The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 92

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

**NATALIE.**

As I slowly emerged from the depths of sleep, an insistent, throbbing pain in my head welcomed me back to the waking world, much like an unwelcome visitor who had overstayed their welcome. I groaned softly, the sound escaping my lips like a desperate plea for the comfort of silence. This was the very reason I had vowed to steer clear of alcohol; the aftermath was a relentless beast, a hangover that clawed mercilessly at my temples, making the bright morning light feel unbearably harsh and the world around me seem overwhelmingly loud.

My phone buzzed insistently on the bedside table, a jarring interruption to my groggy state. I squinted against the dimness of my room, grateful for the thick blackout curtains that shielded me from the harsh glare of the morning sun. A quick glance at the clock revealed it was barely eight in the morning. I had a whole hour before my shift began—who could possibly be calling at such an ungodly hour?

With an unwillingness that felt like dragging my feet through molasses, I reached for my phone, my heart racing as I saw the caller ID flash across the screen: the chief of police. Instantly, the remnants of sleep evaporated from my mind, replaced by a rush of adrenaline that coursed through my veins. I answered the call, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the chaotic storm brewing inside me.

“Good morning, Chief,” I managed to say, attempting to keep my tone light, although I knew deep down that this call likely meant I was in hot water. The pressure of being the best in my field weighed heavily on my shoulders, and I had not delivered the answers he had been expecting.

“Good morning, Ms. Edmund. We need to discuss the bodies that were discovered,” he replied, his tone clipped and serious, leaving no room for pleasantries.

“Yes, Chief. I’m aware I’m behind schedule, but I assure you, I’m following a promising lead. I should have updates for you by the end of the day,” I responded quickly, hoping to placate him with my words, even as anxiety gnawed at my insides.

“That won’t be necessary, Ms. Edmund. The case is being transferred. I need you to compile all your findings and send them to me,” he stated, and my heart plummeted into the pit of my stomach.

“Transferred? To where?” I asked, bewilderment creeping into my voice, the gravity of the situation beginning to settle over me like a heavy cloak.

“This case is beyond our jurisdiction. You and your team have failed to produce viable leads, so the Blood Moon Pack will be taking over. Alpha Bowers has requested that we send him all evidence and the bodies. Please ensure everything is ready for transport,” he instructed, his voice firm and unyielding.

“Of course, sir,” I replied, my mind racing as I processed the implications of his words. I could almost hear the weary sigh escape him before he ended the call, leaving me in a state of disbelief.

What just happened?

Why was Samuel so interested in this case? A nagging thought crept into my mind, one I couldn’t shake: perhaps he was using this as an excuse to draw closer to me.

No, he wouldn’t stoop to that level, would he?

With a surge of determination, I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool air sending a shiver down my spine. I had been so wrapped up in my distractions that I hadn’t even glanced at the information Theo had sent me about the bodies.

I hurriedly powered up my laptop, my fingers flying across the keys as I opened my email. The moment I glimpsed the file, a wave of dread washed over me. The images of the bodies stirred a haunting familiarity within me, a chilling reminder of a past case that had left scars deeper than I cared to acknowledge.

Now it all clicked into place—Samuel’s involvement made sense, but I couldn’t allow myself to be sidelined. I had failed to save those other victims, but this time, armed with the knowledge I had gained, I was determined to do better.

I dashed to the bathroom, taking a quick shower to wash away the remnants of my restless night. As I dressed in my blue scrubs, I tied my hair back into a neat ponytail, the mask fitting snugly over my face as I grabbed my bag, steeling myself for the day ahead.

Just as I was about to step out of my room, a notification pinged on my phone. It was a reminder—my boys would be back from their training camp tomorrow. A smile crept onto my face at the thought, a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos. I would need to pick up a cake or some treats to celebrate their return, but that joy would have to wait. I locked the door behind me and sped off toward the police station, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

They exchanged glances before reluctantly agreeing, though I knew that whether they consented or not, I would follow them back. The thought of being so close to Samuel sent a shiver down my spine, both thrilling and terrifying.

All I wanted was to keep my distance from him, but it felt as if fate was weaving our paths together, as if the universe had a plan for us that I couldn’t escape. Perhaps this was what it meant to be mates—no matter how fiercely one fought against it, destiny had a way of pulling you back in.

Effie, Brandon, and the two men began loading the bodies into the truck, their movements efficient yet heavy with unspoken tension. I climbed into my car, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions, the weight of the day ahead pressing down on me.

I had come to terms with the fact that Samuel and I were mates, but trust was a different matter entirely. My sole purpose in all of this was to save innocent lives, and that was the only reason I was willing to step into the unknown once more, even if it meant facing him again.

In the heart of turmoil, Natalie found herself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future. The call from the chief had thrust her into a whirlwind of emotions, igniting a flicker of determination amidst the shadows of self-doubt. As she prepared to hand over her findings to the Blood Moon Pack, she felt the familiar sting of failure for the lives she couldn’t save. Yet, this time, armed with the lessons learned from her past, she resolved to fight against the tide of despair. The anticipation of her boys’ return provided a glimmer of hope, a reminder that love and family could coexist with her relentless pursuit of justice.

As she stood at the brink of an unfamiliar alliance, Natalie’s resolve solidified. The prospect of working alongside Samuel, the very man she had tried to keep at arm’s length, now felt less like a curse and more like a chance to forge a new path. The universe seemed to conspire in their favor, intertwining their fates in ways she could no longer ignore. With each step towards the truck, she embraced her role not just as a protector of the innocent, but as a woman willing to confront her fears for the sake of those she loved. In this moment of clarity, Natalie understood that sometimes, the heart’s true calling could only be answered by daring to face the unknown, even when it echoed the very heartbeat of the city that had once drowned her in sorrow.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, readers can expect a gripping exploration of Natalie’s inner turmoil as she grapples with her feelings for Samuel while navigating the treacherous waters of the Blood Moon Pack’s involvement in the case. As she embarks on the journey to meet Alpha Bowers, the tension will rise, revealing more about the enigmatic leader and the dark secrets that surround him. Will Natalie’s determination to protect the victims lead her into a web of deception, or will it unveil truths that could alter the course of her life forever?

Moreover, the dynamics between Natalie and the members of the Blood Moon Pack will come to the forefront, particularly as she confronts her feelings towards Samuel. Expect intense confrontations, unexpected alliances, and perhaps even a glimpse into the supernatural aspects of their world that Natalie has yet to fully comprehend. As she delves deeper into the case, her eidetic memory may unlock hidden connections that could tie her past to the present, pushing her to confront not only the mystery at hand but also her own vulnerabilities. Will she find the strength to face her fears, or will the shadows of her past threaten to consume her once more?