CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

«Women? How do you even know them?» Lara said, crossing her arms.

It was Nate's turn to melt. Jealous? Had he ever seen her like that?

True, she hadn't had any reason before. But hearing her tone with his ears was heavenly. She wanted him all to herself and would be unhappy to hear he knew other women!

Just like a she-wolf.

Nate's lower lips trembled when he realised he needed to find a reply. He couldn't let her misunderstand, even if he liked being treated like that. However, even the thought of exploiting that situation to his advantage hurt his heart and body. Making Lara believe he had women surrounding him would have been terrible. And he couldn't think of making her suffer.

«I... I just know them,» he said. «Most of them are wives from the people I talk to at these parties. Some work in the same industry. Nothing more than that, I swear!»

«Nothing more?»

«No. I only think of you.»

Lara's cheeks were covered in red as she realised she was questioning him so badly. What had gotten into her?

Was it about wolfish magic? Was she getting too ahead of herself?

Nate had every right to deal with other women. Not to mention that it would have been only normal if he had girlfriends before they met for the second time. Or lovers, or even just flirts.

But she knew he didn't. She was sure he hadn't looked at any other woman since the night they had conceived the pups.

So, why was she doing that? Marking her territory?

And why was Nate not complaining of her unreasonably?

«Sorry,» she breathed, offering her hand to him - as if it would solve everything.

Nate accepted to hold hands and only later noticed she was a little nervous.

«Don't worry. I love it when you act jealous. I thought this day would never come.»

«I'm so sorry, Nate! I said something wrong! In all ways.»

«It's okay. I would have done the same in your shoes. I totally understand.»

«That's why I'm so confused, right now. Is this something a wolf would do?»

«I think so, yes. It's pretty normal. We're territorial and can't stand when other people want our family. Even for a chat. But I think you already knew it well enough.»

«So, this is what pushed the twins to defend me from you? This sour feeling?»

«I think they were also afraid you would forget them, but I guess it's similar. As for me, I didn't want to share you with them but had to adapt because... Well, they're also my pups. And you love them.»

«I thought our struggles were over, yet it never ends. Wasn't accepting and understanding enough? Why do I now have to feel these new things?» she complained.

«You live with a bunch of wolves twenty-four hours a day. It's only normal that you start understanding us. And that you feel familiar emotions. Roxy was right about meeting with humans. Maybe it will help you find some balance.»

«I rationally know I have no reason to act territorial,» she said. «I know you wouldn't betray me, so forgive me.»

«It's okay. As I said, I love it. You can act territorial every time you want.»

As for him, his smug smile hid his thoughts. He had come to terms with the fact that he couldn't act like a wolf with her. He couldn't lock her up only for him to see.

He had only wished that for a long time until something had changed and her happiness had become more important than his own. He did occasionally desire to lock her in his room and let no one come as close as to be dangerous.

But he had complete control over it. Lara wouldn't like being locked. And he could have her for himself every day. She would work in his company and take care of his pups. She would be as close as to touch her, which was an improvement after six long years of missing her.

«Should we ask Ebony about this?» Lara murmured, her eyes wide.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

«I think you're worrying too much. Let's wait and see. If it's only this once, we don't need to call Ebony. If it happens again, we'll talk about it. Okay?»

«Okay,» she muttered, calming down.

«In the meantime, I'll do my best to trigger your jealousy.»

«Hey!» she warned him, but she couldn't add any more words. What was he going to do? Comment on other women? Talk with them?

No, he had to be hers only!

Her eyes flew to her left hand. The engagement ring was shining more than ever. He had promised they would be together for life. And she had accepted his proposal.

It was late to change his mind.

And she had that ring testifying about their commitment. It was real, just as real as her life. Nate was real, as much as the kids.

«It's okay,» she said. «I don't think you need to go out of your way just for this. Unless you want to confirm how troubling I can become before marrying me. In that case, suit yourself.»

«Confirm?» he said, taken back.

«I mean, I understand if you want to confirm before getting married forever. You're doing it for your safety and nerves. I just hope I won't disappoint...»

«Hey, hey, no!» he said. «I was just kidding. I wouldn't confirm anything, Lara. I'm already so blessed that you accepted me. I don't care about your jealousy. If it troubles you, if it makes you feel out of control, we'll find a way together.

But it's not something you need to do for me or my nerves. Just for you!»

He was panicking, and the sweat on his forehead made her smile. She relaxed, remembering who she was with.

«Sorry for the drama,» she said. «But it's the first time... Oh, well, not actually the first. But I'm not used to thinking of you as mine. I fear someone will take you away, and I couldn't survive such a shock.»

«No one will take me away,» he said, rubbing her back with a light touch.