Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate
Chapter 677: When Did You Come Back?
Hayley’s POV:
Seeing Henry’s attempt at being cryptic, I rolled my eyes. “Just say what you want to say,” I replied calmly.
Henry licked his lips hesitantly, then said, with a hint of reluctance, “I just thought… you remind me of Halcyon in SI, given how capable you are.”
I gave him a faint smile, acknowledging his sharper observation this time, though I chose not to engage further. Seeming to lose interest after not getting the reaction he hoped for, Henry turned to leave. As he walked towards the door, he accidentally collided with Zayd, who was entering with tea.
“Zayd?” Henry blurted out in surprise, giving Zayd a playful punch in the chest. “Weren’t you sent off to Arcadia by my brother? When did you get back?”
“Just arrived today,” Zayd replied, his words as brief as his expression was stoic.
As Henry continued talking, his excitement was palpable—he shook Zayd’s shoulders vigorously, trying to elicit more than the usual stoic responses. Zayd, however, remained completely impassive throughout the exchange.
Watching the interaction between Henry and Zayd, I chuckled. Henry truly never matures, always the eternal kid at heart. In some ways, it was refreshing, especially compared to the heavy burdens Benjamin and I carry as Alphas, laden with responsibilities and ceaseless concerns every day.
After breakfast, Harris showed up unannounced. I confronted him squarely in the middle of the courtyard, my eyebrows raised as I inquired, “Have you secured the Aurora Root yet?”
“Well… it’s going to take a bit more time,” Harris dodged, quickly shifting gears. “Hayley, I actually came to discuss something else.”
“Go ahead,” I said, my patience thinning.
With a resigned sigh and a look of concern, Harris began, “Brayden has just been to the house.”
“Brayden? Who’s that?” I questioned, confused.
Pausing, Harris clarified, “Brayden is Vivian’s father.”
“So?” I pressed, unfazed.
“Thankfully, my father stepped in to defend you, and I offered some valuable herbs as an apology, which seemed to diffuse the situation,” Harris continued, seemingly pleased with himself. “Now, if you agree to treat Ms. Jagged, we can consider this matter settled.”
“Who said I need to apologize?” I laughed, challenging him. “If you made those promises, you go treat her.”
“Hayley, that’s no way to talk,” Harris frowned, clearly irritated.
“How should I talk then?” I countered, crossing my arms and regarding him mockingly. “Should I thank you for dragging me into this mess and adding to my troubles?”
At that, Harris’ expression darkened, caught between anger and restraint as he struggled to maintain his composure. “The Jaggeds are a powerful family, you may not realize, but as a normal person, surely you understand there are consequences to harming someone’s daughter?”
“Even as a Sander, we are bound by the longstanding traditions of the werewolf world,” he added, his expression strained.
I watched him quietly, letting him make his case without interruption. He pressed on, “Hayley, you’re still young and sometimes don’t see the long-term implications. Did you know? Although the Jaggeds rank below our family and your fiancé’s, they’re rumored to have ties with the Alpha king’s family. If we hadn’t stepped in for you just now, you would certainly face repercussions in the future.”
Hearing this, I let out a derisive sneer. “Yes, ideally I would have avoided ever dealing with such people in my life, but thanks to you, now it seems I can’t escape them.”
I paused, and just as Harris looked ready to explode, I cut in, “Since you’ve taken it upon yourself to think everything through for me, why don’t you handle this person too? Let me extend my thanks to your entire family, shall I?”