BXBX NOVEL Chapter 142 - Every Pup's Clingy Days
He gripped her clothes, trying to climb on her lap. Since the chairs were too far, he got up on his seat and tried stepping on the other one.
«Jaden, this is dangerous!» Lara scolded him, circling him with her arms and moving him in her hug. «What in the world are you doing?»
«Mommy,» he repeated, finally reaching her bosom and leaning his head near her heart. He could listen to the beat and relax like that.
Lara caressed his head, chuckling nervously while turning to Manager Cooper.
She checked he wasn't bothered by the scene and leaned back on the seat to be more comfortable.
«They're so cute when they're little, aren't they?» the Manager chuckled. «My kids would be this clingy as well after the first few days of school.»
«Would they?» Lara murmured, surprised. «So, it's normal?»
«Yes, it is. They were used to spending so much time with us. Then, all of a sudden, we're all busy and in different places. It will pass soon,» he said.
Lara nodded, even though she couldn't believe his words. Her cubs were normal; it was a good thing. Yet, a part of her was convinced that they wouldn't stop being clingy anytime soon.
«Also, your pups grew up far from the pack. They're not used to this. Give them some time, and I'm sure they will adapt well in the kindergarten as well. They're Nate's, after all. I can't imagine his kids struggling with the other pups.»
Lara beamed, happy to hear some encouraging words. Nate knew how to ease her worries as well, but listening to someone who had already gone through it felt much more reassuring.
Noticing her mood, Jaden lifted his head and hugged her. He glared at the other man, careful not to be caught by his mother.
«Mommy, I love you,» he said, pushing his head against her hand when she tried to pat his head. «More than anyone else!»
«What's going on with you today, Jaden? Are you concerned because of what happened earlier?»
«Oh, no. I just missed my mommy. You spend so much time with other people and forget about Scarlet and me.»
«That's not true,» she exclaimed. «I always think about you, Jaden. Don't make people believe I overlook you, please...»
She chuckled nervously, but Manager Cooper wasn't paying too much attention to the boy's words.
His figure had gotten tense all of a sudden, and his whole attention was on the sound of steps coming from the hallway.
He could feel his wife approaching. He started sweating, wondering what had he done wrong. He sat there and inquired about Lara Clayton just as he was ordered. Why was Roxy angry? Her steps sounded furious even from that far.
«Miss Clayton, I have to go now,» he started. «There's something I need to...»
«Here you are!» Roxy exclaimed, loud and clear. She didn't wait too long before speaking, for she could tell Bass was trying to flee. «What were you two talking about for so long?»
«Long?» Lara repeated, tilting her head. «What do you mean?»
«Nothing, nothing,» the other woman replied, smiling politely. «I shall talk with Manager Cooper now. Also, I believe it's time for you to change departments. You've been long enough in the CEO's team. It's pretty boring, so aren't you looking forward to a new position?»
Lara blinked, taken back. Was it already time? Has it been a week since she moved to the department?
«It's nice, though,» she said. «I like working in the CEO's office. So much that I haven't even noticed that time is over.»
«I see,» Roxy sighed.
There was no doubt she liked the place. Also, Alpha Nate was liking having her around. Too bad that working one next to the other could become distracting.
If Roxy didn't know better, she would think the two were busier making out than working for the company. The Alpha's productivity had dropped drastically, maybe because of the time he spent avoiding the office and then looking for an excuse to visit in the morning.
Moreover, when Lara was nearby, he wouldn't be able to do absolutely anything. He was useless when she was too close, as much as he could be useless when they were far apart.
It was becoming a pressing matter for the pack: to have them stabilise their relationship and move on.
«You can stay there a few days more,» Roxy decided in the end. «After all, the Bright Moon is close. We can make decisions after it passes, right? It'll be easier to consider all the aspects. About that, what are you doing tonight?»
«Nate... Ehm, I mean, CEO Woods said he'll bring the kids along,» Lara replied. «To a secluded place.»
«I see. You should go with them though.»
«I don't know. It's not my decision, Roxy. I don't even know what happens to adults with the full moon.»
«Pretty much what happens to pups,» the woman explained, sitting next to Lara and forgetting to be angry with Bass. «They become over-excited and do things without thinking. It's like dealing with a teenager.»
«How do you make it?»
«I am just like that, so I don't feel weird. But for you, as a human and unaffected by the moon, it might be uncomfortable or weird. I'm sure Nate won't hurt you, by the way. It's not dangerous at all!»
«I wasn't afraid of that. Just... Is there space for me, Roxy? The kids and Nate will understand each other better. Shall I just stay home?»
«And miss the chance to see him turn? Oh, no!» Roxy declared.
«Turn? Into a wolf? Or you're referring to the ears?»
«Wolves like turning under the full moon.. You might see Nate's wolf form if you're lucky.»