The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 96

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

**Chapter 96**

**NATALIE.**

The moment the words left his lips, an enveloping silence settled in the car, heavy and thick. It felt as if the very air around us had transformed, charged with an unspoken understanding. Deep down, I had always speculated whether it was merely my wolf that sensed his, but now, the truth was undeniable.

Alpha Samuel Bowers is my mate. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me breathless. He had made it abundantly clear: I was not going to escape him. The choice was mine—either I would willingly go to him, or he would come for me.

I was so consumed by my swirling thoughts that I barely registered the moment we arrived back at the pack. It was only when Samuel turned off the ignition that I snapped back to reality. We both exited the vehicle, and he effortlessly lifted Sophia from her car seat, her tiny body nestled against him, still lost in peaceful slumber.

As we walked toward the house, he glanced at me, a hint of concern in his eyes. “I know you have a lot to prepare and parking arrangements to consider. If you need anything at all, just let Gavin know. He’ll ensure everything is ready before you arrive tomorrow.” His voice was steady, yet there was an undercurrent of something deeper, something protective.

I was still reeling from our earlier conversation, my mind racing, so all I could manage was a simple nod in response. He offered me a small, reassuring smile before turning and heading into the house, leaving me standing alone in the driveway, a whirlwind of emotions churning within me.

Moments later, the door swung open, and Gavin stepped out, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “Ms. Edmund, I noticed you standing here. Is everything alright? Is there an issue with your car? I can have someone come take a look.” His words pulled me from my reverie, grounding me in the present.

“No, no, Gavin, everything is perfectly fine. I just needed a moment to collect my thoughts,” I reassured him, forcing a smile.

“Ah, little Sophia gave us quite the scare, didn’t she?” he remarked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yes, she certainly did,” I replied, hoping to convey that my moment of solitude was merely a reaction to the earlier chaos.

“But don’t worry, that won’t happen again now that you’re joining the pack,” he added, his voice filled with optimism.

“Yeah, but it’s just temporary, Gavin,” I reminded him gently, sensing that there was more he wished to express but chose to hold back.

“Is there anything you or the kids need?” he inquired, his tone still warm and helpful.

“No, I think we’re good for now. I just need their room to be right next to mine,” I told him, feeling a flicker of apprehension about the upcoming changes.

“Of course, Ms. Edmund. That will be arranged without a hitch,” he assured me.

“Thank you so much, Gavin. I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, turning back toward my car. Taking a deep breath, I steadied my racing heart before driving away from the pack grounds.

Once I arrived home, my mind remained a storm of thoughts. Leila, my wolf, was ecstatic that Samuel had acknowledged our bond, that he wanted us. But me? I was on the brink of a panic attack, overwhelmed by the weight of it all.

Shouldn’t I feel elated? It’s every young wolf’s dream to find their mate, to have that mate accept them without hesitation. And yet, here I was, grappling with a past filled with scars that made everything feel so much more complicated.

As soon as I stepped inside my house, I sank to the floor, my back against the door, feeling the cool wood against my skin. I pulled out my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I initiated a video call to Theo.

“Natalie…” His voice trailed off when he caught sight of my expression, the smile fading from his face.

“What’s wrong? Is it the boys?” he asked, concern flooding his features.

“No, the boys are perfectly fine,” I reassured him, though my voice lacked conviction.

“Then why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost? Did someone hurt you? Do I need to come down there?” His protective instincts kicked in, and despite my turmoil, I couldn’t help but smile at his concern.

“Okay, let’s put that aside for a moment. How does he make you feel?” he asked, his voice softening.

“He infuriates me like no other man I’ve ever met, yet he also makes me feel safe and cherished,” I finally admitted, naming the tumultuous feelings that had been swirling inside me.

“You like him. In fact, I’d go so far as to say you’re falling for him. As for the Yara situation, I can’t speak to that, but remember, you’re the one he wants. You should give this a chance, Natalie; otherwise, you might regret it,” he advised, his tone earnest.

“Well, it’s not like I have a choice now, considering the boys and I will be moving in with him,” I revealed, the weight of that decision settling heavily on my shoulders.

“What do you mean, moving in with him?” he asked, confusion etched on his face.

“Because of the case—he’s taken over as Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. If I want to remain involved, he’s asked me to move into his home,” I explained, feeling the enormity of the situation wash over me.

“Wait, wait, wait. Your mate is Alpha Samuel Bowers of the Blood Moon Pack?” he exclaimed, and I nodded, bracing myself for his reaction.

“And you didn’t think to mention that first?” he shouted, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his incredulity.

“Look, Nat, if you don’t take a chance with him, I swear I’ll never speak to you again. That man is fine as hell, and if he were into guys, I’d be all over him already. But he’s not, so you need to do this—for both of us,” he insisted, his enthusiasm infectious.

“Oh really? Now it’s about the two of us?” I teased, but his excitement was palpable.

“On a serious note, Nat, I genuinely think you should take this leap. Who knows? It could turn out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

**Chapter 97**