After making sure Scarlet had the shirt back, Nate could focus on his most pressing concerns.

Finding a spot where Lara could work without being in contact with too many people. Especially males.

And also, checking if the other packs in the region were behaving.

In the end, Norwich was peaceful and easy to manage since the moment LY Corp had been established. Yet, the cities nearby had unruly packs wreaking havoc and clashing with humans.

They would calm down with just a warning, so they weren’t such a headache. There weren’t many packs with more members than Norwich’s one.

Except for one: Mayford. The wolves there also built a company, and many other packs followed suit after seeing how easy it could work out.

The CEO of Mayford’s pack was the son of an old rival of Norwich’s late Alpha. Nate didn’t want to continue that feud, but it could become difficult if the others didn’t agree.

At least, the battle seemed to have become more economic than physical. But it didn’t get any less bloody.

«CEO Woods,» secretary Jack said while checking the schedule. «Today, you’re supposed to meet the Government’s officers. They asked to be informed about any change in our policies…»

«We didn’t change anything.»

«We hired a human, CEO Woods.»

«That’s not a change in our policy. Miss Clayton is not just a random human. She has two wolf pups. And she will become my mate soon.»

Even though he said it with all his confidence, his heart ached at the thought that it wouldn’t be as easy. But he wouldn’t give up that easily either.

«The Government wants explanations,» the secretary replied. «Shall I tell them to postpone the meeting for a later time?»

«No, let’s get rid of those busybodies.»

«Also, will you introduce the pups to the pack?»

«Not yet. They first need to get used to being surrounded by wolves. And by people, to begin with.»

Scarlet’s reaction in front of a stranger was worrying him. The little girl panicked and started crying, even though it must have been because of the ruined clothes rather than her fears.

«Also, there have been some movements from Mayford.»

«What are they planning?»

«I’m not sure, CEO. They sent an invitation for the third anniversary of their company.»

«Blue Moon Enterprises,» Nate sighed. «An invitation?»

«Yes. For CEO Woods plus one.»

«Shall I ask Samantha to come with me? Why are they even asking me to go?»

«So, you will attend, after all…»

«Blue Moon has been targeting us from the start. And the Mayford pack wants to ruin us. They just need an excuse to declare war. I won’t give them a reason by skipping a party. Also, there will be humans there. It’s not as if we’re meeting alone in the woods.»

At the same time, Samantha reached sales and considered whether to bring the pup inside. If Lara’s appearance made everyone’s head turn, Jaden would be even a greater surprise.

«Your mommy is here. Can you sense her?»

«Yes,» Jaden said.

«She’s doing fine, right?»

«Yes,» Jaden repeated.

His senses all told him that his mommy was calm and relaxed. There were a few wolves in between, but they weren’t interested in her at that moment. It meant that his mommy was safe when she was there.

«She’s in my office now,» Samantha explained. «No one dares to come to look for trouble there.»

«So, you can protect my mommy?»

«I can, sure. But does she need protection? Really?»

«Especially from that Nate guy!»

«Mhm… I can’t fight against him. But the rest of the pack members can’t beat me.»

«Will you protect my mommy, then?»

«I don’t know…» Samantha moaned. «What do I get in return?»

The pup looked at her with his big eyes. He blinked, thinking hard about what he could offer.

«You don’t want to help me,» he said, pouting his lips. «Yet you want me to call you aunty Samantha.»

«You remember my name!» she exclaimed. «What a clever pup we have here. Let’s go find you a snack now. You’re so skinny: you need to eat.»

«Will you…»

«I will protect your mommy,» Samantha sighed. «Don’t worry. I’m not the only one looking out for her. She’s safe here. And you are, too.»

«How can I come here again?»

«You can’t, in fact. Also, your mommy will most probably be moved to another department. One with fewer male wolves.»

«That’s good,» Jaden commented. «She doesn’t need to be surrounded by them. My mommy won’t leave with a man, but what if she falls in love?»

«That would cause a lot of trouble, indeed.»

«They say love makes people crazy.»

«Who says?»

«I heard it on the big box. The one with the cartoons…»

«Oh, a televisor. Well, love is complicated, of that I am sure.»

«I can’t let my mommy fall in love. If she does, she’ll forget about Scarlet and me.»

«She won’t, Jaden. Your mommy loves you more, so it won’t change much. You’d have two parents in that case!»

«If that man falls in love with mommy, he won’t like us,» Jaden pointed out.

It wasn’t clear if he was referring to a particular man – to Nate – or any man who would try anything with his mommy.

Samantha sighed again. She was falling back with her work schedule, but she felt pain at the thought of sending the pup back just like that. She wanted to play with him a little more.

The way Jaden reminded her of Nate was so odd. The pup was his copy, literally, except for the warm, brown eyes. Was the other pup a blondie as well?

She was curious to see. Moreover, it was a girl. She must have been cute as well. Why didn’t Nate bring the pups back with him instead of roaming in the dark like that?

Perhaps, Samantha thought, he had a long term plan.

«Let’s go back to school, now.. Your teachers will fret if they notice you disappeared.»