Chapter 72: Revealing the Alpha’s Identity
Hayley’s POV:
“Greetings, Alpha,” Madeline bowed respectfully to Benjamin, her gaze burning with intensity. That woman completely ignored me as I stood beside him. Benjamin maintained his aloof alpha demeanor and acknowledged her with a slight nod. Without a second thought, she squeezed past me and took a seat directly across from him.
Witnessing this treatment, Hera was livid. She cursed, “$1*t! How dare this beta treat us so rudely?”
I wasn’t bothered, nor did I want to engage. My focus was on quietly observing Benjamin’s reaction to her.
“It’s fine,” I reassured Hera. “For now, I’m hiding my alpha identity and pretending to be an Omega. It’s normal for me to receive this treatment.”
Hera continued to vent, “Hey, Hayley, I’m f*cking fed up with the disrespect these low-ranking wolves show us. You need to reveal your alpha identity soon!”
“Patience,” I said. “The year’s end is approaching. The day I leave the Midnight Pack will be the day I unveil my true identity as an alpha.”
Just as I calmed Hera, I overheard Madeline attempt to engage Benjamin with a forced casualness. “Alpha, are you really going to eat that? Street food is dirty. What if it upsets your stomach?” Madeline’s disdainful tone was unmistakable.
Benjamin replied coolly, “I think it’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with it.” Then he turned his gaze toward me, asking, “Are you finished eating?”
I savored the last bite of my food, chewing slowly before answering, “I’m done.”
“Then let’s head back.”
I grunted in agreement. Benjamin called for the bill, barely acknowledging Madeline, who showed up out of the blue.
She caught up with us and asked, “Alpha, why are you leaving? Are you still upset with me over what happened last time?” Madeline hesitated; she glanced at me before adding, “I admit I was wrong. I was confused, and I made a mistake. Given our years of friendship, can you just let it go?”
Benjamin raised an eyebrow and spoke coldly. “Ms. Kilmer, you’re mistaken. It seems our relationship isn’t that deep, and you needn’t concern yourself with my feelings.”
Benjamin’s icy response almost made me burst into laughter.
In the past, I thought his reluctance to choose me as his mate was because he wanted to reserve the Luna position for Madeline, his childhood beta friend. But that didn’t seem to be the case. His demeanor suggested that he was, in fact, somewhat repulsed by her. Madeline acted as if she hadn’t heard anything and kept trying to pester him. “That’s wonderful to hear! I was worried you were mad at me! By the way…” An idea struck her. Madeline rummaged through her bag and pulled out two tickets for a violin concert. Clearly, this was something she had prepared in advance. “Alpha, these are tickets to see our favorite violinist, Mike Manwaring. He’s performing in two days. I got VIP tickets from a friend. Let’s go together!”
Typically, someone would jump at an invitation from a stunning beauty like Madeline, but Benjamin flatly refused. “Sorry, I’m busy with work and won’t have time. You can go by yourself.”
Madeline’s face fell.
Caught awkwardly between them, I suggested, “Hmm, maybe I should head back on my own?”
Madeline’s expression brightened; she smiled at me and was about to say something. Benjamin stepped in and said, “Wait here; I’ll get the car.”
I could only nod in agreement.
Once Benjamin left, Madeline turned to me, fuming. She warned, “Hayley, you better watch your place. You’re just an Omega, and your status is a world different compared with him. Don’t even think about wanting something that doesn’t belong to you.”
I shot back, “I could say the same to you! Madeline, don’t think you can reach for something that isn’t yours. Benjamin clearly doesn’t want anything to do with you, yet you shamelessly keep throwing yourself at him.”
“B*tch! How dare a mere Omega like you speak to me so rudely! I’m going to put you in your place!” Madeline’s anger boiled over, and she raised her hand to slap me—
I caught her hand with swift reflexes, gripping it tightly. “What’s this? When you can’t win an argument, do you resort to violence? Is this how a refined beta lady conducts herself?”