The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 126

**The City That Drowned in the Sound of Its Own Heartbeat by Erynd Cal DusK 126**

**Chapter 126**

Alpha Samuel Bowers.

It may come as a surprise to some, but I am not what you would call a social butterfly. Sure, I handle my business dealings and attend necessary meetings, but when the sun sets and the workday ends, I prefer the solace of my own company. This is perhaps why, aside from my brother Steven, I can count my close friends on one hand—Yohan and Mark. Our bond is rooted in a shared history, having grown up together, which is the only reason our friendship has endured.

To clarify, my relationship with the other Alphas is one of cordiality. We maintain our distance, each leading our respective packs, and we convene only when absolutely necessary.

Today, however, marks a significant departure from that norm. For the first time since I ascended to the Alpha position, I am hosting all three of my Alpha counterparts in my home, and the weight of that responsibility is palpable.

I’ve arranged for drinks at the bar and had the staff prepare a selection of light snacks. This gathering is strictly for strategic discussions; we are not here to indulge in a lavish meal.

As I adjust the glasses on the table, Mark strides into the room, a playful smirk on his face. “You nervous?” he inquires, arching an eyebrow.

I shake my head, trying to dismiss the flutter of anxiety in my stomach. “No, not at all. I just want to get this over with. You know I prefer to work alone,” I reply, my voice steady despite the tension thrumming beneath the surface.

Mark chuckles, a knowing look in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m well aware of that. But remember, this involves all of us, not just you.”

“Exactly why I called this meeting,” I acknowledge, my mind racing with the implications of our discussion. “So, how did the search go?”

He leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “Well, his place was exactly as you’d imagine it—bongs and drugs littering every surface. But surprisingly, his bedroom was quite tidy. We managed to find a burner phone, a tablet, and a laptop. Our team is sifting through everything as we speak.”

“Excellent work, Mark. Once we wrap up here, we’ll set the plan in motion,” I say, feeling a surge of determination.

“Alright then, I’ll check on our prisoner and see how far our men have gotten. Just remember to play nice,” he advises as he heads out, leaving me to ponder the weight of leadership.

I scoff under my breath. Playing nice is easier said than done, especially when egos are at play. But in this scenario, one Alpha must take charge, and that responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders.

Before long, the three Alphas arrive, and I usher them into the living room, pouring each of them a glass of bourbon. As they settle into their seats, I can feel the tension in the air.

“Alpha Bowers,” Alpha Killian begins, his eyes narrowing slightly, “I must admit, I was taken aback by your call. Now that I’m here, it’s evident that I’m the only one left in the dark.” His glare is intense, a challenge I refuse to back down from.

“There’s a company called The Nox Group—a Shifter Pharmaceutical entity. One of their agents approached The Boss, indicating that they were seeking test subjects for some unknown purpose. He didn’t ask questions; the money was too good to pass up—five thousand dollars for each werewolf man he delivered to them,” I explain, frustration creeping into my voice.

“I’ve scoured every resource I could find, but there’s nothing substantial about this company. It feels like a front for whoever orchestrates these rituals. I don’t even understand how the victims are selected; I only know what my mother and nanny whispered to me in bedtime stories,” I admit, shaking my head.

“But none of that matters now. I have a plan, and I wanted to bring you all up to speed before we proceed.” I glance around the room, gauging their reactions. Alpha Thomas and Watson nod in agreement, but Killian remains fixated on the photographs, his expression unreadable.

“So, what’s the plan?” Alpha Watson prompts, eager for direction.

As I reveal my strategy to use Jack to ensnare the man responsible for abducting the victims, I carefully omit any mention of my half-brother’s potential involvement. The stakes are too high, and I need their trust.

Alpha Killian interrupts with a condescending laugh, breaking the tension. “Do you have something to add?” I challenge him, my patience thinning.

“Yes, what you’re planning is naïve. You still have no idea what you’re up against if you think this will be easy,” he retorts, a smirk playing on his lips.

I can feel the weight of his words, a reminder that the path ahead is fraught with danger. But as the leader of my pack, I must forge ahead, ready to confront whatever darkness lies ahead.