CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Nate wasn't sure whether Lara remembered the little incident of the morning they slept together. Yet, he didn't have time to inquire and wonder. And he couldn't leave Lara home for a second time.

He was learning from his mistakes. Running away wasn't the right thing to do, ever, because Lara would misunderstand his reasons.

As such, he had pressed all his worries to the back of his mind and went to work with his family as if it was a normal day.

But it wasn't.

He was busy, and he was going to use the new moon to attack.

«Are you sure it's the right time?» Samantha murmured, observing the charts with attention. «It's the Black Moon. What if something goes wrong? It might affect our mood for the whole month.»

«It will work,» Nate murmured.

«You seem so sure of yourself. Has something happened with Lara to make your mood so good?»

«No, nothing at all.»

«How odd... I would have bet my arm on it. You were so radiant yesterday while Lara didn't come to work. Let me guess, she was exhausted... You have to be careful, Nate! She's human!»

«It's not like that,» he replied, frowning.

What about his mood had been radiant? He had been so damn worried about his health that he couldn't focus enough on the job. Luckily, that morning he had recovered and could think straight anew.

«Well, if we assemble the team right now, we might be able to start early in the afternoon. By the time the stock exchange closes, we will have a good profit in our pockets. And they'll have a loss. Isn't that awesome?»

«It will be.»

«You're so cool when you take revenge, you know it? I mean, you are cool even when you want peace. It's just that this makes my blood boil... Finally, we're doing something!»

«Relax, Samantha. You should meet that mate of yours and have a nice evening. Don't stress over work when it's not necessary.»

«Oh, you don't want me here,» she whined. «I shouldn't influence others too much.»

«It's a Black Moon. Better be careful. You'll go home and have fun.»

«Okay.» She pouted, but she didn't complain any further.

Her character and power could be unsettling for the pack. Even though she was a relevant part of it, and her instability would make the pack stronger overall, there were times when the others would be distracted with a powerful yet unyielding wolf around.

Nate was an Alpha. He was born to be obeyed and followed. Someone challenging him, even with the best intentions, wasn't what he needed during the most delicate moments.

In battle, it was a whole nother matter. But during delicate business operations or negotiations, he would send Samantha away to avoid incidents if the Black Moon was too close.

Samantha was his most trusted ally, not that he doubted her. Yet, the pack needed balance during some events. She could become dangerous in the wrong environment, and he knew it.

«I will go after lunch, then,» Samantha sighed, a little displeased.

Yet, she knew there were some rules even she had to follow. Being part of a pack meant abandoning part of her freedom for everyone's happiness. Nate was doing the same, and she wouldn't have betrayed his trust and his mother's care during her teenage years.

«Have fun,» Nate murmured. «Tomorrow morning, when you come back, everything will be done.»

«You're taking it too seriously. All you're betting is a little money,» she chuckled.

«It's money, yes. And a lot. Not every company can survive so much. Also, it's about reputation. Blue Moon is rising lately. They can't afford any drawbacks. Even a little attack won't pass unnoticed to their partners and potential investors.»

«You're heartless, sometimes.»

«Does it bother?»

«Oh, I love it! Also, I am sure your mate will love it if you let her see this face of yours.»

«Lara isn't like you. She's delicate and innocent. How can I let her see a vengeful man? She would be scared.»

«Oh, don't underestimate her. She's stronger than you think. And she wouldn't run away because of this. She didn't turn her back on you after finding out that we all are wolves at the company. A couple of flaws in your character won't bring any damage. Especially sexy flaws. Women love ruthless men, don't they?»

«I don't know,» Nate sighed. «And I don't care. I've already deducted that Lara isn't like just any woman. Things that would make me desirable in others' eyes frighten her.»

«Ah,» Samantha sighed, rolling her eyes. «Then, just solve it on your own. You're so dumb sometimes... I would have used such a move on my mate, you know?»

«Why don't you? Like... Now?» he added, showing her the door.

«Oh, it's not like he's at my beck and call.»

«Just go, Samantha. You're ruining my dark mood with your excitement. I almost feel glad for things that never happened when you're here.»

«I'll go,» she chuckled, getting out in the hallway before taking her phone out.

Just as she had said, Rider wasn't at her beck and call. Yet, he might have been free earlier. Just by chance. Or maybe because it was a Black Moon.

- Going home to take a bath right now.

She sent the message, smiling wily at the thought of Rider imagining her naked in the tub and taking his bike to reach her.

How long was it from Mayford? Two hours?

She could go shopping before actually starting the bath.

- Will be there in one hour. Don't start without me.

Oh, good. He was free!

She collected her things and left the building, looking online for a shop with the best scents for baths and candles.

One hour suddenly felt so short. But it also felt like it was never-ending.

«Don't be late,» she murmured.

A shiver crossed her body from head to toes, warming her in preparation for the long night. Black Moons used to be boring or difficult nights for her.. Yet, for the second time in a row, she was going to spend it together with someone else.