CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Renato had switched half a dozen times between wishing for his pup to be a daughter and praying it wasn't.

Scarlet had developed a liking for him.

Jaden would always cling to his aunt and throw a glare or two occasionally, but without the threatening growls of the first few minutes. He had accepted that his uncle existed, but he wasn't happy about it.

As for the girl, she found him interesting enough to follow him around. Since Samantha spent most of the time cuddling with Jaden, except for the rare moments when she could grab Scarlet and pinch her cheeks or ruffle her hair, the little girl had turned her attention to her uncle.

She had just finished talking with her daddy on the phone and seemed to have lost interest. Lara was exchanging advice with Samantha about how to deal with Alpha pups.

Jaden was listening to his mommy's voice with the most focused expression ever.

As such, Scarlet had strolled towards Renato.

«I had to check whether daddy was becoming useless again. But he said he will feed mommy!» she had just said.

He had kept his expression in check even though he wanted to laugh with all of his heart. At such a short distance, Woods must have heard! And he was silent on the other line, meaning that hit hurt more than any other he had received during the years.

«That's good,» he said. «It's good your mommy will have food.»

Daughters had their own way to worry about their mothers, he guessed. He wished his pup would also inquire about Samantha's well-being like that. His heart would be filled with joy every time!

«You know, uncle, at first I didn't like you,» she added, then. «But you're better than you look.»n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

«Oh, thanks. I suppose.»

He offered his hand, and the two walked away, leaving the two white wolves to continue their conversation on the phone. They moved towards the main hall.

«I thought you were evil at first, but you're not too bad. Even if you're tall and dark. My mommy doesn't like black wolves, and neither do we, Jaden and I. But we won't hate you.»

He nodded, again. Were all pups like that?

«Is it because of what happened with the other black wolves?» he asked. He hadn't been there when they kidnapped Woods's family, and he had heard about it only when everything was done.

It must have been traumatic even for a little sassy lady like Scarlet.

«White wolves are prettier,» Scarlet explained, hitting his pride in a place he didn't know would hurt.

Since when did he even care about fur colours? But that pup... Ah, daughters were heartless. Maybe a son would be better. One tender and affectionate like Jaden, possibly.

«So, you're not scared by black wolves, are you?» he asked, again.

What if she remembered the faces of those participating in the kidnapping? Most of them weren't part of the pack anymore. The few remaining were just low-ranking wolves. They had followed orders back then and continued to do so with the new Alpha.

But Renato couldn't be sure neither of them would be recognised.

«No, why?» Scarlet said.

She seemed all right. Truly.

Was she made of stone, or what? Not even a shiver, a complaint.

She released her ears, showing him the dark brown colour. In the end, she would fit perfectly in Mayford. How was it even possible for Woods's pup to have such a fur colour?

«And your brother?» he asked, then. «Does he hate black wolves?»

Scarlet shrugged. «I don't know, uncle. But you don't have to worry. Jaden will play with aunty all the time. He won't hurt you!»

That said, she let go of his hand and ran to the sofa. She climbed up and nestled in the corner, closing her eyes for a quick nap.

It was still morning, but she was already tired. Also, her aunty wanted her to meet some other kids. She would need energy for that moment.

As for Renato, he sat there and waited for Samantha to be done with the call. His heart was filled with conflicting emotions.

He observed Scarlet's sleeping face. He didn't believe she was actually sleeping - rather, she was pretending. But she was calm and innocent, like that.

It was cute. He would have liked a daughter with big eyes, possibly like Samantha's.

A son wouldn't be bad either, though. As long as it was only one. He wasn't ready for twins!

When Samantha and Jaden crossed the door, ready for new adventures, he smiled at them. However, once again, he didn't find any smile on Jaden's face. Not even a shy smirk.

He was even less neutral than during their meals. There was a frown on his face, and he would glare when he thought Renato wasn't looking.

He hadn't yet accepted him. The truce Renato thought they came to was only due to the food. Or to Samantha, because Jaden was as careful as not to get caught by her.

It was frightening. How could a child so small be so smart?

«We can play with the other pups... Oh, when Scarlet wakes up,» Samantha said, noticing only at the last moment the little girl nestled on the couch.

«I don't want to play with other kids, aunty,» Jaden said. «I prefer being

He crooked his lips in a sad grimace, and Samantha picked him up without a second of thought.

Renato widened his eyes in concern, but he didn't dare say a word. What a little manipulator! And why was his mate playing along?

The blonde pup was dangerous. Renato definitely didn't want a son!

A small chatterbox with mean remarks would hurt his pride, but she wouldn't keep Samantha far from him. Daughters were definitely better!

«Aunty loves to play with you too, Jaden,» Samantha said, pecking his cheek and hugging him tightly.

Under Renato's dumbfounded gaze, Jaden turned to him. He threw a long, meaningful gaze. His lips curled in a naughty smirk.

He was showing off! How dare he?