Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 205: Can She Stay?

Hayley’s POV:

After Grandma whispered her request into my ear, I looked at her and nodded firmly.

Grandma, with a warm smile, said, “My Hayz has really grown up. Well, you’re old enough to make your own decisions. No matter what, your grandfather and I will always be your strongest support.”

I threw myself into her arms and acted coyly, “Grand. I’m so lucky to have you and Grandpa.”

Benjamin’s POV:

I invited Bill to play a game of chess. After a while, he spoke up, “Ben, you didn’t invite me just to play chess, did you?”

He really was the former Alpha of the Shadow Pack; I couldn’t help but admire his sharp insight. I paused my move and then spoke slowly, “Bill, you’re really good at chess.”

Bill looked up at me, then smiled. “I’ve been playing for decades. I’ve managed to keep up. But for someone as young as you to play so well—you’re clearly exceptional.”

“You’re too kind, Bill.”

Bill smiled knowingly, then, after thinking for a moment, he moved his piece on the board. I quickly followed suit.

He began to speak about Hayley. “Hayz has had her fair share of hardship since she was young. Her parents died when she was eight, fighting to protect the pack from a war with witches. She grew up with me and my wife. I still remember the first time I saw her, after her parents passed away. All the energy seemed to have left her. She just sat there, like a doll—no tears, no tantrums. It was a heartbreaking sight.”

Thinking about how small and helpless Hayley was back then made my chest tighten. I suddenly didn’t know where to place my piece.

Bill continued, “At the time, she was so small. When I picked her up, she finally threw herself into my arms and cried uncontrollably. My heart ached so much. I thought, how could such a little child bear so much? It was then that I promised myself I would protect her and make sure she grew up healthy and happy.”

I set my piece down and said, “She’s grown up well.” Even though she was a lower-ranked Omega, her abilities were impressive, not at all inferior to a Beta’s.

Bill nodded in agreement and continued, “Yes, she’s never caused us trouble. Whether it’s her studies or life, she’s very independent. Sometimes, it makes us worry about her, too. But my wife and I are getting older. We don’t know how much longer we can be there for her. So we hope…”

At this point, Bill’s thoughts were clear. My uncertainty, which had lingered until then, finally settled. “Bill, it’s your turn,” I reminded him, intentionally focusing all my attention on the chessboard.

Bill looked at the game. I noticed his expression seemed a bit lost.

It was then that I spoke up sincerely, “Hayley is a wonderful girl. I was wondering, could I keep her here?”

After saying it, I felt a flutter of unease in my chest. I’d faced multi-million-dollar projects, battled ruthless witches, and been through countless wars without feeling the slightest disturbance in my heart. But now, I felt nervous.

Bill’s face showed no joy. Instead, he looked at me seriously. “Are you serious? This isn’t a joke.”

I met his gaze and said, firmly, “If I weren’t serious, this conversation wouldn’t be happening. I want to take care of her forever and ever.”