CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Chapter 367: Work harder

After the incident in the morning, Lara became silent. She would evade Nate's gaze and get lost in her thoughts, ignoring the world around her unless her family needed something from her.

She helped the twins get ready for school and cooked breakfast again - for Nate. She had a cup of coffee, but her expression didn't change as she woke up completely.

She was meditating about her problems, trying to sketch a solution or even just find a path to follow. But, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't understand it. She didn't know the reasons for her attacks, and she couldn't think of a way to avoid them in the future.

It all seemed related to Nate because he was the only person she had interactions with, most likely. She had attacks with him because she hadn't lowered her guard in front of anyone else yet.

Not that she wanted to stay alone forever. She also desired to let go of her fears and be part of the pack. But she couldn't. Something would always stop her from conceding that last part of her.

The most she could do was be polite to the others and help them with what she could.

«I'm sorry, Nate,» she said after he had finished breakfast. «I always ruin the mood when we're together.»

«Don't say that,» he replied.

«But it's the truth.» She accompanied her words with a shrug.

«I'll bring the twins to the kindergarten, and, when I come back, we can talk. There's nothing wrong in being afraid, Lara.»

«I'm not afraid of you,» she said. «I'm pretty sure it's not because you're a wolf and I am human! I've brought up two little wolves, after all.»

«It's not the same thing. I'm not a harmless pup, and I'm not... I'm not yours yet. Not until you accept me as such. It's understandable if you don't feel safe. It's only natural.»

«I don't think that's the case,» she said. «For real. It's something deep inside me that is wrong. It has nothing to do with you. You just happen to be the one seeing it all

A lone tear flew down her cheek, but she wiped it away in a hurry.

She hated being so weak. She wanted her cubs to see their mother as unbreakable and Nate to think she could withstand any trial. Yet, she knew well enough it wasn't like that.

«I need some time alone,» she said. «Out of here.»

«Every time you say you need to be alone, you mean you want to stay far from wolves,» he pointed out.

«No, it's just a coincidence that I'm surrounded by wolves,» she said.

«Polenta is still free.»

«I know, but... I really can't, Nate. Just a few hours. I'll stay in the city and meet a friend. I won't roam in dark alleys, I promise! What is the chance that man finds me in such a crowded city?»

«I don't want to risk,» he whispered, knowing very well that she would stand up and fight for her freedom. It was the way things would be for the rest of their lives, and he hated that part of their link.

Why was his mate the only one resisting his decisions, especially when it regarded her security?

«I'll be careful,» she said instead.

That made Nate realise things were more serious than they looked. If Lara didn't argue with him but used such a pleading tone, getting out of there was more a need than a wish.

«It's very important to me. And I'll be a better woman from now on,» she murmured, lowering her head.

«You don't need to be better,» he said.

Then, realising how it sounded, he covered his eyes with a hand. All he wanted to say was that she didn't need to be better for him, for the pups, nor for the pack. But it came out like a plea to stay.

«If I let you go out alone, the whole pack will be influenced by my worry,» he added. «I can't let that happen. Not now. But I also don't want to intrude on your free time. Let's... Let's find a solution, okay?»

She nodded, her shoulders droopy.

«I can drive you to the city. I'll go to the company today, and I'll work in the morning. What if I accompany you to the centre when I go, and I pick you up at noon? Is that enough time?»

Lara nodded again. Discover more content at m,v l'e-NovelBin.net

«Promise me you will stay in crowded places only, will you?»

Before she could nod again, he reached out to her. He forgot he was - most likely - the source of her panic attacks, and he pinned her chin to force her to look at him.

«Promise,» he repeated.

His eyes were unmovable, his muscles calm and relaxed. His aura was overbearing, like usual, but there was no strength in his gaze. His wasn't as much of an order as it was a plea.

Lara's heartbeat lost its stability while she got lost in his blue eyes. Did he have to be so handsome? How was she supposed to argue with him if he was just like her cubs?

«I promise,» she said, totally against her will. Handsome men were a lethal weapon; she had to remember that.

Her heart went even crazier when he smiled in relief.

«And call me if you finish earlier,» he added. «I can come to pick you up whenever.»

She nodded, but she knew it wouldn't be the case. She had a long chat ahead of her with Doctor Mason. And that only if the doctor had time for Lara... She was a busy person, after all.

«I will call you when I'm done,» Lara said while smiling lightly.

She didn't have the courage to tell him about her therapy with a psychologist. However, she felt relieved when Nate offered his help.

His support wasn't unexpected, but she felt a heavy stone removed from her heart. Even while not knowing what was going on, he was there for her.

She had to work even harder and make sure his trust wasn't wasted on her.