Chapter 197: How Is This Possible?

Hayley’s POV:

“Hayley, let me take control!” Hera called out urgently.

“Don’t worry, I can handle them just fine. After all, I’ve been trained in the most rigorous combat since I was a child,” I reassured Hera, standing firm and unflinching.

As one of the wolves lunged at me, its sharp fangs coming dangerously close to my neck, I swiftly sidestepped, avoiding the attack. I then kicked out, aiming for its front leg. Quick, fierce, precise—I sent it crashing to the ground with a painful howl.

The other wolves swarmed toward me. I sneered, then decisively took care of them. It didn’t take long before they were all lying on the ground, their human forms reappearing as they groaned in pain.

The leader, collapsed on the ground, looked at me with fear in his eyes. “I didn’t expect… you, an Omega… to be this strong. How is that even possible?”

They struggled to get up and stumbled away, fleeing in panic. I clapped my hands together, unfazed by the whole situation. Hera, oddly, seemed excited.

I turned around and froze. Benjamin was standing not far away, his arms crossed, watching me with an unreadable expression. No wonder Hera was so excited. When did he get here?

A pang of fear washed over me; I was relieved I hadn’t given myself over to Hera just now. If I had, my Alpha identity would have been exposed! Had Benjamin seen everything that just happened?

Benjamin started walking toward me. “I didn’t expect you to be so skilled in combat.” His words made it clear—he had seen everything.

I provided him with a partial explanation: “As a descendant of the Shadow Pack’s ruling family, I received training in wolf combat during my younger years.”

“But since I’m an Omega, the training was more challenging for me, and I didn’t see much progress. I can’t—”

He looked at me with suspicion but didn’t push the matter further. “The pack had some business to take care of, so I’m running late. Let’s get in the car,” he said, changing the subject.

Relieved that he wasn’t pressing for more information, I followed him into the car. Once inside, Benjamin didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, he leaned toward me. My heart raced, and I froze, not daring to move.

When Benjamin was only a few inches away, I managed to control Hera’s impulse to get closer and moved away from him. Confused, I asked, “W—what are you doing?”

Benjamin smiled briefly and explained, “Just fasten your seatbelt.” Feeling embarrassed, I quickly replied, “No, it’s fine. I can do it myself.” I hurriedly fastened my seatbelt.

When I finally moved away, Benjamin started the car and drove off. “We’re having a get-together tonight. Do you want to join us for a drink?” he asked.

I knew he meant the Southwell brothers. Without thinking, I declined. “I’ll pass. Just take me home.”

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. “What’s wrong? Don’t you want to spend time with us?” I shook my head and said, “No, it’s not that.”

“Then come have a drink with us,” he insisted, his tone carrying the authority of an Alpha. After thinking for a moment, I realized I didn’t have any plans for the evening, so I agreed.

Tanner organized the gathering as a casual way for them to relax. Normally, they didn’t bring women along—this was always just the brothers hanging out. However, tonight, when the door to the private room opened and Benjamin and I walked in together, the other three immediately stopped what they were doing.

Christopher gave me a look of disdain, clearly annoyed, and asked, “What are you doing here?”