Do you exclusively design wedding dresses now? I understand that it was not solely your actions during your prior residence here.
“It is all I have time for currently. The era of evening gowns and cocktail attire has passed. I occasionally doodle, primarily to clear my mind, though not frequently.
“You may have increased availability for that now, given Stella’s partnership.”
I am sceptical. Consistently in demand, my books are frequently fully reserved. Did you mention that you travel occasionally?”
“I do,” Ryder affirmed. “For the construction aspect of the business, the entire unit is typically included.” I typically leave Henry or my father in charge for a duration of two to three days. I endeavour to limit my absence from the group, consolidating as much business as possible during those days to return to where my presence is most required. Occasionally, my father and Nolan’s father collaborate, depending on the project.
I will keep you updated at all times, Brianna. If you were present, I would assign you the responsibility of overseeing the Pack, with Henry or my Father only arriving in the event of an emergency. “Your military commanders, I presume,” he smiled, more to himself. He had not contemplated that until that precise moment. He could appoint his Luna to oversee matters.
The dessert was presented, and she arched an eyebrow at him. “Did you select any items from the menu that appealed to you?””
I consume all types of food. This dinner was centred on you, Brianna, and our opportunity to become acquainted. I wish to demonstrate my regard for your interests. Capable of providing you with those items as well, even if they are merely trivial.
Ryder rose upon the completion of dessert. “I have a request for you.” He circumnavigated the room and grasped her hand. “If you would be so kind, please dance with me.”
“At this location?”“
“Affirmative,” Ryder acknowledged. There was space for slow dancing here, and he was unwilling to push her beyond her comfort zone by inviting her to go clubbing. It was not his preference, either, due to the excessive noise, numerous individuals, and unwarranted physical contact.
Brianna rose, and he escorted her to the opposite end of the room. It was an unobstructed area designated for this specific purpose.
Wrapped his arms around her to engage in a slow dance to the piano music playing in the background. She required nearly a minute to completely relax in his embrace and reciprocate by encircling him with her arms.
She leaned into him shortly thereafter, and he was more than content to remain stationary, holding her as they swayed to the music.
Ryder sensed her elevated heart rate initially, attributing it to nervousness, though he considered it might also be excitement; however, he chose not to disrupt the atmosphere by enquiring. Initially sensed tranquilly, which subsequently became consistent, even diminishing as their duration of standing increased. He also recognised her breathing.
At one moment, he perceived Brianna emit a gentle sigh and smiled to himself once more. His aroma was influencing her, inducing relaxation as she leaned against him; she appeared quite at ease and content, he surmised. He was pleased by that. This was proving to be an enjoyable dinner. Postponed the discussion about the wedding to avoid disrupting the atmosphere.
He stood there, swaying gently with her in his arms, relishing the sensation of holding her close, her body pressed against his, utterly relaxed. Perceived her head rotate, glanced downward, and observed that her eyes were indeed closed, exhibiting profound relaxation. Observed her intently inhale his scent, exhale softly, and sensed his heart rate elevate as she whispered “Mine” directly against his chest.
He discerned that she was almost asleep against him, sensing his own wolf purr gently within his chest, content with her assertion of their bond. “Brianna,” he murmured softly.
“Mm.” was the sole response he received as she redirected her gaze and reclined her head against his chest again. He smiled to himself and briefly closed his eyes, contemplating whether she would remember asserting possession over him in the morning. He bent down and kissed the crown of her head, murmuring, “Mine. Always.”
He gradually slid his hands down her body, attempting to avoid waking her, until he was able to lift her. She nestled into his arms, resting against his chest, with one hand gripping the fabric of his shirt. Telepathically communicate with Kate outside the room to unlock the door for him.
She beamed at the sight of the pair. He requested that she ascend the stairs and unlock the door for him as well.
Ascended the stairs, somewhat self-serving in his motive, desired to embrace her for a brief moment longer. Arrived at the Alpha corridor and positioned myself in the centre of the hallway.
A minor predicament has arisen. She had asserted her claim over him, and both he and Aiden desired to place her in their suite, specifically in their bed; however, he was also concerned about her potentially waking up and panicking about the situation. “Luna suite,” he informed Kate, and she opened the door for him. Upon entering, he heard the door shut behind him and was somewhat taken aback to observe that Brianna’s bed was made, as was Logan’s, for that matter.
Assumed a kneeling position on the bed and placed her within it.
Her fist remained clenched in his shirt as he bent down, removed her shoes, left her dress intact, and tucked her in. Reclined to rise from the bed, only to have her hand grip even more firmly onto his shirt. It elicited a smile from him; she appeared reluctant to release him.
He removed his jacket and shoes, lay down beside her on the bed, and resolved to remain until she released her grip. He gently brushed some hair from her face and observed her as she slept. She smiled as she approached him, drawing nearer while still grasping his shirt. Extremely endearing.
Brianna’s Perspective
Brianna awoke with a gentle sigh, feeling exceedingly relaxed and comfortable. I do not remember going to bed at all. However, she was aware that she had enjoyed dancing with Ryder, and upon opening her eyes, she discovered him present in the bed beside her. She could now perceive his scent, which likely contributed to her relaxation, understanding the calming effect a Mate’s aroma can have, as she had experienced while dancing with him.
She was nestled against him, an arm draped over his form, her head resting on his chest. Brianna sensed an arm encircling her, with a hand positioned on her back, while she observed his other hand resting on her arm extended across his body.
She bit her lip and gradually looked up to discover him still asleep. The man remained fully attired, albeit without a jacket, while she was also donned in her dress from the previous night. Now awake, she sensed that it had significantly ridden up with her leg draped over one of his.
Surveyed the room to ascertain her location. It was her accommodation. She glanced over her shoulder to ascertain whether Logan was awake, only to discover that he was absent from his bed, which was turned down but had not been slept in at all.
She experienced an elevation in her heart rate and promptly sat up to survey the remainder of the room. “Brianna?”It was Ryder; her abrupt motion had roused him.
