CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

There were representatives from many companies at the Tech Fair. Even though their business was mainly about clothes and fabrics, the LY Corp engineers had patented a new kind of sleeve and integrated it with sensors to help people monitor their stress levels.

To present it, Nate told Samantha to accompany the engineers. They knew what the tech was about, and she knew how to negotiate.

She brought one of the senior agents with her to have some backup in case she needed it.

For the occasion, she had worn a pink suit and red high heels. In her bag, she had spare shoes because it was going to be a long day. However, she could look awesome, at least at the start.

That year, the focus of the fair was the video game corner. Several new games were debuting, and there were a lot of visitors who came just for that.

«What do we ever do here, boss?» her colleague inquired, fixing his sleeves with an annoyed frown. «It's as if we're invisible.»

«It's understandable, Jordan. We are not interesting for the youth. These sensors can save elders' lives, but for young and healthy lads, they're pretty useless. However, our clients will find us just like usual.»

«Is it really necessary to have two of us here?»

«Are you asking to take a break? You're doing nothing.»

«No, boss! I was just wondering... It's a waste to have you here instead of signing contracts.»

«It's not a waste; just be patient. We will have a presentation around midday, and then our clients will appear like mushrooms. You will complain about having too many eyes on you, then. Listen to me and enjoy the calm as it lasts.»

The two continued with their work, which essentially was looking cool in front of their stand, until a group of teens took the wrong turn and stumbled upon them.

«Hey, do you know where the video games area is?» they asked out loud.

Samantha rolled her eyes, not even annoyed by their rude manners.

«It's behind the corner. Continue like this, then turn left. After a few stands, turn right and proceed for two minutes. You should see the first gamers there.»

«Okay, beauty, thanks!» a boy said. He swiped his eyes over her with a big grin. «We might come back here to take a break. Seems interesting enough to lose a game or two...»

«Don't waste your time, kid. We do boring stuff,» she started, but then she noticed she had in front a bunch of teen wolves. Oh, those were difficult to deal with. «And we don't have time to waste...»

Moreover, just by looking at their black heads, she could guess where they came from. They hadn't travelled for long, after all. Mayford was right behind the corner.

Samantha sighed. She had just broken up with Rider, and there she was, dealing with pups from his pack. Was it destiny? Was it a sign?

It was karma punishing her for not warning him before making the decision! After he spent the night comforting her, at that.

She had been a bad mate, in the end. She did deserve a little trouble on her way.

«Oh, I feel like I know you,» a girl murmured from the centre of the group. She pursed her lips, analysing Samantha with her eyes. «I can't remember where, but I am sure we met before.»

She even took a step forward and sniffed her without further questions. That gesture made Samantha's brows twitch, and she almost pushed the girl away. Was sniffing people without permission such a normal occurrence in their pack?

As the two stood in front of each other, one was curious and pretending to smile, while the other had her arms crossed and annoyance painted on her face.

«I really can't remember your face, but your scent! Oh, your scent is familiar.»

Samantha tilted her head. Could that be someone close to Rider? It would explain how she didn't know Samantha's face. It was difficult to forget such features, after all.

But Rider didn't talk much about the people around him, so she couldn't even attempt guessing who that was.

«If you tell me your name, I might remember where we met,» Samantha said.

Her face didn't change, and she decided to ignore the alarm ringing in her mind. There was something off with that girl, but she wouldn't have stooped as low as to argue with a teenager.

«Oh, now, now... I don't think we actually met. It must be something else, uh?»

Just like they came, the teenagers disappeared. The girl stepped back and analysed Samantha once again. She even murmured something under her breath before turning away.

They walked towards the games area without turning back, but Samantha could swear all the girl's senses were on her. She was monitoring her, in search of clues or maybe just out of curiosity.

«Ah, I can't stand teens,» Jordan murmured from behind her.

Samantha turned, remembering she wasn't alone. Thank goodness, she hadn't said anything weird. Breaking up with Rider was the right choice, and even if it hurt her, even days after that call, she knew her pack needed her more than ever.

«They're prey to hormones,» she chuckled.

«As if they haven't seen a beautiful woman,» he rolled his eyes.

Samantha turned, looking him in the eye.

«Sorry?» she said.

«What?»

It was obvious she was stunning; what was there to hide or be shy about? However, what surprised her weren't the words he said but the tone. He had talked as if she was a friend, like just any handsome man from the sales department.

«What is there to be surprised about?» Jordan murmured, starting to sweat. «What did I say wrong, boss? Aren't teens unbelievable?»

Samantha chuckled, hearing the usual nervousness again.

«I don't bite,» she said before continuing to laugh.

«Yeah, but one can't say the same for teenagers. They do bite, damn it. And when they don't, they act as if the world was theirs!»

«Are you talking from experience, Jordan?»