“Respond to my inquiry first, and then I shall address yours.” Brianna fixed her gaze intently on the woman, while Annabella met her stare, attempting to decipher her intentions. That may pose a challenge for the woman. She appeared impassive most of the time, as she did now, possessing excellent control over the expression of her emotions, a skill she had acquired long ago.
“I crawled into his bed. If you require information.
I am indifferent to that. Did you provide consent or not?
Brianna informed her, “He was my Mate; he did not harm me.”
“That does not imply your affirmative response, Brianna.” It signifies that the bond prevailed and you derived pleasure from it. Did you provide consent?
She was vigorously advocating for the determination of Brianna’s consent. She did not remember doing so. He initially touched her hands, subsequently exploring her entire body.
She had neither explicitly declined nor remembered affirmatively consenting.
An Alpha was present to impose consequences on another Alpha should she refuse.
“Alpha Duel,” Layla informed her, her tone suddenly filled with anger as she reached the realisation.
“That’s,” Brianna paused as she contemplated it, “to the death.”
Although she was not currently seeking to become attached to Ryder. Layla was entirely opposed to the concept of an Alpha versus Alpha duel. In fact, it was aggravating her. Brianna perceived Layla’s anger escalating.
Gazed at Annabella. “He was my companion.” I was departing from this group. I could no longer endure the anguish of his ignorance regarding my identity; that was the unequivocal truth. “I entered his bed unclothed, desiring a fleeting moment with a man I longed for, yet who would not acknowledge me.” I seized that moment, relished it, expressed gratitude, and implored him to continue. I departed, repudiated him while he slumbered, and subsequently fled, disavowing his pack. Layla and I were in dire straits, and remaining here was no longer viable for us.
Observed Annabella intently gazing at her for an extended duration. Brianna asserted, “I’m not lying,” despite the fact that only a portion of her statement was false, making it improbable for Annabella to discern the deception.
“Did you approach him?””
I did. Directly into his room, specifically into his bed.
“That is not what Nathan stated.”
Brianna arched an eyebrow at the woman. Isn’t it? I was present; was he?”
Annabella sighed, “Are you asserting that you consented to all that transpired that night between you and Ryder?”
Brianna replied succinctly, “Yes.”
“Very well.” Annabella acknowledged, “I will acquiesce to that, as I do not perceive any fear or animosity regarding the man.” “If I possessed such evidence, I would not trust you and would summon your Alpha to compel you to disclose the truth.”
“What is the penalty?””
“You are not so foolish, a duel to the death, Brianna.” As you and your wolf presumed, she had not overlooked the fleeting exchanges between herself and Layla.
“I wish to examine that contract,” she asserted, and now she did, requiring knowledge of its additional contents.
“We shall not alter it, Brianna.” Amendments will be made for Logan; however, no alterations will be implemented for you, any future offspring of you and Ryder, or Logan himself. It is non-negotiable.
Brianna reiterated, “I wish to observe it.”
“Ryder will undoubtedly provide it to you, and given that Logan will be the forthcoming Alpha, he will also require access to it at some juncture prior to assuming leadership, albeit at a later age.” “To comprehend what burdens him,” the woman rose. “Good night, Brianna.”
Brianna rose and accompanied the woman out of the room. Ryder was not alone; his entire unit was present, and Nolan had returned or had been summoned back. Uncertain which option, probably the latter given the gravity of the circumstances. His father stood beside him alongside Alpha Nathan. All were anticipating the result of this brief meeting. It appeared that all of them were aware of it.
“All is well,” Annabella informed Nathan, and Brianna observed that the man appeared genuinely relieved. Clearly, he no longer wished to engage in a fatal Alpha Duel with Ryder, just as Ryder likely did not desire it either. He appeared relieved, as did his father and the entire Alpha Unit.
She felt no relief, uncertain of the Duel’s outcome, glanced between the two competitors with evident annoyance, and then turned to walk away decisively. It is understandable that a family dinner held significant importance for him. It may have been his final one.
They intended to strike that man directly in his excessively attractive face one day. He could have informed her of the potential consequences or the situation she was entering or orchestrating for him. The penalty, at a minimum.
However, the reason for his inaction remains unclear. Perhaps he genuinely sought a definitive response to that inquiry. He had seized her rather swiftly that evening. It is possible that the sensations he experienced in Toronto upon touching her recurred that night, resulting in a complete loss of control. Upon reflection, he appeared insatiable to her, making it probable.
Entered her room abruptly and slammed the door, startling both Stella and Logan. She muttered, “I will eventually strike him in that arrogant face of his,” and collapsed onto the couch.
What did he do?Stella enquired, exhibiting concern.
“Nothing.” Brianna sighed, and he had indeed done nothing this time; he had sent her into that meeting without any intention of influencing her whatsoever.
Desired her to simply disclose the truth and accept the consequences.
She sensed that Layla remained agitated; her Mate had Marked and claimed her, yet omitted the possibility that he might engage in an Alpha Duel and perish that very night, which could result in his removal from her life.
