Nolan assumed the Delta position because there was no Delta in the Pack, and Ryder desired one, offering it to his younger brother upon his ascension. Nolan was indifferent, as was everyone else. Enzo was somewhat taken aback, given his Gamma lineage, but ultimately accepted the role.
The man shared his parents’ belief that Stella was his destined Mate, yet he remained uncertain. Although he was unable to Charm her—a clear indication—he recognised that it was not a full moon, leaving him powerless for the moment. He could only bide his time, as the full moon approached in less than a week.
He desired another encounter with her; however, he may have been experiencing an atypical day. Such occurrences are not uncommon, and some individuals exhibit greater resistance to him than others. Given his awareness of her history and her interactions with self-assured men throughout her life, it is plausible that she belongs to the rare subset capable of resisting his advances.
He would soon discover the truth. She was attending her sister’s wedding; perhaps she merely required a drink or two to relax before he attempted to woo her once more.
He sought to uncover every detail about her, aiming to discover the singular piece of information that would enable him to persuade her into revealing Brianna’s location. He was investigating the reasons behind her relocation across the country, despite her business degree and apparent intention to join her father’s company.
An incident had occurred, and he speculated that it involved a man. Nothing prompts women to distance themselves from home more than an ex-partner they wish to avoid. He shook his head, recognising that this was precisely the situation Ryder was confronting at that moment.
After some time, he discovered several photographs of Stella from her youth. In the society pages of vintage Denver newspapers, she appeared with longer hair yet retained her familiar visage; she was smiling, appeared content, and was accompanied by a man in those images. His name, Miguel Mattews, was mentioned alongside hers, with the article noting that the couple had been dating for just over a year and that everyone was anticipating an engagement announcement.
He conducted a search but was unable to locate any engagement announcement. An event had transpired between the two individuals. He was intrigued regarding who had terminated the relationship. Entering the man’s name into the search bar revealed that he was employed by Stella’s father, both at that time and currently. This piqued Nolan’s interest. This was likely the reason she had relocated and remained distant.
The man was presently in a relationship with Anastasia Reyes, a woman from another affluent family. She appeared to be passively awaiting a wealthy spouse and had been involved with Miguel for a year, despite possessing a degree in social science, the application of which was unknown to him.
They attired themselves appropriately for the event they intended to infiltrate, aware that entry through the estate’s main gates was implausible. This wedding was substantial, featuring numerous affluent and distinguished guests, constituting a private affair. Consequently, they parked their rental vehicle and traversed the woods, subsequently scaling the 12-foot brick wall encircling the premises.
Neither faced a genuine challenge; they heard and then observed six Doberman dogs charging towards them with aggression, fulfilling their role of deterring or subduing intruders.
Both he and Enzo permitted their wolves to advance and snarl in response, observing all six of them come to a halt, uncertain of the two individuals before them.
He would smirk to himself; dogs generally recognised their subordinate status, yet some proficient guard dogs would still occasionally launch an attack. This group appeared to possess greater awareness.
He emitted another loud, aggressive growl, prompting them to turn and flee. As anticipated, both he and Enzo chuckled; it was always somewhat amusing to witness.
They traversed the grounds and entered the ballroom where the wedding reception was underway, the ceremony having concluded, as intended.
The bride appeared exceedingly joyful, authentically so.
Pleased to observe.
Stella observed him as he witnessed her seize a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and consume it rapidly, akin to a shot, before departing the dance floor with an expression of annoyance.
His eyes scanned the room; his height provided an advantage as he observed her father conversing with her ex. Both men’s gazes were fixed on her, but the music obscured their dialogue.
He observed, deliberating on the optimal course of action. If she was already displeased, this was likely an inopportune moment; he required her to be content and unsuspecting. Shortly thereafter, he witnessed her dancing with her father and overheard part of their dialogue. She expressed her unhappiness, mentioning a cheater, and Nolan realised she had departed following the infidelity of this Miguel individual.
Why? He could not comprehend; she was genuinely attractive.
Her hair was styled away from her face in elegant curls, complemented by alluring, full lips and deep, dark chocolate-colored eyes. She possessed a heart-shaped visage and a graceful long neck. Her physique was attractive; although not particularly tall, she had a curvaceous figure with a well-defined waist, ample breasts, and a rounded posterior. This evening, she donned a cocktail dress in a soft jade green hue, featuring a lace bodice that transitioned into a sultry silk mermaid silhouette, accentuated by a high slit along her left thigh.
He could not suppress a smile while observing her father twirl her across the floor. It was evident that she had received dance instruction. She glided effortlessly, and he caught glimpses of skin with each step; even Oscar, his wolf, was captivated by her, he recognised.
She observed her father release her, and as she pivoted to depart from him on the dance floor, her ex, Miguel Matthews, seized her. She attempted to extricate herself from his hold, unwilling to dance with him, while he heard his wolf emit a low, menacing growl at the sight.
He observed her stomp on the man’s foot and walk away. He appeared exceedingly irate, though she was indifferent to his feelings; nonetheless, he couldn’t suppress a smile at her inflicting pain on him. However, he was unsettled by her shaking and rubbing her hands, indicating that Miguel had been causing her discomfort by gripping her too tightly, preventing her escape.
