After calming down and solving the tension with his mate, Nate remembered he had mistreated Samantha before getting out.

?Oh, damn,? he whispered. ?Let's go eat that cake, and then I can look for Sam.?

?Why?? Jaden inquired, lifting his arms to help being carried. Just like that, Nate held one pup per arm. It wasn't even the first time, but it felt like a new experience.

Maybe, it was because of the ease with which the pups had accepted his help.

?I need to talk with her,? Nate sighed.

He wasn't willing to admit for a second time that he had acted harshly. Lara and the pups might have thought he was the kind of person to take out his rage on whoever happens to meet him.

?Will she eat the cake with us?? said Scarlet, peeking at Nate's expression.

Lara followed them, opening and closing doors when needed. For some reason, she loved observing her cubs being pampered by Nate. They were having a hard time accepting each other, but they could behave so well together.

?I would like to come to work,? she said after they sat in the kitchen. Nate was cutting the cake while she searched for the plates. ?I will follow whatever security rules, I promise. I just don't want to give up work after this little incident.?

?I will go to the company in the morning and come back in the evening, Lara. The kids can stay in the kindergarten for that time, but you... It's dangerous to travel back and forth alone for a few days more. Our warriors will come back soon, but I won't have good guards for you until then.?

?And you? What about your guards??

?I need no guards,? he scoffed.

?Nate, I will be safe next to you. I'll be wherever you go. Will that work?? she tried.

?You'll follow me for the whole day?? he mumbled, considering the matter. It was too tempting to let go. He would have his mate safe and constantly around him.

If any danger were to approach her, he would protect her. It was also a good chance to show her how powerful he could be. During the action, he didn't have any opportunity to fight in front of her... Not that he wished to, for she could be scared.

?What are you thinking about so hard?? she chuckled. ?I promise I won't bother you!?

?Oh, please do,? he replied. ?You can bother me as much as you want! But are you really okay with staying at work for the whole day? You should take your time to rest and all...?

?Nate, it's fine. I should also get to know the others from the pack, shouldn't I? I'd like to thank the people who came to save us, and I'd like to talk with the other wolves as well... I'm not saying I'm ready to be your partner, but it's time to give it a try. Many people in your pack will wonder what right a human has to stand next to you. It's better if they know me directly, instead of imagining who knows what.?

?So, you're giving it a try,? he repeated, once again lost in front of her.

His heart was beating so happily, and his smirk was a little devilish, but he didn't want his mate to notice. She was giving him hope, and he couldn't scare her by overreacting.

?I think it's a wise idea,? he commented, almost detached. ?It will improve your standing in the pack, even though people don't think anything weird about you. It was my mistake for not making it clear from the beginning, by the way... I'm talking about that time the secretaries picked on you. I didn't tell anyone about the twins, and I was too shy to make a claim in front of the others. I was afraid you would run away scared if I did.?

?It won't happen,? she sighed. ?I now understand that wolves have different ways of understanding family and relationships.?

?Also, we mate for life,? he reminded her. Just in case she could doubt him again.

?So you better think it through before making a decision.?

He bit his tongue not to remind her he had already made his decision years before.

?I will be careful,? he replied, fake like a paper dragon.

Even the twins didn't believe in his sincere expression, and they rolled their eyes and snorted while waiting for their cake.

?I'm a little worried, but I know it'll be okay if you're nearby,? Lara added, chuckling nervously. ?In the end, your people respect you enough to follow you into an attack just to save some human woman.?historical

?You're not some human woman, and our kids are not just wolf pups. You are part of the pack already. We would have gone to Norwich to save anyone from the pack, and you are no exception.?

?Is that so?? Lara sighed. ?It's been so long since the last time I was part of something like a family. I don't remember how it feels anymore.?

?I'll help you remember,? Nate offered, suddenly reminded of the couple who visited his office not long before Lara's disappearance.

It seemed that dating her in the open brought so much unwanted attention. It had been a hasty decision, but he couldn't regret it. The world needed to know she was his.

The Claytons wanted to take advantage of Lara's new position after cutting ties with her for good. Moreover, they had gone to him directly when the woman didn't answer their calls. Knowing them in person, Nate was glad Lara blocked her mother's number instead of answering.

?Oh, I'll help you feel part of the pack,? he decided.

Had she really been part of a happy family as a child? What kind of people could pamper their child, acting all proud and lovely until something they didn't expect happened?

Maybe, she needed to feel familiar love for real before understanding that it was easier to be part of the pack than living within one without any emotion.