Ryder’s Perspective
He remained in the hotel suite last night when Nolan exited his room, proceeding towards the door to depart. It was almost 2300. “Where are you headed?”Ryder enquired of the man, but the expression on his face, as he smiled to himself, led Ryder to believe that the man was en route to meet Stella.
“I will sleep in Stella’s bed,” he remarked nonchalantly as he proceeded towards the door.
“Nolan… no s****l activity, my son is present below.” They heard Nolan snicker, “Affirmative, Ryder.”
The tone was unappealing, suggesting he would not comply. “I assure you, Carlos, this hotel lacks the soundproofing characteristic of your room at the Pack.”
“We shall remain silent.” He opened the door to exit.
“Carlos,” Ryder admonished, “I sincerely mean it.” If Brianna informs me that you did, she will find out regardless of your perceived discretion. “I will command you to remain in this room for the duration of the trip, and then…” he paused for 15 seconds to emphasize his point, “I will prohibit Stella from coming here entirely.”
The man’s full attention was captured; he now glared at Ryder from the doorway, evidently displeased with his remarks. Ryder gazed directly at him, and he was sincere. He would certainly Alpha Order him if necessary. Is Brianna informed and agreeable to your occupancy in her hotel room?”
“I am uncertain, but this room also belongs to Stella.”
“If she is dissatisfied with it.” Do you comprehend that you will depart?”
“Affirmative, Ryder.” Nolan nodded, appearing quite displeased yet conceding to it.
Ryder was not particularly fond of it himself. He was unable to establish a mind-link with Brianna to alert her or ascertain her well-being regarding the situation. Was unable to contact her. Moreover, I did not possess her personal contact number. She might indeed be asleep, entirely unaware of Nolan’s presence in Stella’s bed.
I allotted a complete 15 minutes without any complaint, and the man did not return; he must either be acceptable to Brianna or she was asleep. He established a mental connection with Luca, who was situated in the hotel lobby. Removed him from guard duty. If Nolan were to sleep in that room, he would notice if Brianna attempted to leave or if any trouble arose. Nolan would be present to resolve the situation or maintain stability until Ryder could arrive personally. This enabled the others to obtain some rest throughout the night.
Telepathically communicate to Nolan, ‘If you are resting there, I anticipate your vigilance in your responsibilities as a Gamma regarding my Mate and son.’
“Certainly, Ryder,” came his response. “Brianna is presently in the shower, and Logan is asleep.” He was then informed, and the connection was severed.
Ryder exhaled audibly and dismissed the notion; he had no need to be informed of her showering, as that was merely Nolan’s tactic to divert his irritation towards him. Brianna was likely unaware of his presence, which would not bode well for the situation. He intended to confront that man if he exacerbated the situation further.
Conversely, they would all be secure with Nolan in that room, and a portion of him felt genuinely pleased that his associate was present. He contemplated whether he could persuade Brianna to permit Nolan to remain in the room throughout their visit, which would undoubtedly alleviate his concerns and eliminate the need for his men to alternate shifts.
He would need to enquire with her.
His associates in Colorado had ultimately received bail and been liberated from police detention. His father was unable to procure the moving van because it contained some of Brianna’s belongings. The vehicle was impounded and would not be returned until Brianna resolved the matter with the police personally.
Another matter he needed to discuss with her. He intended to accomplish it today but was significantly distracted by his efforts to engage her in conversation.
That held greater significance for him than a van. In the worst-case scenario, he mitigated his losses and acquired a new one.
His father had also removed his brother Henry from his Alpha position within the pack. Reassuming the position himself, which had not been well received.
Ryder had received that agitated phone call merely a few hours prior. He needed to elucidate to his brother the reasons behind their father’s reassertion of authority, specifically regarding the contract and its significant implications and gravity. Since their father established the contract, he should bear full responsibility for it.
Henry remained silent for an extended period, contemplating the reality that at any moment, another Alpha could enter and challenge him to a lethal duel. He then expressed, somewhat irked, “Fine,” and subsequently terminated the call. He was probably quite displeased with the removal of this authority.
He possessed Alpha lineage and would presumably have relished the opportunity to lead; he would not have appreciated being supplanted by his father, who returned from retirement after eleven years to assume control. I would not have perceived any necessity for it whatsoever. He was well-trained, and although he was not in contention for the pack, particularly with Ryder now possessing both a Mate and an Heir.
Devote the majority of the evening post-dinner with Brianna to managing emails and overseeing his businesses from overseas. He was excessively agitated to attain slumber. He did not perceive the onset of sleep for an extended period, if he experienced it at all. Overwhelmed by thoughts, he was presently diverting his attention from Brianna through work. Alternatively, she might discover him at her doorstep, attempting to persuade her to grant him an opportunity, and he understood that she required time to process and reconcile with the unfolding circumstances.
He elucidated extensively to her regarding Dieng’s, noting that none possessed fragrances. However, there existed a method for him to detect her with the assistance of her family. Subsequently discovering that she remained his true Mate. Nolan’s physical contact with her was unequivocally unwelcome, particularly from any wolf. That rendered him considerably melancholic.
After sleeping for only four hours, he awoke before dawn, feeling restless and needing to release his energy. He had already roused both Luca and Enzo for morning training at the hotel gym, and they were preparing to depart when Nolan mind-linked him to inform him that Brianna and Logan intended to go for a run, to which he had invited himself. Nolan suggested that it could serve as a beneficial bonding experience for him, Brianna, and Logan.
