Lara woke up early in the morning.

She was lying on one side, oddly without her blouse. Her bra was the only thing covering her upper body, but the rest of her clothes were at their place.

A tight grip was surrounding her waist, and a wall of hot muscles was pressed against her lower back. Nate was hugging her, his head on her shoulder.

She couldn't move from how strong he was.

She turned her head to check his ears, and, much to her disappointment, they were human. His wolfish moment was over, likely, and he was back to his human self. Even if he was clinging to her and pressing his face on her skin.

He reminded her of the cubs: they had the same extremeness and despair while hugging her as if she could disappear if only they weakened their clench.

She yawned, stretching her arms to the front. Her face relaxed, and she considered sleeping some more.

?Good morning,? Nate murmured in her ear, pecking her cheek soon after. ?I'll go check what's for breakfast.?

He let her go and slipped out of bed, and Lara sighed, feeling cold all of a sudden.

She was used to sleeping with her cubs, so Nate's hug didn't disturb her. Yet, it was weird to have him and not them next to her.

Also, it somehow felt pleasant. Waking up next to such a handsome face would have improved her darkest days.

She rolled out of bed and wore her shirt. She continued rubbing her eyes, wishing to sleep longer yet dying to see Nate preparing the food.

In the living room, she stumbled upon Samantha collecting her things and giving one last caress to each cub before taking the door and leaving. She noticed only then that the twins were snoring on the couch. Their mouths were open, and their breathings were regular.

They had managed to sleep well because they had someone else to cling to during that night.

It was a little troublesome that they needed someone so badly. If she wanted to date, she had to find someone willing to act as their pillow!

?Oh,? she whined while reaching the kitchen.

Nate was making sandwiches with the food he had found in the fridge. There was nothing else he could assemble in little time, and he had no affinity for cooking. However, he couldn't let his family be hungry.

?Here,? he said, passing the first to Lara.

She observed him for a moment, her cheeks red but her eyes still lost in slumber. Nate wasn't sure whether she was seeing him or smiling at some dream. She was so cute early in the morning.

She took a bite and soughed, sipping the orange juice from the glass in front of her.

?Coffee,? he said, leaving the hot cup on the table. He had prepared tea the night before, but they didn't have time to enjoy it thoroughly.

He waited for her to wake up a little more before talking again.

?I'm sorry for yesterday. I lost control and couldn't stop myself. I apologise,? he said.

?It's fine,? Lara replied. ?I figured that much.?

?Maybe, it was not a good idea to bring you here during a Bright Moon. Dark Moons are way safer for you.?

?I was safe, Nate. You didn't hurt me,? she chuckled. ?It was just a kiss.?

A hot, deep and meticulous kiss. But still, they didn't proceed any further. Not that Lara would have felt in danger even in that case.

Nate was too perfect to be considered a threat.

?Are you going to work anytime soon?? she murmured, seeing the late time. ?It's almost nine!?

?I have an appointment at eleven. Till then, I'm free,? he said, carefree as only a boss could be.

?But I am not! I start working at eight! I'm late, and it's just the first month of work.?

?Relax,? he chuckled. ?Your boss won't find out.?

?How come?? she replied, crossing her arms.

?Oh, right... He will... But he won't say anything.?

?Are you sure??

?Of course!? Nate confirmed, nodding convinced. ?Your boss is a very reasonable person.?

?Is he now? I didn't know,? she chuckled, leaving the food on a plate and taking a step towards him. She wasn't awake yet, apparently.

Nate followed her motion, his eyes analysing her face, neck, shoulders... He had kissed everything to his heart content, yet he already wanted more.

His gaze stopped on her lips just when she raised her head a little. She could follow the tip of his tongue licking his lower lip, and she knew he was going to bend over and repeat what they'd done in the evening.

She even closed her eyes in preparation for another burning kiss. Maybe, that one would be sweet. It was morning, after all.historical

She couldn't taste his lips because they both heard the twins waking up and running in the kitchen with their unfailing instinct.

Lara sighed, accepting that having kids meant she couldn't kiss someone as often as she wished.

?You promise my boss won't get angry?? she inquired before the first cub - Jaden - reached her side.

She accepted the little boy's raised hand, and she observed her son's face beaming first thing in the morning. Even if he was still half-asleep, he seemed happy.

?I promise,? Nate said. ?Also, it's not like he can scold you, Lara. He will be in a different room.?

?Yeah??

?You will do your usual, and I'll be in the meeting room on another floor. Also, you're forbidden from staying at work any longer than midday! I will check when you get out, and if you overwork, I will seriously get mad and scold you.?

?Okay,? she moaned, rolling her eyes.

?And I'll pick up the kids from kindergarten and bring them to you after dinner. You need to rest, don't you??

?Oh, you didn't tire me that much,? she complained while reaching out to pat the second cub's head.

Scarlet had finally reached them, and she was already looking for food. Yet, she had decided to start searching from close to her mommy. She was there to protect her, after all.

But still.... What was that feeling in her guts, as if she was already late?