Chapter 174

Chapter 179
Natalie POV

I trudged back toward the cottage from the secret clear area, my mind still swirling with everything that had happened since discovering Nathan was my mate. The evening air carried the scent of cooking fires from the village, reminding me that life continued regardless of my personal turmoil.

As I entered the village, the reactions from the villagers were... mixed, to say the least. A woman with long auburn hair who'd always been friendly before turned away when she saw me approaching, her shoulders stiffening noticeably. Another crossed to the opposite side of the path, her eyes narrowed and judgmental, lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. I didn't need to be a mind reader to understand why—Nathan. They had hopes for him, and my presence complicated everything.

"Good evening, Natalie," an elderly man said, nodding respectfully as I passed, the corners of his eyes crinkling with genuine warmth.

I nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining a composed expression. Never show weakness. Never let them see you're affected. Even as my wolf paced restlessly inside me, agitated by the coldness of the women who clearly had their sights set on Nathan.

By the time I reached the cottage gates, I'd counted seven different female villagers who'd either glared at me or deliberately avoided me. Their message was clear: the Alpha was desirable, and they didn't appreciate my unexpected claim on him.

It's not like I planned this either, I thought bitterly, my fingers unconsciously curling into fists at my sides.

The cottage's dining hall buzzed with conversation when I arrived for dinner. My eyes immediately found Nathan at the head table, and something in my chest tightened when he looked up and saw me. His gaze traveled across my face like a physical caress, leaving warmth in its wake. He gestured to the chair directly across from him, his expression unreadable but insistent, the set of his jaw firm.

I made my way to the seat, acutely aware of the stares following me. The chair seemed miles away from him, despite being at the same table. As I sat down, I realized why he'd chosen this arrangement—three female wolves had positioned themselves strategically around him, practically fighting for the chairs nearest to his.

"I've been training since I was twelve," a blonde wolf said loudly, leaning toward Nathan, her perfume wafting across the table as she deliberately brushed her arm against his. "My father says I have the best defensive stance in the southeastern territory."

Another woman, with striking red hair, laughed too enthusiastically at something Nathan said, the sound like shattering glass in my ears. "That's nothing," she countered, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I took down two rogue wolves last summer without any help. Alpha Nathan himself commended my technique."

I kept my eyes on my plate, pushing food around without really eating. My wolf snarled inside me, wanting to bare teeth at these women, to assert her claim. The silverware trembled slightly in my grip as I forced the instinct down, reminding myself that I needed to stay calm despite the primal urges raging within me.

Throughout the entire meal, Nathan couldn't get a word in with me. Every time he opened his mouth to speak in my direction, one of the women would interrupt with another story about their combat prowess or guard training qualifications. His eyes found mine repeatedly across the table, silently communicating his frustration. I remained silent, watching the display with growing irritation that I refused to show.

After dinner, I helped Doris organize some files for the pack records. As I walked down the corridor near Nathan's quarters, the papers clutched to my chest, I spotted him standing outside his door. Two female wolves—ones I recognized from dinner—had cornered him there, standing closer than necessary as they spoke. Their voices carried artificial lightness, while their body language screamed territorial intent. Nathan looked uncomfortable, his posture stiff as he glanced over their shoulders and caught my eye.

For a moment, we just looked at each other across the hallway. Something electric passed between us, making my skin prickle with awareness. My wolf howled inside me, demanding I march over there and make it clear he was mine. But that was ridiculous—I was sixteen, too young to officially claim a mate. And I had no right to be possessive when everything was so complicated.

I tightened my grip on the documents until the edges bit into my palms and continued walking, turning my back on the scene. My wolf raged against the decision, clawing inside me until I felt physically ill with the effort of restraining her, a dull ache spreading through my chest.

"Natalie?"

I turned to find Doris approaching, her expression concerned. "Are you alright?"

"Hmm. Why do you ask?" I kept my voice even.

"You look distracted." She studied my face carefully. "Like your mind is somewhere else entirely."

I forced a small smile. "I have a lot on my mind."

Doris nodded, though her eyes told me she didn't believe me. "Would you like to stay in my room tonight? I have an extra bed, and it might be... quieter than your room in the guest wing."

Away from thoughts of Nathan. Away from the reminder of my complicated situation. "Yes, thank you," I said, relief evident in my voice. "I'd appreciate that."

"I have to return some books to the library first, but I'll meet you there," she said with a gentle smile.

Sitting on the edge of the bed Doris had prepared for me, I stared at the wall, my thoughts far away. Was Jackson looking for Magnus and Blaise right now? Had he found them? I worried about Blaise—not out of romantic feeling, but because I was certain he'd been forced into that betting game. I could sense it when I looked into his eyes, feel the strings Magnus was pulling.

What we had was... complicated. But it was also pretty much over. I never imagined there would be another potential mate in my life, let alone one I felt so strongly drawn to despite being only sixteen. Nathan had awakened something in me I didn't fully understand, something that went beyond my age and experience.

Doris returned, and we chatted about school and the upcoming full moon celebration, carefully avoiding any mention of Nathan. I was grateful when she turned out the light, relieved to lie down and close my eyes, to escape the pressure and tensions of the day, if only for a few hours.