Chapter 391: Meeting Odessa for the First Time

Hayley’s POV:

“Ben!” Christopher called out, jogging over. “Dad, Mom, you both have worked hard.”

Axel beamed, his energy practically radiating. “Don’t worry about me. As a former Alpha, I’m still in great shape! It’ll take more than this to bring me down.”

Odessa Draycott, Benjamin’s mother and the former Ina of the Midnight Pack, spoke up, her voice elegant and composed: “Always trying to act tough, are we? You never know when to take it easy. If Ben hadn’t shown up in time, the outcome could have been much worse.”

Axel scratched the back of his head with an awkward chuckle. “Alright, alright. Can’t you let me save a little face in front of our son?”

“Mr. Southwell, Mrs. Southwell, you’ve worked hard. Go back and rest early,” Tanner said, leading them to the exit.

Finally, I had a moment alone with Benjamin. We locked eyes, a deep connection between us, as if there was so much we wanted to say. Benjamin reached out first. At Hera’s urging, I couldn’t help but smile and quickly throw myself into his arms.

“You’re back.”

Benjamin gently stroked my hair. “Sorry for making you worry.”

I slowly pulled away, and with my mask still in place, he didn’t notice anything different about my face. I planned to tell him the truth before he noticed anything, so I said, “Let’s go! We should head back.”

With Benjamin holding me close, we walked out of the airport. As soon as we reached the door, Odessa couldn’t help but speak up. “Ben, hurry up! Stop dragging your feet.”

This wasn’t my first time meeting Odessa; we had exchanged brief pleasantries at Grandpa Southwell’s funeral, but we hadn’t really talked much. So, I still didn’t know about her personality or temperament. I politely greeted her. However, she didn’t even spare me a glance. She just got into the car without a word!

Feeling a bit awkward, I turned to Benjamin. “Do you think Mrs. Southwell doesn’t like me?”

Benjamin immediately wrapped his arms around me. “Don’t worry. She’s probably just tired from the flight. Let’s take the car in the back.”

I didn’t say anything, but my wolf, Hera, could clearly sense Odessa’s hostility. Seeing her clear disapproval stung, and I couldn’t hide my disappointment as I bit my lip. When we got home, I gently pulled on Benjamin’s arm.

“Can you come to the room with me? I need to talk to you.”

Just as he was about to follow, Odessa’s voice called out, “Ben, come help me with the luggage.”

I sighed softly and said, “You go ahead. I’m fine.”

Benjamin gave me a comforting glance before stepping forward to help Odessa with her luggage. Odessa was all smiles to everyone else, but since we arrived, she had always ignored me.

Lista, observing the situation, kindly spoke up. “Mrs. Southwell, Ms. Carson is a good child.”

At those words, Odessa finally turned her gaze to me, her expression softening slightly.