Where had she resided? What methods had she employed to survive? However, I was reluctant to proceed with Logan present in the room. It could distress him, and he wished to avoid that.
“Shall we take a walk later?” You and one?Ryder enquired nonchalantly.
She directed her gaze towards him, narrowing her eyes as if attempting to discern his intentions. “I merely thought we could converse privately, just the two of us,” he stated, shifting his gaze to Logan before returning to her. “I have several enquiries I wish to address, and I am confident you possess questions of your own.” She continued to stare at him before nodding in agreement.
“Understood.” She resumed her meal, contemplating whether she had no enquiries whatsoever or simply lacked interest in his identity and character. He presumed she had matured here, alongside him. He was eight years her senior; she likely observed his character during their formative years and until her departure. She may have been aware of his identity.
Brianna’s Perspective
Ryder returned after dinner to take a walk at nearly 8 that evening. His father, Benjamin, accompanied him. She scowled at the man, yet he merely smiled in return and waved a PS5 game at her. “I am here to spend time with my grandson,” the man expressed with evident enthusiasm.
Ryder visibly rolled his eyes at his father, stating, “I was unable to prevent him; he prohibited everyone from watching Logan so he could undertake it himself.”
I wish to spend time with my grandson. I have been absent from his entire life. “I will not be missing anything further.” He was staring directly at Ryder.
Noticing Ryder’s jaw twitch, Brianna stepped aside to allow the man entry into the suite. “Where is my grandson?” he shouted as he passed her, appearing to regain his enthusiasm.
There was no necessity to yell or scream. The boy stood mere feet from the door, and it was evident to her that Benjamin held Ryder responsible for his lack of contact with his grandson. That was significantly erroneous. In what manner was Ryder culpable? She had never disclosed the existence of the boy to him or to anyone else.
“Apologies, Brianna, Nolan and Stella were available to watch Logan; however…” his gaze shifted to his father, who still appeared irritated with the man.
Brianna nodded in comprehension, recognising that his father had likely asserted his authority as Alpha.
I hope you find this acceptable.
Brianna glanced at Logan, who was already informing Benjamin that he would defeat him, and they were playfully mocking each other regarding who would be the superior driver. Gently shook her head at the boys’ antics. “Does your father engage in gaming activities?”Brianna enquired.
“Hmm.. Not particularly, but occasionally with my brothers’ girlfriends; however, I have never witnessed him engage in a car game before. I assert that he obtained that directly from Henry. Are you prepared to depart?”
“Affirmative, Logan?”“The boy gazed directly at her and remarked, ‘Be gentle with your grandfather; he is elderly, you know.’ He snorted with amusement at Benjamin’s astonished expression, then exited the room while chuckling, a slight reprisal for his own demeanour.
“It appears you are engaging in a perilous endeavor.”
“Hmm.” Brianna shrugged. “I believe the man requires a reprimand.”
“For what purpose, precisely?” “If you do not mind my inquiry,” Brianna said, frowning at him. “He unequivocally attributes blame to you for your ignorance regarding Logan…how could you have been aware, as I did not inform you.”
Ryder regarded her with evident astonishment at her remarks, to which she responded, “Thank you, I suppose.” Brianna dismissed it nonchalantly. If I do not hold you accountable for the past, how can anyone else?”
Moments later, she felt his hand intertwine with hers, and upon looking up, she observed him smiling gently at her, indicating his appreciation for her perspective on the situation.
“To what destination are we proceeding?”She enquired of him.
“Indeed.” <text”I request that you…” he sighed, “demonstrate to me the location of your residence within this pack, Brianna. No one here remembers you; our recollections are unfortunately linked to our olfactory senses.
“You observed the cabin.” Brianna scowled.
“I did,” Ryder affirmed, “but you mentioned that you discovered that…” “after you turned 18” resonated somewhat melancholically to her ears.
“I did.” Brianna sensed that he was already aware of how and when she discovered it. Abandoned that matter.
He had frequently apologised for all those years, yet he had never sought her out. She had not requested him to do so, perceived no genuine necessity for his actions, did not hold him accountable, nor had she ever; she recognised that she was the one who was imperceptible. He was not to blame.
“Could you demonstrate to me.. I understand that you are reluctant to discuss it, as it is distressing. However, I would like to ascertain its current location and determine if it remains extant.
“It will be.” Brianna nodded, feeling a distinct difference in her presence now compared to the past, likely due to the pack members’ ability to see, recognise, and acknowledge her. They smiled directly at her and were able to identify her. This was the inaugural occasion she experienced this sensation. She could no longer vividly remember her childhood, as it was overshadowed by profound loneliness, she believed.
Layla also sensed a change; she had never truly desired to return to pack life, but this sentiment was primarily due to her persistent feelings of isolation and invisibility in this environment. They no longer experienced that sentiment.
Both she and Layla perceived a change, resembling a greater alignment with the human world. In a location where individuals could constantly observe her.
Individuals referred to her by her name or as Luna, a concept she was still attempting to comprehend.
It was unsettling to hear them express that. Once known, it ought to have been her title; however, over the years, she learnt it would never be so, leading her to dismiss it entirely and ultimately develop a disdain for the term Luna. However, their title was peculiar, to say the least.
“In which location did you reside, Brianna?”Ryder enquired as they descended the stairs.
“In the basement of the pack-house,” she informed him.
Ryder halted and gazed down at her, appearing nearly petrified. She acknowledged, “Better than being alone in the woods.” Brianna shrugged, “although I resided in my parents’ former house for a year.”
“What prevented you from remaining there?”He enquired immediately.
Brianna arched an eyebrow at him; she had previously admonished him in his hotel room. He may have either forgotten or failed to comprehend her fully. Brianna sighed; it had been a dreadful day for her, returning home from school to discover the house stripped of all her belongings and her parents’ possessions.
