Chapter 147: Benjamin Is Nearby

Hayley’s POV:

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “Oh? Then I’d love to meet those two friends sometime, Mr. Benjamin.”

“But, Mr. Benjamin, I have something to take care of, so I’ll be heading back.” Ignoring Hera’s protests, I tried my best to get away from him quickly.

Benjamin nodded.

I smiled and casually added, “The race is over for today. Come back tomorrow to watch the finals.”

Benjamin agreed. “See you then, Ms. Carson.”

I waved. “Goodbye!”

We brushed past each other, each heading in opposite directions. Once I reached the exit, I looked around for Thomas. I was just about to use our mind-link to locate him when a gunshot echoed from inside the building!

The sound was followed by a woman’s scream, and suddenly the crowd around me erupted in panic, with people rushing to get outside. I froze. Why was there gunfire here?

Benjamin was still inside!

The thought hit me, and I didn’t even hesitate. I pushed my way back through the panicked crowd, running against the flow to get back inside the hall.

I had no idea how many times I was bumped and jostled, but I kept going, not slowing down for a second. I didn’t dare reveal my Alpha strength in case Benjamin saw, so I was forced to push through the crowd in this vulnerable human form.

At one point, I stepped on something slippery, and my foot slid out from under me. I fell forward, hitting the ground hard.

“Ah…” I cried out as someone accidentally stepped on my ankle, sending a sharp pain up my leg.

Right then, Hera stirred within me, and I knew—Benjamin was nearby!

I quickly scrambled to my feet, scanning the area for him. But before I could catch my balance, someone else crashed into me, and I was about to be thrown against the wall. Just then, a strong hand shot out, grabbing me around the waist and pulling me close.

We stumbled but came to a stop with me pinned against the wall, Benjamin’s arm shielding me. “Ms. Carson, are you alright?!”

Hera was practically leaping with excitement.

I looked up at him, so close I could see every detail of his face, my heart pounding uncontrollably. In that moment, all my subconscious worries and hidden feelings were answered. I couldn’t fight the truth any longer. I had fallen for the mate the Moon Goddess had chosen for me—Benjamin.

Because only if I cared about him—only if I had fallen for him—would I rush in to protect him in a moment of danger like this.

Realizing this, I instinctively pushed him away. “I’m fine!”

Just as the words left my mouth, another gunshot rang out from behind us. The crowd panicked once more, and people started frantically running toward the exits. Without hesitation, Benjamin shifted into his wolf form right there. His powerful, towering body scooped me onto his back, and he raced toward the exit with me clinging to him.

Everyone we passed seemed awed into submission by his Alpha aura, instinctively stepping aside to clear a path for us.

In no time, he’d carried me to a safe, open area outside the venue.

Benjamin shifted back into his human form, glanced at me, then looked over his shoulder and said, “We should be safe here.”

I looked up at him gratefully. “Thank you for what you did back there.” Seeing him standing so tall and strong, I felt a surge of excitement, just like Hera, but I held back her instinct to mark him.

Benjamin didn’t seem to think much of it. “I’m not sure what happened in there, but a shooting… even for werewolves, it’s not safe. You shouldn’t go to the finals tomorrow. I’ll take you back to the manor.”

I quickly shook my head. “No, that’s not necessary. I’m fine. I’d rather not go back just yet.”

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, giving me a surprised look. “For your safety, I’d still advise against it, Ms. Carson. It’s just a race. If you miss it this year, there’s always next year.”

I nodded. “Understood. Thank you, Mr. Benjamin.”

I looked away, feeling a bit flustered now that I’d recognized my own feelings. Being alone with him suddenly felt overwhelming.

Then I remembered something and instinctively reached into my pocket, pulling out my phone to call Thomas.

The phone rang for a long time, but there was no answer. I tried reaching him through our mind-link as well, but there was no response. Growing anxious, I frowned, my brow furrowing deeply.

Benjamin noticed and asked, “Is something wrong?”

I opened my mouth to answer but hesitated, swallowing the words back down.

Sensing my reluctance, Benjamin said, “If it’s not convenient for you to share, that’s fine.”

Initially, I hadn’t planned on telling him, but this was about Thomas’s safety. He was my second-in-command, incredibly important to me. So I finally said, “Thomas is still inside, and I haven’t been able to reach him.”