Ryder scowled at her; she hailed from a privileged, arrogant background that demanded control, and it was evident that she held a strong bias against him. If he responded affirmatively to that inquiry, she would probably mock him, asserting that he could not cope with rejection. He refrained from commenting on that subject.
“Stella, I will not cause her harm.” I am steadfast in this commitment; I will treat Brianna with respect. “Provide her with all her desires, withhold nothing.” I heard her scoff, “Acknowledge her liberation from you, correct?””
“The situation is intricate, Stella.” Brianna and I originate from a markedly distinct environment compared to yours. Our lives progress differently than yours. Brianna is meant to be with me, and I desire her.
“Indeed, Mr. Wood, best of luck persuading her to accept that,” she exclaimed, rolling her eyes at him.
“Consequently, assist me.”
“What is the rationale for my compliance?” Provide me with a compelling justification!”
“I love her,” he asserted.
The woman erupted in laughter, somewhat hysterical, but when her gaze met his, all mirth vanished, “Love?” I have considerable doubt regarding that, Mr. Wood. Brianna is a highly recognised designer. She has appeared in numerous magazines and conducted television interviews. What is it like if you, as you claim, “love her,” she said with evident sarcasm.
She rolled her eyes once more, stating, “You couldn’t locate her; she did not conceal herself in a shadowy corner of a squalid room.” She adorned the covers of four national magazines last year, which would have been available in Florida, where you reside, on newsstands, yet you claim you could not locate her. It appears that you did not search for her whatsoever. It is only now that you are aware of Logan that you desire her presence.
The guttural growl that emanated from Aiden in response to her injurious remarks and overt disrespect propelled the woman to her feet, her eyes widening as she gazed down at him, likely fixating on Aiden’s luminous green eyes. His wolf had reached its limit with her accusatory statements; he was the Alpha in this space and would no longer endure her behaviour.
Ryder compelled Aiden to retreat and cleared his throat, stating, “As I mentioned, it’s quite intricate; we are not akin to you.” He rose when she cautiously approached the door, using a mind-link to summon Nolan to the room immediately.
Not only was Stella awake, but she had also provoked Aiden, who growled at her, leaving her frightened and eager to depart. I heard Nolan curse, but that was all. He approached to obstruct her departure from the room. “I would like you to remain here until Brianna arrives to retrieve you,” he reminded her nonchalantly.
She continued to gaze at him. Nolan arrived promptly, entering the room and directing his gaze towards Stella, whose face still bore visible signs of fear as she fixed her eyes on Ryder.
Nolan exhaled deeply and approached her, while Ryder observed her enter the man’s embrace without reluctance as he extended his arms towards her, a reassuring sight. She relied on instinctual trust in him. Observed Nolan embrace her and subsequently escort her to his room, closing the door behind them; she did not appear to resist in any manner.
The woman had enraged him, exceeding both his and his wolf’s limits; they were unlikely to receive any assistance from her at this juncture, he sighed. He was powerless to alter the situation. Contemplated her opinion regarding Nolan’s ability to stand upright when she required his support. I probably considered it a mere coincidence.
Brianna’s Perspective
She was certain that Ryder would not permit Stella to leave the suite in which they were all residing. The sole means for Stella to depart was to ascend and retrieve her; both she and that troublesome man understood this necessity.
Logan had remained silent since the second visit, posing only a single question to her.
“Is Aunt Stella facing difficulties due to our actions?””
Brianna sighed softly and responded, “No and yes.” This situation is not exclusively our responsibility, and Logan, none of this is your fault. Alphas act according to their beliefs to achieve their desires. Stella is presently a bargaining tool; she will be unharmed and secure, I assure you.” She was aware of this, as she was Nolan’s Mate, a valuable asset, so to speak.
He had remained silent for the past hour, and Brianna recognised his apprehension; he understood that Stella was human and distinct from them. She glanced at the clock; it was approaching 12:30. Ryder’s lunch invitation seemed more like a directive than a genuine invitation, in her opinion. It was more of a demand that he had expressed as politely as he could, she presumed.
She also noticed that Logan was observing the clock. The longer she delayed, the more anxious he became. “We shall retrieve Aunt Stella,” she informed him at 12:20. He was growing agitated and restless; she wished to alleviate any unnecessary concern. Extended her hand towards him. “Proceed.” He accepted it.
Brianna was reluctant to engage with this man; despite the fact that the redhead from her store was his younger sister, it did not alleviate the discomfort of being in his presence.
She questioned whether anything would ever occur.
Exited her hotel room and grimaced upon observing Luca leaning away from the wall at the end of the corridor to her right. She turned and glanced in the opposite direction, discovering Enzo leaning against the wall, his gaze also directed towards her at that moment. Presumably positioned in the corridor to prevent her from departing without their awareness.
