The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 89

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

**Chapter 89**

**NATALIE.**

10 Free Coins

As I stepped back into the private room that Yandel had reserved for us, a sense of disconnection washed over me. Despite my sobriety, I felt as though I were floating outside my own body, observing rather than participating in the world around me.

The moment Yandel caught sight of me, relief flooded his features. “Boss, I was just about to go look for you! You disappeared for ages.” His voice was a mix of concern and frustration, a reflection of our shared unease.

“Were you actually worried about me, Yandel?” I attempted a smile, but it faltered, failing to reach my eyes. Deep down, I knew something was off; a heavy weight pressed against my chest, stifling my breath.

“I wasn’t worried, but…” he hesitated, closing the distance between us. His gaze dropped to my lips, and I could see the shock and concern etched in his expression.

“Boss, what happened to your lips?” His voice trembled with intensity as he continued, “Tell me, which b*stard did this to you? I’ll tear him apart right now!”

While Ross maintained a cooler demeanor, his features hardened into an icy mask. I stood there, dazed, battling an urge to reassure them that everything was fine, yet my throat felt constricted, as if gripped by a vice.

Panic bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to overwhelm me. I took several deep breaths, trying to regain my composure.

“Yandel, I’ve handled it,” I said, striving for calmness, though my heart raced.

“Boss, did he lose both his legs?” Yandel’s fury was palpable, his teeth clenched tightly. “If he’s lost both his legs now, I’ll make sure to cripple his third leg!”

I lifted my gaze to meet Yandel’s eyes, my voice steady, “Yandel, I said I’ve taken care of it.”

Ross stepped in, placing a firm hand on Yandel’s shoulder. “She said she’s dealt with the issue. Don’t get involved.”

Yandel fell silent, though his simmering anger was evident. The brief interlude had effectively doused the festive spirit we had been trying to cultivate.

After a moment, we collectively decided to leave the restaurant, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words. Yandel settled the bill, his expression still troubled.

“Since you guys have had a few drinks, Ross, you’ll need to wait here while I send someone to pick you up. I’ll have my car take Boss home,” Yandel instructed, glancing between us with concern.

Ross, ever the voice of reason, was exactly what I needed right now, especially as the panic attack loomed like a dark cloud.

“Yandel, why don’t you head home? I’ll ride with Ross; we’re headed in the same direction, and your place is on the other side of town,” I suggested, hoping to alleviate some of his worry.

“But, Boss…” His voice was laced with apprehension.

“It’s alright, Yandel. I promise I’m fine,” I reassured him, forcing a smile to lighten the mood.

“Fine, but you’ll call me when you get home, right?” he pressed, still unconvinced.

“Of course,” I replied, and as he turned to leave, I caught the lingering concern in his eyes.

I followed his guidance, resting my head against his chest, shutting my eyes tightly as I focused on counting down, the numbers becoming my only anchor. Gradually, I felt the panic begin to recede, a soothing calm washing over me.

But then, an unsettling tension filled the air, and I opened my eyes to find Samuel’s cold gaze locked onto mine, piercing through the moment of solace.

Alpha Samuel Bowers.

The reason I had come to this restaurant was because Steven had mentioned a lead, someone who might know about the killings. But that person never showed up, and now, here was Natalie, looking different, yet undeniably familiar.

Why was she here?

And why was she wearing that mask, a façade I hadn’t seen before?

She turned to flee, and although I knew it was wrong to pursue her, Steven and I decided it was best to leave the restaurant.

My injured hand was wrapped, but bloodstains marred the handkerchief; I was sure it had healed by now, a perk of being a werewolf.

My attention was drawn back to Natalie, who stood beside a man whose arm was wrapped protectively around her as she leaned against him.

A primal instinct surged within me, and I let out a low, menacing snarl.

How dare he touch what is mine!