She appeared capable of experiencing happiness in Logan’s presence, consistently smiling at him despite her irritation with Ryder, which did not seem to affect her relationship with the boy. He derived pleasure from observing them and appreciated her smile as well. It would be pleasant if she could smile at him, even if only once.
However, he received only frowns, indifference, or hostility from her.
Logan was exceedingly eager to exclaim. “You lose, Nolan,” Ryder remarked, unable to suppress a smile at his son.
Brianna indeed chuckled this time, a gentle half-giggle, and not only did his heart rate accelerate, but he also sensed Aiden genuinely observing her; it appeared he, too, appreciated the sound of her laughter. At the very least, they recognised her potential for happiness. It was not characterised by constant anger and aggression.
He detected unmistakable amusement in her voice when she claimed she had done nothing; however, Ryder was fairly certain that Brianna was aware of her actions and likely understood that Stella would willingly participate. He smiled to himself as he recognised that Brianna was deliberately teasing his Alpha Unit, engaging with them, albeit in a minor capacity.
However, she was actively interacting with other wolves, which was a positive development; any form of connection between them was encouraging for him, especially given that she had threatened to sever their hands just the previous day.
Enzo terminated his participation after one hour. The cursed woman and his son appeared to be innate runners, and the entire situation revolved around running. Subsequently, there would be no leniency; he overheard Enzo remark through the mind-link, “Your companion is exceptionally fit.”
Once more, he smiled to himself and retorted, ‘So is my son.’ He was exceedingly proud of his son, who had only reached the age of seven and had already surpassed you. He was genuinely enjoying himself. Nolan’s proposal was commendable.
Ryder recognised that Logan would emerge as a formidable Alpha, precisely what the pack’s future required. He heard Logan exuberantly exclaiming about his victory once more and glanced at his son, feeling a wave of pride emanate from Aiden as well. The boy was smiling, and they both observed that Rowan was present on the surface.
Fortunately, they were the sole witnesses in the gym.
I overheard Nolan tease his brother about losing to a child, only for Enzo to retaliate immediately. Nolan asserted that he circumvented his challenge and would not be deceived into dismounting the treadmill in the future. Stella was heard to snicker in amusement. They appeared to be harmonious. Adored it.
I enjoyed hearing Logan’s frustrated wolf snarl as he dismounted the treadmill; the alpha within him despised losing. No, Alpha was certain of that.
Brianna chuckled at him and appeared completely unoffended. He recognised that this was probably their routine. Luca informed him that the boys’ wolf had been defeated by her during their morning run in the Colorado woods and had responded in the same manner as now.
Upon hearing his youthful, gravelly voice for the first time, stating, “Only a matter of time,” both he and Aiden recognised unequivocally that it was Rowan who was irked. They had never previously heard him articulate words; they had only experienced his growls and snarls. He was remarkably young yet already possessed considerable power.
“Somewhat of a sore loser,” Ryder remarked, although he was pleased to see and hear his son in that manner. He needed to learn to manage his temper; even at the age of seven, he had observed the considerable aggression within the boy’s wolf, likely stemming from a desire to safeguard his small pack. Running was likely a beneficial outlet; however, as he aged, it would prove insufficient.
Brianna’s honey-brown eyes fixed on him, her eyebrow arched, and she remarked, “Probably takes after you in that regard.”
He nearly stumbled at her remark, as she was essentially accusing him of being a sore loser. To his astonishment, he heard his entire unit snicker in complete amusement. Ryder did not perceive himself as a disgruntled loser. Although he occasionally experienced frustration from not excelling, this stemmed from his role as the Alpha, the leader of the Pack, who was expected to be the fastest, strongest, and most formidable in order to safeguard his pack. Did they all perceive him as a sore loser as well?
“Ryder,” it was Luca via the mind-link. “She is tormenting me; observe her.” A ruthless machine, yet still remarkably comfortable. ‘Ryder smiled,’ then allowed her to triumph. Luca, I remain eager for the challenge. “You are on your own then,” he heard his Beta murmur before vocally declaring his resignation and dismounting the treadmill.
Enduring running in human form was not within their training; his body ached, yet Aiden urged him onwards, as his wolf remained unwilling to concede. Despite Ryder’s gaze, Luca was correct; although her body was glistening with sweat, she appeared remarkably at ease and did not even acknowledge Layla’s presence. If this were solely Brianna, and Layla had yet to participate in this challenge, he could indeed be in jeopardy. Aiden had been aiding him for the previous 40 minutes.
“Natural born runner” immediately entered his thoughts as he heard Aiden exhale, who also appeared apprehensive about their potential to succeed in this challenge against her.
Although a portion of him genuinely relished every moment of the Alpha versus Luna confrontation. She may not be his true Luna, yet he intended to pursue, irritate, and persuade her until he triumphed in that endeavour. She was his Mate, and he desired her; he would devise a method to mark her and claim her for himself.
Aiden sensed a transformation within her and glanced at Layla, realising she had finally engaged in the challenge. His muscles implored him to cease; he consumed additional water while Aiden urged him to exert more stamina.
Neither of them wished to lose this battle against them. After 2 hours and 40 minutes, the woman and her wolf gazed directly at them. He recognised that they were evaluating the circumstances; he was destined to fail. They appeared exceedingly comfortable. Layla participated only when necessary, conserving her wolf strength and stamina until required. It was evident to him that Brianna engaged in extensive running, likely on a daily basis.
