CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

«Let me recap,» Amanda sighed. «You met your mate, and she's from another pack. She refuses to date you because of that, and she left you when you started getting closer.»

«Yes.»

«What did you do before getting closer, though?» she murmured, tilting his head. «Being nearby will bring mates to know each other. It's only natural.»

«I know, but she's so naive sometimes... She thought I wouldn't know her name if she didn't tell me, but she's famous among humans and wolves alike.»

«What a strange woman you have.»

«I don't have,» he corrected her, sighing.

«All the stories about a secret mission, collecting intel...»

«The Alpha won't accept Samantha Murphy in our pack just like that. She's Nathaniel Woods's right-hand man, and she's very loyal to her family. It's known far and wide.»

«Samantha Murphy? That Murphy? The sales manager?»

Amanda tilted her head. She hadn't thought about it when meeting her, but how could that be the infamous Ice Manager? She was professional with clients and cold with competitors and colleagues.

Nothing to do with the woman she met!

«Are you sure they are the same person?»

«Pretty sure.»

«But she's so cute!» Amanda exclaimed. «That can't be Samantha Murphy!»

«Cute?» Renato muttered, surprised. Why was his sister acting like that? «Are you sure you find that little devil cute?»

«She was kind to me even if I was bothering her during working hours. She answered my questions and even told me not to worry about Lucretia's impolite behaviour.»

«What did Lucretia do?» Renato said, suddenly on guard. «Tell me what happened. All of it.»

«Sure. We went to the Tech Fair...»

Amanda told him everything to the smallest detail, including Samantha's clothes and shoes. She knew her brother was dying to hear how she was doing and whether she was suffering just like him. Unfortunately, Amanda didn't catch any sign of that.

But her suit was awesome. She could see a lot of elegant details to tell Renato.

«So, now Lucretia knows. I hope she doesn't talk about it with anyone else.»

«Fat chance,» Amanda commented. «She told me, first thing.»

«Awesome. But it's over, so it shouldn't bring too much trouble to anyone.»

«In the end, you were trying to find enough motives for the Alpha to accept her in our pack.»

«He found out about my mate and inquired long enough to make it clear he was interested in her. This seemed like the better option: to bring her here and ask the Alpha to accept her in the pack. I thought it would end up better if she chose by herself, but she continued pushing me away every time... All I wanted was for her to stay with me, but I was greedy.»

«You were a jerk! And I can't understand how come she didn't find out! Samantha Murphy isn't an idiot, yet she behaves like one when you're involved...»

«I can't say you're wrong. But, indeed, she's not stupid.»

She was just naive, and she trusted him even when she shouldn't have.

«We have to think of a way to get her back,» Amanda murmured, scratching her chin. «She won't resist the mate bond if you play it smart.»

«I can't call or visit her now. She won't even listen to me. And maybe it's better like this. I really don't want to continue lying to her.»

«But she's your mate! You will suffer forever if you let her go.»

«I know, but I can't force her if she doesn't want to.»

«Renato, have you even tried to conquer her?»

«Tried? I did my best, but she's so damn stubborn. And she doesn't really need me, after all.»

«Hey, don't fall into depression. You can improve. Even if you don't know how to court a girl, you can learn. You're kind at heart, after all.»

«Who doesn't know?» he murmured, offended.

«Come on. All the girls you dated till now ran after you. It's only fair if you sweat a little, for once.»

«Amanda, if I approach her again, she will suffer. I don't want to be the cause of her pain, and I don't want to bring her more trouble. I betrayed her trust, even though she doesn't know it. I don't deserve her anymore.»

«You can earn her trust, Renato. Not everything is lost, especially if she hasn't figured out you were using her.»

«I was not using her,» he sighed. «I was just trying to create a place for her. But I don't want that anymore, Amanda. Samantha wouldn't be happy living here.»

«How can you be so sure? She'll be with you, which is the easiest way for her to be happy.»

«She has a lot of freedom in her current pack.»

«Oh, Renato! But it's for love! I would give up my freedom for my mate!»

«Don't do that ever,» he said, pinching her nose.

His little sister had a romantic soul, but wolves were possessive creatures. She better beware of anyone, even her soulmate. He knew very well how wicked a male wolf's thoughts could be.

«What did I just say?» Amanda commented, raising her chin. «You're kind at heart. You don't want your mate to give up her life even if it means staying apart.»

«I am not kind at all. I made this mess and am paying the consequences. I'm just glad Samantha seems all right.»

He was relieved she wasn't suffering like he was. Even if it was unfair, it was better than the other option. Samantha could live her life and do her job, and he could continue thinking about her without interfering.

«Why are you so certain she won't follow you?»

He fell back on the mattress, looking at the ceiling with longing.

«She doesn't deserve a Beta,» he murmured. How could he be enough for someone as outstanding?

In the end, he had only brought trouble for his mate.

«We are not meant to be,» he said out loud.. Samantha's words sounded even worse when he was the one pronouncing them.