Chapter 8: Hostility Toward Me

Hayley’s POV

I could sense the coldness in her eyes directed at me. Before arriving at the Midnight Pack, I had already learned about her feelings for Benjamin and how her parents had groomed her to be the future Luna of the Midnight Pack. She never anticipated that someone like me, an Omega from another pack, would show up and possibly threaten her position with Benjamin. She must hate me.

As we approached the Southwells’ Residence and reached the villa, all the Southwell brothers were present. They warmly welcomed Madeline back, having not seen her for a long time, and she handed out the gifts she had brought from abroad. When it came to me, she hesitated slightly. “I’m sorry, Hayley. I didn’t know you would be staying at the Southwells’ when I returned, so I didn’t bring anything for you.” Her demeanor seemed disingenuous to me, masking her dislike with politeness.

Before I could respond, Henry chimed in, “Maddie, you don’t know her well anyway, so no need to apologize.” He unwrapped his gift; it was a new limited-edition game console. “Wow, Maddie! You’re too generous!” Observing their close interactions, I felt like an outsider and decided to retreat to my room.

Shortly after, there was a knock at my door. I opened it to find Benjamin standing there. “The Kilmers are hosting a welcome-back banquet for Madeline tonight. Grandpa wants you to come along.” He was responsible for me today and had arranged everything. Initially, I was not keen on going, but since their grandpa insisted, I had no choice but to accept. I sighed and joined him and Madeline as we headed to the dress shop.

Upon our arrival, Benjamin was already seated on the sofa, waiting for us. Acting like a caring older sister, Madeline took my hand and reassured me, “Hayley, don’t worry about the banquet later. If you need anything, just let me know.” I barely managed to suppress my irritation at Madeline’s transparent attempt to undermine me and responded with a polite smile, “That’s reassuring to hear. I’m sure I’ll be in good hands with Benjamin tonight.” Madeline’s smile faltered slightly, and her grip on my hand tightened momentarily before she regained her composure.

“Absolutely, let’s find our dresses quickly so we don’t keep Ben waiting too long,” she chimed in cheerfully. “I spend a lot of time studying fashion. How about I pick something for you?” “Sure, that sounds great.” “What do you think about this?” She eagerly presented me with a dark green strapless gown, a style more suited to an older woman, clearly not fitting for someone my age. Her intention was clear—she was testing me. “Don’t you like it?” she asked. She presumed that I, coming from the countryside, lacked knowledge of such matters. Moreover, as an “Omega” beneath her in status, I would not likely contradict her.

Playing into her expectations, I nodded. “It looks wonderful.” Her smile widened as she said, “Perfect, let’s head to the fitting room.” I mentioned, “My skin’s been rather sensitive lately so I won’t be putting on any makeup.” Madeline made no comment, likely pleased at the thought of me looking less than my best.

Dressed in the ill-suited gown, I stepped out of the fitting room while Madeline looked radiant in a chic light blue gown that complimented her features beautifully. Benjamin, noticing my outfit, raised his eyebrows subtly but remained silent.

The event was hosted at the Kilmers’ lavish villa, attended by Madeline’s circle of friends and some of her family. As we arrived, Madeline busied herself greeting everyone warmly. Benjamin, being the Alpha heir, was equally engaged with the guests. However, I found myself isolated, wandering alone through the venue. The attendees, primarily high-ranking werewolves, looked on with surprise and disdain at my presence, an Omega among them, showing no desire to interact with me.

I shrugged off my irritation and continued to meander around with my cocktail. Spotting Madeline conversing with her cousin Janae Kostner, I immediately lost any inclination to join them. “I hate how she smells.” My wolf Hera’s acute sensitivity to odors often left me agitated around certain people. “Let’s find somewhere quieter to unwind,” I decided, taking Hera’s hint. I slipped out through the banquet hall’s back door and into the garden.

I was aimlessly strolling by the pool in the backyard, contemplating the tedium of the banquet and wondering if I should shift into a wolf and run freely to unwind. Before I could make up my mind, a harsh bump from someone knocked me off balance and sent me tumbling into the pool. As the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, few knew my secret phobia of water. Panic set in, and I shut my eyes tight, bracing for the worst. “Stay alert! Wake up! You can’t lose consciousness!” Hera’s voice echoed in my mind, urging me to fight the fear. Then, suddenly, I felt a firm grasp around my waist, pulling me to safety. Blinking the water from my eyes, I looked up to find Benjamin had rescued me.

After the incident, we were both escorted upstairs to change. After my bath, the thought that someone had deliberately pushed me into the pool fueled my anger. “I need to find this person and tear them apart!” Hera fumed inside me. Then, there was a knock at the door—it was Irving’s voice. “Hayley, I brought you some clothes. Are you alright?” Opening the door, I accepted the clothes and expressed my gratitude. “You…” Irving’s eyes widened in shock as he looked at me. I then realized that without my makeup, I appeared nothing like the Hayley they had known.