snuggled closer.

I lay awake for a long time after they’d both fallen asleep, watching the moonlight play across their peaceful faces. These perfect, precious children that I would protect with my life. These children that Andrei didn’t even know existed.

Was I doing the right thing, keeping them from him? Or was I just perpetuating a cycle of pain and secrets?

I had no answers, only questions that chased each other around like a dog chasing its tail. Finally, exhaustion took over and I drifted off.

I don’t know how long I was asleep, but I suddenly woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. For a moment, I wasn’t sure what had disturbed me. The twins were still sleeping soundly on either side of me, the house was quiet, and yet…

Suddenly, I heard it.

The sound of the window being opened.

Chapter 143