CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

The second day at the sea started early.

The cubs did sleep till late, but Lara couldn't wait to witness the early hours from her window once again. She ordered some tea and drank it in bed, observing how the waves hit the breakwater barriers. She could spot a few swimmers in the distance, fighting against the open sea.

A few elders would walk on the sand and collect shells and clams. The fresh air of the morning was beneficial to their old bones and lungs.

The seagulls cried their songs, calling each other and flying in circles.

The beach was so calm at that hour, and the noise of the sea calmed her even more.

Nate had gone out, and she wondered if he was among those brave swimmers. Either that, or he went looking for breakfast.

She didn't hear him get up, which meant he was even earlier than her.

When he finally walked back, it was eight o'clock. Time for breakfast.

She stretched her arms and wondered if calling the room service twice in the same morning was too much.

She didn't need to, though, for Nate opened the door for a maid with a cart. She left the food and left, taking the tip and stealing a glance too much.

Her eyes swept over Nate before she went out, silent and professional like any maid at an exclusive hotel.

«You're awake,» he hummed, seeing Lara at the door of the living room. He smiled, happy to see her.

«Where have you been?» she inquired, realising too late she sounded like a jealous wife. «I mean... Uh... How was your morning?»

His hair was wet, proof that he did go swimming. He wasn't having fun around, yet her questions sounded so accusing!

What was going on with her that morning?

Luckily, Nate didn't seem to mind. If anything, he was relieved she was interested.

«I went out to swim at dawn,» he explained, walking closer to her. «I figured it's better to avoid the sun today, so I went early.»

She nodded, pleased he took a wise decision.

«And how was the water?»

«Awesome. I regretted not waking you up to come with me.»

«We would have left the kids alone,» Lara pointed out.

«That's right. But, you see... They're still sleeping now.»

«I know, but...»

«But you would have worried about them for the whole time. I understand.»

«Let me see your back,» she said, looking for the lotion. «Does it still hurt?»

«It doesn't.»

«I'm relieved,» she sighed. «It means it's over. You were lucky it passed so quickly, though. I'll apply some more lotion now, is that okay?»

Seeing the way she moved a chair for him and grabbed the lotion, his heart fluttered in his chest, beating as fast as to break free and fly somewhere towards the horizon.

His mate was worrying for him. And she was willing to help him heal!

He sat down, raising his t-shirt and trying not to chuckle. He had to keep his cool and look dashing, not foolish.

«I can't see your shoulders like this,» she murmured, making him take the shirt off at once. Her fingers trailed on his skin, checking the temperature.

He couldn't see her amazed expression, but he could notice where her fingers stayed longer.

«This... Does it still hurt here?»

«Just a little.»

«I see. It's warmer here, but the rest of your back is just like new. What in the world is there in this lotion?»

Nate couldn't refrain anymore, and he chuckled at her tone. She was so surprised.

«It's not just the lotion.»

«Then, what's your secret? It can come in handy with the kids. I'd be glad if you told me; I promise to keep the secret...»

He turned on the chair and surrounded her waist with an arm. Since she didn't push him away, he dared to hug her. His head landed against her torso, and he listened to her heartbeat.

It was so loud that he could hear it with an ear on her stomach.

«I'm a wolf,» he said. «So the kids will be able to heal this fast as well. Oh, maybe a little slower but not too much.»

«So, that's why you were so convinced the sun wouldn't hurt you!» she realised.

Her fingers brushed on his cheek, cleaning the remnants of the lotion on the light burns. She couldn't see any trace of sunburns on his face, but she clearly remembered where those were.

«I'll still stay under the umbrella for today. I don't want to make things worse,» he murmured, inhaling her scent and imprinting that moment in his mind. His mate allowed him to touch her, and he had to remember it forever.

He would have written the date in his calendar if only he had one. Oh, maybe it was time to keep a diary or something of that sort. Maybe just to keep track of his progress.

«I was wrong when I said you were stubborn,» she sighed. «You're quite reasonable, to be sincere.»

«Oh, but I am stubborn. Just... I don't always continue on my road without looking around. Only when it's vital or it regards something I really, really care about.»

«You remind me of the kids, you know that?» she said, patting his head.

His smile became even wider as he planned his next move. He could try kissing her, right? Or maybe just look her in the eye for a while.

He got up, weakening his hold just enough to move. But not enough for Lara to step back.

«It should be the opposite,» he whispered, finding her hazelnut eyes and her slightly opened lips. «The kids should remind you of me, right? I was there sooner...»

He found her first, yet those little beasts had crossed a shorter way to her heart. He had to work hard and convince her a mate was just as important.

«Yet you always see them when you look at me,» he sighed. «I just wanted to be noticed by you, but it's so difficult....»