CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Samantha opened her door for Rider, and she crossed her arms when she saw the bag he was carrying.

«I need your help,» he said, his face oddly desperate.

«My help?» she said, not letting him in just yet.

«I wanted to bring her away, but... I can't leave her alone, and you're the only person I can think of right now. And I'm sure you won't hurt her.»

«Her?» she scoffed, confused.

Rider noticed her expression and took a breath before clearing the situation.

«My sister,» he said.

Samantha moved her eyes to the side, and only then noticed the teen girl standing there. Mandy was wearing dark clothes and looking down to the floor.

Overall, she gave the impression of a tired, exhausted person, but a light blush covered her cheeks when she glanced at Samantha.

It lasted a moment only, and her sadness and worries returned soon enough, making Samantha understand the situation. It was worse than she thought it would be.

«Come in.» She surrendered.

In the end, she would let him in even without a real reason. She knew how weak she was becoming, but turning away was out of the question. She was into it so deep that she would never have gotten out.

«What happened?» she asked.

«Some people chased her in the woods and hurt her. I can't protect her at all times, and I don't want to risk it. I've brought her out of the city, but I couldn't choose a good enough place. I don't want my sister to be alone for the time being. I know it's much to ask, especially with the war to come, but I promise I'll return the favour whenever you need it.»

«She's in danger,» Samantha realised. «I will protect her here, then.»

«And your pack?»

«No one will complain. I won't keep it a secret from my Alpha, though. He has the right to know.»

«But what if he hurts her, then? Using her as leverage?»

«You brought her to me,» Samantha pointed out. «Did you really believe I would have kept it a secret? It's safer for you both if I tell the pack that she is here. Just to avoid any incident. They won't do anything... We don't kidnap people like you do.»

«Uh?» Amanda whined, hearing the conversation. Who kidnapped whom?

«Don't worry, you're safe,» Samantha said, guiding her to the sofa. «Sit here and relax. I'll make you breakfast or... most likely... We can order something yummy.»

«Don't tell him,» Rider tried again, taking a step forward.

«Do you want my help or not?» she asked.

«Yes, but...»

«I can't betray my pack,» Samantha pointed out. «And your sister will be safe: I give you my word! I'll protect her with my body if it comes to that. But it won't. Be

«No,» Rider moaned, catching her wrist and pulling her closer. «It's too much of a risk.»

«It isn't a risk but my condition.»

«Please, Samantha...» he said, trying to surround her waist with an arm to use anything at his disposal to convince her.

Yet, her rigid muscles and cold expression proved how he was failing.

«You know... You know my name?» she stuttered. «How?»

The room was immersed in silence for a long while. The three people didn't dare to breathe. No one said anything because they all were confused, surprised, and felt the cold atmosphere deep in their bones.

Amanda was the first to react, remembering her conversation with her brother.

She opened her mouth and said: «I told him.»

However, it was too late. The silence was long enough for Samantha to realise how stupid she had been. Her name was famous, yet she had believed Rider could miss it.

She had thought he wouldn't investigate, that he didn't want to know as much as her. She had been so stupid, and her brain had gotten smaller every time she had met him. She had believed, and he took advantage of it.

«You knew from the start, didn't you?» she asked.

«No, I told him!» Amanda repeated. «You introduced yourself at the Tech Fair, remember?»

«Shut up,» Samantha said, and Amanda's mouth closed before she could think about it.

She had got up to defend her brother, but she sat down as if a big invisible hand was pushing her. The pressure around her, especially on her lungs, made it difficult to move any muscle. At most, she could blink or breathe - even though hardly.

«You lied to me,» she said. «You called me all those names, but you had no need to, right? And even... I even found a name for you, but I could as well ask for your real one. Would it make any difference? You knew it from the start.»

«I didn't want to lie,» he said. «But you would have left me, Mine.»

«Don't call me that! Use my name now. Don't play any more stupid games.»

«It's not a game for me.»

«You weren't curious about me just because we're mates. You wanted information! And I gave you everything, in one way or another, right? Every time you got out of here proud and mighty, it was because you had discovered what you came for. How... How stupid of me.

Doesn't it make you laugh?»

«Samantha,» he said, pulling her closer.

Yet, without forewarning, she forced his hands off. She didn't care about using her strength - he must have figured it out already.

«The day they... The day you kidnapped Nate's family, were you here on purpose?» she asked.

«No, I was not. It's a coincidence, I swear!»

«You know... I've just realised that everything you say doesn't sound right anymore. I can't believe what you say, which means it's pointless to talk any further. You can leave.»

«Listen...»

«I can't listen. Just go, please. Leave me alone...»

«Mine,» he sighed, stepping away because he knew she didn't want him close. «I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for the lie. But I didn't know about the kidnapping. For real. And I just wanted to be with you.

That's all I cared about.»

«Good. Now, go.»