Although he had observed that many of his warriors, similar to his unit, returned to him due to her scent resembling his, resulting in their eventual tracking of him and Aiden, this was not advantageous. He may ultimately need to secure his own Mate.
Fifteen minutes elapsed before Nolan established a mind link, stating, ‘She has him in the southern woods.’
“Where in the southern woods, Carlos?” he retorted sharply. “I have been for several hours now.”
There it was, the connection between her and him; they could sense her, and Aiden was sprinting at full wolf speed, utilising their partially realised bond to locate her.
He observed her in the distance amidst the trees, and a wave of relief enveloped him. She ambled casually, seemingly oblivious to any danger, halted, and gazed at Aiden as his wolf lunged towards her. He transformed the instant he reached her, enveloping her in his embrace, reassuring himself of her safety. Aiden inhaled her scent, searching for any trace of blood to ascertain if she was harmed, but found none.
He clung to her, despite her apparent lack of comprehension regarding the situation or the reasons for his concern. Clearly, wherever she had been during that period, she was not in any peril, and upon her mention of a cabin, he had frowned at her. There was nothing present in the woods. He was certain that no cabin existed, nor had it ever, to his knowledge. The pack’s borders were expanded when he was approximately 20 years old, and these woods were the initial area examined.
There was nothing present in this location. He remained unaware of the extent.
He could not restrain himself from instructing her to gaze at what was rightfully hers. He was exceedingly pleased for her to admire him, and he indeed belonged to her. She effectively dominated him now. He was entirely unclothed and was indifferent, as this was customary following a shift; all members of his pack frequently observed one another in the n**e. Not significant.
Ryder was primarily preoccupied with her whereabouts and the reasons for her absence from him and Nolan. As he walked in the direction she indicated, she halted him and proclaimed, “There.” He observed nothing but surrounding woods; there was no cabin in sight, and he could not discern what she perceived.
He pursued her, struck his head against an unseen object, and cursed, believing it to be a doorway. He crouched and traversed it, causing his entire body to become immobile.
As the surrounding woods abruptly disappeared, he found himself within a cabin, precisely as she had indicated. It was not visible from the exterior; upon inspection, she observed the mattress on the floor and felt a sense of sorrow, recognising that this was her existence, isolated in solitude. Disapproved of it.
Numerous symbols were visible, inscribed in various locations throughout the cabin, including the window frame, ceiling beams, floor, above the doorway, and along its sides. Recognised immediately that this location was safeguarded by enchantment. Concealed it from unwelcome scrutiny. Had Brianna resided here all that duration? Nolan’s inability to locate her was unsurprising.
Exited the premises, recognised its presence yet remained unable to perceive it, already understood the reason for her unique visibility while others could not. He observed her name inscribed on the wooden walls and floor throughout the cabin: ‘Brianna Layla Dieng lives here.’ She had asserted ownership of the space, which had become entwined with her identity through her inscription. Defended her while she was within it.
It was disheartening to observe the numerous instances of her name etched into that location.
She had been lamenting for recognition of her identity and location, yet no one had responded. He wished for her never to return to this location. He conveyed this to her, then drew her back against his chest and embraced her.
She informed him that she discovered the location at the age of 18.
He required no additional enquiries of her. He was quite certain it would have been the first occasion she experienced pain and had fled in an attempt to evade it. This location was situated deep within the densest section of the forest, where no one would hear her cries of anguish.
She smiled and averted her gaze, suddenly mortified by the realisation that she had been embraced by him while he was completely unclothed, just as his Unit arrived. They had all reverted to wearing trousers and averted her gaze to the ground while he donned his attire. It was endearing; he would never refuse her his body. If she requested that he walk around completely n**e every day, he would likely comply.
He had her demonstrate the cabin to his unit, none of whom were aware of its existence. Nolan seemed increasingly irate now. Ryder comprehended the reason immediately. This location was the primary cause of Nolan’s disorientation within the pack, preventing him from locating his Luna. Observed him prowling and etching markings into the trees to signify its location.
Ryder understood the man’s motivations for his actions. Nolan believed she would not remain absent from this place, anticipating her return for them to locate her. Her anger and annoyance with Ryder likely attracted her to it. Having realised its location and reflecting on her departure into the woods, he recognised that she had essentially traced a path from the pack-house to it. Undoubtedly attracted to the location.
Ryder did not reprimand the man. When he instructed her to ‘return to the pack-house,’ he appeared significantly irritated with their Luna but chose to disregard it.
He comprehended the man’s emotions regarding her absence. It was highly probable that he believed he was once again flawed in relation to her.
Ryder terminated the extensive search for the pack and announced that the Luna had been located. He permitted his Unit to proceed ahead while he leisurely walked alongside her, desiring to spend time in her company. This would be the first time Aiden and the other individual experienced this outside of the hospital room.
She had no option regarding his grasp on her hand, as he had been holding it since discovering her. She appeared to comprehend and did not attempt to withdraw her hand from his as they returned to the pack-house. He was not relinquishing his grip in the near future. A portion of him and Aiden required the connection for solace, as they had dreaded the worst outcome. Disliked the inability to establish a mind link with her.
Fortunately, Stella possessed Fade, a Gypsy-type wolf capable of establishing connections with anyone she deemed appropriate at will. It was peculiar, yet he felt genuinely content to have them in this group. All her previous remarks to him and Aiden were now absolved, as she had been the one to discover his Luna.
“What was the reason for your prolonged absence?”Ryder ultimately enquired of her.
“I merely fell asleep,” Brianna informed him.
He gazed down at her, almost shook his head, likely found solace in that location, and had been lulled into slumber. He noted that the sounds of the outside world were muted within that space; it was, he surmised, a form of sanctuary. She had probably been influenced by the protective charms themselves.
I did not inform Logan of your absence. However, Stella was aware; she remained with him throughout. He informed her, not wishing for her to be concerned about Logan’s potential distress.
“How did she establish a mind link with me?””
“Perhaps it relates to being an Arctic Wolf, akin to a gypsy-type wolf, I presume.” It may also pertain to the three of you forming a distinct group.
Ryder exhaled audibly. “Brianna.” He halted and turned to face her, aware that she would likely disapprove. “In light of recent events, I believe it is prudent to initiate you into the pack. I understand you may not feel prepared, but Aiden and I…” We anticipated the most unfavourable outcome. I never wish to experience that again.
Brianna gazed up at him in silence for an extended period before softly stating, “I do not wish for you to occupy my thoughts constantly; I am not…”
I comprehend. I will utilise it solely if required; I will continue to visit your residence, send you a message, or contact you by phone.
He smiled at her softly, pleased that she did not outright dismiss the idea, appeared receptive to it, and seemed prepared to embrace it.
I must confer with Logan and Stella.
“I can initiate all of you simultaneously; however, it is probable that Stella may decline,” as stated by Annabella.
