As Ryder concentrated on Brianna, his Beta directed his attention towards the man, his gaze shifting back to him.
“An Alpha Wolf,” Ryder affirmed as he inhaled deeply, utilising all of Aiden’s senses to ascertain his rank, considering the man’s size. The man appeared quite at ease, casually leaning against her car. She had not considered.
Her comment suggested that Logan would probably recognise this man and would not appreciate his presence either. Observed the boy’s facial expression upon seeing that man near their vehicle and genuinely smiled. It was evident that the boy harboured a dislike for the man.
Witnessing that man caress his son’s head and utter, “Good to see you, son,” provoked a profound and ferocious growl from his wolf, Aiden, which he was unwilling to suppress. Another Alpha was asserting dominance over his child, a situation that displeased both him and Aiden.
Luca’s hand rested firmly on his shoulder, observing with satisfaction as Logan distanced himself from the Alpha wolf.
A well-behaved boy recognised that the man was not his father.
Brianna and the Alpha swiftly turned their heads to identify the source of the sound, while Ryder’s eyes widened in recognition of the Alpha from their allied packs, Nathan Avery of the Hot Moon Pack. He communicated this to Luca through the mind-link, although it was probable that his Beta also recognised the individual as the Alpha of her mother’s home pack.
“Perhaps your father apprehended him?”
“Perhaps, but they certainly recognise him.”
Luca concurred, “Logan certainly dislikes him.”
Observed her entering the vehicle while Alpha Nathan scoured the vicinity; Ryder contemplated, ‘fool, she will escape.’ He discerned that Brianna preferred his absence. He observed her ignite her vehicle and accelerate rapidly, shaking his head in disbelief; how could Alpha Nathan have failed to anticipate that, when he himself had?
I observed the man merely standing and watching her depart. He shook his head and appeared relatively unconcerned. “Are you Alpha Ryder?”He exclaimed as he retrieved his phone from the upper pocket of his jacket.
Ryder scowled. It is probable that his father received a call. He and Luca entered the man’s field of vision. He approached them while conversing with a woman Ryder assumed was his Beta. He advised them to remain vigilant for her presence. She departed while he was preoccupied.
He terminated the call and gazed directly at him. “Alpha Ryder, the outcome could have been significantly improved had you not intervened. I possess her now. He gestured with his hand down the street.
“Departed.”
“What do you imply? You possessed her.”
“Your father called. She is, in fact, my cousin, and I had successfully involved her.”
“She appeared displeased,” Ryder remarked, and indeed she was, as evidenced by her rapid departure, indicating her desire to avoid involvement, as he suggested.
“She is obstinate; I had to resort to threats to achieve my objectives, similar to my initial encounter with her.”
“You intimidated her? I have never stooped to such measures.” He found it entirely unacceptable; there must be a more effective approach.
“It appears you have a hidden motive; my sole intention is to facilitate a conversation between her and my grandmother. As for your concern, I presume the boy is yours; you should have made a decision when you first encountered him.”
Ryder remained silent, merely gazing at the man.
I am interested in the circumstances of his conception, and I expect you to elucidate this, particularly the reasons for her deviation from expected behaviour.
“I suppose,” Ryder retorted, “We should both pose that inquiry.” He observed the man frown directly at him.
Nathan asserted calmly, “We will take your car.”
“To what specific location?”
“I will require her and the boy’s passports for her entry into Canada.”
“Do you believe I will permit you to take her and my son?” he retorted, as Aiden’s anger intensified with each passing moment.
“Indeed, Ryder. We have been allies for many decades, and it is imperative that she comprehends her identity and lineage before you attempt to take the boy, who will be fiercely protective of his mother.”
Ryder scowled as he entered the vehicle. “What are you referring to? What knowledge do you possess?”
“His wolf manifested last weekend when I confronted her regarding her disrespect towards my daughter in the presence of numerous Alphas. She exhibits a blatant disregard for any hierarchical structure. I no longer believe she adheres to such systems, having been a rogue for an extended period. The boy yelled directly at me, his wolf barely restrained. It was her first encounter with this phenomenon. In a state of panic, she attempted to soothe him, fearing he would shift in broad daylight before a group of humans.”
Ryder’s frown intensified. “That is atypical,” considering the boy was merely 7.
