Chapter 24: You Seem Terrified

“Not feeling well?” Benjamin asked, his tone almost clinical.

Before I could reply, Ivana intervened, “Hayley might still be recovering. Perhaps you should take her home.” Her underlying motive was clear—she was trying to pair us off. I sighed inwardly, wondering what made her think Benjamin was a suitable match for me.

“Alright,” Benjamin agreed, without a hint of reluctance.

“Thank you,” I managed, forcing a smile as I glanced at his unyielding expression. The situation was undeniably awkward. My aunt’s actions made it seem as though some divine force had deemed Benjamin my destined mate, and failing to comply would result in dire consequences.

The driver took the front seat while Benjamin and I sat in the back. Instinctively, I edged away, trying to create some space. Benjamin noticed and frowned. “Are you afraid of me?”

I laughed awkwardly. “No, I just didn’t want you to sit on my clothes.”

He smirked, a rare and unsettling sight. “Is that so?”

Was that a smile? It caught me off guard, making him seem almost intimidating. I coughed, trying to shift my focus away from him. Eventually, sleep overtook me.

Half-asleep, I saw a familiar sign flash past the window. Remembering Ranin was beside me, I blurted, “Stop here, I want to get some snacks.”

Benjamin paused, then instructed the driver, “Turn around and stop at the snack bar we just passed.” The driver complied, and we parked in front of an old sign.

“Sorry, this won’t take long,” I said, leaping out of the car and heading straight for the shop. “Shopkeep, I’ll have this, this… and this…” I ordered enthusiastically, only to realize Benjamin was standing behind me.

“Why did you get out?” I asked, surprised.

“I’m hungry too. Is that a problem?” Benjamin replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

“No, no problem.” I wiped my brow and paid. “Shopkeep, another set of the same, please.”

“This one’s for you,” I said, offering Benjamin his share. He frowned slightly, and I quickly explained, “It’s just thank you for hosting my aunt for dinner. If you think it’s too cheap, I can treat you to a proper meal next time.”

Benjamin glanced at the food, took it, and said, “Spare me.”

I dug into my food, savoring the rich flavors. The best meals often came from the most unexpected places. Benjamin watched me, his icy demeanor softening a fraction. He then turned to the owner. “Pack this up, please.”

I couldn’t shake the feeling that Benjamin was missing the point of good food. “Don’t you know the best way to enjoy these snacks is to eat them fresh, right after they’re made?”

“I didn’t realize that,” Benjamin admitted, contemplating my words with a thoughtful expression.

I blinked in surprise at his response, then returned to my food. Once we were back in the car, I ignored his look of disapproval and deliberately pressed a piece of snack toward him. He hesitated before mimicking me, taking a cautious bite and chewing slowly.

Astonished, he remarked, “It’s actually rather good…”

I grinned. “Of course it is.” A new sense of warmth toward him began to grow.

Without warning, the driver slammed on the brakes to dodge a wounded werewolf that had appeared suddenly. “Sorry about that,” the driver said apologetically.

I was jolted forward, my snacks nearly flying out of my grasp as I tumbled into Benjamin’s arms. “Watch yourself,” he said, steadying me by holding my shoulders.

As I settled against him, I became aware of a strange, almost intoxicating scent coming from him. My wolf, Hera, stirred within me, restless and eager.

“What is this?” I asked Hera, my voice laced with confusion.

“Could Benjamin be our destined mate?”