Alpha's Twins Chapter 21

Natalia's POV

Water droplets streaked down the restaurant window, blurring the view outside. Plants were strategically placed around the dining area, creating a cozy, garden-like atmosphere.

With all the conference drama finally behind me, I could actually relax for the first time today. I'd chosen to eat alone at this little place rather than the hotel restaurant. I needed some fresh air and space to think.

Eric had wanted to tag along, but he was stuck schmoozing with a bunch of Alphas—part of his job representing our pack.

"What can I get you tonight?" the waiter asked, flashing me a friendly smile.

I glanced at the menu. "Just bring me your best dish. Whatever you're known for."

The guy looked surprised, maybe even a little skeptical. Did he think I couldn't afford it?

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"Oh no, not at all! How about drinks? Maybe a nice glass of wine to go with dinner?"

Classic upselling. "Thanks, but I'll stick with water."

He nodded and headed off. I people-watched while I waited, checking out the other diners. Lots of wealthy-looking business types with their arm candy. Most of these women definitely weren't their wives.

Typical Alpha behavior, really. They had their mates locked down at home while they played around on business trips. The bond guaranteed loyalty from their wives, but it didn't stop them from doing whatever they wanted.

I actually recognized one of the Alphas across the room—he'd visited our pack for meetings with Dad a few years back. I'd even met his wife during that visit. The blonde draped all over him tonight? Definitely not her.

"Predictable," I muttered, watching him laugh at something she whispered in his ear.

"True love's practically extinct these days."

That brought back memories of Adrian and me. God, I'd been so happy when we got married. I thought we had something real. What a joke that turned out to be. Nothing but humiliation and heartbreak.

The waiter returned with my food—beautifully plated and smelling amazing. The presentation was Instagram-worthy.

"Time to treat myself," I said under my breath, digging in.

After finishing dinner and paying with my card, I stepped outside and realized how late it had gotten. Time had flown by in there.

The street was practically deserted, dimly lit, and I couldn't spot a single cab. The hotel was maybe a twenty-minute walk. I could handle that.

I took a shortcut through a tree-lined alley that cut off some time. The night air felt good against my skin, and for a moment I actually felt peaceful.

That peace shattered when I noticed a group of guys hanging around under a streetlight up ahead. Something about them set off alarm bells, but I decided to just walk past and mind my own business.

"Hey gorgeous, where you headed?"

I ignored them and picked up my pace, but they weren't taking the hint. Footsteps behind me, getting closer.

One of them grabbed my arm. "Hey, I'm talking to you."

"Let go," I said, trying to pull away.

"Come on, don't be like that. You didn't dress up like that just to go home alone, right?" His grip tightened as I struggled. The other two were laughing, closing in.

"Just let us have some fun, and nobody gets hurt."

My blood ran cold. Rogues. What the hell were rogues doing here? This area was supposed to be protected.

Suddenly I was back in that nightmare from years ago, fighting for my life against a pack of rogues. My body went rigid as the memories crashed over me.

I was wearing a sleeveless blue dress, and when one of them ran his hand down my bare arm, I flinched hard. I could fight—I wasn't helpless—but something about rogues just froze me up inside. The trauma made my body betray me when I needed it most.

When another one started pawing at my waist, something snapped. I growled and shoved them back as hard as I could.

They stumbled, clearly not expecting me to fight back.

I ran.

They gave chase immediately, shouting behind me. The hotel was still fifteen minutes away, and I had no idea where else to go.

"You can't run forever! We always get what we want!"

Their words made my skin crawl. I pushed myself to run faster, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I glanced back to see how close they were—

And slammed straight into someone's chest.

My legs turned to jelly. One of them had gotten ahead of me somehow.

But when I looked up, expecting to see a rogue's face...

"Adrian?"