Chapter 144: Good News
Hayley’s POV:
I could only brush it off, saying, “Aunt Tara, what are you talking about? It’s still early for that! I want to focus on handling Shadow Pack business first. My destined mate will show up eventually.”
Tara chuckled. “Well, you could at least try to look for one. But honestly, Ms. Carson, only an Alpha as outstanding as Mr. Benjamin would be a good match for someone as exceptional as you.”
I quickly cut her off. “Aunt Tara, you can talk about me all you want, but why drag him into it?”
“I was just saying. But seriously, Ms. Carson, Mr. Benjamin is impressive. If two Alphas like you were to join together, your children would be some of the most remarkable werewolves.”
I didn’t even know how to respond to that.
“Anyway, Ms. Carson, the next time you come back, I hope you’ll bring us the good news that you’ve found your destined mate,” Tara said, looking at me earnestly. She ruffled my hair, her eyes full of hope.
I understood what she was thinking. For everyone in the Shadow Pack—whether they were here or living abroad—finding a powerful mate to bond with would have a positive impact on our entire community. So I reassured her in a gentle tone, “Alright, Aunt Tara. Don’t worry! Next time, I promise I’ll bring my destined mate back with me.”
Hearing that, a warm smile spread across her face. “Then we’ll be waiting for Ms. Carson’s good news.”
Once we finished picking the grapes, the servants carried the baskets back to the estate.
“Aunt Tara, I’ll be leaving tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back again,” I said.
Tara’s smile faded as she sighed, “You just got here, and now you’re leaving again? Can’t you stay a little longer?”
I felt a bit guilty. There are still some things I need to take care of this time around, so I can’t stay. But next time, I’ll make sure to spend more time with you and Uncle Josh.
Tara looked at me with a serious expression. “Ms. Carson, this estate is your property in the end. Your Uncle Josh and I are only managing it temporarily. Sooner or later, it’ll all be in your hands.”
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I know, Aunt Tara. You and Uncle Josh have worked so hard all these years. I’ll still need your help to look after the estate for a little longer.”
Tara knew she couldn’t convince me to stay, so she didn’t press further.
Early the next morning, I left. Thomas had already arrived at the location for the international competition, and I needed to hurry over there as well.
The annual International Racing Competition was about to kick off. This was a highly anticipated event for racers from all over the world, the crown jewel of the racing world. Most of the participants represented their country’s best racing talent. The competition was being held in Veloria, and the crowd was filled with people of all different backgrounds from around the world, united by their love for racing.
Thomas and I walked in through the main entrance, tickets in hand. We had seats in the A-section, close to the track. Thomas found our spots and called out, “Alpha, over here!” I sat down next to him as spectators continued to pour in. Soon, the seats around us were completely filled, and the huge stadium buzzed with energy and excitement.
“Alpha, today’s just the preliminary. That top-seed we’ve been watching out for, Z from Goavinan, is racing today. But apparently, there’s also a racer from our own country competing this year, though I heard he’s not very strong and might get knocked out in the early rounds,” Thomas said.
I pressed my lips together thoughtfully. “Don’t worry. Our country’s racers are usually late bloomers. There’s always a chance for a surprise. Let’s just enjoy the race.”
The main event was scheduled to start at 7:00. When the signature racing music blared through the speakers, the crowd erupted. I could feel the excitement in the air, and I couldn’t help but smile a little.
I’d loved racing since I was young—the thrill of speed, the adrenaline. I’d initially entered the International Racing Competition by pure chance, back when I was an exchange student in France. I’d just signed up on a whim and ended up becoming an overnight sensation. I won the championship that year, but our Shadow Pack has strict rules; the Alpha and the Alpha’s heir aren’t allowed to participate in any official racing events, or they risk losing their position. So, I never raced publicly after that. Occasionally, I’d join a friendly race with close friends, but nothing serious.
“Wow! Number 7 is killing it! I knew he’d be good!” Thomas said excitedly. Number 7 was the top-seed racer he’d been following, and he’d just taken first place in his preliminary group.
“Alpha, I think he’s got a real shot at winning! Even if he doesn’t take the championship, he’s definitely podium material,” Thomas added.
I wasn’t so sure. “It’s too early to say that. This is just the first group—there are other racers who haven’t competed yet. I have a feeling this year’s race is going to be full of surprises.”
Benjamin’s POV:
Backstage at the race, I was giving some final words of encouragement to our country’s racer. “You’ve been training for years. Now’s the time to show what you’re made of. Give it everything you’ve got—I’m looking forward to seeing you perform.”
He nodded firmly. “Don’t worry, Alpha! I’ll give it my all!”
This was Patrick Holden, our country’s only competitor in the race today—and someone I’d personally invested a lot in, training him at considerable expense to reach this point.
“Group 4. Patrick Holden, get ready!” the announcer called.
Patrick stood up, nodded at me, and headed toward the track.
With nothing else to do backstage, I followed my ticket to my seat in A-section. But as soon as I sat down, my wolf, Lawrence, started acting unusually agitated. I turned my head, and there, three rows behind me, was Hayley. I hadn’t expected to run into her here.