The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 67

NATALIE

If Steven weren’t my brother, I honestly believe he wouldn’t have survived this ordeal. How on earth could he have lost two children—two tiny little kids? He’s a grown man, after all. Ever since they were born, I’ve been insisting on getting trackers for them, just in case something like this ever happened. But my family, especially Steven, kept insisting it was unnecessary, even unethical. They kept saying they were just kids, that nothing would go wrong. So, I reluctantly let the idea slip to the back of my mind. But not anymore. The moment we find them and bring them home, I’m putting tracking devices on those kids, no questions asked.

Right now, Steven, Gavin, the entire staff, and I are crowded into the living room, frantically trying to locate Franklin and Sophia. But of course, Franklin’s phone is off, which means the last place we know they were was the school—and now, they’re nowhere to be found there. My frustration is boiling over. I’m seriously thinking of shutting down that training center. How could they just let my two little ones wander off like that? It’s beyond irresponsible.

Suddenly, Steven shouts, “It’s ringing!”

“Put it on speaker,” I say immediately, my heart pounding.

Then I hear her voice, and an unexpected wave of calm washes over me. Of course—they went to her. Why hadn’t I thought of that sooner?

“Mr. Bowers, this is Natalie. Franklin and Sophia are at my house.”

“Natalie?” Steven echoes, disbelief clear in his voice.

“Yes,” I confirm.

Steven slaps his forehead, and I can tell he’s having the same realization I am. How could we have forgotten about Natalie? Of all people, it should have been obvious they’d go to her. I should have known from the start.

“Ms. Edmund, could you please send me your address? I’ll come right away to pick them up.”

“Yes, I’ll send you the location. Sophia and Franklin are safe with me, so you can come later.”

“But—”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, not at all.”

“Okay, bye,” she says, then cuts the call.

Steven looks stunned, almost speechless, but I’m not surprised. I’m used to this side of Natalie—he clearly isn’t.

“She isn’t an easy woman to handle, is she?” he asks, lowering the phone cautiously.

“No, definitely not. She’s unlike any woman you’ve met, I can promise you that.”

He hesitates, then says, “Now, I’m going to say something, and I need you not to get mad.”

“What is it?” I ask, curious.

“It’s just… Natalie. She’s not only capable of handling those two little ones, but you treat her differently. She’s not just anyone to you, is she?”

“No, she’s not,” I say simply, because for now, that’s all I can offer.

“Sam, since they’re at Natalie’s house, I’ll go over later to pick them up,” he says.

“You don’t have to.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll pick them up myself.” A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips.

“But don’t you have a video conference with Epea?”

“Yes, so you’ll do it.”

I stood up to open the door, and wasn’t surprised to see Samuel standing there—I recognized his scent immediately. He was dressed in a black shirt, leaning casually against the doorframe. His eyes were dark and intense, the kind of look that made you sit up and take notice.

“Why are you here, Alpha Bowers?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Why can’t I be here?” he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.

My eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

Samuel’s amusement deepened. “Hmm?”

“But I was on the phone with—”

“Steven’s in a meeting, so I’m here to pick up Franklin and Sophia,” he interrupted, his voice low and calm.

Something about his words felt off, but I couldn’t quite place what. I stepped aside and let him enter.

As soon as Samuel walked into the dining room, he saw the two kids happily munching on drumsticks. The table was littered with fast food wrappers and plates.

“Daddy,” Franklin exclaimed, dropping his drumstick in surprise when he saw Samuel.

Sophia lowered her head, looking guilty.

Samuel frowned slightly, clearly displeased. “This is what you’re feeding them?”

I didn’t see anything wrong with the occasional fast food treat. I grabbed a fry, dipped it in ketchup, and offered it to Samuel. “Try it. It’s good.”

When he refused, I was about to eat it myself, but before I could, Samuel grabbed my wrist firmly and took the fry from my hand. His lips brushed against my fingertips as he bit into it, and an unexpected jolt of electricity shot through me.