“Excellent, what follows next?”Ryder murmured.
“Simply acquiesce; she will establish connections with those she desires.” I was not soliciting any of you for her name; I was enquiring directly of her, and she disclosed it to me personally. Arctic Wolf Packs operate similarly to Roque Packs, yet they do not engage in the destruction of uninterested packs. They predominantly remain in their wolf form, exhibiting a free-spirited and primal nature, akin to gipsies.
“Thus, she is aligned with Rowan.”
“Indeed, it will remain so, serving as an effective protector, as I previously stated. Do not provoke her irritation. Her fur will safeguard her in combat; you will sustain injuries before she does.
Logan was discovered reaching for her, as Luca had ultimately returned him to her. She surmised that it was now secure. She seized the boy. “Are you well?””
“Stella’s wolf is enormous,” he remarked with a smile, appearing enthusiastic. She presumed it was his inaugural sighting of a wolf.
Brianna conceded, “Yes, she is.”
Is Rowan well?”
The boy affirmed, “He disapproved of that Alpha approaching him.”
“We will endeavour to restrict that accordingly.”
I will converse with him. “Correct him appropriately,” Annabella remarked, shaking her head. “He has consistently exhibited excessive arrogance, accustomed to having his desires fulfilled and acting according to his whims.” It is probable that I was approaching you to offer an apology. He was instructed by his mother and all the Elders, and failure to comply will result in another public punishment.
Brianna was utterly astonished by that revelation.
“The laws of Dieng, as I mentioned, may strike you as amusing,” she chuckled. “They were established by the women of Dieng.”
“Mother?””
“Yes,” she enquired of Logan, “Will Stella return?””
“Indeed, she will, although it is probable that we will not see her for several hours, possibly until tomorrow morning, as she is off running in wolf form for the first time.”
“Uncle Nolan’s wolf resembles her precisely.”
“He resembles him somewhat.” She nodded; Oscar indeed bore a striking resemblance, albeit less fluffy and possessing larger ears based on her observations. “Let us proceed indoors.”
Annabella matched her pace. “It is pleasing to observe Fade.” I long for the Arctic wolves, an entertaining breed. “They can be mischievous at times, although they typically do not associate with other packs,” he said, directing his gaze at Logan. “I believe she is Rowan’s guardian, and consequently, yours as well, Brianna.” What is the duration of your acquaintance with her?”
“Stella…since Logan was six months of age.”
“I find this intriguing.”
“What is the reason?””
“It simply exists, although I am now intrigued by Stella’s human ancestry.” Would you object to my remaining for an additional day or two to pose some enquiries to her?”
Brianna blinked at the woman’s inquiry and then glanced at Ryder with a questioning expression. “It is your decision, Brianna; I believe Annabella is seeking your consent, not mine.”
“It is your Pack,” Brianna remarked with a frown.
“Stella is a member of your Pack, and you are the Luna of this Pack.” “You may make that decision.” Brianna gazed at the man, then turned to Annabella and sighed softly, “I have no objections, provided Stella is willing to converse with you.”
“She will excel.” Fade already has an affinity for me.
Upon entering, they discovered Alpha Nathan pacing in the foyer. Logan also noticed the absence of Rowan, which was advantageous. She sensed him tense immediately and embraced him, saying, “You’re alright, I’m right here, dear.”
“I am as well, son.” Ryder positioned himself directly behind her, encircling her with his arm and resting it on Logan’s back. “I will always protect you, as well as your mother.” Aiden and I assure you of this.
Brianna observed Logan gazing at Ryder, subsequently nodding slowly; this may have provided sufficient reassurance to the boy, potentially allowing Rowan to remain within him for the time being.
“Alpha Nathan, I trust you have a statement to make regarding my Mate Brianna and my son Logan,” Ryder declared, asserting his authority as Alpha and publicly claiming both individuals before all present in the room.
He remained in their vicinity. She recognised that he was attempting to instill a sense of security in Logan and Rowan, a responsibility inherent to his role as Alpha and likely instinctual as their father; thus, she would tolerate his arm around her for the time being. Layla appeared to have no objections whatsoever. She did not even flick her tail in irritation, despite being upright and gazing directly at Nathan.
She observed Nathan nodding, then he reduced the distance between them by half before pausing, seemingly reconsidering the decision to approach further. “I apologise, Brianna,” he said. For menacing you. I approached this incorrectly. would never have genuinely executed any threat. I merely intended to integrate you into my Pack, where you would be entirely secure, among your own Kind… I’m somewhat…” he exhaled in apparent irritation, directing his gaze towards Annabella.
The woman stood with her arms crossed over her chest, intently staring him down. Brianna understood that he needed to articulate something specific, and as an Alpha, he was reluctant to do so; however, she sensed that failure to comply would result in punishment under one of the Dieng laws Annabella had referenced.
Nathan’s jaw twitched as he took approximately twenty seconds to respond, remarking, “Slow on the uptake, and an idiot at times.” He then slightly bowed his head and apologised, “I am sorry, cousin, for alarming you and your son.”
Brianna almost laughed audibly, oh! Self-identifying as slow and foolish must be profoundly humiliating, particularly when articulated in the presence of another Alpha and his Unit from an allied pack—individuals he will need to interact with frequently and who will retain this impression.
“Will you accept my apology, Luna?””
“Hmm, I will contemplate it,” she remarked, observing his growing annoyance. His jaw was audibly ticking, yet he merely nodded and subsequently turned to depart.
I heard Annabella laugh and say, “Oh, I appreciate you; you resemble Anna.” “I will return him in the morning; he has been sufficiently humiliated,” she directed her gaze at Ryder.
