Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate: Chapter 25 – Uninterested
As Hayley stumbled into my arms, I was surprised to find myself not pushing her away. Averted my usual reaction was unexpected, given how much I had previously disliked her. I had never imagined that my future Luna—once I assumed the Alpha position of the Midnight Pack—would be someone like her, a mere Omega. My grandfather had been adamant that my mate must come from the ruling family of Shadow Pack, our allies. I had anticipated at least a Beta with some measure of charm and ability, not someone like Hayley.
Initially, I found her entirely unappealing. But as time went on, I discovered an unexpected allure in her. She was a skilled tennis player, solved complex maths problems with ease, and despite her Omega status, she was remarkably adept at defending herself. She never seemed to be at a disadvantage and even protected my brother Christopher in a critical moment. My distaste for her was undeniably waning.
Could she truly be my destined mate? No, that’s impossible! I shook my head, determined to reject this unsettling thought. The woman who truly captivated me was the one who had bested me on the racetrack, the striking and commanding woman with an undeniable Alpha presence. If I could, I would search for her.
Furthermore, my wolf had never picked up any scent from Hayley, which was peculiar. She seemed to be hiding many secrets, and I needed to have my subordinates investigate further. The following day, I found myself volunteering to collect Hayley from the hospital, a decision I couldn’t quite explain.
When I arrived at her hospital room, I watched her peaceful face as she slept. Upon waking and seeing me beside her bed, she appeared visibly startled. Her gaze held on me for several seconds before she finally asked, “What are you doing here?”
At a loss for words, I replied, “You’re awake. Perfect timing. Let’s get you ready to leave.” Her face brightened with joy at the prospect of returning to school, and she promptly forgot to question my presence. “I can go back to school? That’s wonderful!” Her happiness was infectious, and I found myself smiling in return.
Noticing the breakfast on the table, I instructed her, “Finish your breakfast and get packed. I’ll handle the discharge paperwork.” By the time I returned with the completed forms, Hayley had finished her meal and gathered her belongings. I escorted her out of the hospital.
I drove that day, with Hayley seated in the back of the car. As we set off, her phone rang. She answered with a cheerful voice, “Good morning, Abstie!” The caller was the Hollywood actress Ivana. I overheard Hayley laughing as she said, “What are you talking about, Auntie? I’m always in a good mood. I’ve never been unhappy.” Ivana’s teasing tone came through clearly, and Hayley seemed to be in high spirits.
As I glanced into the rearview mirror, I caught Hayley casting a sideways glance at me. Her cheeks flushed, and she spoke in a lowered tone, “Auntie, what are you on about? We don’t share that kind of relationship.” It was clear she was referring to me.
So, she wasn’t interested? A cold smile crept onto my lips. Ivana evidently misunderstood the situation and was attempting to push us together, leaving me clearly unhappy about it. Hayley’s reluctance was apparent. The notion of me as her mate was something she resisted, especially given my role as Alpha. This was the first time I had been dismissed so openly, and by an Omega, no less. I wondered which of my four brothers she might prefer. None of them had shown any interest in her, as far as I knew.
Was she hoping she could wait until she turned eighteen, like some wolves from ordinary families, and let fate decide her mate? The thought was almost absurd. “Auntie!” Hayley’s voice carried a tone of defeat, as if Ivana’s persuasion was relentless. “I get it, Auntie. I’ll take care of it,” she finally replied, and I focused on the road, tuning out the remainder of the conversation.
When the call ended, I noticed her studying me with a thoughtful expression, lost in her own thoughts. The slight affection I had felt for her before vanished, replaced by a clear sense of disillusionment, thanks to her reaction during the call.