Chapter 553: Better to Have Allies Than Enemies

Odessa’s POV

“You two must be the Ortegas’ nephews, right? I’m Benjamin’s mother.”

“I remember holding you both when you were little. Our families go way back.”

Daniel and Jonah exchanged glances, their expressions wary as they sized me up in silence.

I continued, “The Southwells and the Ortegas share a strong bond. I don’t think a minor misunderstanding should strain our families’ relationship.”

“You’ll both inherit the Ortegas’ business one day. Surely, you understand—it’s better to have allies than enemies.”

“Besides, you should be well aware of Midnight Pack’s strength. Benjamin stands among the top Alphas of his generation.”

“You make a good point,” Daniel said, feigning confusion. “But I still don’t quite understand what you’re getting at.”

I wasn’t upset—after all, I needed something from them. So, I lowered my stance, speaking with patience.

“Alright, I’ll be direct. Hayley is Benjamin’s fiancée. That makes her part of my family, and potentially the future Luna of Midnight Pack.”

“If you’re willing to let this go, the Southwells will remember the favor.”

The two exchanged another glance but remained silent, giving nothing away.

Just then, Benjamin—rather than appreciating my efforts—turned on me with an irritated scowl.

“Mom, what nonsense are you spouting now?”

“Be quiet,” I snapped, feeling irritated. “I’m here cleaning up the mess your fiancée made. You and she had better learn to watch your mouths.”

Hayley’s POV

Fiancée. That title was directed at me. Of course, I had to respond.

“Mrs. Southwell,” I stepped forward, my voice cold. “You’ve been here for less than five minutes, and you’re already convinced this is my fault?”

“Who’s right or wrong doesn’t matter,” Odessa said in a low voice, her expression hard. “As an Omega, you don’t understand the rules among high-ranking werewolves. I won’t hold that against you, nor will I stop you from being with Benjamin.”

Chapter 553: Better to Have Allies Than Enemies (Continued)

This needs to be about proving who’s right.

“I’m teaching you how to navigate the world of high-ranking werewolves. Don’t assume I’m trying to make things difficult for you.”

This time, Odessa spoke entirely from the perspective of the Southwells. There was no malice in her tone.

But her mistake? She never once considered things from my point of view. She assumed I was at fault without question; she never truly accepted or respected me.

Her words felt like a bucket of cold water poured over me, making me realize something. The biggest problem between Benjamin and me wasn’t Odessa. It was the rigid, suffocating rules of this world.

If I revealed my true identity as an Alpha, no one—including Odessa—would dare look down on me. High-ranking werewolves only associate with their kind. As an “Omega,” I would never be seen as Benjamin’s equal. That was the rule.

And yet, I despised following rules. I could already foresee a future where, if the Southwells’ interests ever clashed with mine, Odessa wouldn’t hesitate to cast me aside. That was not the life I wanted.

If I was going to live, I was going to do it my way—whether as an Alpha or an Omega.

Taking a deep breath, I turned and walked over to the officer who was recording the incident. “Can I borrow your computer for a moment?” I asked calmly.

Chapter 554: Always Known