CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Nate had noticed something was not all right. Lara had come back from her solitary afternoon in a complicated mood.

She would smile and play with the pups, chatting with Nate as everything was just like usual. Yet, she wasn't fine.

Something was bugging her, and there were too many things that could go wrong for Nate to guess what the issue was.

First of all, Alpha Polenta.

«Has someone looking suspicious or... ehm, dark-haired approached you?» Nate asked.

Lara winced, looking at her clothes in search of clues. Doctor Mason had black hair, indeed, but how could Nate notice?

«I mean, black wolves... Have you been approached by one?»

«Oh, I wasn't approached by anyone, Nate. I just met with a person. It's a woman, by the way... Just so you know.»

She blushed, her cheeks burning in embarrassment. Why had she thought of specifying the gender of the person she met? Nate didn't seem the jealous type, after all. He would most likely sulk a little or feel sad if he thought she was attracted to other men, but he wouldn't be angry with her directly.

Somehow, the thought of him being sad hurt her enough to say something embarrassing.

«I can feel the scent of that person,» Nate said. «It's not my intention; it's just... there. A human woman who wears vanilla perfume.»

«Oh, correct,» Lara chuckled.

«Is she your friend?»

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«Yes, she is... A friend.»

«You should go out and meet friends, Lara, but why are you feeling like this now? Has anything happened?»

«It's not related to her,» she sighed. After all, it was about herself and her inner world. Doctor Mason wasn't the source of the problem but just a potential medicine.

«Have you met someone from your family? The press? What could have happened to make you so anxious?»

«Nothing, really,» Lara chuckled, this time without any weird undertone.

«Things with the Mayford pack might get complicated... Just so you know. If there is an emergency, I'll have to work longer and won't be able to be with you and the kids as much as I'd like. Just so you know... It'll be out of duty, and I will come back as soon as it's done.»

«Can I help you in any way?»

«Not really. Things are already moving, and soon no one will have time for a break.»

«If you don't want to tell me, it's fine... But I'd like to be of help, Nate. Even if it means making tea. After all, I am already involved, right?»

«Yes, but... I don't want you to be overwhelmed. Wolves can be quite cruel in battle. Even when we're using money and reputation to fight.»

«It's fine. I'm on your side, either way.»

She smiled, getting on tiptoe to leave a peck on his cheek. Even if she was still uncertain about everything, even if she was afraid Nate would change his mind anytime, she still liked being next to him. Even if it was going to bring her to insanity.

They had gone home and had dinner before sitting on the terrace to wait for bedtime. The twins were playing in the garden, chasing each other and fighting from time to time.

«They are so happy to go to school,» Lara said. «I hope the situation won't require them to stop it.»

«It won't. The company is a safe place, always guarded and protected from outsiders. The floor where the schools are is even more...»

«Guarded? The twins got out of there repeatedly, Nate.»

«It's more controlled than it looks! Just, the security system checks that no threats go in... not out.»

Lara rolled her eyes. She was a little concerned about how could the teachers ignore that there were missing kids - the Alpha's kids! - but she knew her cubs wouldn't get hurt that easily. At least, they seemed to have stopped sneaking out and would patiently wait for Nate to go fetch them.

«I'll send the kids to sleep tonight,» she said. «You must be tired.»

«Not as much as not to tell a story to Scarlet and answer Jaden's questions.»

«But you also need a break, Nate. I know how hard it is to take care of them, even if they're good kids. You shouldn't force yourself so much, and I also can do my part. We are two, after all.»

«Listen... Lara, I really don't find it hard to wish them goodnight and talk a little.»

«You also help them in the morning! I've done nothing for long! I understand you three are excited after starting to get along, but I want to fulfil my part as well.»

«Oh, sure. It was not my intention... I never wanted to push you out. I just thought you might want to take a break.»

«Oh, Nate... I risk becoming spoiled at this pace.»

«It's okay.»

«Not really.»

«You miss taking care of them, don't you? I can tell, Lara. I'm so grateful that you're letting me do my part, even if I'm late and I don't always know what to do. It means a lot to me. And when you entrust the twins to me, I feel like I'm closer to becoming a proper father. But I don't want to take them away.

I want to be there for them, by your side.»

«I know, Nate. But that doesn't mean that you need to overwork yourself! You spend the whole day in the office or your study, and you still have the energy to play with them and answer their questions. It's been so long since the last time I had a break like this, really. But now is time for me to return to being their mommy like before.»

«The situation is different. And, also, we are a little different from before. Our habits and understanding of our relationship have changed... And it will change again in the future. Rather than going back to old habits, we should find new ones and build a future on them.»