Hayley’s POV:
I nodded in agreement. Teri’s face lit up with a mix of admiration and envy. “Ms. Carson, I’m heading out first, thank you,” Teri said, waving at me and Benjamin before rushing off. I turned away and suggested, “Let’s head back too.”
Benjamin did not move right away. He gazed at me, then reached out with a tissue to dab at the corner of my mouth. He seemed on the verge of pulling me into his arms, getting very close. Hera inside me was screaming to just hug him and kiss him, but I held back. I stepped back, putting some distance between us. “It’s really cold out here. You should try to get home earlier from now on.”
Benjamin noticed my retreat but didn’t seem bothered. Instead, he gently unwrapped his scarf and draped it around me. Then he took my hand, and we started walking towards the car. Side by side, his familiar scent enveloped us, making both me and Hera feel completely at ease. “I’ve finished altering the dress. Will you come with me to try it on tomorrow?” I asked. “Okay,” Benjamin replied.
Tanner’s POV:
I got to the design studio early, but to my surprise, someone was there even before me. “Teri, why are you here so early?” I asked, surprised to see my assistant already at her desk. Teri looked up quickly and responded, “Boss, good morning! I didn’t have much to do, so I came in early.” I noticed she was fidgeting with something in her hand, so I approached and asked, “Are you working on a design draft?” Teri scratched her head awkwardly and replied, “Just doodling.” I did not press further but shifted the topic, “How’s the dress modification for Hayley going?”
Teri quickly answered, “Ms. Carson already finished the modifications, and the dress is now hanging in the room.” I was surprised to hear it was done so quickly. Curious about the modifications, I asked, “What do you think of the dress after her changes?”
Teri seemed genuine as she said, “Boss, I think Ms. Carson is really talented; I admire her a bit. In design, and I honestly…” Feeling that she might be holding back because Hayley was soon to be the Luna of our Midnight Pack, I suspected the praise was partly out of politeness. I dismissed further inquiry and instructed, “Okay, keep it as is. Let me know when they arrive.” “Okay, Boss.”
Not long afterward, while I was sketching, Teri came in to report, “Boss, Ms. Carson and Mr. Benjamin are here.” I set down my pencil, stood up, and went to greet them. First, I acknowledged Alpha Benjamin and then greeted Hayley. Benjamin nodded slightly. “We came to see the dress.” I turned to Hayley and said, “The dress is ready for you. Why don’t you go try it on now?”
Hayley got up and headed towards the dressing room, and Teri quickly offered, “Ms. Carson, let me help you with that.” Hayley smiled and thanked her, and the two headed into the dressing room together. I turned to Benjamin, somewhat amused, “Ben, aren’t you spoiling her a bit too much? You, a known workaholic, came just to watch her try on a dress?”
Benjamin calmly replied, “She’s about to officially become my Luna; of course, I want to spoil her and be lenient with her.” I found myself at a loss for words. His reaction made it seem as though Hayley was his destined mate. “She will be the Luna of our pack in the future, and also your sister-in-law. Please support her as much as possible.” After finishing his statement, Benjamin looked at me and specifically added, “Don’t bully her just because I’m not around and she’s just an Omega.”
I quickly responded, “Ben, what are you talking about? I wouldn’t dare to bully her even if you give me the courage to do so.” At that moment, I fully realized that Hayley had already become more important to him than us brothers. As we were speaking, the door to the dressing room opened.