Listen to me 104

In Chapter 104 of “Listen to Me,” Benedict enlists the help of his sister Bethany to keep an eye on Alpha Waylon’s pack, suspecting that Sloane will make an appearance. His feelings are mixed; while he feels a twinge of happiness for Sloane potentially becoming Waylon’s heir, he is also plagued by uncertainty about their own connection. The chapter captures his internal struggle as he navigates familial expectations and his growing feelings for Sloane, all while preparing for his eighteenth birthday celebration.

The day of the celebration is chaotic, with Benedict’s mother bustling about, focusing on the event’s preparations. Despite the excitement of receiving thoughtful gifts from his family, including cufflinks from Bethany and a new truck from his parents, Benedict can’t shake the feeling of anxiety regarding Sloane’s potential arrival. The playful banter between him and Bethany adds a light-hearted touch, contrasting with the underlying tension he feels about Sloane’s absence.

As the party begins, Benedict is overwhelmed by well-wishers and the pressure to scent his mate. The atmosphere shifts when he receives a frantic message from Bethany, alerting him that Sloane has arrived but is being confronted by their mother. The confrontation escalates quickly, showcasing Sloane’s determination as she stands her ground against Benedict’s mother, who attempts to deny her entry. This moment highlights the fierce loyalty and strength of character that Sloane possesses, even in the face of adversity.

Benedict intervenes just in time, asserting his right to invite Sloane to his own birthday party, which serves as a pivotal moment in the chapter. The tension between him and his mother becomes palpable, revealing the conflict between familial loyalty and personal desire. With the support of Alpha Roman, who also defends Sloane, Benedict’s resolve to protect her solidifies, marking a significant turning point in their relationship. The chapter ends with a sense of hope and determination as Benedict prepares to take charge of his pack, signaling a desire for change and a future where he and Sloane may have a chance together.

**Listen to Me 104**

**Chapter 104**

**Benedict**

After much persuasion, I finally managed to get Bethany on board to help me keep an eye on Alpha Waylon’s pack. I needed to confirm my suspicions about Sloane making an appearance there again this weekend. The signs were all there: last Friday, a stranger had picked her up, a stranger who had made her light up with joy as she practically danced over to greet him. The way she smiled at him left me with an unsettling feeling. I was almost certain—ninety-nine percent, to be exact—that she was destined to be named the heir of Waylon’s pack.

Why this was happening or how it came to be didn’t really concern me. What mattered was the alliance that was forming. Alpha Waylon had no heir of his own, and with Alpha Roman’s heirs all busy claiming their own packs, it made perfect sense for Waylon to choose Sloane.

While I felt a twinge of happiness for her, I couldn’t shake the uncertainty that loomed over me. What did it mean for us if we were truly meant to be mates? If we weren’t, the path would be clearer. I would have no qualms about forming an alliance with her, regardless of my mother’s opinions on the matter.

Yet, despite our best efforts, neither Bethany nor I spotted Sloane, Slade, or Scarlet at Alpha Waylon’s pack on Friday afternoon or evening. Saturday was a whirlwind of activity, with my mother keeping both of us occupied, fussing over preparations for the grand event and our family celebration that morning.

As usual, my mother was keen to know if I had caught a whiff of my mate’s scent within our pack. I suspected she had a specific she-wolf in mind for me, but I was grateful that Marrok hadn’t detected his mate on the morning of my birthday.

Fortunately, during breakfast, my mother swiftly moved past the topic of mate scents as she detailed the day’s agenda. Just as she was getting into the thick of it, my father interjected.

“Bea, it’s our son’s eighteenth birthday.”

“I am well aware of that, Benedict. That’s precisely why I’m outlining everything that needs to be accomplished today,” she replied, her tone brisk.

“My point, Beatrice, is that you should allow the man a moment to relish his day before you start piling responsibilities on him,” my father said, his voice firm yet gentle.

It was rare for my father to assert himself over my mother, but in that moment, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. My mother might have worn a sour expression throughout breakfast, but it was a relief to share a quiet moment with my family before the day spiraled into chaos.

Bethany gifted me cufflinks adorned with the image of a wolf’s head, a thoughtful present that made me smile. My parents surprised me with a shiny new truck. While I had anticipated a gift, the excitement still coursed through me, though I barely had the chance to savor it. The moment our breakfast plates were cleared, my mother launched back into her agenda. I listened to her endless list of tasks that needed to be completed before the guests arrived at six o’clock that evening.

Behind her, I caught Bethany miming a choking motion, hands clasped around her throat. I had to stifle a laugh, using every ounce of my Alpha training to keep a straight face.

The day sped by in a blur, and before I knew it, I was slipping into my tuxedo, preparing for the evening’s festivities. Just as I finished fastening my sister’s cufflinks, a knock echoed at my door. Before I could respond, Bethany breezed into my room.

“Wow! Look at you! You look fantastic,” I exclaimed, genuinely impressed. She radiated confidence. Even at fourteen, the Alpha within her shone through. She stood tall and proud, her green dress harmonizing perfectly with my tux and cummerbund, echoing the color of our eyes, a gift from our father.

“Yeah, you look smoking hot too, not that I’m surprised. Do you think Sloane and Slade are going to show up tonight?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

“I really hope so. Slade should arrive with Alpha Roman and Luna Samara. If he does, my mother won’t say a word, which is a relief. But I need you to keep an eye out for Sloane. She might come alone or with others,” I replied, my heart racing at the thought of seeing her.

“I’ll keep a lookout, but Bene, you know I can’t watch the door forever. People are already trickling in. Mom’s in a tizzy; she started on the hors d’oeuvres early, and you know how she is about sticking to her precious timeline,” she said, rolling her eyes.

I glanced at my watch, frowning. “It’s not even five-thirty yet.”

“Benedict, you are the catch of the season. EVERYONE is hoping to be mated to you,” she teased, a smirk dancing on her lips.

I fought back a smile and sauntered closer to her. She frowned, curious. “What are you doing?”

“Are YOU hoping to be mated to me?” I growled playfully.

“Eww, gross! Does that actually work on she-wolves?” she shot back, scrunching her nose in mock disgust.

“Every time,” I replied, feigning seriousness.

“Does it work on Sloane Hartwell?” she asked innocently, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

I grinned at her. “No, it does not.”

“Hmmm, I like her more and more,” she declared, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

“So do I,” I admitted, extending my arm to her. She grasped my sleeve, her eyes drawn to my cufflinks.

“You’re wearing them,” she said softly, her gaze lingering on the cufflinks.

“Of course. My favorite person in the world gave them to me,” I replied, warmth blooming in my chest.

“I love you, Bene. I truly hope you find her tonight and that she’s as incredible as the mate you deserve,” she said, her sincerity evident.

I smiled but remained silent. With the thought of being mated to Sloane taking root in my mind, I found myself measuring every she-wolf I knew against her. None came close—not even in the slightest.

Together, my sister and I stepped into the party, which was already buzzing with energy. As we made our entrance into the main hall, fashionably late as my mother had instructed, the room fell silent before erupting into applause. My mother began a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and everyone joined in, singing to me. Bethany attempted to slip away, but I held her close, refusing to let her escape. She was the first person I embraced once the song concluded.

“Anyone?” she whispered as she hugged me, her voice barely audible over the cheerful chaos.

“Nope,” I replied, scanning the crowd for a glimpse of Sloane.

The whirlwind of well-wishers soon enveloped me. I searched the room, hoping to catch sight of her, but she was nowhere in sight. When Alpha Roman, Luna Samara, and Alpha Slade approached, I eagerly looked to see if Sloane was with them.

“If you’re looking for Sloane, she had some prior engagements this evening. She’ll be here later,” Luna Samara informed me, her tone reassuring.

“Thank you, Luna,” I responded, a flicker of hope igniting within me. I couldn’t shake the worry that she might not come. By seven o’clock, I had greeted nearly everyone at the party, carefully sipping my drinks to avoid being overwhelmed. Each empty glass was swiftly replaced, and I found myself growing bored with the incessant questions about whether I had scented my mate. Just as I felt the party dragging on, a frantic mind link from Bethany broke through my thoughts.

‘Bene, get out here! Sloane just arrived, and Mom is making a beeline for her!’

“Excuse me,” I said abruptly, cutting off the she-wolf who had been talking to me. I turned sharply on my heel, my heart racing. I knew that if I didn’t intervene, my mother would undoubtedly send Sloane away.

As I approached the entrance of the ballroom, I spotted my mother blocking Sloane’s path.

“Actually, Luna, I was invited,” I heard Sloane say, her voice calm yet firm.

“Well, I sent out all the invitations, and I know for a fact that YOU were not invited,” my mother growled, her tone dripping with disdain.

“Tell me, Luna, did you dare to deny my brother entry when he arrived with my aunt and uncle?” Sloane challenged, her eyes fierce as she confronted my mother.

“How dare you! You need to leave, NOW!” my mother retorted, her face flushed with anger.

“I told you, I was invited,” Sloane insisted, standing her ground.

“By whom?” my mother snapped.

“By ME, Mother,” I interjected, stepping forward and feeling a wave of relief wash over Sloane. “It is MY birthday, after all. Is there a problem with me inviting Sloane to my own party?”

“An excellent question that I’d also like answered,” Alpha Roman growled, appearing from the other direction. “If my niece is not welcome here, then my family and I will take our leave.”

My mother’s face turned ashen, her mouth opening and closing in disbelief, but no words came out.

“I believe we’re running low on hors d’oeuvres, Mother. Why don’t you go see to that?” I said dismissively, my anger simmering beneath the surface. The thought that she would deny Sloane entrance and insult Alpha Roman was infuriating.

Sloane bore the same weary expression I had seen in school, as if she were exhausted from the fight and simply wished to find a place to hide.

Once my mother departed, I turned my attention to Alpha Roman.

“Alpha Roman, I apologize for my mother’s behavior,” I said, my voice steady.

He regarded Sloane, who refused to meet his gaze, before shifting his focus back to me.

“It’s good that you are taking over this pack soon, Alpha Benedict. I expect to see some changes once you do,” he remarked, the weight of his words heavy with implication.

“I intend to ensure that our packs continue in the friendly manner we’ve shared for many decades,” I replied, my resolve firm.

He nodded, then glanced back at his niece.

“Sloane?”

“I’m good, Uncle Roman, thank you,” she replied, her tone subdued.

He nodded again, giving me a warning look before turning and rejoining the festivities.

As the evening unfolded, the tension in the air shifted, replaced by a fragile hope that began to bloom between Sloane and me. The confrontation with my mother had been a pivotal moment, one that not only defended Sloane’s right to be at my birthday party but also solidified my resolve to stand by her. With each passing minute, the initial uncertainty I felt about our potential bond transformed into a growing sense of possibility. Sloane’s fierce spirit resonated with me, igniting a spark that I had long feared was extinguished. I could see her strength mirrored in the way she stood her ground against my mother’s disdain, and it filled me with admiration. The chaos of the party faded into the background as I focused on her, my heart racing with the realization that this was the moment I had been waiting for.

As the night wore on, surrounded by laughter and celebration, I felt a shift within myself. The weight of my mother’s expectations and the uncertainty of what the future held began to lift, replaced by a clarity that came from knowing what I truly wanted. Sloane was not just a potential mate; she was a force of nature, someone who could stand beside me as an equal. The bond we were forging was more than just an alliance; it was the beginning of something profound. I took a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever came next, knowing that together, we could navigate the complexities of our worlds. Tonight marked not just my coming of age but the first step toward a future I could finally envision—one where Sloane and I could shape our destinies together, unbound by the expectations of others.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As the tension in the ballroom escalates, readers can anticipate an explosive confrontation between Benedict and his mother. With Sloane finally in the mix, the stakes are higher than ever, and the dynamics of their relationships are set to shift dramatically. Will Benedict find the courage to stand up for Sloane in front of his family, or will his mother’s disapproval cast a shadow over their budding connection? The atmosphere is charged with unspoken words and unresolved feelings, and the evening’s festivities promise to reveal secrets that could change everything.

Moreover, the arrival of Alpha Roman and Luna Samara adds another layer of complexity to the evening. Their presence may serve as a catalyst for alliances and rivalries, as Benedict grapples with his growing feelings for Sloane and the expectations placed upon him. As the party unfolds, readers should brace themselves for unexpected twists, heartwarming moments, and the possibility of betrayal lurking just beneath the surface. Will Sloane’s presence solidify her place in Benedict’s life, or will external pressures threaten to tear them apart? The next chapter is poised to deliver answers, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what fate has in store for these intertwined lives.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.