The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 62

NATALIE.

No, this must all be a figment of my imagination. I was letting Xavier and Clayton’s wild speculations cloud my judgment. Samuel couldn’t possibly be their father—how could that be true? Why on earth would Yara want me to be involved with the man she clearly loved? The whole idea just didn’t add up.

It had to be nothing more than a coincidence—the striking resemblance, the shared mannerisms—it was all just happenstance. There was no way Samuel and Xavier were related.

Father and son? Ridiculous! I must be overthinking everything.

I bit my lip, shaking my head, trying to push away the ridiculous thought that had crept into my mind. Yet, beneath that denial, a wave of sadness and disappointment welled up inside me, an ache I couldn’t quite explain.

Watching Samuel interact with Xavier, I noticed something different. Even Clayton, who usually kept to himself and buried his nose in video games, wasn’t paying attention to them tonight. Instead, his gaze was fixed entirely on Samuel.

It hit me then—no matter how much love I poured into my children, no matter how fiercely I tried to be both mother and father, I could never replace the presence of their dad in their lives.

I understood now why both of my boys were so eager to find a stepfather figure—not just because they hoped I might find love again, but because they craved the warmth and companionship that only a father’s presence could provide.

With Samuel here tonight, Xavier seemed livelier than usual. He was chatting animatedly, grinning from ear to ear. Even Clayton, usually withdrawn, looked up from his game, captivated.

When the clock struck nine, I gently knocked on the door and turned to Xavier. “It’s late now. Time for you boys to get some sleep.”

“Yeah, yeah, Mommy. I know,” Xavier replied obediently, but he winked at Samuel with a mischievous smile. “I have to go now, but you should come visit more often.”

“Okay,” Samuel answered with a nod.

I frowned when I heard Samuel make that promise to Xavier. He knew better than most how deeply children hold onto promises.

Samuel retreated to the living room while I stayed back to make sure both boys brushed their teeth properly. Once they were tucked in, I kissed them softly on their foreheads and whispered goodnight.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I finally made my way to the living room. I sank onto the couch and met Samuel’s dark, unreadable eyes.

Tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear, I asked, “Now that it’s just the two of us, you can be honest. Why did you come here tonight? What exactly do you want from me, Alpha Bowers?”

He shrugged lightly, tugging at his collar. “I’ve told you everything I need to. I just want to see you. That’s all.”

I sighed in frustration. This charade was wearing thin. “We’re both adults. There’s no need to dance around the truth. Why don’t you just tell me what you want to know about me? Or is there something you’re trying to get from me?”

It was obvious Samuel wasn’t just any man. As the ruthless Alpha of one of the most powerful packs, and the head of a global company, he clearly had an agenda. If he wanted to investigate me, he had the means to find out everything—though with Theo around, it wouldn’t be easy. Still, I preferred a straightforward conversation to this game of pretense.

If Samuel was trying to earn my trust by being kind, I was willing to play along. But I wouldn’t stand for him using my boys as pawns.

“I see. You know quite a bit, don’t you? But I won’t let you interfere with my plans regarding the Nichols family.” I narrowed my eyes at him, steeling myself.

Even if it made my revenge more difficult, especially if Samuel was siding with Yara, I wouldn’t back down. There was no way I would forgive those who had hurt me.

I’d had enough.

I stood and pointed toward the door. “It’s too late for you to stay here. You should leave now.”

But to my surprise, Samuel grabbed my hand and pulled me into his embrace.

I hadn’t expected that. Before I could even react, I found myself sitting on his lap.

“What are you—”

“You’re still so young, yet so guarded,” he murmured, holding me close as he sighed softly near my ear. “What happened to you in the past?”

His voice was gentle, soothing, wrapped in warmth and care. For the first time in a long while, I felt safe—truly safe—in a man’s arms.