**The City That Drowned in the Sound of Its Own Heartbeat by Erynd Cal DusK 112**
**NATALIE**
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The words spilling from his lips are like a long-lost melody, a symphony I have yearned to hear ever since the day my world shattered, the day I lost my babies.
“They are alive,” he says, but even as he speaks, doubt lingers in the corners of my heart.
“Can you say that again?” I plead, my voice trembling as tears stream down my cheeks, unbridled and unrestrained. I don’t even attempt to wipe them away; they flow freely, a testament to my fragile state.
He steps closer, his presence warm and reassuring, and for the first time, I don’t retreat. “Franklin and Sophia are yours. You are their mother, and I am Xavier and Clayton’s father,” he declares. In that moment, it feels as though the heavy weight that has been pressing down on my chest for what seems like an eternity has finally been lifted. A dam of emotions bursts within me, and I find myself crying—tears of overwhelming joy, tears of profound relief.
“They’re alive! My babies are alive! She didn’t kill them!” I exclaim, half to myself, half to him, as if saying it aloud could solidify the truth.
“They are alive, and they are safe,” he reassures me, his words wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I hastily wipe my face with the back of my hand, trying to regain some semblance of composure.
“They were right in front of me! Deep down, I knew they were mine, but I thought it was just wishful thinking. I wanted them to be mine. But they are! They’re truly mine!” I scream, a mixture of disbelief and euphoria bubbling to the surface. In a spontaneous burst of joy, I leap into Samuel’s arms, enveloping him in a tight hug before I even realize the impulse that drives me.
As I pull back, a wave of realization washes over me. “So all this time, you thought that Yara was me?” I inquire, my brow furrowing as I search his expression for answers.
He nods, his gaze steady. “I mean, she looked just like you. And then there were those babies—my babies. My mind couldn’t even begin to comprehend the lengths she must have gone to, to hurt them. But once we return to the pack, I’ll take care of everything. You don’t need to worry; she won’t get away with this,” he vows, his determination palpable.
“As much as I appreciate your willingness to protect me, I need you to step back. I’m going to confront Yara myself; I already have plans in motion,” I assert firmly, and a smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth.
“Care to share those plans with me?” he asks, a teasing glint in his eyes.
“Not just yet. I think we’ve shared enough for today, wouldn’t you agree?” I respond, arching an eyebrow.
He gazes at me, and I can sense the myriad of questions swirling in his mind. But, to my relief, he chooses to remain silent, respecting my boundaries.
“You’re right. We can save that for later. But what do we do now?” he inquires, his brow knitted in thought.
“How do you mean?” I ask, genuinely puzzled.
“I mean about the kids. Should we tell them?” His question hangs in the air, heavy with anticipation.
I’ve dreamed of this moment for as long as I can remember—the day I would find them, the day our family would be whole again. And now, that day has finally arrived. My four children are under the same roof, and all I crave is to rush home and envelop them in my arms, holding them close and never letting go.
“Do you believe in fate?” I ask him, my voice barely above a whisper.
“How can I assist you, sir?” she asks, her voice tinged with eagerness.
“I’m seeking information about a colleague of yours. Don’t worry; I have permission from your Alpha,” he assures her.
“Oh, of course! What’s the name?” she asks, her curiosity piqued.
“Jeremy Lancaster. What can you tell me about the last time you saw him?” I inquire, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down.
“Well, it was just a typical day. He clocked in and started working, but I must say, he seemed happier than usual. Then, he clocked out early, asked me to cover the rest of his shift, and handed me five hundred dollars. After that, he left,” she explains, her brow furrowing in thought.
“Did he mention where he was headed? Did someone come to pick him up?” Samuel presses, his voice steady.
“No, he didn’t say. But I did see him leave with this man. I got a really bad vibe from him,” she reveals, a shiver of concern evident in her tone.
“Thank you so much, Amy. You’ve been incredibly helpful,” Samuel responds, his voice warm but laced with urgency.
“I just hope Jeremy isn’t in any trouble. He hasn’t shown up for work in a week,” she says, genuine worry lining her features.
“I’m afraid I have some unfortunate news, Amy. Jeremy is dead.”

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