He intended to avoid escorting Brianna and Layla through the pack house while its members were awakening and proceeding to training. He aimed to take her to breakfast and exit the dining room before training concluded and everyone entered. Additionally, he sought to prevent Rowan from becoming anxious or overwhelmed by the sudden influx of ranked wolves.
Permitted the three individuals to enter the lift ahead of him, pressed the ground floor button, and observed Stella and Brianna as they conversed. Stella enthusiastically described Nolan’s suite as plush and elegant, praising its colours and style, while Brianna smiled at her friend, appreciating her happiness. She appeared to desire the happiness of those surrounding her.
Aiden extended his hand to Logan as the lift doors opened, and the boy accepted it readily, which brought him great joy. Each instance of Logan’s willingness to accompany him was increasingly gratifying, particularly in comparison to the previous day or evening, as Aiden perceived Rowan’s presence nearby, indicating that his wolf was also permitting this interaction, a highly favourable development.
In the dining room, there were six omegas and twelve schoolchildren aged 5 to 18, all consuming breakfast. These children were offspring of ranked members, though only four were of sufficient age to possess wolves. Their parents were attending morning training, so they were present for breakfast.
Numerous night border patrollers were present, engaging in conversation and camaraderie post-shift. They acknowledged him with nods of greeting and also regarded Stella and Brianna as they proceeded towards the buffet breakfast that had been arranged. Brianna appeared to be familiar with the route, while Stella had likely dined here the previous evening. Both appeared to be quite at ease to him.
His patrollers glanced from Stella to Brianna and then bowed almost in unison. He realised that while she merely regarded them, it seemed impolite not to reciprocate the greeting; however, she simply required time to acclimatise. Only a handful had observed either of them since their arrival.
Although it was known that his Luna had a son, most remained unaware that the child was his.
Ryder observed the realisation unfolding among the adults; despite resembling Brianna, the boy possessed Ryder’s eyes and was currently gazing at everyone, including the patrollers, while holding Ryder’s hand as they entered the room.
He encountered a pair of eyes fixed upon him, initially displaying confusion, which subsequently transformed into an expression of apology as he comprehended the situation. Kane, the border patrol officer who reported Brianna’s defection years prior, was unable to provide a detailed description of her; unsurprisingly, without her scent, few could remember much about her. The man deduced it from the child accompanying Ryder. I performed the calculations swiftly.
“Alpha, I apologise for my description.”
“It is acceptable, Kane. Frankly, I cannot even remember her appearance; none of us can.” He confessed to the man, somewhat mournfully. “She has been located now, and that is all that is significant.” And indeed, it was. Ryder directed his gaze towards her as she accompanied Stella to procure breakfast, while Logan released his grip to hasten towards them. Ryder served himself a plate and then gestured for the three of them to join him at a table, where they all took a seat.
He addressed his son, “Logan, inform me if Rowan begins to feel uncomfortable; I will vacate the room.”
He observed those eyes mirroring his gaze and said, “Alright.” He nodded, yet Ryder discerned no trace of concern or apprehension in the boy’s voice at that moment. Rowan may have been excessively protective and aggressive because his mother was unable to defend herself, leading him to feel a sense of obligation to intervene. Ensure her protection from all individuals within this pack, a location she was aware she did not wish to inhabit.
Her tranquilly instilled calmness in him. Ryder anticipated that this was the correct procedure.
“Brianna, Stella, would you like coffee?”“He inquired.”
Observed Stella nod immediately, “I will procure it; I am aware of Brianna’s preferences, regarding…” “Oh, never mind; I see the… holy cow, that is an impressive coffee machine,” she exclaimed before abruptly leaving the table.
A Jura GIGA X8c coffee machine was available, accompanied by a barista to assist anyone desiring coffee.
The machine is capable of producing more than 24 varieties of coffee. The device featured a user-friendly touchscreen, allowing one to effortlessly select the desired coffee by simply pressing a button. The pack was expensive, yet it was valuable; it was not the sole pack in the pack-house, as there was another located near the movie theatre, and he possessed an identical one in his office building in Helena. Acquired them approximately six months prior.
Brianna shook her head, remarking, “That girl truly loves her coffee.”
“In what manner do you prefer your coffee, Brianna?”Ryder enquired, indicating it was time to commence their acquaintance, as they were both largely unfamiliar with one another, although it was conceivable that she possessed greater knowledge about him.
