Chapter 90: You’re Just Not Good Enough
Hayley’s POV: +8 Pearls
As I approached the halfway point of the room, Grandpa Southwell’s voice called out to me. “Come over here! Let me see how much weight you’ve lost over the past couple of weeks. I have a feeling all that studying has really taken a toll on you. Leonard, why don’t you ask the chef to prepare some of Hayley’s favorite lovarin dishes for dinner tonight?”
Leonard quickly agreed. “Absolutely, Old Mr. Southwell.”
“Hayley, why don’t you join me for a game of chess?” Grandpa Southwell suggested. Benjamin, who was sitting opposite him, stood up and gestured for me to take his place.
I had played a bit of chess with my grandfather in the past, so I wasn’t completely new to the game, though I still considered myself a beginner.
“Ben, keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn’t lose too badly,” Grandpa Southwell joked, casting a glance at Benjamin.
Benjamin, instinctively lowering his Alpha presence, replied, “Of course, Grandpa.”
With Benjamin stepping in as my unofficial coach, I felt a surge of confidence. However, facing off against someone as skilled as Grandpa Southwell meant that losing was practically a given. I ended up deliberately losing three games in a row.
Feigning frustration, I turned to Benjamin and said, “Aren’t you supposed to be helping me out? Why didn’t you make sure I won at least one game?”
He remained stoic as he shot back, “You’re just not good enough; I can’t teach you.”
I felt a surge of annoyance rising within me, but I quickly recalled that he was the Alpha of Midnight Pack and I was still pretending to be an Omega. I couldn’t let my temper get the better of me.
“Alright, Hayley, you’ve lost enough for now. Each time, you were just a step away from winning. It’s making me wonder if you’re throwing the games on purpose.”
I stuck my tongue out playfully. “Oh, come on, Grandpa Southwell! I’m not that good at it!”
Grandpa Southwell chuckled before steering the conversation back to my studies. “So, after this training camp, you’re heading to Northlipe for the National Math Olympiad?”
“Yep, I’m leaving tomorrow. The competition kicks off the day after and wraps up in just half a day.”
Grandpa Southwell nodded, then turned to Benjamin. “Is the company doing any business in Northlipe?”
Benjamin replied, “We have a few dealings there.”
“Great! Then you should accompany Hayley to Northlipe tomorrow. You can keep her safe while taking care of some company matters. Plus, there’s not much happening in the pack that requires your personal attention.”
I quickly interjected, “No need, Grandpa Southwell! I can handle it on my own.”
Grandpa Southwell shook his head. “It’s not proper for an Omega like you to wander around alone. I’m sending Benjamin to go with you for your safety, and he can take care of the company business while you concentrate on your exam.”
“But…” I glanced at Benjamin, who showed no signs of wanting to decline.
“But it’s really not proper for us to be alone together, is it?” My voice trailed off hesitantly.
Grandpa Southwell seemed oblivious to my concerns. “Don’t worry! Hayley, Benjamin is the most sensible one around. With him by your side, I can rest easy.”
“But he might not even want to!” I said, hoping Benjamin would interject and refuse. Instead, I underestimated the respect he had for Grandpa Southwell.
“Grandpa, I’ll have my assistant book the tickets immediately,” he stated firmly.
Grandpa Southwell nodded in approval, leaving me with no choice but to comply.
The following morning, Benjamin and I made our way to the airport together. As we boarded the plane, I turned to Benjamin, who was sitting beside me, and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you really willing to come to Northlipe with me? I thought you didn’t care for me very much.” Although, I had noticed that his attitude had improved significantly lately.