“Where is Stella?”She gasped, alarmed as she could no longer perceive the woman.
“I am present.” She perceived Stella’s gentle voice and turned to face her, “Brianna?””
“Am I well?”She conveyed this to her and experienced a sense of tranquilly merely by her presence.
“I have never witnessed you this enraged before,” Stella murmured, biting her lip and appearing somewhat anxious.
“I endeavour to maintain my composure,” Brianna confessed. “I apologise for your witnessing that.” She recognised that Stella must have observed Layla on the surface; it had been inescapable at that moment.
“What was it?””
Luca interjected, “Not here.”
“Release me, Luca,” she exhaled.
“Are you certain you are well?”He enquired in return, lacking the tone of belief in her words.
“Affirmative,” she acknowledged, and she was released cautiously. He retreated from her, and she pivoted to face him, gasping as her knee throbbed in pain from having kicked Miguel, glancing down at it while gritting her teeth.
“That will require realignment once more,” Luca informed her, sounding disapproving of her actions. She was indifferent to the man’s opinion, shifted her weight onto her strong leg, and extended her hand to grasp Stella’s. The woman had merely observed Layla on the surface but had not fled; she remained beside her, displaying little fear, which relieved Brianna, who was grateful that her friend was not frightened.
“Did you contact Nolan?”She enquired of Luca.
I was on the phone with him when you pursued Miguel; he is informed and returning now. “Remain here,” Luca instructed her. “I must go assist Ryder in escorting those two upstairs.” His gaze shifted from her to Logan, and he frowned.
Brianna understood his thoughts; without the presence of the Alpha Unit to supervise her, she could place Logan in the car and flee.
“I will not progress significantly,” she gestured to her injured knee. Moreover, he was still in possession of her car keys.
“You must flee,” he cautioned her.
“We will not.” Logan exited the vehicle, positioned himself between her and Stella, and gazed up at the man.
Luca gazed directly at the boy, stating, “Do you comprehend, Logan, that your father will not simply abandon you.”
“Affirmative.” He inclined his head towards Luca, “Pursue us if we proceed.”
“Affirmative.” Luca nodded and subsequently turned, proceeding towards the hotel’s entrance.
“He can be somewhat…intimidating,” Stella whispered.
Brianna affirmed, “We can all be.”
What transpired with you?”
“I rushed into traffic to reach you and prevent Miguel from taking you, but I was struck by a car, injuring my knee. It was repaired, but it is not in good condition now.” She sighed. “Nolan will be quite angry when he returns.”
“My departure was unintentional.”
“No, not directed at you, Stella.” Brianna smiled, “but at your condition, your bruises, that blow to your face, from where he originates, he possesses rights to.. penalise anyone who would inflict harm upon you.
“Hmm,” she remarked with a shrug, “I believe you inflicted considerable harm on Miguel.”
“It will not assist; simply be ready, as he may.” How did she elucidate this?
“His eyes appear distinct,” she fixed her gaze on Brianna, as if daring her to refute it.
Brianna affirmed with a nod.
“I have previously observed his eyes to be a vivid green.” She shrugged. “I assume you were aware of that.”
“Typical, from whence they originate.”
“From where did you originate?” Your eyes were devoid of colour!Brianna sighed and affirmed, “yes.” She was aware that Layla had been on the surface; her confirmation came when they observed Stella. Opened the car door and descended to rise from her knee.
Luca returned promptly, frowning at her. “I can rectify that here, or transport you to your room and address it there,” he stated flatly.
“This location is acceptable,” Brianna murmured, preferring it to be repaired rather than transported.
He detached the brace and gazed directly at her with intent. If you dislocate it again before it heals properly, surgical intervention will likely be necessary. Do you comprehend me?Brianna acknowledged her understanding. Layla did not snarl at the man; her primary desire was still for Miguel, and she appeared to comprehend and accept Luca’s assistance once more. She recognised their impulsiveness had jeopardised their recovery, resulting in re-injury.
With the brace reattached, she was able to hobble and apply slight pressure on her knee; however, after five steps, the pain became unbearable, forcing her to halt on her uninjured leg. She heard Luca exclaim, “If you bite me, I’ll retaliate.” He then lifted her and transported her into the hotel, as she had no alternative and could not traverse the lobby and proceed down the hall to her room on her own.
They were escorted to their room, where Luca placed her on the couch and gazed directly at her. “I shall depart, as Nolan will wish to see Stella.”
Brianna murmured, “I am cognisant of the typical procedures, Luca.”
It is reassuring to observe that you remember certain details,” Luca murmured, then glanced at her knee. “Apply ice and refrain from walking on it until Layla advises otherwise.” He fixed his gaze on her for a full minute before turning to Stella. “Do you require medical assistance?””
“No,” she replied, shaking her head.
“I shall take my leave, as I am required elsewhere.” He rose and departed without further comment, exhibiting all the traits of Beta mode, she reflected.
“Disclose it.” Stella confronted her. Brianna exhaled, “Take a seat and remain calm.”
“I am already anxious,” Stella murmured as she took a seat.
“Mother?”She discerned the concern in Logan’s voice.
“She must discover it eventually; she is Nolan’s Mate,” she elucidated for him. He now understood the concept of a Mate.
“Companion?”Stella enquired.
“Indeed, Stella, you are already connected to him, so inhale deeply.”
Observed the woman perform precisely that, and after a brief interval permitted Layla to advance. The woman had previously encountered her, so there was no risk involved; this was the subject on which she sought clarification.
Permitted Stella to observe her at length, she noted the woman’s gaze shift to Logan after several minutes of reflection, his wolf Rowan momentarily emerged.
“That is simply peculiar,” Stella remarked, shaking her head.
Brianna stated, “Layla poses no threat to you.”
“Layla?” As Luca just mentioned, you invoked that name yesterday and, in fact, used it to threaten Nolan.
“Yes, I did,” she affirmed. “Layla is my inner wolf.”
“Canis lupus?”Stella snorted, clearly amused.
Affirmative. I am not entirely human; however, I predominantly am in the present time.
