Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 401

Chapter 401

Damon waved his hand. “Oh, you needn’t worry about that. I have the best healers in the realm, and besides-”

“Right. I’m sure you have a ruby for that, too,” I muttered.

He chuckled. “I’ve got a ruby for everything, Natalia. You want to be more beautiful? Smarter? Faster? Stronger? I can provide all that and more.”

I nodded toward the twins. “And what about them? They’re Andrei’s kids. Are their genes good enough for your purposes, or will you dispose of them? Same with my unborn child?” I rested my hand on my belly, hoping he couldn’t see how my fingers were trembling.

“They have their uses.” Damon sat up a little straighter. “I’m not a fool, Natalia. I wouldn’t pass up good soldiers at the drop of a hat.”

“They’re just children. Not soldiers.”

“For now.” He stood and descended the dais again. “The rapid aging process is uncomfortable, but effective. Within minutes, they could be fully–grown adults. I will, of course–out of respect for you–assign them a higher rank in our army. They will want for little.”

Respect. I could have laughed out loud at the sound of that word on his lips. This abomination knew nothing of respect. But as he came to stand in front of me, I refused to shrink away. I held his gaze and softened my own.

“The aging rubies,” I whispered, feigning awe. Having an idea, I suddenly said, “could I see them? I’ve heard about them, but never saw them in person. It’s fascinating, I have to admit. And if we’re going to do this…”

Green eyes that weren’t quite right lit up. “You’re interested in my methods?”

I shrugged and shot him a coy look. “Before I agree to anything, I’d like to see what I’m getting into. That’s all.”

He grinned with Damon’s mouth. “That’s the spirit. Come.” He looped his arm through mine, and I had to shove down the urge to bite his fucking fingers off. “I’ll show you.”

He began to lead me away, but I froze, looking over my shoulder. “Wait. I’m not leaving the twins—”

“They’ll be right here the whole time,” he said. He patted my hand in what was supposed to be a comforting gesture, but his grip was like iron spikes around my arm as he yanked me after him. My feet stumbled beneath me, and yet he continued to drag me along. I had no choice but to follow. “Don’t worry, my love. They’ll be fine.”

I clenched my jaw, praying that he was telling the truth. But I couldn’t bank on it.

Still, if only to keep him happy, I followed him. I had to play the part of a good little broodmare, after all.

He led me out of the throne room, through the labyrinthine halls of the palace, past ornate tapestries and enormous marble statues and intricate paintings in gilded frames. I didn’t want to know how he got any of this stuff. I didn’t want to imagine what ancient tombs he pillaged to gain his wealth.

Finally, he led me to another opulent set of double doors at the end of a very long corridor that was lined with narrow windows looking out over the mountainside. The air was too thick and white with snow and fog to see anything, which was even more terrifying.

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Chapter 401

+25 Bonus

Two guards swung the doors open with a loud groan of metal against stone, and we stepped into a room that made my breath catch.

“This,” Damon said, gesturing wide, “is the start of our army.‘

I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe. As Damon led me through the rows upon rows of glass cases, all I could do

was stare.

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