Vampires and wolves often coexist antagonistically; eliminating one on its territory would attract more. Typically, it requires two of us to subdue one of them, occasionally necessitating three or four, contingent upon the wolves’ strength. They are significantly swifter than we are, and apprehending one is challenging.
“Did Brianna eliminate one independently?”She was perplexed.
“She accomplished that.” The creature was likely newly transformed and appeared unaware of the repercussions of engaging one of us directly. Layla literally eviscerated it with her claws while it was feeding on her, subsequently breaking its neck. A proficient vampire would typically assault a wolf from the rear to avoid the claws.
“Are you concerned that additional occurrences will arise?”“
“Indeed, despite being well-trained, we would be outnumbered and incapable of safeguarding you, Brianna, and Logan from more than two or three adversaries.”
“Did you anticipate more than that?”She scowled at him.
Luca affirmed her statement with a nod.
Stella remained silent for an extended period, now comprehending the reason for their departure in the middle of the night, while Brianna remained oblivious to the situation.
Logan did not either.
She had dozed off at some juncture, and upon awakening, Ryder remained in that room. No one appeared to object; she had exited to use the loo and subsequently opened the bedroom door upon her return. Logan was asleep, curled beside Brianna, while Ryder appeared to have dozed off, seated on the bed adjacent to her.
His hand was entangled in her hair, prompting a frown from her; Brianna would disapprove of that behaviour entirely. “Should not touch her,” had entered her mind.
A hand rested on her shoulder as the door was gently closed, presumably to avoid disturbing them; she turned to discover Nolan directly behind her. “Allow them to be; it will benefit all parties involved.”
“No, it will not,” she muttered. “He has no right to be in there, much less to touch her in that manner.” He merely frowned at her before turning her around and escorting her back to their seat.
Luca and Enzo were either asleep or seemed to be. She disapproved of Ryder’s unrestrained freedom, noting that others acquiesced to his whims. Undoubtedly, they were all aware that Brianna would disapprove. They had all observed her indifference towards the man.
She may be unaware of the events that transpired during their dinner, only noting that Brianna remained completely silent and retreated to her room immediately after Logan, which is uncharacteristic of Brianna’s usual demeanour. Stella had been apprehensive, but the glance Brianna directed at her quelled all her enquiries; it was unequivocally a ‘do not pursue this topic’ expression.
Stella understood the necessity of avoidance and refraining from enquiries, as past experiences had not yielded favourable outcomes, in her opinion.
She was unaware of the dynamics in their world, relying solely on Brianna’s accounts. She understood that the man inside had inflicted suffering on Brianna, and that Brianna was now compelled to confront him due to his discovery of Logan. She had overheard Luca convey to Logan, “You comprehend.”
The boy nodded and responded, “Yes, he will hunt.”
That troubled her significantly. Was Brianna excluded from any decision-making in this matter? Did her desires hold no significance for the man? It appeared to be the case, and all these men, including Nolan, were aligned with Ryder. It was decidedly unjust that everyone desired Ryder to attain his wishes.
Certainly not to Brianna.
What at this moment was so distinct from Miguel’s actions towards her? Ryder was attempting to coerce Brianna into a relationship against her consent. There was no distinction. Stella had never heard Brianna state that she was returning; she had mentioned that Stella would accompany them, but had never indicated that she or Logan would do so.
Stella was certain that Ryder had arrived to retrieve her, and to her knowledge, Brianna had never consented to this arrangement.
She disapproved of it. These men resembled her father, seizing what they desired due to their authority.
She turned and gazed out the window, recognising that someone must confront that man, and she understood that it would not be any of his subordinates. She could once more sense anger surging within her; the phrase ‘we’ll do it’ emerged in her mind, her subconscious resonating with a growl of irritation.
She departed from the plane the moment Nolan informed her they were procuring food. Upon hearing his inquiry about her well-being, she muttered, “Nothing.” The more she contemplated the situation, the angrier she became, and her inner voice urged her to confront that man and demand he distance himself from Brianna.
She recognised that Brianna required medical assistance from her peers, yet she resented that Ryder always obtained his desires with the aid of his men. They were equally as furious with Nolan as the others.
Brianna stated that those four men were at the pinnacle of the hierarchy and consistently obtained their desires. What is the reason?
Undoubtedly, someone was permitted to refuse them. “We can,” had occurred to her, and Stella fully concurred.
She was not owned by anyone; not even her father could compel her to comply with his wishes.
She withdrew her hand from Nolan’s grasp; each time he attempted to touch her, her anger towards him intensified for assisting Ryder in achieving his desires. Why was he unable to assist Brianna instead? She failed to comprehend that.
“Stella, whatever the matter, please compose yourself.” It was Nolan.
