“Brianna,” Enzo called, prompting her gaze to shift towards him.
Ryder perceived your repudiation of him.” She blinked in astonishment; they could not be aware that she had expressed a rejection to the man. None of them, including Ryder himself, comprehended her significance to him at that time. “It devastated him.” He was unaware of his condition when the pain struck, awakening him in torment. None of us understood his condition,” he shook his head. “We hurried him to the pack hospital, except for Nolan, who sensed it. Enzo sighed and rose, having comprehended the situation. “Subsequently, upon your departure and total rejection of the Pack, the man attempted to extract his own heart and required sedation from Dr. Daniel, an act that nearly proved fatal.”
She stood there, gazing at him, uncertain of what to say and questioning the veracity of the situation. “Allow him to converse with you, Brianna; grant him that much.” It is a single dinner. Stella is able to supervise young Logan in your room. Only Stella will be present; none of us will attend, should that alleviate your discomfort.
Brianna was perplexed; the man appeared utterly sincere, yet none of them could possibly be aware of the Mate Bond she shared with their Alpha. She was the sole possessor of this knowledge, and even Ryder, despite their intimacy, had remained oblivious to it.
She was imperceptible to that group, to all groups. They had always been, so how could they possess knowledge? Particularly, who was she in reality? It was entirely illogical. In what manner could her words inflict pain upon him at this moment? Eight years had elapsed; he had progressed in his life while she had not experienced any pangs of betrayal since her departure, rendering her rejection effective.
At this moment, she was utterly perplexed; nothing was comprehensible to her.
“I will escort you and Logan to your room.” I will collect you at 6 for dinner. Kindly, it is merely one dinner, requiring just an hour of your time. It is not a significant request, particularly when considering the broader context; our lives are quite extensive.
He accompanied her and Logan to their room on the sixth floor, reminded her at the door that he would return to collect her at six, and then turned and departed.
She remained in her room, still quite perplexed.
“Mother?””
“I am unfamiliar with Logan,” she replied candidly, as she truly was.
She was aware that he had overheard all that Luca, Enzo, and Ryder had articulated in that room prior to his abrupt exit. She was entirely unaware of his perspective, as she struggled to understand it herself.
Her son presumably possessed no awareness whatsoever. She was unable to elucidate it to him, as she was equally perplexed.
Ryder’s Perspective
Ryder was not only apprehensive about Layla’s response to his Beta; he deemed it unwarranted, considering she was visibly exposed and accessible to any human who might pass by or emerge from their hotel room to investigate the commotion.
Ryder had been roaming within his hotel room. He was concerned that, despite her journey to his location, she would simply insist on receiving Stella and depart immediately upon obtaining her. It was entirely possible that this would occur. She appeared disinclined to allocate him any of her time.
He turned his head sharply at the sound of a wolf snarling, “Don’t touch me.” He was aware that she was approaching with Luca, as the man had already communicated with him telepathically to inform him, and also noted that Logan seemed apprehensive of his presence.
Ryder had not anticipated any hostility from either Brianna or Logan, especially given the boy’s evident fear. He burst from his room into the hallway to ascertain the commotion outside; it had only been two and a half minutes, yet everything appeared to have unravelled.
Luca was retreating, his hands elevated to indicate he posed no threat to her or the child she held. It was observed that it was not solely Layla present, but also his son’s wolf, Rowan, accompanying her. Within two and a half minutes, the duo had come to view Luca as a threat.
He insisted that his Beta inform him of the situation, as he needed to understand in order to mitigate the circumstances, if possible. Luca informed him that he had merely touched her to direct her to the room. It was illogical that this was not a threatening gesture; nevertheless, she was present, along with Logan, exhibiting aggression. Layla continued to emit a low growl. She appeared to be quite discontented. This was unfavourable.
He had observed her retreat from Aiden earlier this morning when he attempted to touch her; now, she issued a complete threat to sever his hand if he touched her again. It was abundantly evident that she did not wish to be touched in any manner. The actual touch must have provoked her wolf.
It greatly troubled him, igniting his mind with speculation regarding her reaction to such a mundane action typical of a Beta. He presumed it was merely an instinctual response from Luca and posed no threat whatsoever. Ryder contemplated whether the pendant had once detached from her, resulting in injury. He did not wish for that outcome. However, if it had occurred after her departure, he would have likely experienced it himself, making it improbable. He was also aware that he had been her initial partner.
