CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

That evening, the family had dinner together. Both Jaden and Scarlet were satisfied with their day and couldn't wait to tell each other about their adventures. They didn't even know what made their days special, but they wanted to brag about it.

Nate and Lara were also happy, especially to see their children together and getting along.

«I feel like they have more in common than we thought,» said Lara, seeing them one next to the other. «Even though it's evident that Scarlet is an Alpha, I think Jaden is no different. Just that he doesn't show it.»

«A born Alpha? I agree with you on being an Alpha,» Nate said, «but born? That's a wild guess. I think he will become an Alpha as he grows up, just like most wolves do.»

«It might not be as evident, but he already shows the traits,» Lara pointed out. «He's not even six. Either half-bloods work differently, or he has already chosen his path.»

«Defending his mommy is what a good boy does,» Nate pointed out, knowing very well what Lara meant.

«Oh, no. He wants to beat you. Not to hurt you, not to protect me. He wants to beat you and take your place,» she chuckled. «I mean, now it's so funny. One day I might not laugh when he actually challenges you for power.»

Nate frowned, realising he was raising a little dangerous beast. What would he have done if his son challenged him? Now that he was little, it would be just as cute as when Scarlet tried to hurt him with her claws and fangs. But as Jaden grew up, he would become more dangerous.

Nate couldn't imagine hurting him by mistake. A teenager would be unpredictable, so accepting the challenge and not hurting Jaden would have become more difficult. Not to mention that he would age, so even his powers were going to fade. He was terrified by the thought of even scratching his son.

But then, he also realised that Jaden wouldn't become a moody teenager. Nate simply couldn't imagine it.

He would challenge him only when he was sure to win, which might have taken decades more than years. Nate would be old, Jaden a young male at the peak of his strength. And also old enough to have some experience in managing a pack. Then, Jaden would win the battle without much struggle.

Nate sighed, relieved. His son wouldn't have been hurt by his nature.

Not like his daughter, who was all that Jaden wasn't. She would be unpredictable as a teenager... But she hadn't shown any interest in taking Nate's place - yet.

«I think it will be fine,» Nate said. «They won't fight each other. That's what matters. As for fighting me, let's just hope they're ready to take over my role when they do.»

«No one will get hurt, right?» Lara said.

«No. It's natural for wolves to fight, and we'll heal after the battle. We're not going to kill each other, Lara. It will end when one admits defeat.»

«I can't just not worry.»

«I know but... You'll see that everything will end in nothing. The worst that can happen is that I lose my place. I won't be the Alpha anymore, and you won't be the Alpha female. The pack will have a new leader, that's all.»

He didn't add that, if Jaden had no mate when he challenged Nate, the pack would still refer to Lara when they needed an Alpha female. She would be more relevant than he was in the pack hierarchies.

But what was the change Jaden had no mate? He had already decided to marry Stella!

«We could retire and find ourselves some hobbies,» Lara replied. «We can do gardening together. Or painting.»

«Gardening? Painting?»

Oh, well. His mother did like gardening. But painting? He had never tried doing that.

«Sure, why not?» Lara chuckled. «What does a retired Alpha do?»

«I don't know, there aren't many of those in this world.»

«How am I supposed to believe everything will work out when you say this?» Lara sighed.

«It's difficult to let go of power for most of us. But I'm not a fool, Lara. And it's our children we're talking about. I need to be alive to guide them. I know I won't be in power forever, and it's fine. More than fine, actually.»

«More than fine?»

«Being a leader is tiring. By the time they grow up, I'll be fed up with everything. I can't wait to retire and stay together with you for the rest of my days. Haven't I earned it?»

«Time with your mate?»

«Time with my mate, but also some good rest and a few hobbies.»

Lara smiled. True, Nate had worked hard since the day he had become the Alpha. The pack knew it, and they respected him because of that more than for his standing. They loved him because he cared about them and because he wouldn't give up until solving everything their way.

As much as it was a gratifying position, it was also exhausting. Especially for a wolf without a mate. With Lara back, things were easier, but it still was a lot of work.

«You did,» she said.

She turned to their children, chatting about... Boring gold and pretty food?

«Mommy, mommy!» said Scarlet, seeing Lara's attention on her.

What in the world was she telling Jaden?

«Mommy, next time I go to boys' parties, daddy said we can play with the horses.»

«Oh, nice,» Lara hummed.

«Can I?»

Lara blinked. Why was she asking?

«Of course, mommy's girl. If your daddy says you can.»

«Daddy said yes, but I wanted mommy's permission.»

She showed her best innocent smile, and Lara's heart filled with warmth. If only Scarlet stayed like that, asking for her permission and listening to her even through her teenage years. There was no need to ask for her permission when Nate was there, but it still made Lara happy.

She didn't know that Scarlet wasn't actually asking to go horse riding. She asked for special permission to play with food. Just in the club, and just with those horses. Experience more content on empire