CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

After making sure the cubs were ready for bed, Lara read a story to Scarlet and kissed Jaden's head before switching the lights off. Only when she was sure both were settled, she closed the doors and turned towards her room. There, she found Nate waiting.

«So, how was it?» he inquired. «Does it feel like before?»

«Just like before.»

«See? Nothing changed, actually. None of the relevant things.»

«They're growing up so fast. I'm afraid to lose their best years if I get distracted,» she chuckled. «They learn something new every day, and I can't remember them controlling their instincts so well... Scarlet hasn't lost control even once since the full moon, right? And Jaden is starting to control his ears, even if not always. They're growing up, Nate.»

«Yes, that's correct. The twins are growing up both in height and weight and in their powers. Even since visiting the doctor, I kept them under watch, in search of signs of danger, but I think it'll be okay. Scarlet is learning how to control her mood, and Jaden has never been dangerous, to begin with. As for his ears, even if he doesn't gain complete control, he will find a way to live with it.»

«Oh, that... I'm glad it's nothing serious.»

«The doctor said it's normal that kids have a tough time keeping their calm, but also... There's something about me you don't know yet. About my family, to be precise. Even though we're powerful wolves and often born Alphas, there's a lot about our powers and shape that isn't good. There have been cases of wolves without the capability to turn, and others who would lose control over their shape.

Also, we seem to have a hard time with the mate link. That's why it took me so long to find you. Not the whole pack knows about it. It could cause problems if the others thought I was weak because of that...»

«A hard time?» Lara said.

«We don't feel the link like other wolves do. When we're next to our mate, we're just like regular wolves, actually. We feel the link if the other person allows us in, and we know who we're with. Our beings resonate just as usual. Still, once our mate is gone, we can't locate them. We can't find a missing mate because we don't see the link unless we're close to each other.»

«Is that an exception? What do normal wolves feel?»

«Normal wolves can locate their mate and reach them anytime, especially during Black or Bright Moons. They can know whether their mate is feeling well or not. But we can't. We, Woods, are crippled wolves, in fact.»

«Oh, so that's what made your whole pack think I was dead,» Lara realised. «If I wasn't, you would have found me using the link, right? They didn't know you can't just know where I am.»

«Plus, you're human. I'm not sure whether that makes any difference, but it's a possibility.»

«So, what if I am not your actual mate? If everything you feel is weakened, then it might be just an unfortunate mistake.»

«No. No way, Lara. I recognised you the first time our eyes met. And I've kissed you under a Bright Moon. No wolf would resist the call of nature if not for something more pressing than turning. That night, you were my priority.

Other than the Moon, a wolf can long only for their mate during such a night.»

«Oh, then... That time you showed me your ears... The first time... That was one of the moments you lost control?»

Nate kept silent, bowing his head and avoiding answering the question. He was in control that night. He had released the ears only because he thought it could help him gain points with Lara. And it resulted in a hug! It was definitely worth it!

However, he couldn't just admit it.

«I'm not dangerous when I lose control, Lara. If things aren't excessively chaotic, I'll always keep enough brains not to hurt you. Also, my wolf instinct drives me to you. It's not another person, but a part of me: I like you with all my being, even the part that is irrational and acts on instinct.»

«I'm not afraid. I was just wondering... Just that!»

Lara's cheeks blushed at the memory of that night. She had been almost immobilised under Nate's... Power? He had prevented her from running away in any way possible, including some odd wolf magic. She had been still on the mattress for a while until he had lowered the pressure to allow her to move.

They had spent hours kissing and touching each other, without any hit of real lust but mostly nostalgia and happiness to be together after six years. It had been that kind of night, and Lara couldn't like it more than she did.

«Do you want to come in?» she said, opening the door and waiting for Nate to make a decision. «We can have a chat while comfortably sitting down. No need to stand in the hallways, am I right?»

Nate followed without thinking twice, as if falling into a trap wasn't his hidden purpose. Was Lara going to assault him there?

He recalled what had happened the night they slept together, and he scoffed at the memory of his fast release. He had to pay attention, that time, because Lara wasn't sleeping. She would have remembered if he made a fool of himself. Maybe it was too early to sleep together: he hadn't checked what was wrong with him yet!

What if he was ill, and his stamina would last so short in the future as well? Lara would have been so disappointed that he could imagine her shaking her head and living in search of a better partner.

However, he couldn't just turn on his heels and leave. First of all, because he had been invited inside. Now that Lara had told him what she wished for, he had no choice but to obey.

Also, he liked the idea of spending time with her; even if it meant doing anything but that kind of activity...