Aiden internally growled upon hearing her present a new challenge. They were nearing their human limits, having never run this distance in human form throughout their lives. It was evident that she frequently engaged in this behaviour and was accustomed to it. She would not be apprehended if she deliberately fled from them.
“Carlos, I desire a genuine challenge,” she articulated serenely, as if this were inconsequential to her. “Increase your boss’s treadmill to its maximum setting.”
Ryder internally lamented his new challenge. Her evaluation of him and his standing was accurate; she intended to exert maximum pressure on him as swiftly as possible. She recognised that she was far from completion. It further infuriated him that she had once more failed to use his name.
Nolan was eager to assist her and seemed thoroughly entertained, while Ryder gazed directly at her. She disregarded him entirely, fuelled by unwavering determination; she was resolute in her intent to triumph and assert her superiority over him. I possess greater strength than you. Her intention was likely to convey that he would not be able to manipulate her.
“On 5,” he heard Nolan declare, observed the man gaze directly at her and laugh; the wretched woman was toying with him in a manner he found utterly unappreciated, threatening to cause him to falter in front of his entire Unit. Nolan appeared to be aware of it and found it exceedingly amusing.
He heard his son exclaim, “Kick his a*s, Mum.” It appeared that no one was on his side, which was exceedingly frustrating for him and his wolf. They were the dominant force here; where was the requisite respect?
“Oh, I intend to.” That statement was entirely Layla’s; Brianna was not involved at all. Her wolf appeared exceedingly at ease; this marked their inaugural genuine interaction with Layla. Her demeanour was not merely aggressive; she was explicitly confronting him and Aiden with an air of smugness.
Running at 20 kilometres per hour, despite Aiden exerting maximum effort, his human body could not endure the strain; it was in excruciating pain, affecting not only his lungs but all his muscles. He forcefully pressed the stop button, placed a foot on either side of the treadmill, and gasped for much-needed breaths while glaring at her wolf, his own Mate, who continued to run. Aiden growled his frustration at his Mate for outshining him, and then they departed from her presence.
Brianna remarked, “a bit of a sore loser,” while she and Layla appeared to be amused to his ears. His entire unit was smiling at him. Logan grinned, extended his tongue at him, and then promptly approached his mother, who remained on her treadmill despite her victory. Gradually, over the next five minutes, she reduced the intensity, subtly demonstrating that she could continue running if she chose to do so.
“You are remarkable.” Logan exclaimed, radiating pride towards her. “You surpassed them all.” He felt immense pride for his mother, no longer concerned about his own defeat, likely recognising the futility of competing against her.
It has been quite some time.
“Breakfast,” he commanded them all. He required sustenance, and his body was in excruciating pain. He and Aiden had overexerted themselves in an attempt to demonstrate their strength and outshine her, resulting in physical fatigue. They required sustenance and electrolytes for recovery, necessitating that all of them, particularly Brianna, also replenish their energy. She was merely half his stature and would have exerted all her energy as well.
Nolan remained near the treadmill, appearing genuinely content as he observed her and Logan.
Her positive mood evidently pleased his Gamma.
“I observe that your superior is a poor sport.” Her tone, still thoroughly entertained by his vexation at the defeat and that of his wolf, irritated him. They all smiled at his defeat, and his temper flared due to her repeated omission of his name. “My name is Brianna.” “Utilize it,” he retorted sharply before departing from her presence.
Required a warm shower to alleviate stress. He ascended the stairs, despite his exhaustion, as being in the lift with her, his unit, and her self-satisfaction over her victory would likely exacerbate his already frayed temper.
“Ryder, please compose yourself; it was merely a jest, as you recall,” Luca’s voice resonated through the mind-link.
“Was it?”he murmured, ‘or was she attempting to assert dominance over me?
“Probable a combination of both; we all entered, anticipating it would be effortless to defeat her.” All of us were mistaken.
“She was aware prior to entering,” he reiterated once more. Probable. Luca responded, “Perhaps we should become better acquainted with her.”
“I do not wish to,” he growled. “She is the one who does not desire it.”
“Has justifiable cause for fear, recall.” Endure considerable anguish; you can withstand one humiliation for her, cannot you?”
Aiden perceived an internal snort as they entered their hotel room, discontent with their defeat. He found Luca awaiting him, directly addressing him without having received a response to his earlier inquiry. After a prolonged glare, Aiden conceded, “Fine, order breakfast; I’m starving,” before proceeding to the shower.
Brianna’s Perspective
Logan and Carlos stood outside her store with Stella, as it appeared that the man intended to accompany Stella wherever she went. This also implied that Ryder was accompanied by one of his Alpha Unit members alongside her and Logan throughout the duration. Fortunately, this appeared to provide sufficient security for the man to permit her to accompany Logan wherever she desired.
They were awaiting Devon’s arrival to discuss her potential promotion to Manager, succeeding Stella, who was displeased about relinquishing her recent title and advancement. Devon, delayed by traffic, was now tardy.
Stella had engaged in a dispute with Carlos regarding the matter at the hotel prior to their departure. It was the cause of her awakening at 2 PM today. They were disputing Stella’s desire to remain and manage the store, emphasising that it was her inaugural significant promotion and that she had exerted considerable effort to attain her current position.
