He Knows the Door to My Soul and Who Forgot to Novel 7

In this chapter, Andrei faces intense pressure from his mother to control Lilith, who has been acting with authority within the pack despite not yet being Luna. His mother warns that the pack is upset with Lilith’s behavior, which is causing unrest. Andrei feels torn and weary, struggling with the consequences of his decisions and the tension between his past with Natalia and his present with Lilith.

The arrival of the doctor who treated Natalia brings troubling news: Natalia was experiencing stress-induced instability related to her pregnancy and mate bond, which could have endangered the baby. Andrei realizes that Natalia left not out of choice but out of fear, possibly to protect their unborn child. This revelation fills him with regret and self-reproach for not marking her or offering her the stability she needed.

As Andrei orders a full search for Natalia after learning that her car was involved in a suspicious accident with tampered surveillance footage, he is overwhelmed by the possibility that she might still be alive. His Beta informs him that the only clue points toward his estranged brother Damon’s territory, raising further complications. Despite doubts and the tense atmosphere, Andrei is determined to find Natalia and not repeat past mistakes.

Lilith’s unexpected arrival with offers of comfort and a proposal to provide an heir adds emotional complexity. She expresses guilt and tries to mend their relationship, but Andrei remains focused on Natalia and the child he never got to know. His conflicted feelings and unresolved love for Natalia dominate his thoughts as he prepares to confront Damon’s pack in search of answers.

Chapter 7

ANDREI

“You need to rein her in before there’s nothing left to salvage.”

My mother’s voice was sharp, clear, and unforgiving as she stood in my office, arms crossed in that imperious way she used when she knew she was right. Which, in this case, she probably was.

“She’s only been back for a few days,” I said, already exhausted by the conversation. “She needs time to reacquaint herself with the rhythms of pack life.”

Mother’s eyes narrowed. “Reacquaint? She’s issuing orders to warriors, reallocating patrols, questioning the Beta in front of others. Do you have any idea how furious the ranks are?”

I turned away, pacing behind my desk. It was easier than facing her.

“She’s not Luna yet.”

“Try telling her that. The pack sees her acting like one, and they don’t like it. Natalia would never have overstepped this way.‘

I flinched.

It wasn’t that she was wrong. It was that I didn’t want to hear it.

Mother softened her tone. “Andrei. You can still undo this. You’re not married to Lilith yet.”

I shook my head, still thinking about my ex–wife, who was now likely dead. “It was Natalia who wanted the divorce.” (1

“Was it?” she asked quietly. “Or did she just give up when she realized you’d already chosen someone else?”

The silence between us said more than either of us could. I hadn’t chosen. I had let go. There was a difference. At least, that’s what I told myself.

“I respected her decision,” I said. “She wanted out. I gave her freedom.”

Mother’s sigh cut through me. “And what if she was only trying to protect something? What if she was trying to protect herself–and your child?”

The door opened before I could respond. One of my guards stepped in.

“Alpha, the doctor is here. The one who treated Natalia.”

“Send her in.”

The physician entered, head bowed. She looked nervous.

“I appreciate you coming,” I said.

“Of course, Alpha.”

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“What can you tell me about her condition before she left?”

She hesitated. “I don’t normally discuss patient matters without consent.”

I growled, low and warning. “She’s likely dead. You’ll make an exception.”

She nodded quickly. “Yes, Alpha. Natalia was showing signs of stress–induced instability. Hormonal changes, fluctuations in the mate bond. I advised her that without a steady bond, the pregnancy could be at risk.”

A cold spike settled in my chest.

“She could lose the baby?”

“Yes. If the mate bond is unstable, the pregnancy itself can destabilize the wolf’s entire system.”

“She never told me,” I said under my breath.

The doctor shifted awkwardly. “She asked about what would happen if the bond were severed… if there was a rejection. I thought it was hypothetical at the time.”

“But it wasn’t.”

It hit me like a punch to the gut. She hadn’t wanted to leave. She had been afraid. Maybe afraid of me. Or of what I

would choose. Maybe she had believed I’d never choose her.

She had walked away for the sake of our child.

M

I could have marked her. I could have marked her and none of this would have happened. Why didn’t she ask me to mark her? Why didn’t I offer?

Why hadn’t I done it all those years ago when we were first married?

All the could–haves, would–haves, should–haves were swirling through my mind so fast I was dizzy.

The lunch I’d eaten earlier in the day threatened to make a reappearance.

I dismissed the doctor and turned to my Beta, who had arrived and stood waiting in the doorway.

“What have you been able to find?”

“Not much, sir,” Carlos said.

I sighed.

“Start a full–scale search. Every inch of the territory, every road. I want to find her..”

“Yes, Alpha. But… there’s something you need to see.’

He handed me a file of grainy photos and a short video clip.

“This is from the highway surveillance. We confirmed Natalia’s car. She was driving alone. But… the footage from

the moment of the crash is missing. Tampered with. All we have is this.”

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He pulled up a frame. Her car. Headlights glowing. A shape behind it. An SUV.

Then the next clip: her car plunging through a guardrail and disappearing into darkness.

I couldn’t speak.

My chest felt like it was caving in.

“She’s gone?”

“Not necessarily. We’ve found debris. No body.”

I swallowed, throat dry. My wolf pushed to the surface. Not gone. Not dead. Not her.

み

Just then, there was a knock. And then, as if summoned by the very worst timing, Lilith stepped inside, carrying a tray of tea and pastries.

“I thought you might need something warm,” she said sweetly.

I couldn’t muster a thank you.

Her eyes darted to the monitor where Natalia’s car was still displayed. “Oh… is that…”

I said nothing.

She sat down across from me, her smile faltering. “Andrei, I–this is all my fault, isn’t it?”

I looked at her finally. “What are you talking about?”

She clasped her hands together, fingers trembling in well–practiced sorrow. “Natalia left. She filed for divorce. Then she was attacked. It all happened so fast. If I hadn’t come back–if I hadn’t tried to reclaim what we had-

she wouldn’t have left at all.”

I sighed. “This wasn’t your fault.”

“But it was! I feel terrible. Just tell me what I can do. Should we reschedule the engagement ceremony? Would that make things better?”

I blinked at her. “Are you serious?”

She paled. “I just thought… we had everything planned, and-”

“Not now, Lilith.”

Her expression crumpled. But I didn’t have the bandwidth to comfort her. Not when all I could see was the haunted look on Natalia’s face when she handed me the divorce papers. Not when I remembered every time she tried to tell me something–and I didn’t listen.

All I could think about was the baby we should be having together. The baby I had always wanted.

The baby I had always wanted with Natalia. I could picture its soft, sweet chocolate colored hair. Its green eyes, so like its mother. Would it have been a boy? A girl?

Goddess, I might never know.

As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, Lilith spoke.

“If you need an heir,” she said softly, “I could give you one. A powerful one.”

I stood up.

“I’m not thinking about heirs,” I lied. “I’m thinking about her.”

I was filled with so many emotions, but the biggest one of all was regret.

Lilith stood too, her smile now replaced by a tight line. “Do you still love her?”

I didn’t answer.

Because I didn’t need to.

My Beta returned.

“Alpha. The only clue we’ve found points to territory near Damon’s lands. But he’s denied any sightings.‘

Damon. My brother. Estranged and secretive. He wouldn’t hide her. Would he?

But something deep in me said otherwise.

“She’s alive,” I said quietly.

“Sir?”

“She’s alive. I would feel it if she weren’t.”

My wolf paced just beneath the surface, tense and ready.

“I’m going to Damon’s pack,” I said. “Alone if I have to.”

“But-”

“No more delays. I let her go once. I won’t make that mistake again.”

日

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Support

The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing Andrei’s profound turmoil and the weight of his regrets. His internal struggle reveals the complex layers of love, loss, and responsibility, as he grapples with the consequences of choices made and those left unspoken. The themes of connection and sacrifice resonate deeply, underscoring the fragile bonds that tie him to Natalia and their unborn child, while casting a shadow over his present with Lilith.

Despite the uncertainty and pain, Andrei’s resolve emerges as a beacon of hope amid the darkness. His unwavering belief that Natalia is still alive and his determination to find her reflect a powerful commitment to redemption and healing. This emotional crescendo not only highlights his vulnerability but also sets the stage for a journey driven by love, loyalty, and the hope for reconciliation.

The next chapter promises to plunge deeper into Andrei’s turbulent quest to find Natalia, stirring a potent mix of hope and desperation. As he confronts the shadows cast by his brother Damon’s territory, the emotional stakes rise, hinting at strained family ties and secrets that could either aid or thwart his search. Readers will sense the weight of Andrei’s regrets and the fierce determination that propels him forward, even as uncertainty gnaws at his resolve.

Meanwhile, the delicate balance between Andrei and Lilith grows even more fragile, with unspoken tensions simmering beneath their interactions. The question of loyalty and love looms large, casting doubt on where true allegiance lies and what sacrifices might be demanded. As the pack’s unrest simmers and alliances shift, the next chapter will weave a tapestry of internal conflict and external threat, keeping readers on edge about what truths will surface and what choices Andrei will be forced to make.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.