Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 624: Packed My Things and Headed Out

Hayley’s POV: 92% +8 Pearls

I wasn’t in the mood to argue, so I changed the subject. “What time did you set the appointment for?”

“Tomorrow night at 9:00 PM,” Henry replied.

“Got it,” I said, my voice flat. I tossed the darts in my hand, each one hitting the dartboard with precision. It helped to release some of the tension building up inside me. Hera, too, seemed to calm as the energy settled.

I didn’t engage with Henry anymore and simply packed my things and headed out. I reached the Carsons’ house around 11:00 PM. When I entered, I found Justin and May fawning over Bill and Dorothy, washing their feet as if it were some kind of grand gesture.

When they saw me, their mocking smiles quickly appeared. “Hayley, you’re already engaged, yet you’re out so often? Coming home this late—don’t you care about your reputation?”

“Exactly! Your grandmother just got out of the hospital, and you’re nowhere near her to take care of her!”

The words stung, and Hera immediately stirred, wanting to lash out. I calmed her, blocking out their pointless remarks as I walked over to check on Grandma.

“Grandma, have you felt any palpitations today?” I asked softly.

“I had one this afternoon,” Grandma replied, reassuring me by holding my hand. “But it’s much better now. You don’t need to worry. Don’t take Justin’s words too seriously.”

“I’m not upset,” I said calmly. “I’m going to my room now.”

“Okay, sweetheart,” Grandpa and Grandma said in unison.

I nodded and headed for my room. Seeing Hayley’s mood shift, Bill and Dorothy exchanged looks filled with concern. But Justin, ever tactless, began criticizing Hayley openly in front of them.

“Look at that. Some people just can’t be nurtured. In the important moments, who’s actually taking care of you? Me, your real son!”

Hearing that, Bill threw his coffee cup to the ground, splashing Justin with it.

“Dad! What are you doing?” Justin yelped, hastily trying to wipe away the stains.

“Hayley is not someone you can talk to like that!” Bill snapped, his voice firm and sharp.

“That’s the reason you’re lashing out?” Justin complained, clearly annoyed. “What did I say wrong?”

“I’m the one who’s been looking out for you! I guess you’re so senile that you don’t even know who your real family is anymore!”

Without even sparing him a glance, Bill snapped, “The house would be better off with a nanny. At least she wouldn’t talk so much!”

“Mom, look at Dad!” Justin called out to Dorothy, seeking support.

“What’s wrong with your dad?” Dorothy shot back. “If you keep treating Hayley like this, I’ll throw both of you out of the Shadow Pack!”

The next morning, Alan and Virginia arrived at the Carsons’ house. At first, things seemed peaceful, but once the conversation shifted to Hayley’s future, the mood quickly soured. A thick tension settled in, lasting until Alan finally broke the silence.

“Bill, Dorothy, you’ve taken good care of Hayley, but the fact remains that she’s a Sanders. That’s something we can’t change. We want her back, but that doesn’t mean we want her to sever ties with the Shadow Pack or the Carsons. We just want to provide what’s been missing from her life. I hope you can understand that.”

Bill nodded; it was hard to argue with that logic. However, the thought of Hayley leaving them the day before still troubled him. Once she was out of their sight, they wouldn’t know what would happen to her among those wolves or how much she might suffer. And of course, Hayley still had to hide her true identity as an Alpha. Just like how she had endured as an Omega in the Midnight Pack, Bill and Dorothy would never fully understand her pain, nor could they help her in time.

Dorothy spoke up, her voice blunt. “Mr. Sander, from what I’ve heard, your second daughter is hard to deal with. How can you guarantee Hayley won’t suffer if she goes back with you?”

Alan nodded understandingly. “I get your concerns, but Hayley is our daughter. She’s been through a lot, and we’ll treat her with care when she returns. We’ll protect her. If she needs it, I’ll have my best Beta warriors guard her.”

“Sounds like you’ve got everything planned,” Dorothy said, unimpressed. “But what does the Shadow Pack lack that we need your help? As long as Hayley stays with the Carsons, she will be the only heiress in the family. If she goes back to you, she’ll have to compete with your son and daughter for attention. Why cause all that trouble when things are fine as they are?”

Alan didn’t back down. “I’ve already made arrangements for a ceremony with the blessing of the Moon Goddess to officially recognize Hayley as my daughter. Everyone will soon know that she’s mine. If she stays here, people might think we’re rejecting her.”

“These are your family matters after all, and it shouldn’t matter what others say. The truth is, you’re just looking out for your own interests,” Bill replied, his tone final.

“Enough,” he said, waving his hand dismissively. “Hayley is not going anywhere.”