The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 134

**The City That Drowned in the Sound of Its Own Heartbeat**
by Erynd Cal DusK
**Chapter 184**

**NATALIE**

“No, they’re just kids,” I insist to Kataleya, my heart racing at the very thought of what she’s suggesting. It feels impossible, unthinkable.

“True, but you must understand, their blood holds immense power. If this information leaks, every supernatural entity on this planet will be hunting them down,” she replies, her voice steady yet laced with urgency.

“Then we’ll ensure that no one finds out,” Samuel interjects, his tone firm, a hint of determination shining through.

“That’s not enough. We need to devise a strategy to protect them, because I assure you, they will come for your children,” Kataleya warns us, her eyes narrowing as she assesses the gravity of the situation.

“What do we do now? You mentioned that last time it took an entire coven of witches to trap Venya. Surely, you must have heard something about witches defecting or leaving their covens?” I ask, my voice quivering slightly, betraying my rising anxiety.

This is no longer just a matter of the supernatural; this is about my children—my precious babies. I would do anything, face any danger, to keep them safe.

“Now that you mention it, I’ve been catching whispers about witches disappearing lately. That might give us a lead,” Kataleya responds, her brow furrowing in thought. “I’ll investigate and get back to you.”

“What do we do in the meantime?” I press on, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle over us like a thick fog.

“I will do everything I can on my end, and you must do the same on yours. This affects all of us, so we need to maintain open lines of communication. No heroic solo missions—let’s talk through everything and come up with a solid plan,” Kataleya insists, her gaze locking onto Samuel’s. He nods, albeit reluctantly, in agreement.

“Well, there’s more you should be aware of,” Samuel begins, his voice steady but urgent.

“Go on,” Kataleya encourages him, leaning in closer.

Samuel launches into a detailed account of everything we’ve uncovered so far: the machinations of The Nox Group, Jack, and the men he sends their way. He lays it all bare for her, his eyes flickering with concern.

“It seems to me that they’re in a state of chaos,” Kataleya observes, her tone analytical.

“What do you mean by that?” I ask, trying to grasp her implication.

“You mentioned that these killings have occurred before, right? If we look closely, we might discover similar patterns in other locations—places tied to one or more of the twelve bloodlines,” Kataleya explains, her mind racing ahead.

“So, they’re after the final four?” I ask, piecing the puzzle together in my mind.

“Exactly—the final four, the most potent of the twelve bloodlines. They can’t target the Alphas, whose blood is pure and powerful, so they’re resorting to desperate measures,” she clarifies, her expression grave.

“Why go after the humans in the first place? And what’s with the mutilation and those symbols?” I question, confusion gnawing at me.

“I can’t fathom why they chose to kill the humans initially. As for the mutilation and symbols, it’s all part of a twisted ritual,” she explains, her voice heavy with the weight of the dark reality we’re facing.

“So, you’re saying that not just any blood from the pack will suffice?” Samuel interjects, trying to comprehend the implications.

“Precisely. They need someone with deep roots in that pack, whose lineage stretches back at least four generations. That’s why I mentioned the Alphas being the safest bet. They understand the risks, which is why they’re essentially playing a game of chance,” she states, her tone turning grim.

“That’s just sick,” I mutter, feeling a chill run down my spine.

Samuel steps forward, his hand trembling slightly as he grips the knife. Kataleya makes a swift motion, dragging the blade across his palm, and his blood spills onto the map, a crimson trail marking its territory.

“That should be enough,” she declares, closing her eyes and beginning to chant softly, her voice weaving through the air like a spell.

I watch in awe as the blood begins to coalesce, forming a straight line that starts to shift, moving purposefully until it pools in one specific area. Kataleya’s chanting comes to a halt.

“So, where is he?” Samuel demands, his voice taut with anticipation.

“Well, if I’m interpreting this correctly, he’s within your territory, Alpha Bowers,” she informs him, her tone matter-of-fact.

Samuel steps closer to scrutinize the map, his expression darkening. “That bastard! He knows he’s not welcome there, or I swear I’ll kill him myself,” he growls, his frustration palpable.

“I’m no oracle, but if your brother is indeed involved in this as you suspect, the only reason he would risk returning is if he has something worth dying for,” Kataleya suggests, her tone grave.

“The kids,” I gasp, realization hitting me like a punch to the gut.

“We need to leave. Now,” Samuel says, gripping my hand tightly, urgency radiating from him.

“Wait!” Kataleya calls out, and we turn to face her, confusion etched on our faces.

“What is it?” Samuel asks, his voice sharp with impatience.

“The blood—it’s separating,” she says, her gaze fixed on the map, a hint of alarm creeping into her demeanor.