He understood that this would not be straightforward and needed to proceed cautiously. Each day as it comes. Gradually win her affection, encouraging her to disclose her thoughts and attain a sense of comfort initially.
Brianna’s Perspective
Venture into the pack, among fellow wolves? Wolves whom she and Layla would recognise, yet none would recognise her. Fidgeting with the pendant around her neck, she had removed it from her mother at the age of 10, as they were both meant to possess matching necklaces from when her mother was 16.
Ryder stated that if she were to remove it, she would emit an odour indicative of oestrus, attracting all unmated wolves. She surmised that her mother was aware of this but had refrained from disclosing it, likely to avoid alarming her at such a young age, as it would undoubtedly distress a 10-year-old girl.
She was not so foolish as to misconstrue his intent; he was not Marked himself. He instructed her not to remove it, or he would desire to mate with her. Throughout her life, she remained isolated within this pack due to a pendant, a mystical talisman of which she was entirely unaware. However, she now understood that if she had not claimed and donned it, had never desired to remove it, she would not have felt a connection to her mother through it.
The consequences of removing it would have been catastrophic. She comprehended the implications of being in oestrus. The school provided classes on that subject for all students, regardless of gender, to prepare them for when they acquired their Mates.
Brianna was aware of his gaze upon her, anticipating her response to his inquiry; however, she was uncertain about her desire to be amidst the pack of wolves. Layla felt anxious about venturing outside, yet desired proximity to Logan. She had not growled at Ryder for touching them, despite his repeated actions, and remained silent regarding her Mate.
“You are now discernible to the pack, Brianna; my scent has evidently become yours.” She understood that he was merely attempting to comfort her regarding her presence among them, assuring her that his pack would now acknowledge her. This explained why everyone who entered here gazed directly at her.
“Do I possess your scent, in your perception?”She was inquisitive about that herself.
Heard him chuckle softly, “No, your fragrance is quite subtle; to me, you emanate the aroma of orange blossoms infused with honey and apricot nectar.” Aiden and I consider it beautiful. We detected your scent. Your blood, following the vampire’s attack, is evidently how the process occurs. The blood of a Dieng during the full moon must be revealed to their Mate. A Dieng would invariably identify their Mate initially and with adequate education,” he lamented, “which you lacked; you could have disclosed your identity to me immediately.”
“Will Logan remain unchanged?””
“Indeed, although Nathan mentioned—perhaps to your discontent—that he derived considerable enjoyment from his experience as a Dieng male.”
Brianna negated with a shake of her head. “I can easily envision that he did.” A dominant male possessing the ability to exude an alluring scent of arousal at will, he had the capacity to indulge with numerous women to fulfil his desires whenever he wished.
“I do not desire that outcome for Logan.”
I do not either, to be candid. What information have you conveyed to him, Brianna, regarding our relationship?”
“That is not the truth,” Brianna gazed directly at him. “From an early age, I was aware that no one could perceive my scent, not even my peers.” I anticipated you would not either. I have always understood that it was not your responsibility. I omitted the details and simply informed him that it was an unreciprocated connection.
“I appreciate it.”
“I will disclose the truth to him if he enquires, as a mature individual.” He resembles me, thus he will likely have additional enquiries as he matures. Rowan was perplexed by how I acquired him despite our lack of a relationship.
“I would like to attend that.”
“The decision will rest with Logan regarding whom he wishes to have present in the room.”
He was scowling at her now. “Brianna, you are permitted to possess things for your own benefit and to engage in activities for your own sake.”
“I require nothing; I was raised in deprivation, acquiring only what was essential and no more.” She shrugged.
He visibly displayed anguish in response to her words and dismissed it. “Do not preoccupy yourself with it.” I acquired the ability to manage all matters independently and became accustomed to solitude.
“It pains me, Brianna, to hear you express yourself in this manner; I desire to provide you with everything and to support you.”
I am uncertain about my desires. I had no intention of returning, ever. Not only in this location, but in any group.
“Layla?” What are her emotions?”
Brianna recognised that the inquiry stemmed more from his wolf’s desire for answers than from Ryder himself.
“Aside from her confusion, she remains silent and does not engage in conversation with me.”
“At any point?”He appeared apprehensive.
“Not since the hotel and your message.” She shook her head.
“I apologise, Brianna; I exerted force upon you, which was unwarranted.” Brianna exhaled, “What is done is done, I suppose.”
“Brianna, upon your departure from the country.. Did you flee from me or from Alpha Nathan?”
Nathan. “I assumed you would eventually depart independently; it was merely a dress.” He frowned at her once more. “I was unaware of your identity, and I apologise for sending Sadie in with Beta and the entire unit.” You genuinely perplexed Luca; you confronted him, leaving him uncertain of how to respond. A smile graced his face. “Few possess the audacity to challenge a Beta as you did; he was considerably irked by it.”
