They were sitting at the table of a random cafe not too far from the office. The plan was to go back and fetch the cubs soon after lunch.

Somehow, Lara didn't feel too guilty to let them eat at the company after discovering their father was the big boss.

?So, you take all decisions in the company,? Lara murmured.historical

She was sitting at the other side of the table, observing him from a distance. Nate didn't dare to come closer, feeling her complex emotions rumbling against each other.

It was better to let her be, and later try getting closer. He couldn't use their connection, for human women could resist for too long. He risked losing control and making the situation worse.

?And in the pack.? She continued with her assessment.

How in the world did she attract the attention of someone as extraordinary? No wonder everyone looked at her in odd ways.

Who knows what they thought about her? In the end, all things considered, she was there only because Nate and she had kids together. If not, they would have never met again.

?So, all my worries about why the CEO wanted me in the team are not just justified... You do realise how everything sounds? The CEO and the secretary: it's such an old trope, Nate. I don't think we should continue like this. I will find a job somewhere else.?

?No,? he sighed. ?Not that. I'll move you to any department you like as long as you stay. Even sales if that's your favourite. Just, don't leave...?

?This sounds even worse!? she complained. ?Nate, I don't want any favoured treatment.?

?That's impossible, Lara. We're not just an ordinary company. LY Corp is a pack, and our needs and preferences are different from what humans feel. I know it's hard, but please try understanding us.?

?I don't want to have a position just based on who I date. It's unfair, and it's humiliating.?

?It's not unfair. It's just how it works... It does sound a little bad, I get it... But I will show you around the pack. You will understand if you see it with your own eyes: we're people living together to protect each other as if the company was a castle or a smaller town. As for being humiliating, I apologise if I ever made you feel like that. It was not my intention...?

?I don't think we should date if we work together. That would be so unprofessional from my side. And what if we fight? Will you fire me??

Oh, he would have just crawled in front of her, begging for forgiveness. As for him being angry, there was nothing she could do to make him so. Not after six years running after a ghost.

?We don't expel people from the pack because of an argument,? he pointed out. ?It's just like a family, Lara. If you become one of us, they will protect and care for you. And you will care for them in return. If you are my wi... wom... ehm, my partner, then your role will be to solve the disputes and help each one of them to find their space.?

?I can't do that, Nate! First of all, I'm human. And, second, I just said I don't want to have a job based on whom I'm with!?

?We're not talking about a job. It's a role in a family. You'd be like a second mother for every member of the pack.?

?Just because we're dating?? she scoffed. Did every single one of his girlfriends have to deal with the rest of the pack?

?Actually, only after we marry. For the moment, you can just take it slow and get familiar with wolves and our rules.?

?What if I don't want to marry?? she spat out, crossing her arms.

?Wasn't that your dream??

?It was. When I was young and didn't have children.?

?I can't force you to marry me either way,? he sighed. ?It's not like you're a prisoner, in the claws of the big bad wolf. You're just as free as you were before meeting me.?

?That's not what I meant,? she replied, bowing her head. ?I'm still so confused. And I am not ready for big responsibilities. I already struggle with being a mother of two. I can't imagine a whole pack depending on me... And I don't have the sensibility to deal with them: I don't know enough about wolves and stuff.?

?You'll learn, Lara. And I'll be by your side every moment. Also, you'll be able to ask Roxy for help, and Samantha too. That's how packs work: we cover for each other and get things done.?

?You should have told me about this when asking me to date,? she pointed out. ?You should have made it clear what I was accepting.?

?It has nothing to do with dating me, Lara,? he said after a minute of thought.

Making her accept the Alpha female's duties would have been a tough battle. But allowing her to leave just because she was scared of the responsibilities was out of the question.

He could just continue solving the issues by himself. It was no big deal, even if Roxy would have complained and left her position.

They survived without the Alpha's mate for years, and they became a united pack. In times of peace, he just had to keep the wolves in check and make it clear that no one should bother nor comment about Lara.

Losing her a second time would have killed him in one blow.

?Please, just give it a try. We can find our balance with everything, but I can't leave my pack unattended because of my heart's wounds.?

At those words, she sighed. Her lungs ached for him, for his desperate tone. At the same time, she felt proud. For some reason, seeing how he cared for his people made her melt.

If only she could find a way to help him, it would have been awesome.