Ryder scowled at her. “I have attempted to restrain him, Brianna.”
“Consequently, your performance was inadequate, was it not?”She fixed him with a glare.
He recognised that she was directly challenging him and expressing her doubt regarding his authority over his subordinates. Neither he nor Aiden particularly liked it.
Both desired to respond, yet recognised the necessity of restraint, requiring composure and control in light of her disrespect towards his identity.
“Why don’t you and Logan join me in the suite for lunch, after which you can personally check on Stella?” he suggested, maintaining a composed tone and concealing any irritation.
It may achieve two objectives simultaneously. Ensure she understands that Stella is fine and arrange for her and Logan to join him in his suite for a meal simultaneously. He could discern that she was contemplating it.
This may have been the appropriate method to proceed. Stella may be required for leverage. Would he not utilise his own son, but rather Stella?
“Did he designate her?”She enquired, which was entirely unexpected for him.
“No,” he exhaled.
“However?”She enquired immediately, noting his reluctance to complete his statement.
A deep sigh escaped him; he was already aware that she would disapprove of his news: “His wolf, Oscar, mated with her this morning.”
She exhibited genuine anger in her eyes, aware of the regulations and the necessity of treating humans differently than she-wolves, and then retorted sharply, “If I were you, I would penalise that individual.”
“Please remain composed, Brianna, and I shall be.” Upon our return to the Pack, it is not feasible to accomplish this in the human realm, is it?He murmured. He was also relieved that there were no actual individuals present in the hallway at this moment. This conversation should not occur in public.
“She will not remain with him if he perpetually regards her as his toy.”
“Toy?”Ryder furrowed his brow, lacking comprehension.
“That is the most courteous way I can express it,” she asserted. “How else is a woman expected to feel when a man suddenly appears, forces her against a wall or onto a bed, and takes what he desires at his convenience?”She was gazing intently at him now.
Ryder was gazing directly at her. He had not contemplated that facet of Nolan’s behaviour; it is instinctual for wolves to exhibit aggression during mating, although this is not universally the case. He now recognised that he had only contemplated that the man and his wolf had mated with her, without her awareness of their significance to her.
Not regarding her sentiments about the manner in which it was executed.
According to all accounts, including those from Luca and Enzo, Stella had actively engaged in the act and had derived considerable pleasure from it, which was not particularly surprising to him.
It was now evident that they were companions. His wolf would not mate with her unless he was assured of her status as his mate.
Would not even afford the woman a second glance otherwise. Stella appeared to desire Nolan’s or Oscar’s touch, was stimulated by it, and reciprocated his advances.
“Understood,” he replied after contemplation, indicating his acknowledgement of her concerns. They existed. “Although Stella regrettably fled from Nolan, provoking Oscar, Nolan attempted to advise her against fleeing, to caution her.” According to what I was informed.
“How could she possibly comprehend its significance?”She shook her head, asserting, “I am indifferent; he must retreat and proceed appropriately, or he risks remaining without a Mate entirely. You may wish to caution him.”
Ryder acknowledged, “I will approach Brianna…on that subject, do you believe she will be receptive to it?” Fully accepting Nolan?”
“This is neither the appropriate time nor the suitable place to address such matters,” she stated bluntly.
He did not understand why she had mentioned it. It was merely an extension of their current discussion, which he could leverage to obtain his desires.
Agreed. May I enter now?If this conversation was not meant to occur in public, then her room was as suitable a location as his suite.
“Negative.”
He immediately scowled. Brianna, we must converse about everything. If I am unable to come downstairs, could you and Logan please come upstairs? I would like a formal introduction to him. We… We must engage in a discussion.
“I will not simply relinquish him to you.” She glared at him with anger.
“I am not requesting that of you,” he replied, wishing to dispel any misconceptions. “I have no intention of separating the two of you, now or ever,” he reiterated. “I desire both of you,” he declared calmly, observing her reaction.
She glared at him, narrowing her eyes, seemingly sceptical, and asserted, “I have a life.” Far removed from you and your associates. I have no desire to return to a life of confinement, whether within your pack or any other.
He was now frowning intensely at the phrase, ‘you and yours.’ “Within your pack” troubled him significantly. “Kindly join me for a meal so we can converse.” I will allow you time to contemplate matters. I will not hasten this, Brianna; if you require time, take it. “I will provide that to you,” he stated earnestly, hoping she would comprehend and accept it.
