The kids were sleeping soundly, tired after the relief of not being abandoned by their mommy. And by their dad, for that matter.

Lara and Nate could take a breath and focus on their own needs, for once.

?I'm glad the kids are so attached to you now,? Lara said, eyeing Nate's expression.

She was glad, sure. But how much?

He could feel something weird in her tone as if she was... lying? Uncertain?

?Are you worried, perhaps??

?Not at all! I'm really so glad. I just felt jealous today,? she confessed. ?But that's my own problem! Jaden needs someone to answer his questions, and he doesn't want to ask me for some reason. And Scarlet, well... I'm not really sure what made her act in that way, but it's good. Isn't it??

?I'm also glad they are relying on me,? Nate said. ?Lately more than before. It hasn't been long since we met, after all. It's a huge feat, hearing Jaden calling me dad or Scarlet nibbling on my shoulder with no ill intent. It was a new feeling for me.?

?And do you like it??historical

?Yes,? he said. ?It's nice, and I felt so... I don't know, so proud? Or just happy, Lara. Today was an especially difficult day, yet they told me their worries, and we talked a little. I think this will make them change, you know? Don't expect anything drastic, but they might allow me to get closer to you. Just a little, and only when it doesn't come in their way.?

?Awesome. Now, I'm curious. How did you do it??

?Oh, it's a secret,? Nate chuckled.

?You don't want to tell me?? she said, raising her brows. ?I guess it's fine if the three of you have your own secrets.? Even if it made her feel left behind.

But it was good: Nate was becoming important for the cubs, and they were also growing up a lot next to him. As for her, she could just observe them from the side and let the warmth fill her heart at the sight.

?How are you feeling?? Nate asked, moving slightly closer to her. One inch at a time, he was going to reach her side and, eventually, hug her. That's what he was waiting for.

?Not bad. I'm a little tired today even though I didn't do anything much. I didn't even work this morning; there was nothing to do,? Lara chuckled.

?You dealt with a bunch of pups: that's a lot of work. Especially when pack dynamics are involved. Those looked like human kids, but they know who you are, Lara.?

?I see... I'm a little afraid to accept the role of being your mate. But, at the same time, it's so appealing. It would mean we could stay close forever, and it would give a family to the twins... Everything would be just perfect, right??

She sighed, biting her lips because of nervousness. That part of her that blocked everything else was annoying, but she didn't know what to do.

It was worse than she thought.

?I will work on it,? she decided.

And she could try all the methods that came to mind. In the end, something was going to work sooner or later.

?What about you?? she added, all of a sudden settled on changing the topic. Even if she was the one starting it, she couldn't bear to continue the conversation. Something deep inside her reminded her to hide every weakness, especially those not as solvable.

?I've never been better during a Black Moon.?

?Oh, not even the night we met?? she teased him.

?I don't know... This is a difficult question, actually. That night was both blissful and painful for me,? he said. ?The memory of meeting you is always followed by your flee. You left, and I was alone. That was the worst moment for me, worse than anything else I've felt. Even after my father's death, I wasn't as helpless because I had a lot of work to do... But that night, I felt wrong in any way possible.?

He was telling her his worst nightmares, but his tone wasn't all that sad. It was as if he was getting over it, step by step.

?But now, all of that is just in my memories, Lara. Today, I feel just like the first time I saw you. That short moment, now, is lasting weeks, months, and I hope it'll never end.?

He moved a lock of her hair and rolled it around his forefinger. The dark brown strand was silky and had a fresh aroma, as much as making him want to bend over and inhale it with a deep breath.

Yet, he could feel it was the wrong moment. Lara was tense, and her expression was absent-minded even if she tried to hide it.

Even just touching her hair had made her straighten her back. He wouldn't risk frightening her by decreasing the distance even more.

Moreover, he had his own worries to solve before trying anything too daring with Lara. He still hadn't found out whether he had some issue with his masculine parts.

And Lara didn't seem to remember what had happened. She might have thought it was a dream, maybe... But he couldn't forget. He still needed to find a solution before trying to woo his mate.

After all, he couldn't offer himself before making sure everything worked as it should have! Just like that night of five years before... But what had changed since back then? Had his prolonged chastity caused problems?

What if the only solution was more exercise? Then, he was done for! There was no way he could ask Lara for help, and he had no intention of training with any other woman.

Life knew how to be unfair.

His complex mood was almost unnoticed to Lara, lost in her own worries and fears. Still, a little before Nate could change the train of his thoughts and return normal, she caught his expression and gaze.

She filled the gap between them and hugged him tightly. He needed it, at that moment, didn't he?