He refrained from attempting to enter and see Logan, which was peculiar. There was undoubtedly something amiss. Brianna, formal attire is unnecessary. “Simply arrive as you are, along with Logan.” Upon her acknowledgement, he closed the door and departed.
Brianna sat down, considerably more perplexed, while Layla expressed her discontent from the hallway, sounding somewhat irritated. It was not solely her perception; Layla also sensed that something was amiss. It required an entire minute to dispel it. If he wished for her to be informed, he would undoubtedly communicate it directly.
He appeared quite direct in articulating his desires. She realised she was unaware of the dinner time, as he had not mentioned it. Most likely, the only action required was to retrieve them.
“Mother?””
“I am uncertain,” she replied candidly. “Annabella desires to converse with me once more.” That was all she comprehended.
“I admire her.” Logan beamed at her.
“Mm, she appears amiable,” Brianna acknowledged. “Your father desires us to dine with him.”
“Understood.” He acknowledged with a nod.
Brianna remarked, “His entire family.”
“Oh… who is that?””
“I assume his parents, siblings, and any cousins were mentioned, but he only referred to a family dinner.” She gazed directly at him. “Logan, it will be a gathering of dominant wolves; will Rowan be comfortable with that?”It was necessary to ascertain his feelings regarding this matter.
Observed him appear to converse with his wolf, then nod his head, “It should be, he appears to comprehend which wolves are his kin.”
“Understood,” she acknowledged, marking a positive beginning for his rapport with other Alpha wolves.
Ryder arrived to collect them at 6. He had changed into jeans and a t-shirt, and Brianna contemplated whether he should purchase a larger size, as the shirt was snug and accentuated the contours of his chest and abdominal muscles; she even observed his v-line through the fabric.
Upon hearing the man clear his throat, she glanced at him inquisitively and observed a fully amused smile on his face. Internally reprimanding herself, she shook her head, recognising that she had been staring at his physique, ogling him, as she presumed. He had undoubtedly scrutinised him, and he was aware of it.
Heard his amused chuckle moments later as she glared at him; he recognised that she had been observing his muscles, inadvertently caught in the act, unaware of her actions until he cleared his throat and smiled directly at her. She appeared pleased while gazing at him.
“All individuals are adopting a casual demeanour. I anticipate it will alleviate Rowan’s tension somewhat.
Brianna nodded in acknowledgement and remained silent.
They entered the private dining room, where everyone was already present. They appeared to be the final arrivals. Ryder formally introduced each individual by name.
Benjamin and his father Henry, along with his stepmother Helen, his brother, and his partner Robyn and their two daughters, Levi and Blake. Subsequently, there were Megan and her partner, Simon. She was the daughter of Helen from her former partner, and they had three daughters: Hilda, Nadine, and Lee-Anne. Subsequently, Sadie, his sibling.
Brianna recognised that he had not only introduced them but had done so in a ranked order, which was somewhat peculiar given that it was a family dinner. It was overwhelming. It appears that his other brother was on vacation with his companion at her former pack.
They would receive that introduction upon his return.
Brianna occupied the chair that Ryder had positioned for her, with no indication of Stella’s presence; it was probable that Fade and Oscar were still familiarising themselves in the woods. Logan positioned himself between her and Benjamin. He continued to smile at the boy and heard Ryder instruct his father to ease off slightly as he took a seat.
All individuals were attired in jeans and t-shirts or sweaters, and there was considerable conversation occurring around the table. It appeared that all his family members maintained harmonious relations. She was relatively silent, accustomed to the tranquilly of her and Logan’s routine with Stella every alternate day; the noise level in this environment was quite high. Engaged in laughter and camaraderie.
Enquiries were posed to both her and Logan, primarily regarding their leisure activities outside of work or school, in Logan’s case. Logan responded to enquiries, as she did, but refrained from providing additional information, just as she did.
When the boy declared that his favourite location was the Swiss Alps due to its excellent snowboarding opportunities, it captivated nearly everyone in the room, prompting a barrage of enquiries regarding his holiday experiences.
Logan appeared to become more animated at that moment.
He relished recounting his travels across the globe, at one moment smiling up at her and stating, “Mum takes me wherever I want to go.” She merely smiled back at him, acknowledging that she indeed did so.
If he requested, she acquiesced. Desired for him to possess everything, ensuring he never lacked any of his desires.
All were astonished except Ryder, regarding the numerous locations he had visited, which indicated that he had indeed entered her residence. Presumably viewed all their family photographs. She permitted him to converse with anyone and about any topic; it was gratifying to observe his and Rowan’s ease in the room.
Brianna was posed several enquiries regarding her business and its performance. How she had successfully established such a substantial enterprise for herself.
She merely dismissed it. Her designs, even during her time in the pack, had garnered popularity, suggesting that it was likely mere luck.
Megan remarked that it might have been the Goddess’s method of compensating her for all she had endured. Brianna merely gazed at the woman. She harboured significant doubts, thus refraining from commenting on the matter. She was displeased that everyone appeared to be aware of the events between her and Ryder, which she considered private. It irritated her that this information had been disseminated, more than slightly.
