“Mine,” Layla growled, her mind filled with aggression.
Brianna stared in surprise at the mention of ‘Layla.’“
She sensed rage emanating from her wolf, “Stella,” and acknowledged Layla’s furious presence within her mind. “Remove Logan from this location immediately.”
“What?”It was both Stella and Logan.
“Proceed, Layla is deteriorating.”
“Mother?””
“Proceed, Logan.” “Please,” she implored, sensing the surges of rage emanating from her wolf as Layla attempted to advance. Observed Fade on the surface, gazed directly at her, then swiftly seized Logan and exited the room. Her wolf appeared to comprehend the impending event.
Brianna had previously experienced such intense rage from her wolf only once, when they were trapped between Nolan and Ryder, who attempted to touch her despite her desire to remain untouched. This, however, was distinctly different.
Layla’s emotions surged to the forefront, forcefully reasserting control over her consciousness. She unleashed her wrath and aggression into the space, violently kicking the coffee table, which careened across the room and shattered against the wall. “How dare he,” she snarled, upending the couch and tearing the curtains from the windows, scattering them throughout the room.
Her fury was brief, dissipating in under five minutes, manifesting as an explosive outburst of pure rage. Subsequently, she remained in the centre of the room, glaring at the hallway door, still irked but no longer furious.
Brianna attempted to pacify her wolf, urging, “Do not venture out there.” “Remain stationary; we are fine.”
“Angry with Mate.” She hissed, “I comprehend that, and I even grasp the rationale.” And she did.
Ryder repeatedly informed them that he and Aiden desired their presence, yet he was acutely aware of the imminent possibility of his own demise and refrained from disclosing any information.
Aiden had indicated to her the potential that he could be abruptly taken from her at any moment. It was inconsiderate of her to disregard the wolf’s feelings.
“Punish him,” Layla hissed.
“What is your preferred method for accomplishing that?” This action may cause Logan distress. The phrase ‘Is attached to the man now’ may not have posed an issue had the boy been indifferent towards his father; presumably, Brianna would have permitted her to confront him and severely punish him for his folly.
Heard Layla snarl once more before retreating to the recesses of her mind, still angered with her Mate.
Brianna was exceedingly irritated and somewhat angry. However, not incensed by it. Ryder had not tried to sway her into telling Annabella she’d consented, he’d let her just tell the truth. Not that she had stated the whole truth.
The events of that night transpired rapidly; she had not even the opportunity to decline. He was her Mate, and he desired her, which was all she and Layla had ever truly wished for. Sighing, she pondered who could possibly understand. Surveyed the condition of the room and shook her head; these men were utterly insufferable.
Approached and repositioned the couch; however, I was unable to address the shattered glass from the coffee tables scattered throughout the room or the tattered curtains. Layla displayed all her claws in that moment of fury.
Observed the door gradually opening and discovered Nolan entering, appearing apprehensive towards her. He looked at the room as he closed the door, looked right at her questioningly.
“Layla in a rage.”
“I received that information from Stella and Fade, both vociferously communicating it through our Mate Bond link.” Her gaze shifted to Carlos’s neck, where a prominent filigree displayed a subtle bluish hue. She observed that the dimensions of the mark suggested they had engaged in Marking and Mating while in wolf form.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to put them near Layla right this minute, she is out for punishment, furious at her Mates “Carlos’ eyes lit right up and that smile was huge all of a sudden “At her Mates, huh?”
“Shut it Carlos, I can’t deal with that right now & well.”
“Can you manage a few omegas to assist in rectifying this situation?””
“No, I can do it myself, don’t bring them afterhours. That’s not fair to them.”
“They will arrive, Brianna; you are the Luna.”
“I don’t want them to work just because l had a tantrum. Well, Layla did. Just get me a dust pan and broom.”
“Alight,” he affirmed. “You are still angry.”
“Indeed, she is,” Brianna affirmed with a nod. “Let it be; it will resolve itself, or she will…” Brianna left the thought unarticulated, knowing that Carlos, the Gamma, would understand that if Layla desired her Mate, she would pursue him regardless of who witnessed it or how he might feel.
She observed him exit the room and sighed. Layla was mentally disengaged, yet her tail flicked vehemently from side to side. She was unable to reprimand Ryder or his wolf without likely inciting Logan’s displeasure, which in turn was exacerbating her wolf’s agitation.
Ryder POV
Ryder watched as Annabella and Brianna came out of his office. Relief flooded through his entire body at Annabella’s words “All is well.” though from the impassive look he and Nathan alike got from Brianna, he knew she was well and truly controlling her facial expression, just shook her head and then walked away.
Couldn’t read how she was actually feeling.
Saw Nathan nod at him, the man himself seemed very relieved, they had known each other for a long time, before he was the Alpha even. They had assisted one another, engaged in commerce, and witnessed their wolves join each other’s packs following the full moon mating gatherings.
Neither party genuinely desired to engage in a fatal duel with the other. It was probable that neither party was aware of who would prevail over the other. They had never engaged in combat against one another, nor had they even sparred at this juncture.
