Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 538

“Stay quiet unless spoken to,” Jane recited. “Be polite. Except for when an Alpha is being rude. Then we can—”

“That was never a part of the rules,” I laughed.

Max cracked a rare smile. “Well, it is now.”

I couldn’t argue with that. The kids had seen their fair share of Alphas being sexist assholes. They’d also seen their fair share of me giving those same sexist assholes a good dose of what–for.

We piled into the car and drove to the neutral territory where the summit was being held. It was an old estate that had been converted into a conference center, surrounded by forest on all sides.

The parking lot was already full when we arrived. I recognized several cars belonging to other pack leaders. My stomach churned, but I pushed the feeling down. I’d done this dozens of times before. I could do it again.

Inside, the main hall was buzzing with conversation. Wolves from different packs mingled, some friendly, others eyeing each other warily. I spotted Luna Catherine almost immediately. She was standing near the refreshment table, looking exactly the same as she had five years ago. Maybe a few more gray hairs, but otherwise unchanged.

She saw me and smiled, waving me over.

“Natalia!” She pulled me into a hug. “It’s so good to see you. How have you been?”

“Busy,” I said. “You?”

“The same. My husband sends his regards. He couldn’t make it today–pack business.”

After chatting with Catherine for a bit, I made the rounds. Max and Jane stayed close to me the whole time. Their presence was always a comfort, but I wished they wouldn’t always insist on coming to these events with me. I thought they were too young, but they would just remind me of all the stuff they went through when they were even younger, and I would relent and let them join me.

The summit officially started an hour later. We filed into the conference room and took our seats around a massive oak table. I sat at the head, as was my right as one of the senior Alphas present. The twins sat in chairs along the wall behind me, observing quietly. Jane pulled out a knitting project and began to work while she listened.

The first few hours were tedious, as usual. We discussed hunting territories and border disputes, trade agreements and alliances. Around lunchtime, we took a break. I stood slowly, cracking my neck from sitting still for so long-

“Oh, Goddess,” Catherine whispered, turning to me. “He’s coming over here.”

1 looked up and suppressed a groan.

Aurelius Darkfang

He was younger than most of the Alphas here, having taken over one of the southern packs, Darklang, just two years ago. He had challenged the aging Alpha and won. From what I heard, the battle was brutal, and he didn’t pull hus punches against the old man. Since then, he had run his pack with an iron fist, and had been notoriously difficult to get along with at these summits

He stopped in front of me and smiled, which was even more unsettling Because, despite being a total egotistical jackass, he was unnervingly handsome and smooth with women

“Luna Natalia,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to speak with you ”

“Alpha Aurelius.” I didn’t return the sentiment.”

“You’ve done impressive work over the past five years. Leading alone, raising three children, maintaining one of the strongest packs in the region. It’s remarkable.”

Chapter 538

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There was something about the way he said “alone” that made my hackles rise.

“Of course,” he went on, “it can’t be easy. Managing everything without an Alpha.” He tilted his head. “Have you considered taking a new mate? Someone who could share the burden?”

Several nearby conversations went quiet. People were listening now.

“I’m managing fine on my own,” I said.

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