CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Samantha observed the exchanges, noticing the structure of the relationships around her.

Lucretia was the Alpha's sister, which had brought her many favour treatments but also everyone's envy. She had been spoiled and didn't know how to do anything on her own. Still, she was doing the right thing. Was it Amanda's influence? Most likely.

As far as Samantha could guess, those two weren't friends. For some unknown reasons, they would spend time together - especially when running away. But they didn't know each other so well, all in all. And they didn't even like each other!

Amanda was standing in silence, her head bowed and staring at the tips of her shoes. She didn't move, her back straight, but her shoulders drooped. She wasn't in fear, just... shy? Embarrassed?

At least she wasn't panicking, Samantha sighed.

Then, the three in front of them seemed to be feared or respected enough by the others not to interfere. They were high-ranking in the pack, all of them. Two because of their own standings, and the third because he was the son of the first.

They were used to doing what they wanted without consequences, maybe even more than Lucretia. Then, when the Alpha disappeared, they had thought of seizing power for good. But, to do so, they needed to show their firm will, strength, and ferocity. They had thought of getting rid of the one person keeping the pack together.

Renato was that: he had fought and almost died for the pack, and the other wolves knew it. Most of them were going to leave but waited just to see if he would heal well.

Most of it happened at an unconscious level, but Samantha could notice because she wasn't one of them.

They weren't like Norwich: there was so much that was different. Yet, they had their own ways of being together and supporting each other. It wasn't that bad to witness, after all. They were wolves, even though black and a little wild.

However, the person in front of her was trying to sabotage all of that to gain an advantage.

«She's not the Alpha's sister, true,» Samantha said.

Lucretia's face turned red, and she wanted to talk back so badly. But she didn't know what to say.

«She's not. But that doesn't mean she's lying,» she continued. «Pictures are solid proof. You took advantage of a weak wolf to play your games and have some fun. You and six other people. I know you all, and I will hunt you down until you admit your fault.»

«She's an Omega!» he said.

«Hmm? There's no pack anymore. No more Alphas, Betas, and Omegas,» Samantha pointed out. «That isn't relevant. And it doesn't mean you can do what you want.»

«Who the hell are you to say our pack is no more, ah? We can start anew; the connection is still here!»

Samantha burst out laughing.

«Do you feel it? For real?»

«Yes! That brat is an Omega! What ill is there if we play a little?»

«An Omega?» Lucretia repeated. Who was an Omega? Amanda?

But... She wasn't. What was going on?

«Armando, you're speaking bullshit. There are no Omegas. What the heck?» she said.

Samantha shook her head until something tickled her mind. It wasn't the first time it happened: different wolves had different perceptions of the situation. It wasn't so strange in times of change, but Mayford was disappearing, not evolving! Why was it so chaotic?

Maybe, she should have accelerated the decadence, setting them free to start anew somewhere else. However, that thought sent a sting of pain to her heart directly.

She couldn't care less, yet the thought of their connection disappearing troubled her. They loved each other, after all. They were a pack. Was it all right to let them disperse? Without putting up a fight? Even helping the process?

She was already feeling guilty.

«Listen well,» she said. «I don't care about your motives. You hurt someone, and that shouldn't be tolerated in a pack. No matter the standings, there's a minimum level of respect you owe every single wolf. Cutting their skin with your claws and speaking the words you used isn't allowed. You should pack your things and leave.

Now; before I change my mind and make you feel it on your own skin.»

That said, she turned. Only after a couple of steps did she realise it wasn't her place to send people away. It wasn't her pack. She had no say in it.

Yet, she had walked half of her way out, so she continued with her back straight and no worry on her face. She disappeared, the other wolves silent and - maybe - following her with their eyes.

When she turned the corner, she stopped for a moment. She scratched her head, wondering what had happened. Why did they let her make the decision just like that?

Oh, but they all agreed! That must have been it. They wanted those people to leave, so no one opposed her when she said the words. Also, she couldn't leave Amanda close to the person who hurt her.

She walked back to the building in the second circle. With some luck, Renato had just finished his shower and didn't have time to panic. Oh, she hoped he wouldn't hear how she had acted all high and mighty... It was a little embarrassing.

She was too used to freedom in Norwich. Suppressing her nature and being tame would have been difficult from then on.

She opened the door and found out Renato had just finished. He walked out of the bathroom, rubbing his hair with a towel, and reached the bed to sit.

He was tired after showering, which meant he needed some more rest to recover. Oh, being wounded was so difficult!

«Hey,» he said, smiling at his mate. «You smell like wolves. Where have you been?»

«Around,» she said, avoiding his gaze.

«Did you cause trouble?»

«Just a little. But I didn't hit anyone, I swear!»

«That's good,» he chuckled. He waited for her to sit next to him before reaching out and leaving a peck on her cheek.