Mason had been following him, lacking comprehension of the situation, until Caelan admonished her that she was prohibited from shifting in the presence of others. Poor Daisy gazed at him, utterly perplexed by his anger. She had merely been training like everyone else, without any particular consideration. They had been mated for merely a few weeks and had finally received medical clearance to resume all customary wolfen activities, including training.
She sought clarification from Mason regarding the situation, only to discover that Caelan had turned to look at him, unaware that he was positioned directly where he could see the girl unclothed. Had barked at her to ascend the stairs and exited to slam the door shut behind her.
At this moment, she was speaking audibly in his presence about engaging with one or two she-wolves and had even made physical contact with him. Which would have caused her suffering, although he had not observed any pain in her whatsoever.
Mason was certain that it was intended to irritate Caelan.
She had evidently contemplated methods to circumvent her Alpha’s directives and discovered a favourable loophole. Proclaiming it in his presence among all her foolish actions, this was arguably the most foolish.
“Release it, Caelan.”
“I understand her motives,” he murmured in response.
“Surrender it, resolve the issue.”
“No,” he asserted, then turned and departed. “You have yet to indicate the location of the art studio.” I have received the builders’ request to commence land clearing for it.
Mason acknowledged that he had been courteous to the girl, as Mason had instructed, although the duration of this civility appeared brief; nonetheless, he would honour his commitment. “Very well, let us proceed.” You will find it enjoyable.
He escorted Caelan directly to the designated location. Observed Caelan raise an eyebrow while he turned to gaze at the pack-house, tilting his head towards the top floor.
Mason remarked, “I can observe it from my suite. You will also have a complete view from your Alpha suite, should you choose to relocate there.” He selected this location not solely for his own tranquilly regarding Daisy, but also with the expectation that it would compel his Alpha to occupy the awaiting Alpha suite above. He indicated the ground floor. Your office windows will provide a complete view.
Caelan turned and fixed him with narrowed eyes.
“You are welcome, Caelan.” She had a singular request.
“What was it?””
“A one-bedroom flat located at the rear.”
“And what?””
“I informed her that it is an art studio, not a residence, essentially.”
“Hmm.”
Mason observed Caelan as he turned to gaze into the forest beyond its intended path. Mason deliberately selected this location. It was, in fact, the place where Caelan found solitude. He would sit on that stone bridge, either smoking or drinking bourbon, although he had not observed the man smoke since Daisy informed him it was detrimental to his health.
The man had not ceased smoking for his mother or father, both of whom disapproved; notably, his mother had reprimanded him for this ‘filthy habit.’ In defiance, Caelan had ignited a cigarette directly in front of her to provoke her irritation. Lydia was likewise unable to persuade him.
Caelan smoked not for enjoyment, but because it inflicted physical pain and burned his lungs. He resumed smoking approximately a week after Daisy departed and persisted until her return to the group.
Mason contemplated that for a moment. In fact, he had not observed the man exhibit joy even once since Canada, despite witnessing his anger on multiple occasions since her return. He found it intriguing and pondered whether Caelan had recognised it. Or, for that matter, his parents.
“Very well.” Caelan acknowledged him, “I suppose I shall grant my approval.”
“Excellent reasoning.” Her workspace is notably compact, as I observed. It requires a sufficiently large workspace.
Caelan gazed once more at the top floor, where his current room, situated on the front side of the pack-house, was merely a room and not a suite. A suite is unnecessary. That was the entirety of his remarks on the matter.
“When do you plan to relocate to your suite?” It is prepared above.
“Indeed, I do.” It is futile. I do not require all those rooms.
“You are now the Alpha, Caelan.” You ought to be in the Alpha suite.
“Accompanied by Lydia?” “I disagree,” he replied and walked away.
They returned to the pack-house without Lydia. That clarified much, MASON surmised; it was not his Luna, hence she would not be present there. Entered the Alpha’s office, where he observed Caelan signing and approving the builders’ application to clear and level the land in preparation for her art studio.
He was unable to persuade Caelan to revoke the order against her. The man was impervious to persuasion. Mason directly confronted him and labelled him an imbecile to his face. Caelan merely glanced at him, exhibiting no apparent surprise. He likely anticipated Mason entering and physically assaulting him regarding the matter.
The sole reason Mason refrained from doing so was that Daisy appeared unperturbed by it; she seemed annoyed, perhaps exasperated, but not genuinely angry, and even exhibited a degree of understanding. Mason believed she was overly accommodating regarding the matter. She had previously instructed him to disregard it, yet this had occurred multiple times.
He was aware of her concerns regarding the conflict between her Alpha and another Alpha, apprehensive that it had jeopardised the pack’s alliance with Alpha Kaiden. It was probably evident to her that Caelan would never permit anyone to approach her, and this was her method of ensuring that nothing was compromised by her actions, as her Alpha was a possessive individual.
