“This woman isn’t feeling well. I’m taking her to the back to get some rest. Don’t disturb us.”
And, while Casper continues to show his appreciation to the saleswoman; Brianna remains sitting on an expansive, sectional couch in the hotel lobby’s mezzanine area … following her father’s instruction to wait there until he comes to get her.
It’s been nearly a half an hour since he’s left her sitting out there; as Brianna continues keeping her nose buried in her book reading … when suddenly, she hears Crystal calling out to her…
“Heads up … there’s a couple of wolves heading over our way.”
Brianna glances up, and takes notice of two unfamiliar, hulking individuals walking towards her. She asks Crystal for a quick assessment…
What do you think … are they from a pack; or, are they rogues?
“Can’t tell, yet. They’re pretty well-dressed … those look like custom made designer suits they’re wearing … so; I’m thinking chances are that they’re probably from a pack. But; I still wouldn’t rule out the possibility of them being rogues, just yet. It’s too early to tell.”
So, what you’re telling me is; chances of whether they’re pack or rogue wolves are basically 50-50.
“I’d say more like 70-30 … with the odds in favor of them being from a pack.” Crystal confidently assures Brianna, “Not that it matters one way or the other … we can take care of them; no problem.”
Brianna quips, “Of course it matters. … If they’re from a pack; we can deal with them right here in the lobby. If they’re rogues; we’ll have to draw them someplace where no one’s around, and take ’em out.”
Brianna continues to read … feigning to be oblivious of their presence … as they each take a seat on either side of the section of the couch she’s sitting on. They’re displaying stupid-looking grins on their faces; as they fail to inconspicuously watch her. … Shortly; without looking up from her book, Brianna flippantly utters aloud…
“Jeez; didn’t your mothers ever teach you that it’s impolite to stare at people? … If you guys keep it up; you’re going to give your eyes an astigmatism.”
They two look at each other and laugh; while she keeps her nose buried in her book. One of them asks…
“Are you here all by yourself; or, is your father around, little girl?”
Not looking up; she sarcastically responds…
“To answer the first part of your question … since you don’t see anyone else sitting near me; I’m obviously here all by myself. And; as for the second part of your question … I’m only nine-years-old; so, it stands to reason that of course my father would be somewhere around.”
The other one says, “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a little smart ass, over here.”
Still keeping her eyes looking down at her book; Brianna flippantly quips, “Better a smart ass, than a dumb ass.”
Their stupid-looking grins quickly transform into pissed off-looking scowls.
At that moment, Casper happens to be stepping outside of the boutique; while at the same time, Phillip is returning to the lobby with a couple of the Security Detail members … and, they all witness the two unfamiliar, hulking individuals seated on both sides of Brianna; angrily glaring at her.
Phillip and the Security Detail members start to move in; but, Casper immediately mind-links…
“Stand down, and back away; everyone.”
Phillip sees Casper standing outside of the boutique’s entrance. “What’s wrong; why don’t you want us to go over … wait, don’t tell me; you want to handle it yourself, right?”
“Actually; I want to see how Brianna handles it.”
Phillip and the Security Detail members seem a bit befuddled by this; not quite understanding why the Alpha would want to have them just standby while his daughter is in an apparently precarious situation. Phillip asks…
“Are you sure about this; Alpha Casper? Why don’t you want us to help her?”
“You and I both know that Brianna can be a handful; and, possesses a fiercely hostile disposition, at times. But; I’ve also heard the rumors circulating among the pack … as I’m sure you have, as well … that she can be a little, wild beast.”
“And…?”
“‘And’ … I’ve always wondered as to what basis these rumors originated from, in the first place. I’m curious to see why they sometimes refer to her as a little, wild beast … and, if she is indeed one; I want to see how truly wild of a beast she can be.”
Back at the Gamma’s residence…
**Pomona’s POV**
I’m still embracing Bellona comfortingly in my arms, nuzzling my nose in the crook of her neck … it’s my turn to calm Bellona down; trying to quell her rising ire brought about by our father … while Dad glares at us with looks wavering between disappointment and disgust in his eyes … disappointment in Bellona; and, disgust for me. He turns to our mother, and resignedly sighs…
“Oh well; what’s the use … at this point, I suppose it’s a lost cause trying to drive a wedge between the bond those two have; and, talk some sense back into Bellona.”
Then, he aims his sight on the last two targets; which were probably initially his only targets for today … until other recent events suddenly transpired throughout the morning; compelling him to deal with those issues first. Dad looks over to the twins…
“And; as for you two … don’t go thinking that I’ve forgotten about what you did; or, that you’re off the hook, yet.”
Somber expressions suddenly overtake the twins’ countenances; as they slowly lower their heads into a subservient position. Dad finally gets around to asking them…
“Didn’t I tell you both that you weren’t allowed to go out last night? Still; you took it upon yourselves to blatantly ignore me, and go out anyway. … Tell me; where were you, and what were you doing all night?”
The twins subtly raise their eyes just enough to deliver a quick side-glance to one another; then, return to staring down at the floor, while remaining silent. Dad advises the twins…