Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 50

“Fine words,” Andrei said with a dry chuckle. “But what proof do I have that this isn’t some elaborate trap? That you’re not just trying to get close enough to tear my pack apart from the inside?”

I almost laughed at the irony of his suspicion. Here he was, worried about me sabotaging his pack, when just yesterday his Luna had literally attempted to kill me—and he had done nothing to stop it.

“And what guarantee do I have that your Luna won’t try to have me killed or my mate drugged again?” I shot back, turning my gaze sharply on Andrei. “Trust has to begin somewhere, or else we’re all doomed.”

“Trust,” Andrei echoed, as if tasting the word for the very first time. “You want me to trust the woman who faked her own death and vanished for five years?”

I held up a finger to interrupt. “I want you to trust the Luna who’s offering you a strategic advantage,” I said firmly. “Whatever happened before, this is about what lies ahead. The future of our packs. I know you’re not foolish enough to leave your pack vulnerable over old grudges.”

A heavy silence settled over us once again. I could almost hear the mental wheels turning in both their heads. Damon was probably trying to decipher what game I was playing, while Andrei was carefully weighing every possible scenario, hunting for the trap he was convinced had to be there.

Then, unexpectedly, Andrei reached out and picked up the pen I’d placed in the center of the table. His eyes flicked briefly to my lips as he clicked it open, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, I caught a glimpse of his tongue flicking out, as if tasting the memory of our kiss once more.

But I pushed the memory away hard. That kiss had been nothing but a tactic—part of his plan to manipulate me by tending to my wounds, feeding me meat, and pretending to care. I refused to let his games control me. I needed to hold all the cards in this situation, or my children might pay the price.

Then, in a calm voice that betrayed none of his usual suspicion, Andrei said, “You make valid points about the strategic advantages.”

“Andrei,” Damon warned quietly, but his brother ignored him.

“No, Natalia is right. The world is unpredictable, and allies—especially unlikely ones—are invaluable.” He signed his name swiftly, then slid the contract back across the table. Leaning back in his chair, he folded his arms over his chest and said, “Your move, brother.”

I turned toward Damon, keeping my expression carefully neutral even though my heart was pounding wildly. I hadn’t expected Andrei to agree so quickly. What was his angle? Did he see this as a chance to get closer to me, to uncover the truth about our children? Or was there something else beneath the surface?

The contract landed in front of Damon, who stared at it like it might suddenly leap up and attack him. His jaw clenched tightly, hands balled into fists on the table. For a long moment, he didn’t move.

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