Her tone also conveyed this sentiment. Brianna was exceedingly anxious; she refrained from mentioning it, having informed Luca that it was not her concern. However, she now contemplated whether Luca had disclosed her comments to Sadie. It was probable. However, she possessed leverage over them if necessary, gazing directly at the girl and contemplating the extent to which they wished to preserve their clandestine secret.
Alphas typically acted according to their own desires; Brianna speculated that Luca was reluctant to be discovered, while Sadie, possessing Alpha lineage, likely felt unconcerned and was free to act as she wished.
Brianna focused on Alpha Benjamin. He was tempting fate with Logan. She needed to alert him as Logan distanced himself from the man. Brianna did not want Rowan to become agitated, as the man and the boy distancing themselves from him indicated that he was still uneasy with the imposing figure beside him.
Alpha Benjamin matched Ryder in height but surpassed him in muscularity, suggesting he likely maintained a rigorous workout regimen. Likely trained multiple days each week. The pack was small, and all individuals capable of fighting, whether retired or active, were likely summoned to engage in battle during a rogue attack. Alternatively, an opposing pack may approach them.
She recalled from her education that they had several close allies who could arrive swiftly; however, until assistance arrived, they had to manage independently.
Life within a pack was not solely characterised by affectionate wolves; it could also be quite daunting at times. She had witnessed it firsthand, experienced the anguish of loss, and reported the presence of rogues within the pack. It is imperative to conceal this from Logan at this juncture.
She needed to confront him and elucidate the significance of retaining Rowan within him; however, in the event of an assault, how could one accomplish that? If Rowan felt threatened by a pack attack, he would likely extricate himself from the boy.
Observing Logan’s response to the prospect of riding a wolf, she noted his initial confusion, followed by astonishment upon learning the potential size of these creatures. She nearly shook her head when it appeared that Ryder and his father, Benjamin, were disputing over which wolf he would ride.
Brianna had never observed a child riding a wolf before. Wolves exhibited pride, which could be perceived as a vulnerability, revealing their compassionate nature rather than strength and ferocity. Particularly the Alpha wolf sensed Layla’s internal exasperation regarding their ‘who’s wolf he’d ride’ competition.
She may have desired that for herself. It was possible that she simply did not have that option available to her, as Brianna encountered silence when she attempted to enquire about the matter. Preferred not to discuss it.
She became the focal point of attention following Logan’s remark, ‘Bet he can’t surpass mum.’ This genuinely entertained her, and Layla smirked at the recollection of having defeated even the Alpha of the pack just days prior. A deal was negotiated on her behalf as she internally sighed while observing Logan shake the man’s hand.
The boy had recently completed his inaugural Alpha to Alpha transaction.
Ryder observed his son, who had comfortably returned to his chair after shaking Benjamin’s hand and resumed eating his breakfast, appearing to have shed some or all of his weariness.
Ryder appeared unfazed by the arrangement their son had just established. She may have been erroneous in her observation. She surmised it might merely be familial rivalry. She was unaware.
A cold breeze swept in from outside as a wolf opened and closed one of the pack’s doors, causing Logan to shiver slightly.
Interestingly, Stella failed to observe it.
Directed her thoughts towards apparel and retail. “Ryder, I must procure warm clothing for Logan; the temperature is low here.”
She observed the man’s gaze fixate on her, his expression marred by a frown, and discerned his thoughts with clarity; it was evident to all that he believed she would exploit that as a pretext to flee back to Colorado. If she intended to do that, she would have executed it at four-thirty this morning when she was the sole individual awake.
“I am somewhat chilly,” Stella remarked.
“Brianna, I prefer that you remain for the time being,” Ryder declared bluntly.
“I am confident you would.” Will you cause the three of us to freeze? We were unprepared for a winter excursion. You were the one who chose to bring us here, without prior notice.
“No fighting in the presence of the boy.” Alpha Benjamin’s tone allowed for no dissent.
Brianna, I can arrange for a personal shopper to assist you with that. Simply provide me with your measurements; that is all I require.
“No, I am fully competent to accomplish this independently; I will undertake it myself, in fact.” Fully competent to navigate the human realm, she was not obliged to follow Benjamin’s directives and expressed herself freely. He could endure it.
“Hold on, hold on, hold on.” It was Helen. “Ryder, escort the girl on a shopping trip, and ensure that all of you accompany her.” Once training concludes, Nolan and your entire unit may accompany you, if desired.
Brianna scowled at the woman; she required neither a babysitter nor a Gamma, nor an entire unit for basic winter shopping.
