Renato was as tired as if he had fought for the whole day. He had just helped a teenage girl with shopping by carrying her bags and nodding at random outfits when she asked him for an opinion. Yet, it felt as if it lasted forever.

?It's the Bright Moon!? Lucretia commented on the way back. He was driving, so he hoped to have the chance to rest a little. Yet, the brat was settled on socialising. Couldn't she bring a friend along that day?

Moreover, the full moon made her even more enthusiastic.

?What do you do tonight? Would you like to come...?

?I'm busy,? Renato said before the girl could talk any further.

It was a lie, for his little devil asked him not to meet. He hadn't visited his family since he was marked, and he wasn't willing to let his parents notice he had met a woman who could tame him. If not for his sister, he could avoid them forever...

?Are you going to turn with that woman??

?What woman??

?The one you're working on. Are you on a mission tonight as well??

?Hmm??

?I understand it's for a greater purpose. Brother has explained it to me,? she said, raising her chin. ?You have a mission, so that's why you got entangled with a woman from another pack.?

?Do you know who??

?No, brother didn't tell me. And I can't recall anyone with her scent, so I have no clue. I won't ask you, Renato! I know you will keep it a secret.?

?You know??

?You're my brother's right-hand man. If anyone will keep secrets, it's you.?

?Do you know what pack she is in??

?No, I don't. But it won't be too much of an issue if you tell me. I can keep secrets as well, you know,? she chuckled, looking from the corner of her eye at his expression.

She couldn't guess anything from his replies, but it would have been awesome if he told her. They would share a little secret, something to connect them to each other.

?I can't talk about the mission,? Renato said. It was his automatic reply every time she tried to extort some juicy gossip about the meetings the Alpha had with his men.

?I see,? she sighed.

It was a little annoying, especially when there was a woman involved. Yet, it was part of Renato's charms. He would never betray his Alpha. There was no point in insisting any longer.

?Is she pretty, at least??

He scoffed, letting his annoyance surface.

?I can't answer your questions, really.?

?Then, come tomorrow to the party a friend of mine is organising. I need a chaperon, and you must be free. After all, brother didn't talk about any mission for you this week. Unless you're meeting that woman, sure...?

?I can't.?

?Oh,? Lucretia sighed. ?What about your sister? Does she attend as well??

?I don't know.?

He turned the steering wheel and parked in front of the Alpha's residence. He turned to Lucretia and waited for her to get off. He should have opened the door for her, but he was in no mood to deal with a girl's spoiled requests.

It was enough he had been forced to bear an afternoon of shopping.

?Wouldn't it be good if she had more friends?? Lucretia chuckled. ?Someone higher in the pack than those she usually hangs out with? Isn't that what every girl dreams of??

?Not really.?historical

?Well, if you come with me tomorrow, I'll make sure your sister becomes one of my people,? she said, moving a lock of hair behind her ear. ?She will become popular and accepted everywhere. People will smile at her, greet and recognise her. Isn't that better than being no one??

Renato rolled his eyes. He hated teenage girls with all his heart. They were so difficult to deal with.

What was that?

Could it even be considered an attempt at bribing him with his sister's well-being? Was it a threat? He had no clue. Yet, it gave him an idea.

?I'm on a mission,? he said.

Lucretia's grimace didn't move his heart while his brain started working on how to use a similar technique on a lone wolf who was avoiding him.

?Oh, just to be clear. I wouldn't accept even if I was free,? he added. ?You are the Alpha's sister. It could be interpreted in the wrong way, right? You should be more careful, Lucretia.?

He pretended not to know that she just wanted to show him around like some kind of prize.

She was one of the reasons he didn't like socialites. Nor those girls with too much money on their hands. It was the reason why he couldn't stop being amazed at how Samantha wasn't as he imagined her.

Just the thought of the little devil made him smile. Lucretia didn't miss that expression, and her grimace turned even uglier.

?You're on a mission,? she repeated. ?Does brother know about it??

?The Alpha knows everything.?

?Oh, but what about the way you smile when you think of her? Does brother know you're falling in love??

Her voice was sour, bitter to some degree. As if she had just witnessed one of her possessions being taken away. Yet, there was nothing to claim for her.

She had been overly clear with Renato for months, yet he never ever looked at her as a woman. He seemed to like women his age, so she had never stood a chance. Still, before he met that mysterious woman, she could hope he would change his mind. But it didn't happen, and they were parting ways.

?How do you think he'll react?? she added. ?But I don't need to tell him, after all... We can exchange favours.?

Renato bent over, getting closer to her.

?Lucretia, I am not your personal toy. Now, go home and unpack what you bought. I'm sure your brother is waiting to see what you found in the city.?

He retracted, noticing how she had bent too, shamelessly staring at his lips. She was just a kid, his sister's age. How could he see more than that?

Moreover, he already had his heart taken.. Love? That brat had said something right, for a change.