Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 34

“Yeah, well, I don’t care if it’s on the moon,” Damon snapped. “We’re not going.”

His Beta hesitated, clearly choosing his words carefully. Finally, he said slowly, “Alpha, refusing a hunt invitation will send a message. The other packs will think we’re afraid of Moonshadow. That we’re too intimidated to compete.”

“Let them think what they want,” I said, but even as the words left my mouth, I’knew he was right. Again. In our precarious world, perception mattered. Strength mattered. If we showed weakness now, it would invite challenges from other packs who might see opportunity in our fear.

“It would damage our standing,” the Beta continued gently. “Other Alphas might question our strength, our right to hold territory. For the pack‘ sake…”

He didn’t need to finish. Both Damon and I understood what he was really saying. If we wanted to protect the twins, we needed to maintain our position. A weak pack attracted predators, and we couldn’t afford that kind of Lattention.

“The hunt format means multiple packs will attend,” the Beta added. “You wouldn’t be alone with them. There would be witnesses, other Alphas. Not to mention the treaty–no wolf–on–wolf bloodshed on that land. It might actually be safer than meeting privately.”

Grace had been silent throughout this exchange, but now she spoke up. “I could watch the twins while you’re gone. If you decide to go, that is.”

I almost laughed at the timing. Here we were, debating hiring her as a nanny, when a situation arose that required exactly what she offered. The Moon Goddess certainly had a sense of humor,

I thought about Max and Jane, asleep in their beds upstairs. Everything I did was for them, to keep them safe. But sometimes keeping them safe meant facing the very dangers I wanted to avoid.

“He’s right. Maybe we should go,” I admitted. “We Grace, not wanting to reveal too much abou

Can’t show weakness. Not now, not when…” I glanced at

our concerns.

Understanding passed between Damon and

1. 1. me. He knew what I meant–not when questions about the twins‘ parentage might arise, not when our carefully constructed lies were still so fragile.

“Fine,” Damon said through gritted teeth. “We’ll go. But if he tries anything…”

His voice trailed off, but he didn’t need to finish. I nodded curtly and turned to the messenger. “Tell Alpha Andrei we’ll attend,” I said.

The messenger bowed and quickly departed. Grace stood, gathering her things.

“I’ll let you discuss this,” she said tactfully. “About the nanny position-”

“You’re hired,” I said abruptly. Both Grace and Damon looked surprised at my quick decision. “We’ll need someone here with the twins while we’re gone. Can you start immediately?”

Grace nodded, smiling slightly. “Of course. Thank you, Luna.”

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Chapter 34

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After she left, Damon and I stood facing each other across the table littered with applications we no longer needed. The invitation sat on top of the pile.

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