The HR department was lively that morning. Roxy had finished the draft of Lara's contract, and she made her sign the integration about overtime work. After that, she had no remorse for exploiting the woman anymore.

She explained briefly the company structure and how she dealt with the most common problems. Someone would always come to her in search of justice or hoping to get the solution to everything. It would have happened with Lara as well, so she'd better be prepared.

?Even though it's late now, some wolves are still under the effects of the Black Moon. It should be a light day for us,? Roxy said.

?Okay...?historical

?How was your night, by the way? Are you happy about it??

?It was pretty normal, Roxy. But I think Nate was okay this time around... Do wolves with mates suffer less, by any chance??

?It's not just that you're here, but also the fact that you're willing to stay and help him a little. Alpha Nate had spent years alone, and it was time someone appeared to save him.?

?I'm glad to be of help,? Lara chuckled. ?I hope it lasts.?

?It lasts? What, exactly??

?Well, everything. But especially Nate's light mood.?

?He will be happy as long as you're with him. Do you have any intention of leaving??

?No. Of course not.?

?Then, it will last,? Roxy concluded.

Lara's rosy cheeks surprised Roxy, but she didn't add a word. Things seemed to be progressing well, at least for the pack. They could feel how their Alpha was happy and more powerful every day. Still, when she talked with Lara, Roxy would always have the impression that nothing much had happened between them.

Either they were both slow, or their Alpha was happy with little.

Oh, but being slow wasn't that bad. It meant that the phase of chasing each other would last longer, with all the consequences of an intrigued Alpha. If only they could avoid the wavering mood coming from small failures, things would be perfect.

?And the twins? How are they acting lately??

?They were a little difficult yesterday, but they're improving. I would spend the Black Moons soothing them all night, but yesterday they slept on their own after just a little comforting...?

?This morning, Alpha Nate was in a great mood,? Roxy chuckled. ?You're doing miracles with them just by being nearby. Imagine what would happen if you were married??

?I don't want to imagine, Roxy. I prefer living in the present,? Lara said with a smile, hiding her worries well.

Imagining a married life was too cheerful and optimistic for her. She feared living the dream and, one day, waking up and realising she actually had nothing.

?How is our Alpha when you're alone, by the way? Is it just as smitten as we see him lately??

?Smitten? I find Nate. Uhm... He's so gentle, but sometimes he knows how to be overbearing. Especially when making decisions for everyone! That drives me nuts, but I know he's not doing it with any bad intention.?

She didn't find him smitten at all. If anything, he was kind. But he also knew how to be flirty, how to be decisive. Most of all, though, he was safe for her. She couldn't understand how she could have such a dark heart to doubt him...

?Oh, well, I guess they tend to be different with their mates. But it's also in their nature to command all the time. Literally, all the time. A pack's stability depends a lot on their Alpha. Someone certain of his actions and with a stable character will guide a stable and powerful pack. Everything we do, guided by Nate, turns out well, Lara. It's because he is the way he is. Overbearing and bossy, but also careful and attentive to everyone's needs. If not, we couldn't have reached this point without the Alpha female. Even if I was the one doing some of the work, it wouldn't have been enough if Nate didn't care more about us than about his own power. Alpha males are territorial, possessive, and they're completely obsessed with power... At least, when they don't have enough or when they don't have someone by their side to stop them.?

?But Nate... He had all of you by his side,? Lara pointed out. ?That's how he didn't fall prey to madness, right??

?I don't know, Lara. But it must have been difficult for him. I think that, after meeting you, he changed. I'm not too close with Alpha Nate to tell, but Bass said it's as if he grew up all of a sudden. Or that he realised something during the night. The rest of us just assumed it was due to the pack's difficulties, our old Alpha's death...?

?But... Is this the very first time you feel like, ehm... Like Nate is settling down??

?Yes, it is,? Roxy replied simply.

?What about his other girlfriends??

?Other girlfriends? Nathaniel Woods isn't one to date. He doesn't do relationships, Lara. Or rather, he's loyal to his one and only mate. Now that we know, it's pretty clear that he doesn't dislike women at all. He's just loyal. Wolves mate for life, remember? He couldn't have any other girlfriend after acknowledging you.?

?No other women,? she murmured, her face dumbfounded.

Her heart started beating faster, and she looked at Roxy with her full attention.

?But I wasn't here,? she said. ?There's no point in being loyal!?

?You weren't here, right. And Alpha Nate most likely thought he would never meet you again. Still, his choice was done.?

?But...?

He could give her his devotion without even knowing her name while she was struggling so much for nothing. If Nate chose to have no other woman even without her around, he really didn't want anything in exchange.

He wasn't waiting for her love; he just gave her his... or he tried to.

?I'm a coward,? she realised.

Nate deserved her full devotion, and she really wanted to give it to him.

?But I can change.?