The list proved to be extensive, indicating that Logan had numerous enquiries beyond just wolves. He approached her desk immediately upon completion, gesturing with it and stating, “I am ready,” while smiling at her.
“Go sit,” she gestured for him to return to the couch. “I will complete this email and then join you.” He complied. She sank onto the couch beside him as the door to her office opened. Ryder entered her office without knocking, smiling directly at her, she observed. Presumably believed it unnecessary, given his status as Alpha.
How may I assist you?Brianna enquired of him.
“Nothing,” Ryder asserted. He approached and seated himself beside her, maintaining a smile, appearing quite content at that moment.
“What is your purpose for being here?”He chuckled gently and leaned closer, positioning his mouth directly next to her ear. “Your presence is the reason for my existence here.”
She narrowed her eyes at him; he was acting strangely.
“I hear the police have been called off,” Ryder remarked with a grin. “Thank you.”
It appears he was notified that she had withdrawn the charges against his associates. He appeared to be quite pleased about it. “Your subordinates ought not to be penalised for your hubris.”
“I am aware,” he acknowledged succinctly. What is our course of action?He inclined forward and examined the list in her possession. “I observe that our son has numerous enquiries that require responses.”
Brianna affirmed, “He does.”
“I am pleased to assist in addressing them as well.”
Ryder was excessively joyful, she noted; he had not ceased smiling at her, and his eyes sparkled with delight. Another situation was occurring. He then pulled her back to lean against the couch, and when she regarded him with curiosity, he merely smiled and remarked, “Logan can see us both like this.”
“There is something else occurring with you,” she murmured softly.
“No, I am simply grateful for your assistance,” he stated.
“No, let us proceed to address our boys’ inquiries.”
He remained seated beside her throughout, one arm resting along the back of the couch behind her, as they collectively addressed all of Logan’s enquiries to his satisfaction, including his subsequent questions. By the conclusion of the questions, she recognised that she was comfortably nestled in the crook of the man’s arm, resting against him.
I was unaware of when or how that occurred. Upon her realisation, she glanced upward at him and discovered him smiling directly at her. “Shall we have dinner together this evening?”Ryder enquired.
Brianna gazed directly at him. “Only you and me?””
“Mm,” he affirmed, “I would greatly appreciate that.”
“What is the reason?””
I heard him chuckle, “Why?” Because I desire to spend time with you. Would you not find that appealing? To engage in my company?He leaned down to her ear and murmured softly, his lips lightly grazing her ear, “Brianna Layla Wood,” practically purring the last three words.
Her head swiftly turned, and her eyes enlarged. He was smiling broadly now. “I appreciate that sentiment as well.” His lips brushed against hers in a tender kiss. “I genuinely do,” he murmured softly.
Heard Logan chuckle and realised he had witnessed the man kiss her.
“When did you discover that?””
“Following lunch,” Ryder remarked with a chuckle, “I also captured a photograph of it.” It is now eternally immortalised. I went to change into more casual attire and picked up a pair of shoes when I noticed the most charming words I had ever seen inscribed on the skirting board in my walk-in closet.
Brianna bit her lip, feeling quite embarrassed; she had never anticipated he would witness that. His shoes were perpetually disordered, carelessly strewn in his walk-in closet as if he were indifferent to them. She had never observed them neatly arranged or even paired, despite the numerous occasions she had clandestinely entered his room over the years.
He did not permit his omega staff to organise them, resulting in that section of his walk-in resembling a disaster zone in a shoe repository. She was genuinely astonished that he could locate a coordinating pair of shoes at any moment.
“One completed, one remaining, Mrs. Wood.” He smiled directly at her.
“Cease it,” she whispered.
“Never; it was your desire at that time.” You must still desire it now, buried deep within. I will provide you with what you desire, Brianna.
She blinked directly at him, “What are you referring to?””
A grand opulent wedding, Brianna. I will take you as my wife, and you shall be referred to as Mrs. Brianna Layla Wood. The entire world will recognise you as my exquisite wife.
Her eyes could not widen further. “Um.” I do not believe.
“Silence, allow me to proceed.” Accomplish this singular task for yourself. During the full moon, I shall provide you with all that you desire. All that you ought to have received, many years prior.
“Ryder, I comprehend that you are eager to…”
“No, it is not that.” Indeed, I concur to some extent. We can postpone the Luna Ceremony if you prefer, but let us proceed with the marriage. “I wish to demonstrate to the world that 1, Ryder Wood, is yours, Brianna Layla.” She sighed; he was being quite charming yet somewhat assertive, though not to the extent that it irritated her.
The allure was increasingly effective. “Planning a wedding requires more than a few weeks,” she suggested instead.
I believe you and Stella could accomplish it effortlessly. “You are part of the industry,” Brianna remarked, shaking her head. “I do not organise weddings, Ryder.” I exclusively design and create dresses.
“Surely, you must know someone capable of accomplishing this?”
“Not particularly, although Stella has likely attended numerous weddings, or perhaps her mother has.”
“Excellent, let us proceed with that.” I can refer to you as Brianna Layla Wood.
“I maintain that it is premature, merely three weeks have elapsed.”
“I understand, but it is a human world wedding.” I will not demand anything from you. “I will await your readiness.” She frowned at him, “Perhaps we should confer about this in private.”
“Very well, dinner with me it shall be,” he smiled broadly. She succumbed to that situation. She contemplated.
“My father will be exceedingly pleased to supervise Logan.”
She was not surprised in the least. “Very well,” she ultimately conceded, “Dinner and a discussion, but I do not consent to a wedding in three weeks.”
“I possess considerable charm and persuasive abilities.”
“Hmm,” Brianna echoed his tone, “I know how to say no.” Ryder erupted in laughter, “Good.” <text”I have a profound appreciation for a challenge,” he declared as he rose and drew her from the couch into his embrace. “I will attire myself for you.” He smiled, elevated her chin, then kissed her briefly before proceeding to the door. “Be prepared by six,” he grinned and sauntered out of her office.
The man was excessively jubilant, unaware that she would not marry him; she realised she should have discreetly entered and eliminated that brief statement. Layla internally remarked, ‘He would have detected our presence there, and you are aware of it.’
“Mother?””
Her gaze shifted to Logan; he had not only overheard everything Ryder had articulated, as would Rowan, but he had also witnessed that man kiss her on multiple occasions. Affirmative.
“Will you marry Dad?”He enquired, exhibiting a blend of excitement and apprehension.
She gazed at him, pondering how to respond to that. She was inclined to agree, but she was not yet prepared to proceed. “At some point, yes,” she replied, “but not in three weeks, as he desires.” She shook her head.
