Lucretia circled around Renato, sniffing him. That woman's scent was powerful again, but it wasn't because she had marked him again. It was just because they had spent time together.

?You are too focused on her,? she complained. ?Who is going to accompany me, now??

?There are a lot of good guards, Lucretia,? he pointed out. ?You will find someone fit for you.?

?But what about your sister? I'm sure she'll be happy to become my friend! After all, I'm the Alpha's sister!? she said.

She knew very well how Renato didn't like hearing about it. He preferred his sister not being involved with the pack affairs, living her life without worries.

?Amanda is too timid for that,? he replied, in fact. ?She's happier when she's far from the limelight.?

?Is she? Are you sure??

He knew well how wicked Lucretia could be, and he knew she wanted from him more than appropriate. He wouldn't risk his sister's reputation and standing in the pack by allowing her to befriend Lucretia. That crazy little brat wouldn't think twice before causing trouble to his sister just to get to him.

?What's her name?? she repeated. ?Who's the woman you're struggling to get? I might be able to help you; you never know...?

?It's a secret,? he said, replying with the same words for the umpteenth time. ?I can't talk about it.?

?I see,? the girl snorted. ?I can find out on my own, then.?

Rider rolled his eyes, leaving that room. He was tired and needed to rest. And to think about how to speed up his plan.

After all, he had spent a whole night cuddling with Samantha. They were past being only a secret affair.historical

Bringing her to his side was too much to ask for, for the time being, but he could start by courting her. Dating, cuddling and pampering her was the next step. He would have made her fall in love as madly as he was falling, and everything would have proceeded.

He turned the corner and remembered he had avoided his family for a while. It was because of Samantha's mark, but he wasn't as worried about it anymore. She owed him one, thanks to that: it was not that bad.

Moreover, it was another little secret among them. He wouldn't have imagined Samantha could have so many difficulties controlling herself, but it just added to her charms.

Samantha called him while he got out of the base and headed, walking, to his family's house.

The pack lived all in the same area of the city, so his parents weren't all that far from the headquarters and the Alpha's residence.

?Hello, Mine,? he replied, oddly happy to hear from her. ?How are you feeling today??

He had already forgotten about the battles, the loss and everything else in between their love.

?Rider,? she murmured on the other side.

Her voice was broken and uncertain, making him worry once again. Was someone she loved wounded? Was she scolded for not being there with her Alpha?

What could make her talk with that tone?

?I think we should end it,? she said, making him forget the worries because of worse certainties.

?You're leaving me,? he said.

?We weren't together, to begin with,? she pointed out. ?And it can't work. While I was with you, my pack was in a crisis. And the same happened to you!?

?To me?? he repeated, astonished.

?Unless you were with me on purpose to distract me, then your Alpha must be angry with you for not being there.?

?He is,? he sighed in the end.

Even though the Alpha didn't scold him too badly because he gave the order to entertain Samantha and bring her to their side.

?But my Alpha will understand it's not my fault if I didn't know anything about those events. I wasn't there with a purpose, Mine. I just wanted to see you.?

?That's the problem, Rider. You shouldn't just want to see me, and I shouldn't have such a desire either. Our packs are at war, for the Moon Goddess. We might need to fight against one another one day! It's better for everyone if we stop it here.?

?Hey, Mine, are you really leaving me??

?We're not together!?

?Listen to me just this once. We don't need to get involved, not this time. We can run away and be just by ourselves. We can forget about this stupid war and live our life...?

?No, we can't! We both have responsibilities. And you know very well this is not just a stupid war. What your pack did to my Alpha is unforgivable. You crossed the line, and he will take revenge. And I'll be by his side when he needs me, this time.?

?So, this is the end,? he sighed. ?Something happened, and you gave up... Oh, no. You never gave it a chance since the beginning.?

?Was there any hope for us? We are too different from each other, and it will be better for both if we continue with our life. It might be painful at first, but you will benefit from it in the long run, Rider. You'll forget me, sooner than you think.?

?Don't spout nonsense. How am I supposed to do that? You're the one who will forget me. You will find someone better, more fit for your tastes,? he said, wounding his own heart with his words. ?You never wanted to give me a chance, Mine. I'm too rude for your tastes; I'm not elegant enough... I should have known it from the start, yet...?

?Think like that if it makes you feel better,? she sighed. ?But we both know what happened between us. It was a mistake, but it was fun.?

?Fun,? he repeated in a snort. ?All you have to say about us is that it was fun? After all, fun is the best word... For real!?

He almost screamed on the phone, like a fool. Yet, there was nothing he could do. Samantha didn't want anything to do with him, and he knew that could happen.

?I see,? he sighed. ?Good luck with your life, Mi... Miss Trouble. I hope we won't meet again.?

That said, he hung the phone and turned on his heels.. There was no way he could meet his family in such a mood.