She glared at him, her jaw clenched, before turning and walking to the opposite side of the room, visibly irritated. He was unwilling to permit her departure. She now recognised that he would not proceed until he was prepared, probably until he attained his desires. His unique approach.
Despite his assertions, she understood that no wolf would assert dominance over another without first detecting their scent.
Layla recognised that his words tonight had not elicited her wolf; instead, they had caused her to withdraw even further into herself.
It appeared that he was not interested in knowing his thoughts, as they were deemed inconsequential. Only he could potentially detect her, and even Brianna was unaware of Layla’s possible reaction if he succeeded in locating them. If Layla were to come forward and acknowledge him, their bond, if it still existed, would be affirmed.
Brianna, please take a seat. Alpha Nathan approached this situation incorrectly. He is, in fact, your cousin, a Sterling by lineage.
Her gaze shifted to him, “And how would you ascertain that?””
“His pack is associated with mine.” An ancient agreement exists, of which I was unaware until after our initial meeting in Colorado. There exist certain antiquated regulations concerning you and your mother.
“My mother has been deceased for a considerable time,” she remarked.
“I am cognisant of when you were expected to have faith.” It is also the moment you disappeared from the group.
“Disappeared?”She directed her gaze at him and declared, “I did not disappear; you all forsook me.” “To survive independently, he even deprived me of my home,” she retorted. “I refuse to discuss it,” she shouted, and she did not wish to revisit the pain or the profound solitude she had endured for all those years.
Brianna, please compose yourself; we need to discuss this to resolve the matter. I possess minimal knowledge. I am aware that you need to return home. Consult the Sterling Elders for clarification. They wish to converse with you.
“Oh, indeed they did; they forsook me just as your group did.” Why would I have any interest in seeing them?”
“Please remain calm.” She observed him approach, his hands raised slightly, extended as if he intended to make contact with her.
Layla sensed that his intention to touch her was imminent; she lifted her head and turned to gaze through Brianna’s eyes to ascertain the situation. Her ears abruptly flattened against her head; she also disapproved of his approach towards them.
“Brianna, everything will be fine,” he assured her gently as he approached her.
Her gaze shifted to Carlos; she sensed his aura directed towards her, and she now recognised that he was closer than before.
“I cautioned you once, Gamma.” She directed her gaze at him, sensing Layla advance within her consciousness; her tail was lowered, and her hackles were raised, indicating her aversion to being touched by either party.
“Brianna, dear, please compose yourself; I am here… focus on me.” His southern accent flowed naturally as he extended his hand towards her.
Layla experienced a surge of indignation within her mind, accompanied by a low growl that resonated audibly, signalling her discontent with the situation and her desire to avoid physical contact with him.
As Carlos ceased his movement, she recognised, as he did, that without physical contact and given her rogue status, he was unlikely to exert any genuine influence over her or Layla; he would need to make direct contact to activate his ability, if it were to function at all.
“Brianna, please attend to me; I know you desire to. Remain composed and concentrate on my voice.” Carlos persisted in his efforts, his drawl becoming more pronounced as he exerted his Gamma charm, while Layla glared at him menacingly.
He then advanced, employing his wolf-like speed in an attempt to seize her, remarkably swift; however, Layla appeared to anticipate this, propelling herself forward and delivering a powerful kick to his abdomen with all her strength. A tremendous snarl erupted from her, simultaneously releasing all her latent aggression upon him. Rogues possessed intense primal instincts; she was no different from any that would assault a pack. Significantly more effectively presented.
Observed him genuinely falter backward. He clearly had not anticipated her assault, or perhaps he believed he would be swifter than she; however, they were entirely unaware of her wolf’s strength and velocity, possessing no knowledge of her true appearance whatsoever. No one was present to photograph Layla for the packs database. They provided a succinct description of her own writing.
“Do not touch me,” Layla bellowed, fully aware of her surroundings, yet oblivious to the fact that others were also advancing. She had been so fixated on Carlos and his Gamma Charm, attempting to physically engage her, that she and her companions had neglected to monitor Ryder entirely.
They had fully orientated themselves towards Carlos to counter any advances he might make, when Ryder unexpectedly appeared directly behind them. He encircled her waist with one arm, lifting her entirely off the ground and away from Carlos, who was already rising. Ryder’s other hand glided up her neck, securing her against him.
She gasped audibly at the unexpected sensations his bare hand elicited on her skin, exclaiming, “No,” as she recognised that their connection remained intact.
