Reluctant to take any chances, she entered the vehicle, and they departed. She noticed Logan gazing directly at her, enquiring, “Mum, what is the matter?”“He inquired.”
“Nothing,” she replied with a smile.
“Weeks?”“He inquired.”
“I will be working from home upon our return.”
“Very well,” he acknowledged, now smiling. Their residence was significantly nearer to the school, resulting in reduced bus travel time, which consistently elevated his spirits; it also allowed him to socialise with his friends and host them at his home. He possessed a commendable social life for a seven-year-old.
Brianna was uncertain how to elucidate his inaugural shift to him; she was nurturing him as a human, which was preferable, particularly if he resembled her and possessed no scent. She could perceive his scent, yet he was her offspring.
Neither of her parents ever claimed they could not smell her, and they consistently appeared aware of her presence, suggesting they were indeed able to detect her scent. No one else could, to her knowledge.
She caressed the crystal pendant while reflecting on her mother, whose wolf-like eyes had also been white, akin to Layla’s. She presumed it was a hereditary trait; however, Brianna remembered that her parents both maintained robust social lives within the pack.
She could not comprehend the reasons for her disposition; she merely recognised it was dreadful to endure. Until she escaped and acted independently, she rescued herself and Layla from demise. Their destiny within the pack had been gradually destroying them.
Owned by no one in this vicinity. Both she and Logan were rogues, although she did not perceive that quality in him, nor in herself for that matter. She hoped he would not become unscentable, as she had, wishing no one to endure such suffering.
Upon their arrival at the Four Seasons, the slopes remained accessible for one additional hour. They proceeded directly with Logan, who was exceedingly enthusiastic yet repeatedly reminded her, “No work, Mum; you promised.”
Brianna was now laughing at him; he had repeated it for the tenth time, as if he doubted her sincerity, believing she would seek an excuse to work this weekend. Brianna had not brought her sketch pad or drawing pencils; this weekend was solely for her and Logan, snowboarding and possibly hiking, contingent upon the weather and Logan’s desire to leave the slopes.
He cherished the outdoors, particularly the forest, and enjoyed camping with his best friend once, which did not surprise her, given his nature; an Alpha wolf would relish it even more, especially during the hunting and pursuit of prey after shifting. She was unaware of when he would commence his initial shift, typically at 16, but research indicated it could occur as early as 13.
Brianna would eventually need to sit him down and elucidate the concept of extraterrestrial beings; however, prior to that, she might consider having him watch a few films to gauge his perspective, although at merely 7 years old, it seemed somewhat premature for such cinematic experiences.
They dined in their room, and he was subsequently engaged in an online game with his friends from home; she was unperturbed and content that he was simply joyful. Informed him that she would take a walk and return shortly. He shouted, “No work, Mum,” as she exited the door.
Brianna laughed, “I already made a promise, didn’t I?”
She observed him squinting at her momentarily before nodding. Brianna exited her room and proceeded directly to the bar downstairs, craving a drink. It would not impact her, as human alcohol had no effect on her; she simply desired one after a long, stressful day.
Settled onto a bar stool and ordered an espresso martini, appreciating the aroma of coffee, which marked a favourable beginning; I could leisurely sip it while savouring its fragrance, allowing myself to unwind. She was far from her residence and the day’s stress.
Layla growled internally, her annoyance palpable, as the scent of wolves approached. She glanced at the mirrored backsplash of the bar and observed a group of six muscular men and several youthful women advancing. She swiftly consumed her martini and slammed the glass onto the bar. ‘I’ll take another’ she instructed the barman just as the wolves settled at the bar, before he could attend to them.
She consumed the martini in a single gulp while the barman processed her credit card; although she typically relished savouring her espresso martini, her evening had been utterly spoilt.
Retrieving her card, she pivoted her stool and muttered as she rose and departed from the bar, “I detest the odour that just entered.” One might assume that animals would acquire the habit of bathing. She perceived the profound silence among them; every one of those insufferable wolves had acknowledged her remark, and she was indifferent to it. She had detected the presence of more than one pack, indeed several. It provoked irritation in her nasal passages.
A female voice remarked, “What a bitch.”
Brianna scoffed while exiting the bar, retorting, “First-class bitch, indeed,” signalling her awareness of their remark, just as they had acknowledged hers. Uncertain of their presence and indifferent to it, her mood was entirely soured as she stood waiting for the lift to return to her room.
“Oh, my goddess, you are Brianna Layla,” an excited voice exclaimed.
Brianna rolled her eyes, clearly disinterested; the voice belonged to a youthful and exuberant woman, presumably a bride-to-be, as only brides would recognise her. She turned to locate the source of the voice and observed a strikingly attractive young woman approaching her with haste.
Clad in an exquisite white cashmere jumper, black leggings and white fur-lined boots, it was the fragrance she exuded that compelled Brianna to glance back at the lift, hoping it would arrive before the woman approached her. She observed the sizable man walking behind the young girl, presumably her father, as they shared similar features, including dark hair and slate grey eyes; he was smiling at her.
She arrived at Brianna prior to the lift’s arrival, exclaiming, ‘Oh my, I adore your Goddess Gowns; I desire one for my wedding’.
“Are you married?”That was a human action. Engaging in the pretence of humanity, she surmised their location.
“Indeed, I eagerly anticipate meeting the man I shall marry one day.”
