She shut her eyes and implored that man to depart, to simply vanish, to never return. The anguish was overwhelming, cognisant of his former identity and significance to them. Recognising its permanence. She now had another partner, tears streamed down her cheeks in scalding rivulets; they were unable to cope with him. It was excessively overwhelming.
Seated on the ground, she endeavoured to compose herself, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, taking long, slow breaths until the pain subsided. It did not entirely dissipate but subsided to a persistent dull ache that would probably require the entire day to alleviate. She retrieved her phone from her pocket and called her own store, Stella, which was answered with professionalism as always.
“Stella, has he departed?”“She enquired gently.”
“Yes, Brianna, are you well?” Where did you travel? He appeared quite irritated that you simply departed.
I am indifferent, Stella. His departure is all that concerns me. Did you observe him depart at any point?”
“Negative, Brianna.” What is occurring?”
“Nothing.” Do not be concerned about it. I will not be employed by him, that woman, or anyone from his organisation. The response is negative; it pertains to Wood Industries.
If you are in trouble, Brianna.
“I am not Stella,” she reassured her. “However, the new protocol stipulates that no appointments may be scheduled without prior knowledge of the individual’s company, understood?”
“Understood, Brianna.” Stella appeared somewhat perplexed, yet Brianna was confident that the woman would adhere to the directives. Consistently exhibited professionalism. I have been employed by Brianna for six years, assisting her in the establishment of two additional boutiques, one in Olympia, Washington, and the other in Los Angeles, California.
Stella was poised to assist in initiating preparations for the inaugural international store in Toronto, Canada. She attended a fashion show where she showcased her gowns, which sold out, and she received additional orders. Stella will be opening and managing her own store as the full manager. Brianna trusted no one else to undertake this task; she and Logan would be away for a duration of three months. Possibly extended, contingent upon the circumstances, whether favourable or unfavourable.
She finally rose from the ground and entered through the rear entrance to the ground floor, traversed the storage area, passed the dressing rooms, and proceeded to the front of the store. Observed Stella gazing at her with a hint of concern as she approached the front window and peered outside.
Surveyed the street in both directions but could neither locate his car nor identify anything resembling it from that time. She speculated that it might have changed, but she was aware that he would be operating a 4×4 vehicle of some kind, as all his pack vehicles were, necessitated by the size of the wolves, which were all large and formidable.
Observed nothing that could be classified as a pack car. He then recognised that being this distant from his pack, it was probable he would be operating a rental vehicle; however, there was no indication of him or his unit in her view. She turned away from the window to see Stella still observing her.
Brianna replied, “It is inconsequential.”
Stella clearly did not trust her, stating, “I have known you for a considerable duration, Brianna.” It is not insignificant, as nothing ever disturbs you. Not even the affluent billionaires who enter here believing it is their way or the highway. This week, I have observed you reject that woman and her companion on two occasions. Regardless of their identity, the men accompanying her. Both departed in irritation and appeared displeased with your response to them.
“Release it, Stella,” Brianna exhaled.
Brianna!Stella sighed in response, “Come on, it pertains to your past; I am aware of that.” You did not disclose your place of origin. You never discuss it, as if you simply materialised here in Colorado as an adult.
Brianna replied, slightly irritated by the inquiry, “I did.”
I observed Stella genuinely laugh, “Indeed… You are familiar with them, but they appeared not to recognise you, correct?””
“That is accurate, and we shall conclude the matter there, understood?”
“Very well…and what if they return?”Stella exhaled in frustration, conceding her efforts to extract information from her.
“I am not present.” “Unadulterated and straightforward,” Brianna whispered.
“I doubt that either of those individuals will accept that.”
“I am indifferent; I will be on vacation regardless, and I anticipate that this will resolve the matter.” I will be able to work remotely for the upcoming week.
“Avoidance is not always the solution, Brianna,” Stella remarked nonchalantly.
Brianna snorted; there was no key, and she did not belong to anyone. She was imperceptible even to her own species and others; she encountered several Vampires, who were fashion enthusiasts, a few fairies, and a Bear shifter on one occasion. That man nearly toppled her, steadied her with his hands, and then gazed directly at her, inhaling her scent closely, before frowning profoundly. She courteously apologised to him; he continued to gaze at her, clearly perplexed by her demeanour, but eventually stepped aside, permitting her to pass after a moment.
She received a typical response from most otherworldly beings; humans perceived nothing, and it was probable that most otherworldly entities regarded her as merely human, which aligned with her way of life.
Brianna retrieved Logan from the bus stop as usual, returned to the boutique, and the rental car for their airport transfer arrived precisely as they returned. They promptly retrieved their luggage. Informed Stella that she would see her in a few weeks, in case others were present to overhear.
