The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

NATALIE.

Leila was awake, and an overwhelming rush of emotions surged through me. Then, she spoke the one thing I never imagined hearing from her.

“Mate.”

The word echoed in my mind like a growl.

No, no, no—it couldn’t be true. I glanced at Samuel’s closed eyes, grateful he couldn’t see the panic flashing in mine.

There was no way Samuel could be my mate. It just wasn’t possible.

I needed to calm down. I urged Leila to settle—she was practically poised to offer my neck for him to mark. Thankfully, she listened.

I wasn’t sure how to respond. My eyes widened involuntarily.

Heat blossomed inside me as Samuel’s tongue brushed my fingertips. My mouth suddenly felt parched, and a sharp jolt of electricity coursed through my veins.

What exactly was he trying to do?

Did he even realize?

Was this why he had been so persistent lately?

Confused and frustrated, I shot him a glare filled with anger.

Samuel, however, simply looked back at me silently.

His expression was cold, detached.

It was as if what he’d just done was nothing more than a careless accident.

Was he toying with me?

He stared directly into my eyes and said quietly, “It’s delicious.”

I couldn’t quite tell what he meant. Was he talking about the fries or me? Being this close to him after Leila’s revelation was twisting my thoughts into knots.

“Well, if you like it so much, you can have more,” I said, pushing the box of fries toward him, avoiding his gaze. At the same time, I told myself to keep my emotions in check—I could freak out once they were gone.

He kept glancing up at me. I could feel his eyes burning into me as I busied myself on the other side of the counter. My avoidance made me look like a frightened kitten, but honestly, that was the least of my worries.

If Sophia and Franklin weren’t here, I would have kicked him out immediately. But it was fine—they’d finish their dinner soon and leave.

Finally, I looked up, and his lips curved into a faint smile. He reminded me of a wolf sizing up its prey—he was the wolf, and I was the prey.

After dinner, I expected Samuel to take Franklin and Sophia home. Instead, the three of them lingered, showing no sign of leaving.

Sophia and Franklin were still kids, so their immaturity was understandable.

But Samuel was a man in his thirties. He should have known when it was time to go.

I clenched my fists and cleared my throat, hoping to hint at Samuel that it was time to leave.

He lifted his eyes and shot me a smirk before turning away, completely ignoring me.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

After a few moments of silence, he still made no move. Frustrated, I retreated to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of ice water to cool down. If I stayed there much longer, I was afraid I’d say or do something I’d regret—especially with the kids around.

That was the first time I saw them nervous. I looked down at the invitation.

A parents’ visit day? I had thought it was something more serious, judging by their expressions!

I guessed Samuel had been too busy with work to attend. That must be why the kids hoped I could go in his place—or at least, that he had never really had time for them during these events.

It wasn’t a difficult decision.

I smiled and said, “Sure. I’ll go.”

At last, Samuel decided it was time to leave, and I let out a breath of relief, not missing the smirk that lingered on his face.

I closed the door behind them and leaned against it, but I could still hear their soft voices.

“Do you think I should wear white tomorrow? Do you think Natalie will like it?”

I imagined Sophia nodding or shaking her head.

“What about the blue tracksuit?”

“The beige t-shirt?”

I smiled, knowing that my decision to attend had made them happy.

DDDDDDD

The next morning, I went downstairs dressed in a sleek black dress. Just as I was about to pour myself a cup of coffee before leaving, a knock sounded at the door. Somehow, even before opening it, I knew exactly who it was.

I opened the door to find Samuel standing there, dressed in a grey three-piece suit that made his eyes stand out even more. Right beside him were the two children.