NOVEL NEXT Chapter 305: Alive
Nate had forgotten to reply to Lara's confession. His mind was broken, and he didn't say anything while hugging her like a bear.
Then, when he remembered, it was late, and they had to go. The atmosphere was gone, and he had to accept that he was a failure as a lover. In many ways.
He had started that war, and he had to finish it. Yet, he hated his decisions at that moment: if not for it, he would still be cuddling with Lara, telling her how much he had loved her since the start and how often he had thought of her. Moreover, his feelings had become more stable and grew in intensity since the moment she had reappeared.
They had transformed from something purely instinctive to a rational emotion. He knew what he wanted, and he wanted to want it.
Still, duty called.
At the same time, he was grateful that the conflict had made Lara say those words to him. Even if she might be taking them back soon, he had a few hours to live as her beloved.
Life was good, and he was going to war with a smile on his face. The other wolves in the pack were confused by that. Their Alpha didn't like conflicts, but there he was: full of energy.
Must have been because of Lara Clayton. Just like many things had happened because of her, recently. Without doing anything most of the time, she had been the cause of great changes.
«Samantha said she won't come to the base, Alpha,» Roxy said while packing the documents for the employees to bring with them.
They could continue working from the base so that the company wouldn't feel the shock of the battle too much. They did need safety, but they also needed money.
«I know. Also, she won't come to the attack with us.»
«She'll be unhappy if you leave her to guard the company.»
«No, she'll have something else to do. Don't tell her about the attack at all. She'll be busy with another matter for the time being.»
«Why, if I may ask?» Roxy said.
She knew there were odd circumstances surrounding Samantha, but she wasn't told the details.
It was the first time Nate purposely left Samantha out of something. Especially when it involved fighting, her strength would have been a great asset.
«It's better for everyone. Sam has to do something else for me. We can win without her, you know that. Mayford doesn't stand a chance now that our soldiers are back.»
«I hope it's all fine between you.»
«Just like usual, Roxy. Do not worry. This time, I need Samantha in another place, doing other things. Then, when she's done, she'll come back and help.»
«Oh, I see... It's okay. I was just a little worried. I'm sorry, Alpha.»
«It's fine. You just asked for information.»
«It might have sounded like I was discussing your orders, but it wasn't my intention.»
«I know, Roxy. Moreover, your role is to discuss my decisions, isn't it?»
«Now, it's Lara's. I should stop sticking my nose...»
«You're still doing most of the job. And you're one of the invaluable members of this pack. Even if Lara is here, you haven't lost your position. And I won't forget how much you have helped me till now. I'm not such an ungrateful Alpha.»
«Thank you, Alpha Nate. I'm glad things are all right, and I'm happy we finally have an Alpha female. The whole pack is more united like this.»
And, she thought but didn't say, their Alpha was an alive person. With personal wishes and tastes, with ambitions and emotions like pettiness, will for revenge, and strive for happiness.
The girls in the secretarial department had discovered dating. The sales agents were blessing the day Lara Clayton appeared: they finally stood a chance to win over a mate. The rest of the pack was finding it easier to understand their Alpha, and they could follow him better thanks to that.
Norwich had always been stable as a pack, but it came at a great price. Nate could keep them united and under control by giving up his ambitions and personal wishes. He would do his best for them and forget about himself, and no one would feel the need for an Alpha female, thanks to that. But then, when she appeared, the pack had started being chaotic... Alive!
They would have the struggles of all the other packs, and, with some luck, they wouldn't lose their strength in the process. It was as if they had found a common goal all of a sudden.
«We're winning this,» Roxy realised. There was no way anyone could take them over.
They had a powerful Alpha, trained soldiers, and a common goal. They cared for each other and about their Alpha, and their Alpha had always cared about them. That was the secret in the Norwich pack.
They were united by respect, which allowed Nate to be a powerful Alpha. And, in return, the whole pack worked better. It was not power alone that made him a leader.
Not many other Alphas had that capability and, for sure, not Luciano Polenta. That man was too self-centred to even notice how his pack would follow only because of his power. And he thought it was enough.
«Of course,» Nate said. «We're winning this. I wouldn't have moved this fast if I had doubts.»
«I wasn't doubting! Just... I'm relieved everything is going to end soon. It's been years, and they never left us alone. It's time we teach them a lesson, right?»
«Right. But, remember: we're not fighting on the battleground alone. Your part won't be easy either, Roxy.»
«I'll remember. And I won't disappoint you, Alpha Nate!»
«How many times have I said to call me...» he started, but he didn't have time to finish.
«CEO Woods. I meant, CEO Woods.»
He chuckled. Either he was becoming predictable, or his pack could finally see through him.
It had been a long way till there, but it was worth it.