Chapter 477: Subdued with Ease
Hayley’s POV:
Benjamin immediately picked up on my intention to help Kirsty. He reacted swiftly, stepping forward to stop the man and warning, “Back off.” Since he hadn’t revealed his identity as an Alpha here, the man shook off Benjamin’s hand and snapped, “Who the hell are you? Stay out of this!” He raised his fist and swung it hard toward Benjamin. But just before the punch landed, Benjamin blocked it with his palm. In one fluid motion, his broad hand caught the man’s fist and twisted it forcefully.
Crack! The sound of bones dislocating echoed through the room. Without even needing to rely on his inner wolf, Benjamin subdued the man effortlessly. The man dropped to his knees, crying out in agony, “Ahhh! It hurts! Mr. Ortega, help me, Mr. Ortega!”
As his voice trailed off, Daniel Ortega shot up from the back of the booth, shifting into his wolf form. His sharp fangs gleamed as he lunged toward us. Benjamin released the man, kicked him aside, and intercepted Daniel’s attack. Grabbing Daniel’s outstretched wolf paw, Benjamin executed a swift over-the-shoulder throw, sending Daniel crashing into the booth across the room.
Before Daniel could get up, Benjamin darted over, pinning him by the throat. Daniel struggled briefly before shifting back into his human form, leaning against the sofa for support as he tried to stand. Benjamin pressed him back down with a knee to his chest, cutting off any chance of resistance. In the confined space, Daniel was outmatched and finally gave up.
Glaring at Benjamin with hatred, Daniel snarled, “It’s you again, Benjamin. That’s twice today you’ve ruined my plans.” Benjamin didn’t respond. Instead, he glanced over his shoulder, his piercing gaze silencing the restless bystanders in the booth.
“I have no interest in your business,” he said coldly. “But I’m taking that woman with me.”
“What gives you the right?” Daniel sneered. “She’s with me. Don’t tell me you know her?”
Benjamin cast him a frosty look and turned to me. “Hayley, take her and go.”
I nodded, stepping forward to help Kirsty up. Together we retreated toward the staircase. Only when Benjamin was sure we were safe did he release Daniel and slowly back away. Daniel pushed himself off the sofa, wincing as he rubbed the spot Benjamin had pinned. His eyes burned. His expression instantly shifted from rage to malicious glee. He fixed his gaze on me, an unsettling smile spreading across his face.
Daniel’s POV:
The lighting was too dim earlier, and the Omega named Hayley had been standing far away. I hadn’t taken a good look at her. Now that I could see her clearly, she looked even worse than in the photos I’d seen. From the fashion show to now, I’d been curious if Hayley and Benjamin had been together the entire time. I’d heard rumors that Benjamin, the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, was already engaged. I just hadn’t expected his fiancée to look this bad.
The more I thought about it, the less bitter I felt about losing to Benjamin. After all, I wasn’t officially an Alpha yet, so it was natural I couldn’t beat him. But for him to have such an ugly Omega as his future Luna? That was downright tragic.
Benjamin subtly stepped sideways, completely blocking my view of Hayley. His stern, possessive gaze left no doubt—Hayley was his mate. A twisted idea crept into my mind. If I could take Benjamin’s mate for myself, it would be the ultimate revenge. I was already imagining the sight of Hayley kneeling before me, begging for my attention.
We stared each other down for a long moment. Benjamin finally reined in the Alpha dominance radiating from him and addressed the room. “Apologies for ruining everyone’s fun tonight. Drinks are on me. Order whatever you want—I’ll cover it. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
With that, he turned and escorted the two women out of the bar. It was clear to me that Benjamin had deliberately kept his Alpha status under wraps tonight. Except for me, no one else had recognized him. As their figures disappeared into the crowd, the room slowly returned to its previous liveliness.
“What a buzzkill,” someone grumbled. “Hey, server, bring out the most expensive drinks you’ve got. D*mn it! If he’s paying, I’m making sure his wallet hurts!”
“Yeah, bring out the premium stuff. Tonight we’re drinking till we drop!”
The people around me began trying to cheer me up. “Come on, Mr. Ortega, don’t be mad. Have a drink on me—there are plenty of women downstairs if you want someone else…”
These low-ranking fools couldn’t even recognize Benjamin’s identity. They were useless when he humiliated me earlier and didn’t lift a finger to help. Furious, I grabbed my glass and threw its contents in one of their faces.