Brianna opened her eyes and surveyed her surroundings. She could have sworn she heard Stella. “Stella?”She called out, speculating that the girl might be outdoors. Received no response, frowned and dismissed it, checked her watch and blinked; it was nearly 11 AM, indicating she must have dozed off at some point. That was a capability she had consistently possessed in this place. She slept soundly in the cabin, as it was tranquil and undisturbed.
Is Brianna present?She perceived the word penetrating her consciousness, akin to a mental connection, resembling Stella; perhaps that was the catalyst for her awakening.
“Stella?”She enquired, extending her reach along the perceived tether, unmistakably a mental connection; it was peculiar, as she had not experienced that sensation in years. She was uncertain if she would be able to utilise it again.
“Oh, thank the Goddess, Brianna.” What is your location?Brianna perceived a tone of concern.
Extended her body and rose to her feet. “In the woods,” she replied, indicating that she should return, having been absent for several hours, it appeared.
“In which location within the forest?” Ryder is in a state of panic and is unable to locate you.
What other developments are there?she murmured. No one in this group ever located her.
“Where?”Stella emphasised the issue.
Brianna informed her, “South woods,” and exited the cabin to return to the pack-house, anticipating a reprimand if he could not locate her. Got all of about a hundred metres when a large black wolf could be seen running towards her. I recognised it was Aiden, having encountered that wolf numerous times previously. He halted and observed its rapid approach, questioning the reason for its swift advance, despite the fact that it seemed to be sprinting at maximum velocity.
He questioned why he was so agitated; surely he was aware that she had not departed from the pack, as his border patrol would have likely intercepted her and informed him.
That was inevitable.
He moved back directly in front of her and nearly pulled her off her feet, crushing her against his bare body. “Goddess Brianna, you terrified me,” he exclaimed, embracing her so tightly that it became difficult to breathe. “Where have you been?””
Brianna furrowed her brow, failing to comprehend him. “What is causing your distress?””
“You were absent from my life.”
“Indeed, I departed, however…”
“No, Brianna.” He distanced himself slightly from her. “You were absent.” Suddenly absent, I sensed your presence, but then it abruptly ceased.” His hand was entwined in her hair, and he gazed down at her with genuine concern.
Brianna merely gazed at him, failing to comprehend it. “ceased to perceive me?””
“Indeed, you bear my Mark.” I can perceive your current location. I was able to until you abruptly disappeared a few hours ago. I am conducting a comprehensive search.
“What?” Brianna frowned; she had not heard anyone searching for her, no wolves roaming, nor anyone calling her name. Now, as she and Layla concentrated, they could distinctly hear numerous other wolves nearby.
“Where have you gone?”He enquired, “Did you abandon the pack?” It is inadvisable to do so. It is perilous.
“No… I merely returned to my former residence.”
He was gazing at her, visibly astonished, while observing his surroundings.
She was aware it was situated deep within the forest. “Where?” “Demonstrate to me that there is nothing present here, Brianna.” His tone conveyed not only confusion but also a hint of concern.
“A cottage,”
“What?”He was scowling at her now.
Brianna shook her head and averted her gaze, indicating further south, “Approximately a hundred meters down that way.”
He grasped her hand and, without hesitation, began walking in that direction, drawing her alongside him. “Ryder, you are unclothed,” and indeed he was, completely n**e, traversing the woods.
“Indeed,” he remarked, “You are welcome to admire what is rightfully yours.”
She shook her head and walked alongside him, frowning when he passed it by. “Ryder, cease. It is located right there,” she urged, lifting him and indicating the object. Observed his frown and recognised that he was unable to perceive it.
She shook her head, pulled him towards it, stepped inside, heard him curse, then ducked down to rub his head, inadvertently. He struck his head against the door frame, having not considered that possibility. He then sensed his entire body become motionless as he surveyed his surroundings. “What on earth…”
“I fail to comprehend, why were you unable to perceive it?”“She enquired of him.” “It was located immediately there.”
He observed the surroundings, scrutinising the mattress on the floor and the dusty curtains, before abruptly seizing her hand and declaring, “Out,” as he pulled her outside. She did not comprehend the reason.
He turned and glanced back after a few steps, frowning once more. “It is concealed by magic,” he sighed. “It is not surprising that Nolan was unable to locate you.”
“Are you able to perceive it now?””
“No,” he replied, shaking his head. “It is designed to safeguard its owner,” he stated, turning to face her directly.
“I did not construct it; I merely encountered it at the age of 18.”
Heard him exhale gently, “I apologise, Brianna,” before drawing her back into his embrace. “Please refrain from coming here again; it feels somewhat unsettling to me.”
“It is my domicile.”
He embraced her, stating, “No longer; your home resides with me, with Logan.” Within the pack-house. When you are prepared in our suite.
She detected movement and turned her head to observe his entire unit approaching, all clad solely in shorts, evidently having been in wolf form searching for her. Luca was presumably carrying a pair of shorts for Ryder. He glanced at her and then at Ryder, smiled and threw Ryder the trousers; only then did she remember he was completely naked and she was drawn towards him.
He turned and averted his gaze, slightly embarrassed, as he donned his trousers. I was requested to display the cabin, despite none of them being able to see it as well. Nolan appeared the most exasperated with this location, muttering something regarding cursed witches and subsequently remarking that it was unsurprising he could not locate her. He circled it and designated several trees to facilitate his return later.
He stood and gazed directly at her, appearing equally irritated with her as he was with the cabin. It was not her fault; she had inadvertently stumbled into it at 18, unaware of its existence or her search for it, merely seeking a refuge where her cries of anguish would remain unheard.
Nolan muttered, “Return to the pack house,” before departing himself.
Regarded Ryder with scepticism, stating, “Even Nolan, who is currently attuned to you like a vigilant sentinel, could not perceive your presence.” Day and night, I am unwilling to lose the ability to locate you again. Then you abruptly disappeared from both him and me.
