CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

The rest of the morning passed without any weird event. The tech team presented the products, and the companies with some interest found the stand to discuss contracts.

Samantha and Jordan talked for the whole afternoon, giving away their business cards to discuss everything better at a later time.

When the number of potential clients decreased, they could relax and sit down, believing their work was almost over.

They considered taking a break and looking for a late lunch when one of the teenagers from the morning approached their stand.

«Hello,» she said. «I'm sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to apologise in Lucretia's stead. She acts like that sometimes, but it's not nice with people from other packs.»

Samantha crossed her arms and waited for any sign of danger or lie. Yet, the girl in front of her was genuine. Her straight black hair reached the waist, and her features were more delicate than those of most she-wolves. It was odd to find one with a doll's face and such a thin figure.

«I don't need apologies,» Samantha said. «Especially not from someone not involved, you know?»

«I don't know how to explain it, but your scent is really interesting. I have the feeling that we met as well, but I'm sure we haven't.»

Samantha bowed forward, sniffing the girl in turn. She didn't need such proximity, but she was curious to see how she would react if she acted just like that brat Lucretia. Indeed, the girl didn't flinch. She patiently waited for the end of the investigations with her eyes fixed on Samantha.

«Your eyes are beautiful,» she commented. «I love the colours.»

«Yours are, too,» Samantha replied mechanically. She had started to like black eyes. Were they common in the Mayford pack?

But among the teens from before, only the girl talking with her had them. Even Lucretia's were dark brown, like chestnuts.

«Thank you! They're a little plain, though. Black eyes are boring, aren't they?»

«Not at all.»

After exchanging compliments like two lovebirds, the two girls remembered where they were.

«What... What are you selling here?» the teen asked. Her face was slightly flushed, barely noticeable on her tanned skin. «It seems something useful.»

«It's clothes with sensors. It's useful for elders or people with illnesses who need constant monitoring.»

«I see... Humans would surely find it helpful. There are many with delicate sicknesses.»

«Indeed.»

Their conversation had a weird rhythm, often interrupted because they didn't know what else to say. Yet, neither of the two thought about leaving. They were observing each other, curious and surprised by the familiarity of the other.

Was that because of Rider? Samantha thought about it, realising that having a mate inside another pack might have caused the other wolves to recognise her.

«Then, are you going to sell it to some pharma producer?»

«We're still young on the market. It won't take so short, reaching the pharmacies... First, we need to prove it works with smaller retailers... Oh, but do you really care about the details?»

«It's interesting!» the doll-like girl replied. She moved her eyes on the floor and avoided Samantha's gaze. She felt a little hurt and wanted to hide it.

«More interesting than playing video games?»

She nodded, still diverting her eyes away.

«You don't get along with them, do you?» Samantha chuckled. «It's not the game, the problem. Those brats look like spoiled pups... Especially that... What was it? Lucretia? She's the boss, isn't she?»

«I was asked to come, and I couldn't refuse. I don't usually hang out with them, so it's weird for me.»

«You were asked.»

«Yes... Lucretia is high-ranking in the club, so I can't just say no. Also, she's a little difficult to deal with if she thinks you offended her. It's easier to tag along, trying to avoid their attention and then go back home and hope they forget,» she chuckled.

The way she moved or talked, her tone of voice... it all was so delicate and elegant that Samantha couldn't believe she was of the same pack as her rough mate or that rude brat.

«What's your name?» the girl then asked.

Befriending someone from Mayford was the last thing she wanted. She had just broken up with one of them, after all. Still, Rider didn't know her name, so there was no risk of him hearing about it.

«My name is Samantha. And yours?»

The girl offered her hand for a shake, and she smiled before answering.

«Amanda.»

«What a nice name. We're enemies, don't you realise? Our packs are at war.»

«So what? We're not battling right now, are we? If we happen to meet as enemies, I won't be able to be this friendly. However, right now, I can't think of acting like a brat.»

«If only your friends were of the same opinion, there would be less drama,» Samantha scoffed.

Could that pack have really produced someone as polite?

She thought black wolves were all rude and inelegant, but she was wrong. The one in front of her was the total opposite of Rider.

«I'm sorry again, Samantha. After all, you're on the job. I will go back before they notice I've disappeared... And you seem to be busy, so it's better if I don't bother.»

«You're not bothering. Come back if it's boring on the other side. I'll let you test some of our products if there is not much crowd, okay?»

«Sure! We might meet again... Can I approach you, in that case?»

«Of course, Amanda. It's not like you and I are enemies specifically.»

Only after replying did Samantha realise she had an issue. How could she fall into the same trap twice? But that girl was so pretty that she couldn't help it. Even if she came from Mayford.

«Oh, damn it. I shall stay away from them,» she moaned, ruffling her hair while observing Amanda's back.

«Friendly today, ah?» Jordan commented. «But I can understand you. That cutie over there is surprising. I wouldn't say she's a wolf at all if not for her scent.»

«Not everyone is unrefined like you lot,» Samantha commented.

For some reason, it hurt her nerves when Jordan called Amanda a cutie.