Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 609: Would You Rather I Turn You Down?

Hayley’s POV:

“I’m just worried you’ll change your mind.” His deep eyes held an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. “Before that happens, I want to make it official under the Moon Goddess’s blessing—be my Luna.”

“Hayley, I want to spend forever with you.”

A lump formed in my throat as I blinked away tears. My fingers tightened around Benjamin’s hand on my shoulder, and I gave a firm nod. “Okay.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Seriously? You’re really agreeing to be my Luna?”

“No more testing me?”

I arched a brow playfully. “Would you rather I turn you down?”

“Of course not.” Benjamin didn’t hesitate. Before I could say another word, he lifted me into his arms. The next thing I knew, I was lying on the bed. His closeness sent heat rushing through me, and deep inside, Hera stirred with excitement, eager to claim him as ours.

Benjamin’s breathing was uneven as he kissed me with raw intensity. His lips trailed lower, setting my skin ablaze. His fingers moved to undo my jeans.

“Mark him! Make him yours!” Hera’s voice rang through my mind, insistent and wild.

I fought against the overwhelming urge, clinging to the last shred of my self-control. We hadn’t completed the ceremony yet. Without the Moon Goddess’s recognition, we weren’t true mates in the eyes of our kind. If we went too far now—if we mated and marked each other—her blessing wouldn’t be granted.

It seemed Benjamin came to the same realization. His body tensed, his breaths coming in ragged bursts. Then, with visible effort, he pulled away.

“Hayley,” he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. “You have no idea how much I want you.”

“But we can’t. Not yet.”

“Not until the Moon Goddess recognizes our bond.”

He exhaled sharply, smoothing my clothes before stepping back. “I’ll be outside.”

Sensing my embarrassment, Benjamin opened the door and left, giving me a moment to collect myself. I sat up slowly, pressing my hands to my flushed face, trying to steady my racing heart.

Taking a deep breath, I fixed my hair and clothes, forcing myself to regain control while pushing down Hera’s restless energy. Then, my mind shifted back to the events of the day.

The truth about my lineage—the fact that I was the Sanders family’s daughter—was now out in the open. Freya wouldn’t sit idly by and let me exist as a threat to her power. Even if I had no interest in fighting her for control, she would never allow me to remain by her side unchallenged. I needed to act fast, take control of the situation, and figure out my next move.

With a steadying breath, I left the room and joined Benjamin in the main hall.

“Hayley!”

The moment I stepped in, Virginia rushed toward me, her hands clasped tightly together. There was hesitation in her posture, as if she were afraid of how I’d react.

“I’ve made my decision,” she said, her voice soft but unwavering. “Whatever path you choose, I’ll support you. Whether you leave or stay, I won’t stand in your way. I don’t want anything for myself—I just want to be by your side.”

Her voice trembled slightly, tinged with hope. “I—is that alright?”

I studied her face, noticing the fine lines etched around her eyes, and my chest tightened. The word slipped out before I could stop it.

“Mom.”

Virginia’s eyes went wide in shock, like she couldn’t believe what she had just heard. “Wh—what did you call me?”

“Mom,” I repeated, this time with a small smile.

A gasp escaped her, and tears immediately welled up in her eyes. She hesitated, lifting a trembling hand as if wanting to embrace me but unsure if I’d accept it.

I understood her hesitation—she didn’t want to push too hard, afraid I hadn’t fully come to terms with our relationship yet. But Hera, to my surprise, felt completely at peace in her presence. She leaned into Virginia’s scent, the instinctual connection to blood ties calming her.

Seeing Virginia struggling to hold back, I stepped forward and hugged her. She stiffened for a brief moment before I felt her exhale, overwhelmed by emotion.

Blood truly was a powerful bond, I realized. Maybe gaining a mother overnight and taking on another identity wasn’t the worst thing in the world. I already carried enough titles—one more wouldn’t make much of a difference. Since the past couldn’t be changed, I might as well accept it.

That evening, we gathered for a quiet but warm dinner at home. After the meal, once Benjamin had left, something important came to mind. Back in my room, I logged into SI’s internal network…