Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate: Chapter 342 – Come to Pick You Up
Hayley’s POV:
“I came to pick you up,” Benjamin said with a hint of reproach. “Do you even know what time it is?”
I quickly checked my phone and realized it was already ten at night. No wonder I was starving!
“I got caught up in my drawing and lost track of time,” I admitted.
Benjamin glanced at the sketches spread out in front of me but didn’t comment on them. Instead, he gathered the papers and said, “No matter how busy you are, you shouldn’t skip meals. It’s bad for your health—especially for an Omega, with your naturally weaker constitution.”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, I stood and said, “Let’s go eat.”
He smiled warmly and ruffled my hair. “What are you in the mood for?”
After thinking for a moment, I replied, “How about Aexian lohikeitto? I haven’t had it in a long time.”
“Aexian lohikeitto is pretty spicy for us. Are you sure?” he asked.
I nodded eagerly. “Absolutely. Let’s go!”
Once I packed away my designs, we headed to a popular Aexian restaurant. The place was bustling. But as soon as we arrived, the owner personally greeted us. “Alpha, welcome! I’ve prepared the private room upstairs for you.”
Benjamin nodded and said, “Let’s go.”
I eagerly followed the restaurant owner upstairs to the private room. Once seated, I grabbed the menu and began listing my favorite dishes. “I’ll have shrimp rolls, meat rolls, ham…”
I rattled off a long list, unable to contain my excitement. Lohikeitto had become one of my favorite meals ever since I first tasted it during Aexia’s werewolf combat training.
Curious, I turned to Benjamin and asked, “What do you feel like eating?”
He sipped his water and replied casually, “Whatever you choose is fine. I trust your taste.”
“Alright, we’ll go with these,” I said, passing the menu to the waiter. Before long, plate after plate of delicious food arrived.
It had been a long time since I’d last enjoyed lohikeitto, so I eagerly started eating. After boiling a meat roll, I placed it on Benjamin’s plate and said, “Try this. It’s good.”
He glanced at the food, then ate it without hesitation. I watched him closely, noticing his eyebrows furrow slightly at the spiciness. Still, he swallowed it quickly and said, “Not bad. It’s tasty.”
Excited, I picked up a piece of meat for myself and savored the rich flavor. “This is so good! I’ve missed this taste so much!”
While I happily enjoyed my meal, Benjamin sat back, watching me with a soft smile. Noticing his gaze, I paused and asked, “Why aren’t you eating?”
“I’m fine,” he said. “Just keep enjoying yourself.”
His response puzzled me until I noticed him drinking cup after cup of tea. Then it clicked—he couldn’t handle spicy food.
“You’re not good with spicy food, are you?!” I asked. His slightly uneasy expression gave him away.
“I knew it!” I said, “If you can’t handle it, why didn’t you say so? I’ll ask the waiter to bring us a milder version.”
“There’s no need,” Benjamin insisted. “I can manage, just not something this spicy.”
I glanced at the pot, realizing he hadn’t eaten much at all. Without waiting for his approval, I waved over the waiter to order a non-spicy option. When the new dish arrived, Benjamin finally began eating.
After finishing the meal, I leaned back, full and satisfied. “We should come back here again sometime.”
Seeing how much I enjoyed the meal, Benjamin smiled. Even though he wasn’t particularly fond of lohikeitto, he still said, “If it’s what you want, we’ll come back.”
“That’s a deal!” I replied, my face lighting up with happiness.
Benjamin smiled at me fondly before reaching out and taking my hand. “Let’s head home.”
We walked together, side by side, back to the Southwells Residence. The next morning, I headed to Tanner’s studio like I usually did. However, as soon as I entered my office, Tanner walked in with a serious look. He studied me for a moment, then spoke in a serious tone, “Hayley, there’s something I need to ask you.”