“It is overwhelming, Brianna.” I apologise for my inappropriate touch; I did not intend to lose control in that manner. I noticed him gaze at his hand and remark, “You feel…” exceedingly hot, intensely hot to me and it.. fulfil my requirement to engage with you. Although I may not perceive your scent, I find myself unable to restrain my impulses when I make contact with you; this, I surmise, is the nature of our connection as I experience it.
“She does not appear attractive to me,” Carlos remarked. “Merely perplexed.”
“Good,” she heard Ryder assert. “I would probably sever your head if you touched her in that manner.” She blinked at his remark.
Carlos snorted, clearly entertained, “So possessive already.” He then caressed her face to capture her attention, which she granted. “Come on, I’ll escort you back; I believe you’ve reached your limit.”
Brianna acknowledged his correctness and permitted him to escort her from the room. He chuckled softly as they traversed the hallway, stating, “You believe I am possessive; however, Logan is not departing. He has been searching for his undiscovered mate for eight years.”
“How can one discover something of which one is unaware?”
“Certainly.” All he understood was the intense heat you emanated to him.
“Did he simply proceed to touch everyone?”Brianna enquired, increasingly perplexed.
He essentially greeted every she-wolf he encountered, either by shaking hands or allowing the back of his hand to graze against them, in search of that intense sensation. It was never discovered, however. Because you ran a considerable distance away.
Upon reaching her hotel door, she sighed, “I likely appear dishevelled.”
Observed his gaze traverse her visage. “Relatively acceptable.”
Logan will become distressed. “If he believes I am distressed,” she expressed concern.
“Inform him that we argue, you and I, and that you struck me decisively; this is the truth.”
“It may be effective, but Stella could become distressed by the fact that I caused you harm.”He chuckled, stating, “Stella will be fine; she will probably find it amusing.” This was likely accurate to some extent.
Ryder’s Perspective
He needed to make skin-to-skin contact, yet she was clad in a long-sleeved silk blouse and slacks. Consequently, he had no alternative but to encircle her neck with his hand, hoping she would not perceive it as a threat. However, Layla was furious and preparing to confront Nolan, having already unleashed her wolf’s full rogue aggression against the man.
It was his sole remaining option. He could not allow them to enter a complete rogue fight or flight response, which was precisely what he observed. He anticipated this occurrence, but if, as he surmised, their Mate Bond remained intact, his touch should effectively soothe her.
As soon as his hand glided along her neck, he realised he was correct. She was exceedingly warm to the touch, reminiscent of that night in his bed; he could feel his heart rate escalating. Hearing her gasp “No,” he understood that she too was becoming aware of their continued connection. Certainty prevailed.
He and Aiden perceived Layla’s near disappearance; Brianna’s entire physique felt altered to him, as all the pent-up tension abruptly dissipated from her body. “Shh.” He quieted her, desiring her to compose herself, as he was distressed by the resurgence of her childhood and adolescent anguish. It had also provoked her immediately into an irate, hostile reaction, “I have you, Brianna,” he stated gently.
However, his eyes were already closed; her touch was beginning to influence him, as it had on that night. He could also perceive her heart rate accelerating threefold, responding to his touch or her own trepidation regarding it. Uncertain of the situation, he drew her closer to him, desiring proximity. “Stop,” she gasped, yet he continued to slide his hand down her neck, his fingertips tracing her carotid artery, sensing her heartbeat.
She grasped both of his arms in an attempt to prevent him from touching her; however, he was unable to comply, as his desire to touch her was overwhelming. “Let me go,” he heard her say.
“I will not relinquish my hold,” he sighed softly, unwilling to ever release her. “Goddess Brianna.” She was akin to a potent narcotic; a mere touch rendered him addicted, yearning for more. Aiden advanced, attracted to her as intensely as Ryder was, reminiscent of that night when they both exclaimed, “You feel so damn hot.” Simultaneously, he pressed his lips against her neck, delivering a gentle yet assertive kiss; she tasted exquisite to them.
“Ryder.” Nolan shouted at him, causing his eyes to snap open. It was only then that he comprehended his actions and the audacity he had displayed. He immediately released her and stepped back, his breathing accelerated and his hand felt as though it were ablaze, yet it did not inflict any pain.
