CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Lara and Jaden ran to the company just in time before the few drops of rain transformed into a downpour. Lara had picked her son up, running with all her energy not to let him catch a cold - even though she doubted he would actually be ill.

As a result, she was tired and her breath short. She needed to recuperate air and rest her muscles. Her cubs weren't so heavy just two months before! A few weeks of good eating made them grow up.

Or maybe, it was also the life in a pack that made them relax. When they were alone, they would always run away when things got difficult. They couldn't consider any place home.

Lara let Jaden on his feet and pecked his forehead before straightening up and offering her hand. They took the elevator, greeting the wolves they met on the way.

While Lara was focused on not fainting then and there, Jaden would press the magazines they bought on his chest. He was content, two times. First, for the picture.

And, second, because he had spent time with his mommy.

The weather was getting chilly, relieving the hotness of the summer day. It had turned dark all of a sudden even if it was midday.

He could hear thunder rumbling in the distance, but his mommy likely didn't. She could just see the rain.

The smell hit his nose, and he frowned. He hated the first drop of rain: they would always stink. However, the more it fell, the better it would get, soon transforming into the scent of spring. The air would be cleansed by the water, and the city would slow down a little.

They entered Nate's office, Lara's back shivering a couple of times. The company had the air conditioning on, to allow the employees to work better. However, not that she had her back wet, it was too chilly for her.

«Hey,» Nate said, running to her. He collected the jacket of his suit from the armchair and wrapped her in it. «You're cold!»

«Sorry, it's just the AC,» she chuckled.

«We'll turn it off.»

He adjusted the temperature so that it wouldn't trouble Lara and rubbed her back to provide some warmth. While doing so, he wondered whether she would feel cold in winter as well.

He could provide lots of warmth if it came to that. Suddenly, he hoped for the colder winter ever.

«Did you find it?» he asked.

Scarlet had already cut and stored her copy. It was only fair if Jaden got one too.

«Ask Jaden, not me,» Lara said, winking.

Nate blinked, surprised. Then, he turned to his son.

Jaden was holding the magazine for dear life, Nate noticed. Of course, they found it. They wouldn't have returned at all if they didn't. They would be still searching in that storm!

«Good job,» Nate said, nodding at Jaden.

However, the little boy's red cheeks had been flushed since he walked in. It was not a consequence of Nate's praise, was it?

«Dad...» he murmured, strolling to his parents.

He exchanged a glance with his mommy, and Lara nodded encouragingly.

«We found two copies,» Jaden added. That said, he offered one to Nate.

«We found one in the centre when Jaden asked me to look for another one,» Lara said. «For you.»

«Oh, so the reason why you are wet is because you wanted to find a copy for me?» he said, glaring sternly. It was no reason to put her health at risk!

«It wasn't raining, and we found it close to the first copy. Not, everyone has their picture,» Lara said, leaning her head on Nate's chest and causing him to forget his unhappiness.

He lost every intention to nag and just accepted the magazine. So, he now had a copy of Lara's picture.

«Now that everyone has their copy, we can take that magazine down,» he declared.

«Why?» asked Jaden.

«Because they published your mother's picture without permission. She's not a public figure, and this is a very private photo. I can't let them think they can do it without consequences.»

«Nate,» Lara whispered to attract his attention. «I don't think it's necessary.»

«No?»

«No.»

Jaden was lost in his thoughts, keeping the issue in his hands and wondering how wicked his dad could be. Was it a good thing to become like him while growing up? Oh, but it meant he could protect his mommy!

«Dad, I want to help you,» he said.

«Sure,» Nate chuckled. «And you, Scarlet?»

They turned to the little girl. She was lying on the sofa, carefully observing the images. She hadn't even heard when her mommy and brother had walked in.

She was so lost that it was pointless to ask her anything. She was analysing the dresses, maybe wondering how those would be on her mommy.

«I don't think she's interested,» Lara said, a little surprised.

They were talking about destroying, so it was new how Scarlet didn't want to be part of it.

«While you two do your part,» she said, considering her options, «I'll call my mother and tell her to stop.»

«You don't have to,» Nate said. «I can do it for you.»

«No, Nate. I have to do my part. Also, promise me one thing.»

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«Yes?»

«You won't make the magazine close if they give you an explanation that makes sense. Okay? I don't want those people to be without jobs just because of this. Maybe, they have been tricked by my mother.»

Nate didn't believe it, but he couldn't resist those worried eyes. How could she think about the people who used her image for their gain?Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Still, he couldn't say no to her. It was stronger than him.

«We won't hurt them if they are innocent,» he said.

It was a compromise. No explanations with sense, just justice. If they failed at doing their job, they would have to pay.

On the other hand, Jaden was staring at his mommy with wide eyes. She didn't want them to pay? His mommy was so difficult to take care of! He felt a little sympathy for Nate.

If it were Scarlet, she would have added oil to the fire burning the magazine.