She abstained from all pack events and focused solely on her tasks in the small back room of the store, enveloped by materials and designs awaiting creation. Orders pending fulfilment. Her sole consolation was the ability to create something so exquisite amid her own suffering.
Layla was overwhelmed by sorrow and anguish; she could endure no more and had to depart, as it was detrimental to her well-being, a realisation she fully acknowledged. Ryder was departing for an Alpha meeting or pack-related affairs in two days, which is when she intended to bid farewell and leave.
She was uncertain whether she could reject her Mate in his absence or without his awareness of her significance to him. However, that was her intended course of action; she had to attempt it, as it was their only option.Brianna concluded that if he had been unaware of her identity for the past three years, there was no reason for him to be present to witness her rejection; it would likely inflict pain upon her, while he would remain unaffected due to his ignorance. After the full moon passed following that rejection, she anticipated that the bond would be officially severed by the moon goddess herself, or at least she hoped that was the case.
She and Layla had positioned themselves before him on numerous occasions; they had no alternatives remaining, as they were inconsequential to him and always would be, a fact they acknowledged. For three complete years, he had not once acknowledged her presence, not even with the slightest movement of his nose.
Thus, she would no longer subject herself or her wolf to such circumstances. They possessed sufficient savings to enter the human world and establish their livelihoods. She excelled in fashion and design, primarily creating dresses, and there existed a vast demand among humans for wedding dresses. The counterpart to a Luna Ceremony Gown.
Dedicated the subsequent two days to the pack-house library, researching potential destinations, having resolved her decision. She refused to glance at him one final time, as it served no purpose. Seated at a computer, one hand on the mouse, I navigated through locations distant from the pack, far from forests where packs might reside.
Although she may be a wolf, she did not perceive herself as such; she primarily felt invisible.
Her other hand rested on the Blue Azure Crystal Pendulum drop necklace that adorned her neck, featuring a delicate white gold chain that consistently felt warm against her skin. The necklace included a white gold casing for the crystal and a smaller blue azure crystal orb positioned above the casing, which was affixed to the chain.
It had belonged to her mother, who had informed her that one day she would acquire a similar one for her daughter as a gift for her 16th birthday, resulting in matching mother-daughter Annarys. Brianna was merely 10 years old when she lost both of her parents. She had never removed it; it was her sole remaining possession, discovered on her person after the assault had concluded, and she had reclaimed it as her only heirloom.
She and Layla had reached a juncture where they could effectively coexist as humans; no wolf would ever detect her, and she would remain without a mate from the instant she rejected him. They had already accepted that reality. Discovered an appealing city several states distant; Layla was indifferent to the absence of nearby forests. She had not transformed into her wolf for over a year, seemingly unable or perhaps simply unwilling to do so. She accepted urban life, rejected the wilderness, showed no desire for freedom, and appeared indifferent to her identity as a wolf.
Secured a flight and reserved accommodation while they sought a small flat and organised their forthcoming business venture. They would perish and decay, ceasing to exist. They would derive strength from this experience and henceforth lead a human existence. Subsequently, they returned to their cabin situated in the woods near the southern boundary of the pack and remained there. From the roof of her cabin, they could observe the pack’s gates using binoculars.
I observed and awaited the departure of his vehicle, which was easily identifiable due to its white colour, in contrast to the predominantly black or silver cars in the vicinity. He drove a white Mercedes SUV. Upon its exit, I retrieved her hiking backpack, which contained her possessions.
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle entailed minimal possessions; her entire existence was contained within a single, spacious rucksack, specifically designed for extended hiking excursions, which she could still manage despite her diminutive and frail physique. Traversed the forest until the pack-house became visible, exhaled deeply, and proceeded towards it.
Today marked her departure; no one would even acknowledge her absence, as they were unaware of her existence. Only those who entered Haven Gowns to purchase one of her dresses may ponder her whereabouts. Although Grace consistently asserted ownership of the dresses, informing Brianna that she was the proprietor of the store, this was the established reality. Brianna’s name appeared on the labels of all her dresses. Grace was indifferent to that matter and compensated Brianna generously. No one ever enquired about Brianna or expressed a desire to meet her.
Entered the pack-house and ascended the primary staircase to the top floor without interruption, positioned her backpack down the corridor near the Omega stairs, which she intended to use for departure, as it was concealed and no omegas would be present at this hour. All their tasks for the day are completed. Only the Alpha Unit resided in this section of the pack-house, and they were all accompanying the Alpha.
She descended to his suite and entered uninvited. It was pristine and bore his scent, a blend of fresh pine, eucalyptus, and a trace of blackberries. She wandered once more, fully aware of her self-imposed torment. Should have departed already, but could not do so without one final whiff of him.
She entered his walk-in closet, caressed all his garments, glided her hand over each item, and was unable to restrain herself. Despite the anguish it caused her and Layla, they remained irresistibly attracted to him. It was probable that they would always be, as departing was merely an act of self-preservation; if her rejection proved ineffective, their survival would likely be jeopardised shortly thereafter.
