Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 174

I froze, eyes widening as I looked at my children standing between us, arms outstretched, faces streaked with

tears.

What had we done?

I never wanted to fight in front of them. Never wanted to make them feel afraid or uncertain in their own house. By now, a small crowd of onlookers had gathered–a few members of the staff, a couple of warriors who had heard the commotion and come running. Damon would likely be here any minute, ready to fight.

But in an instant, Andrei’s entire posture changed. His fury seemed to drain away as he looked down at the twins. He dropped to one knee so he was at their eye level.

“Hey,” he said softly, reaching out to brush a tear from Jane’s cheek, and the gesture made my heart tighten, we’re not fighting anymore, okay? We’ll stop.”

The twins just sniffled and looked between us, clearly not buying it.

“Why don’t you two go play in the backyard?” I suggested weakly. “Grace should be out there somewhere.”

Jane looked between Andrei and me uncertainly. “You promise you won’t fight anymore?”

“We promise,” Andrei said before I could answer. “Your mom and I just need to finish talking, that’s all.”

Max grabbed Jane’s hand and tugged her toward the door. “Come on. Let’s go find Grace.”

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Once they were gone, the silence was even more unbearable than the argument. I nodded at the staff and warriors, quietly dismissing them. The warriors hesitated but eventually left, although I knew they were waiting nearby in case I needed them.

Andrei stood slowly, and when he looked at me again, I saw something different in his green eyes. Not the blazing fury from before, but something colder. More determined.

“I won’t be removed from their lives,” he said quietly. “Not again. Not ever.”

“Andrei-”

“No.” He held up a hand. “I’ve missed five years. Five fucking years of watching them grow up, of being their father. I won’t miss another day.”

The calm way he said it was somehow more terrifying than all the shouting had been. This wasn’t the explosive anger I was used to–that, I could handle. This was the methodical determination of an Alpha who had made up

his mind.

Was he going to take them from me?

“What does that mean?” I asked cautiously.

“It means I’m going to be in their lives whether you like it or not.” He stepped closer, and I could see the pain beneath the resolve written across his face. “I love them, Natalia. They’re my children. And I’ll do whatever it takes to be part of their lives. You can work with me, or you can fight me. But either way, I’m not going

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anywhere.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone in the living room with my heart pounding and my mind racing.

Custody. He was talking about custody, wasn’t he?

I sank down onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. What had I done? What had I fucking done?

For five years, I’d convinced myself that keeping the twins from Andrei was the right choice. That I was protecting them from a father who might use them, who might hurt me again in an attempt to get his heirs.

And then I had second–guessed myself. I had slowly let Andrei into our lives, hoping beyond all hope that I was wrong. That telling him the truth and letting him see his children and letting the children meet their father was really the best thing.

But now… Now he was going to fight for them. And there was nothing I could do to stop him.

Actually, that wasn’t true. There was something I could do.

I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found Catherine’s number–the Luna from the solstice ball who had mentioned trade partnerships. If Andrei was going to use his legal rights as the twins‘ father, then I needed to make sure Ashmoor wasn’t completely dependent on our alliance with Moonshadow.

We needed more allies in case he tried anything.

She answered on the second ring. “Natalia! What a pleasant surprise.”

“Catherine, hi. I was wondering if we could move up that meeting we discussed? About the trade routes?”

“Of course! How about tomorrow afternoon? I can have my advisors prepare some preliminary proposals.”

“That would be perfect. Thank you.”

“Not at all. I’m looking forward to working with you, Natalia. From what I’ve heard, Ashmoor has been making some impressive improvements under yours and Damon’s leadership.”

After we hung up, I felt slightly better. At least I was taking action instead of just panicking. If Andrei wanted to play hardball, then I needed to make sure I had options.

The meeting with Catherine, her husband, and their trade advisors went better than I’d hoped. Their pack controlled several major lumber operations in the northern territories, and they were interested in establishing regular shipments of Ashmoor’s agricultural products in exchange. It would give us a reliable source of income that didn’t depend on Moonshadow’s goodwill.

“This could be very beneficial for both our packs,” the Alpha said as we reviewed the proposed contract terms.” Your produce quality is exceptional, and our lumber operations could use a reliable food supplier.”

“I’m glad we can work together,” Damon replied, signing the preliminary agreement. “Ashmoor looks forward to our mutual partnership.”

I signed the agreement shortly after, hoping that they couldn’t see the way my hand shook.

After the business portion of our meeting concluded, Catherine and her husband walked Damon and me to our

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car, The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the parking lot of the restaurant where we’d met

“Natalia, I have another proposition for you, if you’re interested,” she said while Damon lingered behind to talk to the Alpha.

“Oh?”

“My pack is organizing a charity fashion show next month. It’s to raise funds for families affected by rogue attacks. We’re looking for prominent pack members to participate as models,” She reached into her purse and pulled out a small brochure. “I thought you might be perfect for it, especially if you brought those adorable children of yours. The media attention would be wonderful for the cause,”

I took the brochure and studied it. A charity fashion show. It would certainly raise Ashmoor’s profile and show that we were involved in the larger community, not just isolated and dependent on Moonshadow,

“What would it entail?”

“Nothing too complicated. A few photo shoots beforehand, then the actual show. It’s black–tie, very elegant. You and the children would walk together.”

Jane would love it, I realized. She’d been obsessed with fashion and pretty dresses since she was old enough to walk. And Max… well, he’d probably complain about having to dress up, but he would probably secretly enjoy it.

“Sure,” I said, smiling for the first time all day. “We’ll participate.”

“Wonderful!” Catherine beamed. “I’ll have my assistant send you all the details.” She started to walk away, but then paused and added, “Oh, and make sure the children’s father participates as well. We’re trying to get full families for the show.”

I knew she was probably talking about Damon, but there was no stopping the way my stomach dropped at the mention of the children’s father.

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