Luca darted past her, seized Logan from her and Ryder’s grasp, and proceeded to move away with the boy. He wished to keep him away from the impending confrontation, as did she, observing him escort Logan to the opposite side of the vehicle. Brianna was conflicted; she was uncertain whether to accompany Logan or remain with Stella and Fade.
Ryder positioned himself partially in front of her, placing a hand on her similarly to how Rowan had, prepared to shield her from the imminent conflict that seemed poised to commence.
Alpha Nathan halted entirely before the transforming wolf in front of him. At this juncture, they were all observing. None of them recognised the species of wolf she was, having emerged unexpectedly, not during a full moon, and was now transforming for the first time, also absent a full moon.
Fade stood in her complete wolf form, a sizable all-white creature with an exceptionally dense coat, the fluffiest Brianna had ever encountered. She possessed diminutive ears relative to other wolves and elongated claws that were already embedded in the ground, while the growl emanating from her was both loud and menacing.
Fade’s tail was positioned low, and her hackles were fully raised as she stood protectively between Brianna and Alpha Nathan.
“Sweet Goddess.” Carlos was the first to articulate, sounding both astonished and incredulous; this wolf was so immaculate in its whiteness that she would likely be indistinguishable against a snow drift, should she close those striking blue eyes that Brianna was aware she possessed.
She had been so concentrated on Fade’s emergence that she failed to notice Annabella approaching until she positioned herself between Fade and Nathan. Unexpectedly, the woman beamed broadly as she gazed at Fade. “My Goddess, you are a vision for my weary eyes.” Disregard my foolish relatives.
She instructed Fade and placed a hand on Nathan, pushing him backward. “Retrieve your foolish self.”
Nathan’s gaze was fixed on Fade, and he appeared profoundly astonished by her complete manifestation. But he did actually back away, huffed a little more than annoyed. At being ordered to leave by Annabella, Brianna thought. But he went.
Watched as Fade stepped sideways to track the man regardless he was leaving, heard Annabella laughed fully amused “Oh I see you have a one tracked mind… Now you come here to me, missy, let me get a real good look at you.”
Fade’s eyes moved to Annabella as Nathan stepped into the pack-house and out of sight. The woman knelt before Fade and then put both her hands on either side of her large head and looked right at her, was still smiling like this wolf was a blessing to see. Tilted her head to the left and then just chuckled softly “”‘ve waited a long time for your kind to come back to us missy.” Bowed her head and watched Fade actually put her own forehead on Annabella’s for a moment.
“Got a name?” Annabella asked as she stood up a moment later, and scratched behind Fade’s ears, the wolf practically fell down and purred like a drum at the attention she was given.
“Fade.” Carlos told her “My Mate.”
Saw Annabella look right at him, then walked right over to him and smelled him good and proper, nodded her head “I see why she came to you. You’re an Oscar Wolf, aren’t you boy?”
“Yes,” Carlos nodded, “and my wolf’s name is Oscar.”
Annabella laughed out loud and turned to look right at Fade, who was now sitting up watching their interaction. “I observe that you have chosen wisely.”
After receiving a derisive snort, I turned to Carlos and said, “I wager that Oscar is entirely or predominantly white, correct?””
Carlos affirmed with a nod.
The woman clicked her tongue, “Impudent girl, you have outsmarted yourself.”
“Do you know what she is?”Brianna interrupted. She was inquisitive.
“Indeed, I do.” She is an Arctic Wolf. Few in number, highly instinctual, I would advise against provoking her. However,” Annabella’s gaze shifted to Carlos, “Arctic wolf packs are a rarity in contemporary times, and frankly, I believed their gene pool had been depleted. I have not observed an Arctic wolf in nearly eighty years, having lost the majority of them to a significant vampire assault. Is your wolf highly primal, son?”
“To a greater extent than others.” Carlos acknowledged.
“Her fondness for that is the reason she approached you.”
“What is her rank?”Ryder enquired, “I am unable to capture it.” However, you also bowed to her in my office.
“You will not obtain it, but I have.” Annabella observed Brianna, noting her gaze diverting in search. Brianna turned to ascertain the object of her gaze; it was indeed Logan. It appeared that Rowan had withdrawn, while they remained near the rear of the car.
“The inaugural instance in eighty years.” presumably Alpha ranked herself.
“Divine Goddess.” It was Carlos once more. “My baby is an Alpha.” He approached Fade and smiled down at her. “Aren’t you just adorable and fluffy?” He observed Fade nip him on the leg before rising and trotting away. “Hey, return here,” Carlos called after her, pursuing her.
I heard Fade snort and then abruptly disappear, sprinting across the pack, followed by Carlos’s laughter and Ryder instructing him to “Go.”
“There is no need for you to inform me.” He was already in motion, tearing off his garments as he proceeded. Brianna shook her head upon witnessing him transform into Oscar and subsequently sprint at full wolf speed after his mate.
Annabella chuckled gently, “Oh, what a pair, magnificent,” as she gazed directly at Ryder. “These puppies will undoubtedly be a challenge, exhibiting primal behaviour consistently.” You will also be unable to incorporate her into your pack. It is highly improbable, as it already possesses an Alpha and will not align with another unless permitted. She desires it.
