?Samantha, what?? Nate asked, trying to think of any possible implication.

Did that brat say something to Lara? Did she threaten her?

Oh, it would make no sense. Samantha would never intrude in his private life, and she wasn't the type to dislike a woman just because she was human.

Moreover, he was sure the two got along while working together.

?What has Samantha to do with our relationship?? he murmured, scratching his chin, thinking hard.

?Aren't you two going out??

Nate frowned.

His expression surprised Lara. He didn't seem guilty for being discovered. He didn't seem worried about her reaction.

Oh, no. She could swear there was a trace of disgust on his face, other than incredulity.

But why? What man could react like that to the thought of being associated with a woman like Samantha?

Lara could understand incredulity. She could understand laughter, awkwardness.

But disgust?

Samantha was so hot and knew her way at work! She exuded self-confidence, so much that Lara felt at ease with her. She was exceptional!

?Samantha is my cousin,? Nate pointed out, seeing the changes in Lara's expression. ?Why do you even think we date? Who told you such nonsense??

Lara blushed to the tip of her ears. She felt relieved, in secret and deep inside her. But she also felt embarrassed for assuming.

?You went with her to that event... It was all over the news.?

?So, you thought we were together just because of that?? He chuckled, relieved that the misunderstanding was being solved before causing real damage.

He was going to attend even more events in the future. It was better Lara knew it was for work.

?So, you didn't go to see her after visiting yesterday night?? she continued.

She had felt so much pain over nothing. Even if she had no right to.

?You two do not see each other...? she repeated, incredulous.

?No, I haven't,? Nate mumbled. ?Samantha was quite busy last night. Not with me, of course.?

He had gone home and slept with no worries, getting up content and pleased. He had gone to work earlier than usual.

All while Lara assumed he was having an illicit relationship with another woman.

?So, it wasn't you,? she mumbled. ?You're not the mysterious wolf she spent the night with!?

?No. I'm not mysterious. Everyone can recognise my scent in the pack.?

?Really??

?Yes, Lara. That might be why the girls attacked you. They recognised my scent on you.?

?But we just hugged for a minute, and a lot of time passed in between!?

?Wolves are sensitive to scents. More than sounds or images.?

?So, you can tell people from the scent,? she murmured. ?Can the kids do that as well??

?I would say they can. As far as I witnessed, their nose is no worse than any other wolf's.?

She gulped, starting to recall how often she showered the last few days. She had to pay more attention to it since wolves could sense any trace of... everything?

?Do I stink?? she wondered. She had sweated a little before meeting Nate. She was cleaning the bathroom.

?No. You do smell like some detergent right now, but your usual scent covers most of it.?

?My usual scent? How is that? Shall I shower more often? Oh, and the twins! They spend so much time with me and never complained, poor things...?

?Lara, calm down,? he chuckled. ?Your usual scent is better than no scent. It's not just about recognising each other. Wolves use scent to communicate, at times. As a mother, your children feel comfortable when they sense you. And your scent is... It's like a flower in the spring rain. Delicate, fresh, and sweet.?

?A flower in the rain? Why are you being so poetic today??

?It's the image that crossed my mind the first time I sensed you.?

?Is that so??

She blushed, feeling his eyes on her. For once, she didn't wish he looked away. There was no reason to flee.

?Aren't you dating anyone else?? she asked, just to be sure.

?No, I'm not. Are you dating someone??

?No.? She had her cubs and no time for dating.

?Then, do you want to go out with me??

Lara nodded. There wasn't any need to keep fleeing.

They could give it a try. And it was not like they were going to marry right away. If it didn't work, they could just go back to how things were before.

And they would stop wondering about what could have happened.

?Yes, I do,? she said out loud. ?But only if you promise it won't make things awkward in the company.?

?Soon, everyone will know the kids are mine. But, all right, we shall keep things professional while at work.?

?And I don't want to leave the kids alone! Not for dating!?

?I know. I already have a solution for that.? He smiled reassuringly. He could find enough solutions for them, but there was no way he would bring them on their dates.

?Oh, tomorrow you'll spend the day with Jaden, right?? she said. ?Or was it Friday??

?Tomorrow. Friday evening, we'll have a family vacation.?

?Family vacation,? Lara repeated. She beamed, liking the sound of those two words. ?The kids will be so happy! I could never bring them on vacation before.?

?I hope you'll like it.?historical

?We will, for sure! And you don't have to worry, we have low standards. It will be fine.?

He sighed. He wanted to give her the best of everything, but she made it difficult.

He would have needed to come up with a way to let her accept his thoughts more readily. Oh, if only she could agree to move in right away...

But he had no hurry. It was a good starting point: they were going on dates. He could come up later with how to convince her he was a man whom she could trust.

He was so happy, but he forgot something important.

What is it that he needed to tell her? He couldn't remember.