No dialogue was audible; only the television was operational. This was unsettling—what if she had departed?
He opened the door to the room, needing to ascertain whether she was still present. The tension dissipated from his body the instant he noticed three pairs of eyes upon him, immediately identifying Rowan’s gaze, and sighed internally.
“Good afternoon.” He smiled, attempting to alleviate the tension in the room. This marked the inaugural occasion he found himself in a room with Stella and her wolf, observing her directly and recognising that it was solely Stella present, devoid of her wolf Fade on the surface. Glanced at her momentarily before directing his gaze towards Brianna. She appeared rather displeased to see him, as she often did. However, she would eventually need to confront him. The more promptly they addressed their issues, the more advantageous it would be for all parties involved.
“May I enter?”Ryder enquired.
Obtaining permission would likely be the most prudent course of action, as none of them appreciated being directed, nor did they appear inclined to allow him to act unilaterally.
He had previously been in a room with her on multiple occasions, so he anticipated that this familiarity would ameliorate the situation.
At this moment, she was not alone in the room, which should contribute to her comfort with his presence. He anticipated that if Brianna granted permission, this would resolve matters between Rowan and Fade.
Observing the trio, Brianna and Logan are positioned in the bed, while Stella occupies the chair adjacent to it.
Brianna was positioned between the two of her guards, he contemplated. Indeed, they were unmistakably a somewhat unruly group. He speculated that Stella’s wolf held the Beta rank within that diminutive pack and had attempted to assert dominance when her Luna and young Alpha were incapacitated. It was a Beta initiative to assume command automatically in the leader’s absence.
Brianna stated, “I would prefer you to wait until I am appropriately dressed,” as she was only attired in a short-sleeved hospital gown, he presumed. Moreover, during their last encounter, he had become overly enthusiastic, and she would vividly remember this.
He nodded, indicating his acceptance; it was not a refusal. “Nolan is delivering your clothes now,” he responded before exiting the room to demonstrate his respect for her wishes.
Although Ryder recognised that he would refrain from becoming overly enamoured by physical contact with her, the act of perceiving her scent had diminished the intensity and allure of her touch.
It was peculiar to no longer experience that sensation, which I had genuinely enjoyed. Although he now experienced electric tingles and sparks upon touching her due to the Mate Bond, and despite her scent seemingly resembling his to others, he could still perceive her fragrance as soft and delicate.
It appears that marking her enabled him to retain her scent exclusively for himself. Ryder appreciated this, and he was the sole individual capable of perceiving her authentic aroma. I appreciated that as well. She belonged exclusively to him, intended for no one else, not even her fragrance.
Her ownership would be universally recognised.
Her identity would be unmistakable, always.
Patiently awaited outside her room for her to dress after Nolan delivered her clothes.
To his utter astonishment, Nolan exited the room with Logan positioned at his side. Ryder smiled at the man, uncertain whether it was merely to expel the boy and his wolf from the room or due to the bond they had established.
Nolan informed him, “Logan, Stella, and I will proceed to the playground for some amusement.”
“Understood.” Ryder acknowledged. He was aware that Brianna could observe the playground from her room. “However, I would prefer to be the one to guide you through Logan,” he stated, gazing at the boy.
Logan gazed at him intently for an extended moment before gradually nodding in acknowledgement.
How is Rowan?Ryder enquired. He was concerned about Helen’s revelation; however, since only Omegas were present in the hospital, Rowan had not manifested his Aura towards anyone, suggesting her assertion was likely accurate.
Exhausted, he desires slumber; however, Ryder comprehended that his wolf had probably remained vigilant, prepared to protect his mother. Aiden poses no threat to your mother. I assure you. Allow him to rest.
He observed the boy nod, and when Stella exited the room, she directed her gaze at him, while he returned her stare, asserting dominance as Alpha to Beta. Nolan grasped her hand and pulled her down the corridor.
Nolan was probably correct. Fade could pose an issue; I approached and entered Luna’s medical suite.
Brianna was attired in her customary slacks and blouse, appearing well in cream and soft green hues. He contemplated whether Nolan had selected that green blouse intentionally. Ryder favoured the colour green.
Brianna was seated on the bed. He approached her. “Brianna, I would like to first apologise for Aiden’s behaviour in marking you without consent.” “Although it was our intention to claim you,” he asserted, ensuring she comprehended that both he and his wolf desired her.
She merely gazed at him, remaining silent, yet appeared unperturbed by their solitary presence in the room, and he sensed no discomfort emanating from her.
That was beneficial. She was probably, as Nolan suggested, still indecisive about her desires, he surmised.
“Would you like to take a walk and converse?””
“This is acceptable.” She shrugged at him, still disinclined, as Nolan remarked that the man had already discerned his Luna, a fact for which Ryder felt grateful. Ryder positioned himself at the foot of her bed and gazed directly at her. “Inquire about any questions you may possess.” I shall respond to them.
Is Nathan Avery present?Ryder detected a subtle sharpness in her tone, which he interpreted as anger.
He nodded in affirmation. “Your great-grandmother, Annabella,” she remarked, turning away dismissively, exhibiting no interest in engaging with them further.
He possessed an abundance of information to convey to her at this moment. It may be more advantageous for him to handle the situation rather than placing her in a room with a man she evidently wished to avoid or a family she perceived as having forsaken her.
