“It is a pleasure to meet you.” She observed Ryder smile directly at Logan and then avert her gaze, feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances of being in the room, not wanting that image to torment her further. Concentrated on her repast. It was observed that Logan did not respond to him.
He harboured a bias against wolves, as did Rowan. Thus far, their observations of wolves indicated that they were menacing. That was also what she had informed him, prior to her awareness of this eventuality, before she realised that Ryder would become integral to their lives. This probably also exacerbated his response to his own species.
She likely needed to restrain herself, as it was evident that Ryder was not going to disappear anytime soon and desired to become acquainted with the boy. It was probable that she would have to interact with him frequently, and the thought of seeing him with others caused her distress—definitely not her preference. Having endured sufficient pain to last a lifetime, she inhaled deeply as her fork hovered over her plate, suppressing her anguish.
This was the precise reason for her departure: to distance herself from him and to erase the memory of witnessing him with another. “Brianna, it’s alright,” she heard the southern drawl of his Gamma, and she sensed the wave of calming energy he was suddenly projecting towards her. The Gamma likely detected an aspect of her emotions.
“If you touch me, Carlos, you will lose that hand,” she muttered, aware that he would need to make contact to fully activate his Gamma’s Charm on her.
She did not even glance at him, nor did she care to; she was aware of his status as a Gamma, his capabilities, and his specific Charm, having witnessed its application within the pack, particularly on distressed she-wolves following rogue assaults. He had never assisted her, despite the fact that she should have been his primary responsibility; however, she received no assistance from him at any time. Therefore, I no longer desire it.
She had endured years of suffering and could withstand far greater challenges than minor heartache, indeed, significantly worse. At times, she felt as though she might perish within that pack. Had indeed implored the moon goddess, who had abandoned her, to terminate her wretched existence on multiple occasions.
However, that woman appeared to derive pleasure from her suffering and permitted it to persist year after year. Until she assumed control and departed, she was unable to execute that decision autonomously. The moon goddess simply needed to deliver one final remark before her departure. Reinsert Ryder into the group when he was meant to be absent.
She was given a glimpse of her elusive mate, yet he remained oblivious to her existence, merely utilising her body for his gratification; to him, she was nothing more than a source of physical pleasure.
Contemplated, for the umpteenth time, what transgression she had committed to incur the wrath of the moon goddess, to be cursed and manipulated by her, and questioned whether the deity they revered and venerated genuinely cared for them. Were they merely toys for her amusement, diminutive puppets tethered by strings to her fingers, which she casually severed or carelessly discarded?
Brianna’s Perspective
Heard the chair’s legs scrape forcefully against the floor as it was pushed away from the table and turned to see it was Stella, immediately recognising the issue and setting aside her own concerns. Carlos’ gaze shifted to another individual during the meal. Stella despised that, perceiving her furious and pained countenance.
Although it was not aimed at Brianna, she understood that Brianna would never inflict such harm upon her.
This could significantly sever her relationship with Carlos. The man’s gaze shifted to Stella as she distanced herself from the table, striking angrily at Carlos’s hand as though it had touched her arm, intending to dislodge it from her skin; he would be incapable of charming her, unable to employ that ability on his own Mate, as they were impervious to it.
Witnessed her depart abruptly, observed genuine perplexity in the man’s gaze; he was entirely unaware of his actions and would likely be incapable of surmising their implications. He possessed no knowledge regarding his human mate. “Remain here,” she instructed Logan gently, then stood, extended her hand to Carlos as he rose, shook her head at him, and quickly pursued Stella, who had not exited the hotel suite but had instead entered Carlos’s room abruptly.
Entered immediately after her. “Stella?””
“They are all identical, you know!”She articulated through gritted teeth, tears welling in her eyes; she was already emotionally tethered to him, and her anguish was palpable in that moment.
What she observed was merely Carlos’s instinctual behaviour; however, she struggled to comprehend this and was at a loss for how to convey it to her without revealing the complete truth about the man’s true nature and his actual role within the pack.
Brianna sighed gently, approached her, and embraced her. “It is not as you perceive, Stella.” I assure you.
“Indeed, I have heard it.” What is your current level of concern? “I despise men,” she murmured. “I believed he would be distinct; he… seems different, and you…” A sob escaped from the woman.
