Observed as Maria entered her office, “Apologies, Brianna, this gentleman insists on meeting with you.”
“It’s acceptable, Maria; I am almost finished for the day,” she gestured for her to leave the office, unable to fault the woman. She was not to blame. She directed her gaze at Alpha Nathan and enquired, “What brings you here?”She enquired directly while observing him survey her office.
He caressed several of her framed photographs, lifted one of her accolades, and smiled upon reading it.
“You have achieved commendable success, Brianna; I take pride in your accomplishments.”
Brianna observed him replace it on the shelf, subsequently unfastening the buttons of his suit jacket. A single-breasted navy blue suit with a grey pinstripe had been tailored for him, she recognised.
He descended into the chair opposite her desk. He continued to smile. “It is remarkable; you have achieved significant recognition in the human realm while remaining concealed from your own species for an extended period.”
Is it?She enquired, exhibiting a complete disregard for his perspective. It was not remarkable to her; she had never received acknowledgement from her peers, so it was entirely unremarkable, merely reflective of her lifelong experience. The humans observed her, did not depend on their olfactory senses to recognise individuals, and instead utilised their vision to perceive people.
“Indeed, for a rogue…” he smirked directly at her, “Have you altered your name to assimilate with the humans?” Or altered your name to evade your former group?He interrogated her.
“I need not justify myself to you,” she asserted bluntly. “What is it that you desire?”She reformulated her initial inquiry.
“I believe that is evident,” he asserted plainly. However, no further details were provided. It was not apparent to her that he had not brought Celeste, thus if he desired her to create the dress, the girl should accompany him for sizing and measurements. If he intended to threaten her, he had not yet articulated that intention. If he was present due to his knowledge of her true identity, it is possible that he was an adversary of Ryder Wood, her previous Alpha, and had discerned Logan’s lineage.
“It may be one of numerous possibilities.” Is it blackmail once more?She murmured, “to coerce me into your pack.” To inform me that you have notified the Wolfen council of my illicit enterprises. Alternatively, you may be present to inflict harm upon me and my son, for that matter.
I would never harm you or Logan. That is not my preference, young lady. <text”I, however, disapprove of your and your son’s lack of affiliation; therefore, I would like to involve you.” He nodded, reclining in his chair to observe her.
Brianna candidly expressed her disinterest to him, and she genuinely felt that way. The pack life was ill-suited for her and ultimately resulted in considerable pain.
“You may not wish to, but you will accompany us,” he stated in his authoritative Alpha tone.
“Will I now?”She scoffed; he could not compel her to act, as she did not belong to him or his pack.
You are unable to compel me.
“No,” he conceded, “I cannot.” However, I can render your existence exceedingly uncomfortable until you conform.
“My entire existence has been marked by discomfort,” she remarked with a shrug. “You are unaware of the circumstances of my life prior to my departure.” My experiences and the extent of my tolerance for discomfort.
“I can easily envision,” he sighed deeply, “To act independently or to be so young and female.” It must have been distressing.
“I will not return to Pack life.” “I no longer identify with wolves, so please leave me alone,” she retorted sharply.
He was gazing directly at her now. She understood the reason. She had simultaneously insulted and disavowed his kind, asserting her disassociation from them. His pale blue eyes were fixed on hers, a profound frown etched on his face, indicating his disapproval of her remarks, which she was acutely aware of.
“You remain one, and your son does too.” One cannot simply renounce their identity as a member of our group, as it is intrinsic to their being.
“Am I unable to?”Even Layla expressed her disdain, having ceased to present herself at the age of 20. At this juncture, they had become merely two intellects.
“No, you cannot,” he asserted bluntly.
“I respectfully disagree; I have existed as a human for an extended period and plan to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.” She had no alternative to return to.
Ryder failed to recognise her and would never do so. The man had been afforded a second opportunity, Mate.
Brianna and Layla both hoped that the Goddess who had once cursed them would choose to spare them from that fate. Once was sufficient; neither party wished to endure that anguish again, ever.
“You are not safe out here, Brianna.” Your son is also not. He possesses Alpha lineage, I can discern.
“That is not your concern.” Regarding safety concerns! I have been solitary and preoccupied with my own affairs since prior to his birth. No problems, no dangers, until your arrival. Return to your place of origin, and the issue is resolved.
