Chapter 99: Take Turns Caring for Me
Hayley’s POV: +8 Pearls
When I regained consciousness, the first thing I saw was Grandpa Southwell’s concerned expression hovering above me. “Hayz, you’re finally awake,” he said.
My thoughts were muddled, and as I focused on the familiar ceiling, vivid memories of being trapped in the elevator flooded back, making me shiver uncontrollably.
“Hayz, are you alright?” he asked, worry etched on his face.
I shook my head. “I’m okay; I’m sorry for causing you to worry.”
“Don’t say that. I didn’t realize you had claustrophobia. I promise I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Few people were aware of my fear of enclosed spaces, and it had been years since I last had an episode. I had thought I had conquered that part of myself, but this incident shattered that illusion. The fear of being trapped felt like a nightmare I would never escape, especially since every time I experienced a panic attack, I lost my connection with my wolf, Hera, leaving me powerless to transform and break free.
“Just tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll have it prepared for you. You need to rest more after your recovery,” Grandpa Southwell said gently, bringing me back to reality.
“Okay, Grandpa Southwell,” I replied, appreciating his thoughtfulness.
After several days of resting at home due to my episode, Grandpa Southwell arranged for Benjamin and his brothers to take turns caring for me. Christopher had a packed schedule, yet he still managed to check on me whenever he returned home. Each time he visited, he wore a frown, but he was friendly nonetheless.
I had developed a decent rapport with the brothers during my recovery, but my interactions with Benjamin felt strained. Ever since that kiss, an air of discomfort lingered between us, prompting me to steer clear of him. He must have noticed my unease, as he had been uncharacteristically gentle lately, tempering his strong Alpha presence.
As he brought a dessert into my room, he announced, “I brought you your favorite mousse cake. You should try it.”
I held a book in my hands, so I merely nodded in response.
“Are you going back to school tomorrow?” Benjamin inquired.
Without looking up, I replied, “Yeah.”
He didn’t push the issue further, simply telling me, “Make sure to eat. I’ll be leaving now.”
Once he exited the room, I set my book aside with a sigh. Just seeing Benjamin stirred a flurry of emotions.
To complicate matters, I overheard a servant mention that it was Benjamin who had carried me back to my room when I collapsed in the elevator. The realization filled me with embarrassment. Growing up as a future Alpha of the Shadow Pack, my upbringing had been strict and focused on responsibility, leaving little room for close relationships with boys. The fact that my first kiss and my first time being carried like that were both with Benjamin only heightened my discomfort.
I glanced at the mousse cake he had brought, suddenly losing my appetite. Instead, I pulled out my laptop and logged into my account, only to find a message from Benjamin waiting for me.
“This guy is surprisingly generous,” I mumbled to myself. Then an idea struck me: If Benjamin was truly willing to pay a high price for a translation, why not take advantage of it? If I disguised myself well enough, he might not recognize me. Besides, what could be more important than making money?
With that thought in mind, I quickly replied to Benjamin, “My fee would be 10 million. If that works for you, I’m ready whenever.”
His response came back almost instantly, “OK.”
I wasted no time in calling Thomas. “I need a passport. Any name will do; I just need to be able to travel.”
Thomas perked up, “Alpha, are you planning to go abroad?”
“Yeah, I’ll be leaving in a couple of days.”
“Understood, Alpha. I’ll get on it right away.”
“Also, book me a flight for the day after tomorrow to Mornant,” I added.
“Got it, Alpha.”
After hanging up, I reminded myself that on this trip to Mornant with Benjamin, I needed to maintain my distance. I couldn’t allow a repeat of what had happened last time. No matter how much Hera longed to be close to him, I had to keep her in check.
With my plans set for Mornant, the following morning I decided to visit the Shadow Pack to see my grandparents. When Grandpa Southwell learned of my plans, he quickly instructed the housekeeper to prepare generous gifts. “Hayz, take these with you for your grandparents.”
I looked at the towering pile of gifts, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Alright, I’ll thank you on my Grandma and Grandpa’s behalf,” I replied.
That afternoon, I returned to the home I had missed so much. As soon as I stepped inside the estate, I spotted Grandpa waiting at the door. Instantly adopting my Alpha persona, I walked over and threw my arms around him. “Grandpa, I’ve missed you so much!”
His eyes glistened slightly, but he masked his emotions with a casual tone. “You little rascal, it’s nice to know you’ve remembered to come back and see me.”
I linked my arm through his playfully. “Grandpa, what are you talking about? I think about Grandma all the time. How have you both been? Are you eating and sleeping well? Most importantly, do you miss me?”
Grandpa puffed out his chest, looking a bit proud. “Your Grandma and I are doing just fine. But what about you? It’s been months since you last visited. How are those Southwell boys treating you? If you like any of them, just let me know.”
“Grandpa, I’ve finally come back for a visit; can we talk about something else?”
“Oh, woe is me! My granddaughter is all grown up and so rebellious now,” he lamented dramatically, feigning sorrow.
I quickly reassured him, “Okay, Grandpa, I get it. I’ll keep an eye out, but remember our deal: If I don’t find someone I like within a year, you can’t bring it up again.”
Hearing this, Grandpa’s mood visibly lifted. “So you haven’t found anyone suitable yet? Not a single one of them could be your destined mate?”