CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

By evening, Renato could walk again.

He was still too weak to fight, but he could walk and maybe run for a short while. As such, he moved back to his lodgings in the second circle.

«I'll come with you,» Samantha said.

«I don't have my own apartment, Mine. I live in a single room.»

«So what? Don't you have a sofa for me?»

«No.»

«And is the bed so small?» she pouted.

«No...» he sighed. «The bed is perfect for the two of us.»

«So?»

«Are you willing to sleep next to me? For real?»

«Yes, of course. I'll move out when you can defend yourself.»

«So, tomorrow morning?» he said, a little disappointed. One night was better than zero nights, but still...

Could he pretend to be weak a little longer? Would Samantha find out?

«Still, I think you should have spent another night here. You're supposed to rest! Or you should go back to your parents... They can take care of you.»

«My house is crowded now. Lucretia sleeps there since she would be alone here, and there are many brats who will think they're too smart. I need to stay close to the residence. Just in case.»

«You're still loyal to your pack,» Samantha said. «Even now.»

«I can't abandon them now. Once things settle down, and once Mayford disbands, I'll follow you. Okay? Just give me a couple of days. It won't take longer than that to see what will happen to my people.»

«It won't take a whole day, Renato.»

He sighed, observing the deserted streets in front of the residence.

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«Let's go,» he said, holding her hand. «If you're right, we might be out of here earlier than planned.»

«You're so loyal, really. You'd do anything for your pack.»

«That's just how I am. And it's not a quality, isn't it? It's what made me use you like that, Samantha.»

«You're way more loyal than I could ever be.»

«It's not like that. You also are loyal to your family... Just, in another way.»

«It's not true.»

«You left your pack because you thought you were dangerous to them. To me, it sounds like loyalty.»

She bit her lower lip while a sting of pain crossed her chest. She did abandon Nate and her people, after all... She had then run to the enemy and was helping them.

She was a traitor.

They turned the corner, heading towards the entrance of the dorm where Renato lived. It was where most of the leaders stayed until they found a mate and formed their families. He was going to live there for a long time if the pack hadn't lost that damned war.

«There aren't many people here, now,» Renato said. «Most have left. But if anyone makes you uncomfortable, tell me. They can't bother you because you're my mate, understood?»

Samantha nodded, hiding a wily grin.

«Yes, Mister,» she said. «I feel so safe now that you're protecting me.»

«It's not about protection... I know you're safe on your own. But they know how to be troubling, and they might say things you don't like. If it happens, you don't need to beat anyone. Just tell me, okay?»

«Okay,» she chuckled. «I'll try not to get into a fight without your permission.»

«It's not about permission, either. I tell you: I'm not the only one who's rude in Mayford. Also, if you don't like people coming too close to you, tell them. They won't understand unless you're direct.»

«You're preparing me for a battle, aren't you? I don't believe they can be so annoying,» Samantha said. «And I won't be hanging out with them, either way. Let's just get inside. Have some faith in me.»

He scoffed, pushing the door and making his way in the hallways.

«My room is on the third floor. I wanted some peace, so the Alpha allowed me to be almost alone in the wing.»

There were unused rooms, so he could find one for Samantha if only he didn't fear having her so far. He wanted to be sure she was safe and protected at all times.

«I see. We have some privacy.»

«Yes, we do. Oh, they might be rude also because...» he started, but he was stopped by the noise behind them.

«Renato, you're back!» one of the men said.

He was young, clearly a guard.

«Who's the woman?» he asked. «Well, not that it matters anymore, but you know well enough women aren't allowed here.»

«Excuse me?» Samantha said, «I'm not some pet you can allow or disallow. What the fuck?»

«He means: we can't bring our partners here. It has nothing to do with being a woman,» he explained. «That's why I was worried.»

«So what? I'm not here for that, you know it.»

«I do, but they... They will assume, and they might be rude.»

Samantha sighed, tilting her head.

«So, you don't have female guards? No high-ranking women at all?»

«We do, but they stay in another place. There's a building like this in the third circle,» the man said.

«I knew it,» Samantha said, crossing her arms.

«By the way, my name is Sergio. I'm Renato's right-hand man. He takes the decisions, and I carry on the orders.»

«I see. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Samantha and I am... Well... Ehm...»

«You're his mate, right? Why else would you be here during such times?»

«Well, yes, but...»

«I'm glad you found yourself a woman, Renato! It will make it easier to survive. Wolves aren't born for solitary life, after all.»

«Okay, it's enough bullshit, Sergio. Go back to your job and let me live.»

«Hey, man, I'm so glad you're alive! We thought you would die at the gate!» exclaimed another one from behind. «We were worried sick!»

Samantha turned to the new face and crooked her lips. If they were so worried, why did they leave him to die?

«Hey, pretty lady,» he added, winking at her.

Suddenly, she understood why Renato had warned her before getting in. Those people were unbelievable, weren't they?