Typically, they arrived by appointment; however, she reserved Tuesdays for walk-ins. Her schedule was currently quite full, so Stella would likely provide a tour or arrange a future appointment for them to meet her.
Suddenly, the scent overwhelmed her: wolves were present within her store. She sensed Layla growl faintly in her mind; despite encountering wolves and various other creatures over the past eight years, today the scent distinctly reached their nostrils. Was one that especially irritated them.
Without glancing, she could hear the woman who was joyfully laughing, thrilled to be in the store to acquire her gown for what she referred to as her Ceremony. The man chuckled and reminded her that Ryder had instructed her to acquire whatever she desired, regardless of the expense it would entail for him.
Brianna emerged from the window display and averted her gaze, recognising by the Pack scent that they belonged to her former Pack. Given the woman’s manner of speaking, it was evident that she intended to acquire a Goddess Gown crafted by Brianna Layla Designs. To be worn at her Luna Ceremony exclusively for Ryder Wood.
“Stella, please assist the customers,” she declared tersely as she ascended the stairs to her office.
“Yes, Brianna,” she heard Stella call after her.
Neither Brianna nor Layla wished to be in proximity to that woman or her companion, for that matter. Discomfort was already affecting them both. It appeared he had discovered another. No alternative discovered. Discovered his initial companion. She reflected with bitterness. He had never detected her scent, yet it was evident that he had the woman below in her own establishment.
Although she and Layla may have departed for reasons of self-preservation, it did not imply that their affection for the man had diminished. She recognised that their rejection had been effective, as she had not experienced the anguish of betrayal since that night. It was the appropriate course of action, preserving both her and Layla. They had relocated several states away from that group. What was their purpose for being in her store?
This was the first instance they encountered the Blue Cold Pack since their departure; why, of all locations, would that woman travel all the way to her store? Was it merely a cruel jest? She already perceived Selena as having spurned her and Layla, condemning them to a life of torment. Yet, that was insufficient; now her Mate had acquired another Mate, returning to inflict further anguish upon her.
A knock sounded at her door. “Brianna, I apologise for the intrusion.” The young woman residing below requests one of your vintage gowns.
“I no longer produce those,” Brianna responded calmly. “Just advise her to purchase one from the racks downstairs; I am certain she will find something to her liking.” I lack the time to create something new at present, even from the old.
“Yes, Brianna. Are you well, Brianna?”Stella enquired with a subtle frown.
“I am well, Stella; I merely have a headache.” She gestured for the girl to leave. “Please close my door; I cannot tolerate the odor.” She expressed her desire to avoid both the scent and the conversation occurring between the two below. And to hell if that escort or the woman overheard her remark regarding the odour.
She glanced at the large wall clock and sighed, hoping they would depart soon, as she needed to retrieve Logan from the bus stop shortly. She did not want that man near her son, unequivocally. He would not make any connections; she did not emit the scent of the wolf below, and any resemblance to Ryder would likely be dismissed.
A few minutes later, she heard a knock on her door and was poised to admonish Stella for yet another disturbance, having already received instructions. Upon the door’s opening, despite her not inviting anyone in, she regarded it with a profound frown. Her jaw clenched as she observed Luca opening the door to her office without authorisation.
Luca, the Beta of the Blue Cold Pack, stood in her office doorway, smiling charmingly, believing he could leverage his attractiveness and charisma to manipulate her into acquiescing to his desires.
The majority of human females would be captivated by his black hair, intensely dark charcoal grey eyes, chiselled jawline, and well-defined physique.
The wolf was unaware that she was not a naive human seeking charm. She would not succumb to adoration, gazing up at him with infatuated eyes, nor would she become so enamoured that she would comply with his every desire. It was probably how he had circumvented Stella, however.
He had utilised his stormy grey eyes and, judging by his appearance, had run his hand through his hair, which would have accentuated the muscles in his arm. He was clad in a short-sleeved, well-fitted t-shirt, displaying his unnaturally perfect pearly white teeth, which he now directed towards her. He epitomised charm and allure; he was undoubtedly leveraging his attractiveness to achieve his desires. She felt no attraction towards him whatsoever.
“Greetings, I am Luca.”
Brianna interrupted him, stating, “I am indifferent.” “Leave,” she retorted, unwilling to have this wolf in her proximity.
Observed his smile genuinely diminish, followed by a frown directed at her: “That is not a courteous manner to engage a prospective customer; I have a companion present who would.”
“I am indifferent,” she interrupted him once more. “I have already informed my store manager, Stella, that I lack the time to create a dress from an outdated collection.” She averted her gaze from him, returning to her desk and the design pad before her, thereby dismissing him. He would comprehend this, having likely witnessed his Alpha employ the same tactic numerous times, and he had probably done so himself on several occasions.
“Please,” she heard him enter her office. “We will compensate you whatever you desire.”
She redirected her gaze towards him, increasingly irritated, as he attempted to leverage financial means to achieve his desires, now realising that his appearance would be insufficient, as expected. “I do not require your financial assistance.” I am currently very occupied, Carter. Request your friend to select an item from the store located downstairs.
“It was Luca,” he rasped, indicating his disapproval of her tone.
She disapproved of his presence in her office, just as he appeared disinterested in being there; it seemed she was aggravating him. Satisfactory. He might take that woman and depart entirely.
