Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 23

NATALIA

I turned sharply, my only plan to vanish into the nearest hallway, blend back into the safety of shadows. The last thing I wanted was a confrontation–not here, not like this.

But I didn’t get far.

A hand brushed my elbow, light but insistent.

“Oh, wait! Excuse me–aren’t you Alpha Andrei’s sister–in–law?”

I stopped. Slowly turned.

The voice belonged to a younger Luna, someone clearly eager to rise in the ranks of political favor. Her gown was soft pink, her smile too wide, her eyes glittering with calculated cheer.

“You can’t leave just yet,” she said, stepping in front of me. “I’ve been meaning to introduce myself your connection to Moonshadow is so intriguing.‘

Connection.

I could feel the trap tightening before I had time to breathe.

She kept talking, blissfully unaware of the panic rising beneath my skin. “You were married to his brother,

weren’t you? We’ve all heard a little about it. That must have been years ago, though–I wasn’t in circulation yet.

I just know Andrei’s pack respects tradition. It’s lovely to see them supporting extended family.”

I smiled thinly. “You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

Her brow furrowed, just for a second. “No, I don’t think-”

“Natalia!”

The voice cut through the air like a blade.

My whole body froze.

Gasps erupted around the room like a spark catching dry leaves. Wolves turned. A few jaws dropped. And then came the whispers.

Andrei stood at the top of the landing, gaze locked on mine, every ounce of composure stripped from his features.

“Natalia,” he said again, softer now. But the damage was done.

The name rang through the hall like a shot, and Andrei approached just as quickly, barreling through the assembled masses to get to me.

I inhaled sharply, spine straightening.

“You’ve made a mistake,” I said coolly, as he approached keeping my tone as even as possible. “I’m not whoever

Chapter 23

you think I am.”

Someone dropped a glass in the background. It shattered. I jumped.

Lilith stepped forward, sidling up beside him, and her voice rang out next.

“No,” she said, too sweetly. “Natalia died years ago. That’s just someone who happens to look like her. Nothing more.”

But her eyes never left mine.

Andrei’s fists clenched. “Tell me it’s not true,” he whispered, though every ear in the room heard it–they were all looking at us. “Tell me it’s not true.”

“Stop it,” I hissed under my breath, stepping back. “Do not make a scene.’

He moved like he was about to reach out for me.

“)

I took another step back and lifted my chin. “Touch me without my permission, Alpha, and I’ll respond accordingly.”

That made him pause.

I could feel every eye in the room on me. The former Luna, back from the dead. Or a ghost. Or an imposter.

The event’s formal announcement saved me.

A chime rang out. Somewhere, a Beta called for the gathering to begin. A slow shift in attention rippled through the crowd, curiosity giving way to duty.

I slipped out the side door while no one was watching, though I could swear I felt Andrei’s eyes on me.

***

The hallways of Green Ridge were cool, polished stone. I found an empty alcove near a terrace and leaned against the wall, my heart still galloping.

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