Chapter 145: A Championship Contender

Benjamin’s POV:

I smirked, thinking little of it, and refocused on the race. “There he is! Number 6, Patrick Holden! The only racer from North Annestone!” an excited voice called from the crowd. My sharp ears immediately picked it up; the voice sounded strangely familiar. I looked in the direction of the sound and couldn’t help but think how small the world truly was—it was Thomas.

But something felt amiss. Why was Thomas with Hazel? Those two didn't seem to have any connection. One spent most of their time in France, while the other was a regular in the Midnight Pack. Yet, from their demeanor, they seemed quite comfortable together—like they weren't meeting for the first time. I pulled my gaze away, wondering if I was overthinking it. Something about it felt… strange. The last time I'd seen Thomas, he'd been with Hayley.

Hayley’s POV:

I watched the racer named Patrick with a slight smile. “This guy isn’t bad. I actually think he might be a contender for the championship,” I mused. Thomas didn’t seem to agree. “Alpha, Patrick’s an unknown. I’m pretty sure this is his first time competing in such a top-tier race, and he’s only a low-rank Beta. I don’t think he stands a chance.”

In the world of werewolves, even a single rank difference could lead to condescension from higher-ranked wolves, so it made sense that Thomas didn’t have high hopes for him. “Let’s wait and see,” I replied. I understood his perspective, but I still felt that Patrick had potential.

Sure enough, when the race for his group ended, Patrick had won. “I think he has what it takes,” I said seriously. Thomas sighed. “Alpha, I know you’re an Alpha and I’m your second-in-command, but this time, I have to disagree. I think Z from Goavinan is the one to watch. His strength is no joke, and he’s got a better shot.”

I smiled casually and suggested, “Thomas, why don’t we make a bet?” Thomas looked at me, visibly nervous. After all, every time he’d made a bet with me, he’d practically never won. “Alpha, what do you want to bet this time?”

I grinned. “Since we’re here watching the race, let’s bet on who’ll win the championship.” Thomas immediately protested, “Alpha, have mercy! In all these years I’ve known you, I’ve never won a single bet against you. I’m practically losing the shirt off my back here. Have a little pity and let me off the…”

I burst out laughing. “Alright, alright! Look at you, so pitiful. Let’s keep it small this time—how about a Michelin dinner?” When he heard it was just a dinner at a Michelin restaurant, he visibly relaxed. “Alright, fine, just a dinner. So, Alpha, you’re betting on Patrick?”

I nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m putting my money on him!” Thomas shrugged. “Then I’ll go with Z! But let’s agree no backing out, no matter who wins or loses.”

With the bet settled, we turned our full attention back to the race. Just then, I felt Hera suddenly stir inside me, almost restlessly. At that exact moment, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and found myself staring right into Benjamin’s eyes!

I jumped, my eyes widening in surprise. “Mr. Benjamin! What are you doing here?” Benjamin glanced at me, then at Thomas. Thomas looked just as startled, clearly caught off guard. “What a coincidence, Ms. Carson! Fancy seeing you here.” Benjamin then turned to Thomas. “Mr. Somer, you’re here for the race too?”

Thomas shot me a calming look, then replied smoothly, “I happened to be on a business trip to France and figured I’d stop by when I heard about the race.” He made a point of standing at a slight distance from me, pretending we didn’t know each other well. Benjamin’s gaze shifted back and forth between Thomas and me, studying us both.

Suddenly, I remembered the time at the Southwells’ Residence when Benjamin had caught Thomas and me together. For some reason, the two scenes overlapped in my mind, and a sense of unease crept over me. My heart pounded. Could Benjamin be putting the pieces together?

As I was worrying, Benjamin’s eyes narrowed, and he asked, in a scrutinizing tone, “Ms. Carson, do you two know each other?”