CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Nate walked out of Scarlet's room after tucking the covers again. The little girl had undone his hard work while crying desperately for the wolf.

Thankfully, he had managed to calm her down and remind her that wolves don't live alone. She had looked at him with wide eyes, azure like the sky, and asked a couple of questions about packs.

In the end, he had managed to tell a bedtime story without shocking his daughter too much. She had fallen asleep while inquiring about wolves and their organisation in packs. He did his best to make the explanations simple, and he had sighed relieved when her breathing signalled she was deep asleep.

He walked to Lara's door and knocked lightly. When she opened it, she saw his pale, overworked expression, and she chuckled.

«Come in,» she said, but he shook his head.

«Let's head to the kitchen instead. I'm in the mood for a drink. I didn't know telling stories is so complicated.»

«Oh, but why? Scarlet always listens without a word. It's Jaden who asks questions, usually.»

Nate's face turned even paler. If Scarlet had been difficult, he could only imagine how Jaden's turn would be. He better study before telling him a bedtime story, for that pup would ask him about every single detail.

All of a sudden, Scarlet's reaction didn't seem troubling and extreme. Rather, she had been cute by worrying about the wolf.

«You did a good job today,» Lara added, following him in the hallway. «Jaden is accepting you, isn't he? Just... He's a little shy, so you both will need time to talk to each other openly.»

«I know,» Nate said. «I couldn't imagine he would ask me for a goodnight kiss.»

«Well, he's a kid. Even if he acts mature, he's just five years old. They need more warmth than you think, and I'm happy I'm not the only one they can receive it from.»

«I see...»

«Still, avoid tales with wolves next time,» Lara said.

«You could warn me earlier.»

«I didn't want to intrude. Also, if Scarlet is sleeping, then you managed to solve it. After all, who better than you can tell a story with a wolf as the villain?»

«Why?» he moaned, twitching his brow. Was he a villain wolf?

He opened the fridge and found a bottle of wine. His mother must have put it there especially for him. He showed it to Lara, and she nodded, gesturing with her index finger and thumb that she wanted only a little. Not a whole glass; rather, half.

Nate complied, happy like a dog that she wasn't scared to drink alcohol next to him. That was a huge improvement in his eyes.

«Because you're the Alpha of a pack. Doesn't it mean anything? You're strong and smart enough to tell a story to a child.»

«Ah, that...» he hummed.

«I thought you would realise the story wasn't very fair to the wolf,» she explained. «Didn't you?»

«No.»

«Oh. So, to you, it was all right that the wolf was left hungry and alone?»

«He wasn't alone,» he said, but then he realised he wasn't talking to Scarlet anymore. He had used all his wits to turn the story around, and his brain was tired from the effort. «I mean, he has a pack.»

«Ah, I see. I hope Scarlet learned something from your chat.»

«I hope so, as well. But she fell asleep well. She shouldn't have nightmares about lonely, hungry wolves.»

«You did a good job, then,» she recited for the umpteenth time.

It was a little repetitive, but he liked hearing her praise. It made his heart flutter in his chest and his mind quake in awe.

«Have I earned a goodnight kiss with my hard work?» he asked, suddenly bold.

If she could compliment him like that, she could take responsibility for her words and give him a peck as well. He wasn't asking for anything much, all in all.

However, her blushing face startled him. Why was she like that all of a sudden? Oh, how shy... Weirdly shy, for they had done more than exchanging a peck. They had rolled in bed while kissing during the Bright Moon, and he could still remember her provocative actions from their first official date.

Then, why was she blushing at his request?

«You don't have to if you don't want to,» he murmured, a little disappointed. Yet, he didn't want Lara to feel awkward or forced.

«I do want to,» she sighed, stepping in his direction. She left the glass on the table and turned his face to him. Only after looking him in the eye, she stood on tiptoe and pressed her palms on his chest.

She raised her head and, all tensed up, she pressed her lips on his.

Nate wasn't expecting it, so he stood still for a moment while her lips split his, and her tongue slipped in his mouth.

But then, his instinct prevailed.

He was getting a good night kiss; he couldn't lose the chance to kiss his mate breathless. Even though that was not exactly what he was asking for, he didn't complain. He loved misunderstandings!

He circled her waist with his arm, and he turned towards the table. He helped Lara sit on it, and he caressed her face while deepening the kiss.

Their tongues locked, and their body moved closer at every breath. Nate's fingers trailed down her jaw and on her neck, touching her silken skin with no shame.

He bent forward, forcing Lara back. Not to lose balance, she clenched his shirt and kept herself up with the strength of her arms. Her muscles tensed in that motion, and she couldn't help but cling to Nate.

Meanwhile, his hand reached her hair, and he caressed the dark locks while sighing in peace. Even though the kiss was passionate, burning, he felt at ease as if she had actually given him a peck.

He felt just like the lonely, evil wolf who returned back home to his family.