Chapter 189

Chapter 189
Natalie POV


After a moment, Nathan turned to me, the wind carrying his rich, earthy scent. "When Jackson suddenly showed up looking for me, I was really surprised. No one knows where I live, but he seemed to have ways of finding out."

The image of Jackson tracking Nathan through the wilderness made me smile. "I can't believe he went to find you either. When I told him about you, I thought he'd be angry."

"He did tell me he wasn't thrilled that you'd found a potential mate," Nathan admitted, his thumb tracing slow circles on my palm. "But he said he wouldn't stand in the way of your happiness. And he could see how miserable you were without me."

I swallowed hard, remembering the hollow ache that had consumed me. "I won't lie. I was miserable."

"So was I," Nathan said softly, his voice roughening with emotion. "When I found out you had left with just a note, my heart broke."

I looked down at our intertwined fingers, guilt twisting in my stomach. "It was the easiest way I could do it. We both know if we'd said goodbye face to face, one of us might have said things we'd regret."

Nathan nodded, his free hand lifting to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, the gentle touch sending shivers down my spine. "I understand. I don't blame you for the choice you made... but I will try to adapt to life here. My pack members will try too."

"I'm glad you came first," I admitted, leaning slightly into his touch. "Before the rest of your pack arrives."

"Me too," he said, a hint of his wolf glinting in his eyes. "I didn't want to have to deal with her while sorting things out between us."

Dinner was an interrogation disguised as polite conversation, the crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the long mahogany table as servants silently delivered course after course. The silver clinked against fine china as my parents peppered Nathan with questions about his pack and their traditions.

"And how do you handle education for your younger members?" Edward asked, cutting into his venison with precise movements.

"Father," I intervened, setting down my wine glass with more force than necessary, "perhaps we could give Nathan a chance to actually eat?"

"It's alright," Nathan assured me, his hand briefly touching mine under the table. "I don't mind explaining our ways."

What surprised me most was Nathan's impeccable table manners. He navigated the array of silverware with unexpected ease, knew exactly which fork to use for each course, and maintained perfect posture throughout the meal. His movements were fluid and confident, completely at odds with his earlier nervousness.

"Your manners are impressive," my mother commented, her observant eyes missing nothing. "Did your pack maintain formal dining traditions despite your isolation?"

Nathan nodded, dabbing his mouth with his napkin before answering. "Our Alpha before me insisted that all pack members be well-educated. He believed that just because we chose to live apart from society didn't mean we should become savage or behave like rogues."

A wave of relief and pride washed over me. This was further proof that I hadn't been wrong about Nathan. The warmth of vindication spread through my chest as I caught Edward's surprised expression.

After dinner, we made our way upstairs, the grand staircase curving elegantly beneath our feet. My mother's voice followed us, the words making my cheeks heat despite myself.

"Nathan, you'll be staying in the guest room across from Natalie's."

When we reached the top of the stairs, safely out of earshot, I leaned close to Nathan's ear, inhaling his intoxicating scent. "My mother doesn't quite understand the extent of my relationship with my potential mates. She still thinks I'm rather innocent. Please play along for now?"

A flicker of disappointment crossed Nathan's face, but he nodded, his eyes darkening with unspoken promises.

When we reached his room, Nathan paused in the doorway, taking in the four-poster bed with its rich burgundy canopy, the ornate fireplace with a fire already crackling welcomingly, and the plush carpets that muffled our footsteps.

"This is... for me?" he asked, clearly overwhelmed by the luxury.

He stepped inside cautiously, as if afraid the floor might give way beneath him, pointing to the sleek entertainment system tucked discreetly in the corner. "What's that?"

I smiled at his bewilderment. "I'll explain later," I promised, enjoying this rare moment of seeing the confident Alpha looking so endearingly out of his element.

As Jackson and Blaise became distracted with checking the room's security features, Nathan seized the opportunity to pull me close, our bodies pressed together in a way that made my pulse quicken. His eyes, now more amber than brown, gazed down at me with an intensity that made my breath catch.

"As long as I don't have to behave all the time," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"I didn't say that," I replied, heat rushing through me at his wolfish grin.

He bent down to place a gentle but promising kiss on my lips, the brief contact sending sparks dancing across my skin.

Back in my room, I luxuriated in a hot shower, letting the steam and scented water wash away the day's tension. Standing before my closet afterward, droplets still clinging to my skin, I contemplated what to wear. I selected a white lace bra that contrasted with my tanned skin, matching panties that left little to the imagination, and knee-high white stockings, topping it all with a white satin robe that felt like liquid against my skin.

At my vanity, I applied light makeup, wanting to look natural yet alluring—highlighting my eyes that Nathan once said reminded him of the forest at twilight. As I brushed my hair until it shone like silk, I couldn't help but smile at my reflection.

For the first time in what felt like forever, all three of my potential mates were under the same roof. And somehow, against all odds, they seemed to be reaching an understanding. Life was complicated, messy, and far from perfect—but in this moment, I felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps we could make this unusual situation work after all.

The night was still young, and I had a feeling it held more surprises yet.