Chapter 303: Are You Ready?
Hayley’s POV:
The car rolled smoothly into the fanciest mall in the Midnight Pack area. Before we stepped out, Benjamin carefully slid his driver’s license from his wallet into his pocket. We then walked into the mall together.
I had a hunch about Benjamin’s purpose—perhaps he was planning to buy me something. Clothes, handbags, lipsticks… I mulled over various possibilities, but I never expected him to lead me to select a diamond ring. It made sense now why he had brought his driver’s license; for us werewolves, purchasing marriage or engagement rings required identity verification. Even though Benjamin is well-known here as the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, he still preserved the formality of the occasion when buying a diamond ring. I was taken aback by the gesture.
He guided me to a renowned diamond ring boutique known as Dring. As soon as we entered, the staff greeted him respectfully. “Alpha, welcome.” Benjamin inquired, “Do you have what I need?” The staff member promptly responded, “Yes, everything is ready. Please, follow me.”
She led us to a VIP room where she presented a sleek box to Benjamin. “Here is the item you requested, sir.” Upon opening the box, a stunning pink diamond caught my eye—its size and brilliance captivated me instantly. Without expecting it, Benjamin suddenly knelt on one knee, extending the ring towards me. “Hayley, will you marry me? Will you become my Luna?”
I had daydreamed about countless proposals but never imagined that this moment would come so suddenly, sweeping me completely off my feet. “Hayley, come on! Say yes already. Our fated mate is proposing to you so that we’ll be together forever,” Hera urged me as I stood there, stunned.
“What are you doing? Stand up!” I said, flustered by his sudden gesture, feeling embarrassed even though it was just the two of us. However, Benjamin reassured me, “I chose this diamond specially for you, and I’m ready to commit to you for life. This ring is one of a kind, made just for the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, and I want it to symbolize my undying love for you as my chosen mate.”
I gazed into Benjamin’s eyes, so full of sincerity, seeing myself reflected back. I was touched. It made me wonder if his choice to make me his mate went beyond just Grandpa Southwell’s influence. While I was lost in thought, Benjamin gently asked again, “Hayley, will you marry me?”
Our eyes locked, and a smile spread across my face as I nodded emphatically, “Yes!” Benjamin then slipped the ring on my finger, and I helped him to his feet. He handed his driver’s license and bank card to the salesperson, saying, “We’ll take this one.” The salesperson, smiling, took the card and said, “Right away, Alpha.”
Once she left, I pulled at Benjamin’s sleeve and whispered, “This must have cost a fortune, right?” He patted my head lovingly and said, “Diamonds might be expensive, but you are priceless. No cost is too great for you.” His words warmed my heart.
Grinning, I said to Benjamin, “Thank you for this gesture, but you know, I’m actually your…” I paused, still unsure about revealing our fated connection. “What are you trying to say?” Benjamin looked at me, puzzled. “Never mind,” I dismissed, shaking my head.
Benjamin did not say much, just swallowed hard and leaned in for a kiss. It was just a brief kiss, and he pulled back before Hera could push me to mark him. That kiss stirred up my desire to be with him, just as Hera and I had hoped. While trying to calm the restless Hera, his voice came softly, “What should I do? I feel like keeping you all to myself.”
Blushing, I stuttered, unable to form a full sentence, “You… let’s just head back.” I gently pushed him away and maintained some distance between us. Taking big strides, I walked ahead, while Benjamin watched me with a shy smile and chased after me with a hearty laugh.
Stepping out of the mall, the air between us was charged with a newfound intimacy. I glanced down at the diamond ring on my finger, feeling the weight of new responsibilities. Now, I was not just the Alpha of the Shadow Pack but also the Luna of the Midnight Pack, tasked with the protection of both packs.
A wave of emotion washed over me as I realized I was about to marry my destined mate, filling my heart with joy. “Let’s get in the car, I’ll drive you home,” Benjamin said, holding my hand. I nodded and climbed into the car. Stealing a glance at Benjamin, everything still felt surreal, like a dream.
Just a few months ago, he had rejected me because of my Omega status and less-than-perfect looks. If it were not for Grandpa Southwell, perhaps things would not have progressed this far. This thought made me uneasy. Was his affection for me also influenced by Grandpa Southwell?