Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 2: You’re Hayley, Aren’t You?

“Enough! You ugly and uncultivated Omega, stop acting so naive! I can’t stand it anymore,” Henry snapped, clearly fed up. The disdain was palpable in the silence of his brothers. I had to bite my inner cheek to keep from laughing outright at their disgusted expressions. Masking my amusement, I portrayed a wounded facade as I followed them into the villa.

A servant showed me to my room, overly decorated in what they must have thought was every girl’s dream—pastel blues and overflowing with brand-name fashion items. I feigned awe at the designer labels, only increasing their revulsion.

As we descended the stairs later, I caught snippets of Henry venting to his brothers, “Thank goodness she’s not triggering any mate bonds. Imagine being tied to such a tasteless Omega for life!” I smirked inwardly, pleased with my decision to mask my scent beforehand. These brothers were definitely not what I was looking for, and thankfully, the feeling was mutual.

Before arriving, I had my people dig into the Southwells’ background. Their elders enjoyed traveling, and Benjamin Southwell, the Alpha heir, was rarely home due to his duties. Despite having their own places, their Alpha grandfather had summoned all of them back because of me.

I joined them at the dining table, served by the staff. Tanner, sitting opposite me, appeared to have reached his limit and addressed me. “As a globally acclaimed fashion designer, Ms. Carson, there are numerous outfits I’ve coordinated upstairs. I recommend you try one on.”

I glanced down at my simple dress and responded nonchalantly, “My grandmother made it. I think it’s quite nice.” Tanner sighed and dropped the subject.

Henry then cut to the chase. “Look, Ms. Carson, let’s be clear: none of us are interested in marrying you, and Ben will never like you. It’s best you leave on your own.”

I feigned a hurt look, biting my lip. “But how would I explain that to Grandpa?”

“I suspect you’re just after our wealth,” Henry accused, his face flushing with anger. “Stay, and you’ll only invite trouble.”

I adopted a meek Omega pose, silently continuing with my meal, giving no ground to his bluster. Maybe my act was too convincing because the four of them barely touched their dinner before leaving. Alone at last, I relished my meal, enjoying the flavors that the Southwells’ kitchen had perfected.

Mission accomplished: No one in the Southwells took a liking to me, and I could leave the Midnight Pack within a year.

After eating, I returned to my room and received a message from my assistant. “Alpha, have you made it to Astoria? How are things? Is anyone from the Midnight Pack giving you trouble?”

I smirked as I typed my response, “Those Southwells think they can push me around? Even disguised as an Omega, my cunning won’t let them.”

He cautioned me, “Alpha, you’re amazing! And don’t underestimate the Alpha heirs of the Midnight Pack, especially the first Alpha heir, Benjamin Southwell. He’s sharp. Be cautious around him!”

I muttered ‘Benjamin Southwell’ under my breath with a dismissive scoff. He might be the primary Alpha heir of the Midnight Pack, but I have already assumed the Alpha leadership of the Shadow Pack. Hierarchy-wise, he was still beneath me.

After setting my phone aside, I settled in for the night. I woke up around four a.m., thirsty. Having scrubbed off the harsh makeup, I figured it was safe to head downstairs for water since it was so late. I did not bother with the lights. Strangely, the bed seemed more comfortable as I drifted back to sleep.

However, after some time, the bedroom door creaked open, and I felt the blanket lift. Half-asleep, I stirred, alert. Before I could fully grasp the situation, a deep, intriguing voice broke the silence, “Who’s there?”

Caught off guard, I could not believe someone from the Southwells had the audacity to enter my room in the dead of night. “Who are you? It’s quite impolite to barge into someone’s room so late?” I challenged, straining in the darkness to see who dared intrude.

In the darkness, his face remained unseen, but I heard a cold chuckle from him. “You’re Hayley, aren’t you?”