He had been a pack member for 21 years and had served as Alpha since she was 17.
“Caramel Latte, typically, or occasionally a Caramel Mocha,” she replied, ensuring he remembered it. He was pleased to observe her apparent willingness to engage in conversation today.
“Caramelized beans?” Or syrup?”
She raised an eyebrow but responded, “Syrup.”
He intended to compile a list of all her preferences and ensure they were present in his suite to welcome her upon winning her affection. He wished for her to understand that he was not only keen on learning about her but had also listened and remembered her interests.
She was consuming a container of Greek yoghurt adorned with muslin and topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. It was observed that her portion was minimal; in fact, even Stella’s and Logan’s plates contained a greater variety of items.
“Brianna, will that suffice for your meal?”He enquired of her, doubting it would be the case, as she had not dined the previous night and should be famished.
I dined earlier this morning; Luca presented me with a plate of food.
That caused him to frown, “When?””
“I was awake and preparing to retrieve something around four thirty, I believe; he was already awake in the hallway and offered to fetch it for me.”
“Oh, he did not articulate anything.” It was pleasant that he had, yet peculiar that he had not referenced it whatsoever. Brianna shrugged and accepted the coffee that Stella offered her, while Stella placed another cup on the table in front of him. He regarded Stella with a questioning expression, as they had not conversed since their time in Hawaii.
Nolans asserts that I owe you an apology. The young girl over there stated that you consume a double shot cappuccino and prepared one for you at my request.
“Thank you, Stella,” he acknowledged. It was not precisely an apology, and the woman indeed owed him and his wolf something; this was probably the best he could expect. Particularly if she held the position of Beta within their pack, a verbal apology was unlikely, as she had merely fulfilled her obligation. “What beverage do you consume?”He enquired whether she would exert the same effort. At some point, she would become a member of the pack. They also needed to coexist; Brianna was correct in asserting that she was Nolan’s mate.
“Latte Macchiato.”
“I observe that you prefer your coffee robust.”
Brianna exclaimed, “Never offer the woman a straight cappuccino or, heaven forbid, decaffeinated coffee.”
“Repugnant matters, devoid of any excitement.” “Now a triple espresso,” Stella remarked with a grin.
“The goddess must never permit Nolan to provide her with one of those; she will be excessively energetic for hours.”
Ryder laughed at Stella’s exaggerated gasp of indignation, and she joined in his amusement. He then turned his gaze to Logan, remarking, “Now I know you enjoy waffles.” The boy had consumed them after dinner and presently had a stack before him. “What else do you eat?””
“Anything except vegetables.” “I will not engage with them.” Ryder had observed this firsthand, witnessing Stella taunt the boy with vegetables. “Fruit?”“He inquired.”
“Indeed, the majority of it.”
“Do you have a preference?””
“Hmm,” he shrugged. “I don’t know,” he finally replied, his mouth full of waffles.
Ryder’s gaze shifted to Brianna, who would be aware, “I would suggest mangoes, succeeded by blueberries.”
He smiled at her, pleased that she was amenable to engaging with him and responding to all his enquiries, seemingly without reluctance today. I was not deliberately evading him in any manner. Probably acquiesced to the reality that she had no viable options at that moment. He was likely attempting to optimise the situation, yet he would perceive it as a victory.
His father and Helen took their places in the other seats at the table alongside Sadie.
It was uncertain whether he appreciated that, although this was the Alpha’s table and their customary practice was to sit collectively; nonetheless, it marked the first occasion that Sadie and Brianna had encountered one another since Colorado.
Sadie gazed directly at Brianna, appearing quite anxious, and observed Brianna return her gaze. “Good morning, Brianna,” Sadie uttered, though her tone was gentle and tentative.
“Good morning, Sadie.” I observe that you have fully recovered.
“Indeed, I did not have the opportunity to express my gratitude for your assistance that day.”
“Do not concern yourself; you were not the first, and you are unlikely to be the last,” Brianna remarked with a shrug at the woman.
“Not the first,” Ryder interjected, disapproving of that implication.
Observed her gaze shift from Stella to Logan, accompanied by a subtle shake of her head. Neither they nor he were aware; this matter would need to be addressed with her, as her habitual assault on rogue males must cease. It was too perilous; the possibility of her necklace detaching or being torn off was unacceptable, and he would not permit her to engage in such an activity.
“We will address that later,” he murmured, discontented at the notion that she might frequently expose herself to perilous combat scenarios.
