The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 109

**Chapter 109**

Alpha Samuel Bowers.

410 Free Coins

As we step out of the apartment, I can’t help but feel a flicker of surprise that Natalic hasn’t pulled her hand away from mine. Her fingers are warm, and as I glance at her, I see a distant look in her eyes, as if she’s wandering through a maze of thoughts that I can’t quite penetrate.

“What’s on your mind?” I inquire, my voice gentle, hoping to coax her out of her reverie. She suddenly turns to me, her gaze sharp and focused.

“Nothing,” she replies curtly as we step into the elevator.

“You’re a worse liar than the kids,” I tease, a playful smile creeping onto my face. “Come on, I can tell there’s something you want to say.”

“Fine,” she concedes, her tone softening slightly. “It’s just… I know how things work in packs and among wolves, but I haven’t really experienced it firsthand. I grew up as a rogue, yes, but my mother did everything she could to shield me from the brutality of that life. I’ve done the same for my boys.” Her voice carries a weight, a mixture of pride and regret.

“Natalie, I—” I start, but she cuts me off, her words tumbling out in a rush.

“Look, I’m not judging you or saying what you did was wrong. Not at all. Doug wasn’t a good friend; he was only looking out for himself. He hadn’t seen his friend in over a week and didn’t bother to report it. I’m rambling now, but watching what you did to him was just… shocking, that’s all.” She squeezes my hand, a gesture that feels both comforting and electric.

The elevator doors slide open, and she instinctively tries to withdraw her hand, but I grip it tighter, turning my gaze forward. I can sense her irritation, but I’m determined to savor this moment. Who knows when I’ll get another chance like this?

“I had no idea you grew up as a rogue,” I say, genuinely intrigued, hoping to peel back more layers of her guarded heart.

“Yeah, well, now you know. And let me tell you something I often told my boys: the term ‘rogue’ isn’t inherently bad. Sure, there are rogues who give it a bad reputation, but there are good rogues, too. I grew up with those people—they were kind, they were my family.” She steps away, distancing herself as she moves to the other side of the car, slipping inside.

Why on earth did Alpha Thomas abandon his wife? What could possibly justify tearing his children apart?

I slide into the driver’s seat and start the engine, but I don’t pull out just yet. “I never said that the word rogue was a dirty one, Natalie. I’m actually glad you had a supportive community growing up,” I reassure her, and she simply nods, her expression shifting into one of contemplation.

It’s clear we’ve reached a point where this conversation is becoming too personal for her, and her defenses are rising once again.

“So, where to next?” she asks, her tone shifting to businesslike.

“Well, we’re headed to the hotel to see if anyone might have seen or heard anything unusual,” I explain, glancing at her. She looks perplexed.

“Yeah, yeah, let’s go,” I reply, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling as we ascend the stairs and pass through the sliding doors into the lobby. The moment I step inside, memories flood back, vivid and haunting.

I see myself and Yara, clearly intoxicated, as she steadies me while we approach the receptionist. I watch as the lady hands Yara a key, and then we make our way to the elevators. Just like that, the memory fades, but the realization strikes me like a bolt of lightning—this is the hotel, this is where it all happened.

I stand frozen, lost in the past, until Samuel calls my name, his voice cutting through the haze. I look up to see him nearly across the lobby, and then he rushes over to me, concern etched on his face.

“Natalie, something is clearly going on. You need to talk to me. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s happening,” he urges, and I want to respond, but the words are lodged in my throat like a stubborn stone.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady myself; I can’t afford to have a panic attack here.

“I’ve been here before,” I finally manage to say, my voice trembling. His confusion deepens.

“I don’t understand, Natalie,” he replies, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

“This is where it all happened, that night. This is where she ruined my life,” I confess, leaning my head against his chest as the dam breaks, and I cry. He simply holds me, allowing me to release the torrent of emotions, even though he’s still in the dark about the reasons behind my turmoil.