Chapter 481: The Body Doesn't Lie

Hayley’s POV: 70% +8 Pearls

The kiss grew more intense, and Hera’s instincts screamed for me to mate with him. I almost lost control, my fingers hovering over the buttons of his shirt. But at the last moment, I wrestled Hera’s impulses back into submission.

We held each other, locked in the heat of the moment, kissing passionately for what felt like forever before finally pulling apart. Dizzy and breathless, I realized I was still wrapped in Benjamin’s arms. Blushing, I playfully clenched my fist and gave his chest a light punch.

“You’re too much!” I scolded.

Benjamin’s lips curled into a mischievous smile, and with deliberate intent, he tightened his hold on me, pulling us even closer.

“I prefer to call it a genuine expression of emotions,” he teased, his tone low and provocative. “The body doesn’t lie. You didn’t push me away just now, which means you want me just as much as I want you. Am I wrong?”

I bit down on my lower lip, my sudden shyness leaving me at a loss for words. He leaned in, his voice a whisper against my ear. “Waiting is unbearable. I want nothing more than to declare you my Luna officially. Then, under the blessing of the Moon Goddess, we can mate…and mark each other.”

“What?”

We were so close I could feel the heat of his body—and the unmistakable hardness against me. My cheeks flamed. Ignoring Hera’s irritated protests, I shoved him away with all my strength and quickly put some distance between us.

Benjamin seemed to realize he’d gone too far. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he lowered his gaze. “Let’s head back. It’s getting late, and you need rest.”

“Okay.” I nodded emphatically and practically bolted into the car, sliding into the back seat like a startled rabbit.

The drive home was silent, but the tension hung thick between us. Every so often, we’d catch each other’s gaze in the rearview mirror, neither of us daring to say a word but communicating volumes with our eyes.

When we reached my house, Benjamin didn’t linger. He saw me to the door, then left without saying much.

The next day, Benjamin took me to a project bidding event. It was a crucial opportunity for the Southwells.

When it was Benjamin’s turn to present his bid, a commotion broke out near the entrance. Someone had decided to interrupt and force their way into the proceedings.

Undeterred, Benjamin calmly announced his bid, a figure that left the entire room stunned. “Ten billion dollars.”

The weight of his authority and the Midnight Pack’s influence silenced any potential challengers. No one dared to compete, not with someone of Benjamin’s stature.

The host, eager to please, began praising Benjamin lavishly while preparing to finalize the bid. Just as the gavel was about to strike, an unwelcome voice rang out from the back of the room.

“Two billion and ten dollars.”

Every head turned toward the audacious speaker, curious and incredulous. Who would have the nerve to challenge the Southwells?

In the sea of stunned faces, Daniel stood slowly, smirking as he adjusted his jacket. For him, spending two billion dollars just to annoy Benjamin and me was a small price to pay. If he could snatch something Benjamin wanted, he was sure his father would see it as a bold move worthy of praise.

Sitting beside him, Freya sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple in frustration. She had brought Daniel here to observe and learn the ropes of the business world, not to antagonize Benjamin Southwell. His recklessness was beyond exasperating.

The Ortegas and the Sanders families were already walking a fine line, carefully balancing their ambitions with strategic alliances. Stirring up unnecessary animosity—especially with someone as powerful as Benjamin—was a dangerous game.

Freya had always thought Daniel’s immaturity would fade with time, but now she was seriously rethinking her expectations of him.

Meanwhile, I recognized Daniel’s voice immediately. The sheer irritation his presence triggered in me was enough to keep me from even glancing in his direction. Instead, I leaned slightly toward Benjamin, lowering my voice as I whispered in his ear.