Chapter 138: A Minor Role

Hayley’s POV:

I quickly said, “I just remembered I forgot something. How about you not driving me to school today? I can go on my own.” But before I could finish my sentence, Benjamin was already walking toward me. His tall frame loomed over mine, radiating that commanding alpha presence, making me feel even smaller in comparison.

“I’ll wait here,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. A wave of unexpected emotions surged through me—a desire to speak, battling with the frantic pounding of my heart in Benjamin’s presence. Overwhelmed, I turned and fled up the stairs, seeking refuge from the intensity of the moment.

With a sharp “click,” I closed my bedroom door, pressing a hand to my racing heart. Inside, my emotions were already in turmoil, and once again, that urge to let Hera draw closer to him surged within me.

When I came back downstairs, I avoided looking at Benjamin entirely, walking past him briskly. “Let’s go. I’m going to be late.”

Benjamin glanced at me, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He followed me out without another word.

Once we were in the car, I leaned back against the seat, pretending to nap. But I think my fluttering eyelids must have given me away because Benjamin saw right through my act. He asked, deliberately, “Did you not sleep well last night?”

I opened my eyes instinctively, turning to look out the window to hide my face. “No, I slept fine,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

Benjamin glanced at me through the rearview mirror but didn’t press further. We arrived at school; I didn’t even wait for the car to come to a complete stop before I opened the door and hurried out.

Hera’s protests about neglecting Benjamin, our supposed destined mate, faded into background noise as I reached my classroom. Determined to banish the confusing emotions swirling within me, I immersed myself in my studies.

But after the second class, a classmate stopped me in the hallway. “Hayley, someone’s looking for you.”

Surprised, I followed him, only to see Thomas standing casually by the corridor.

“Alpha! Here I am,” Thomas greeted me with a respectful smile.

I let out a small sigh of relief and asked, “What are you doing here?”

Thomas grinned, coming closer. “Can’t I come to see you for no reason?”

I gave him a look and asked, “Is there something you need?”

Thomas glanced around and suggested, “Alpha, why don’t we talk somewhere else?”

Chapter 138: A Minor Role (Continued)

Thomas spoke up. “Alpha, the annual France Cup International Racing Championship is coming up. Do you want to go watch it in person?”

“Three years ago, you won that championship and set a record that still hasn’t been broken. You made such a splash internationally, then disappeared without a trace. There’s been no mention of you in the racing world since. This year, though, I hear a new generation of racers is making waves,”

“That’s why I came to see if you’d be interested in checking it out.”

“You’re saying the France Cup is starting soon? When?” I felt a spark of excitement.

“It’s next week! Even though no one’s broken the record you set, there’s a new contender this year—some hotshot called Silverfang, one of the favorites to win. There are a few other up-and-coming racers with solid skills, too. It should be interesting,” Thomas said, his excitement palpable.

I pressed my lips together thoughtfully. Maybe a trip to France would give me some space from Benjamin, enough time to sort out the confusion in my mind. I could also think carefully about whether to reveal my true scent to Benjamin, to expose my identity, and choose him as my mate.

“Alpha, do you want to go?” Thomas looked at me with hopeful eyes.

I nodded. “Sure, I’ll go. Book me a ticket.”

Overjoyed, Thomas transformed into his wolf form for a moment, bounding around excitedly before reverting and answering respectfully, “Alright, Alpha. I’ll take care of it right away.”

I looked down, already feeling more resolved. No matter what, I’d treat this trip to France as a chance to clear my head and enjoy the race.

With newfound clarity, I returned to class feeling lighter and more focused. The previous tension seemed to melt away as I dove back into my studies.

“Hayley, I need to go pick up a script from the company this afternoon. Will you come with me?” Trista pleaded, tugging on my arm with an adorable, pitiful expression. I looked at her and suddenly remembered something. “Are you going to Phoenix Entertainment?”

Trista nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! I’ve signed with the production, and I start next month. It’s just a small role, but it’s my first acting job, so it’s really important to…”

I closed my textbook. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

The real reason I agreed to accompany her, though, was because I had something of my own I needed to take care of there.