Listen to me 105

In “Listen to Me 105,” the story centers around Benedict and Sloane as they navigate a charged social event—Benedict’s birthday party. Upon seeing Sloane dressed up, Benedict is struck by her beauty and feels an intense attraction, which he openly expresses. Despite her usual snarky demeanor, Sloane appears uncomfortable and hesitant about attending the party, hinting at deeper insecurities. Benedict’s sincere compliments and his desire for her to stay showcase his feelings, creating a moment of connection between them.

As the evening unfolds, Benedict invites Sloane to dance, despite her protests that she doesn’t know how. He reassures her, emphasizing the importance of this moment to him and expressing his enjoyment of her presence. The dance becomes a pivotal moment for them, as they share light-hearted banter and reveal their competitive spirits regarding their academic achievements. This playful interaction allows them to bond more deeply, contrasting the earlier tension and showcasing their chemistry.

However, the atmosphere shifts when Sloane overhears derogatory comments from other party attendees, revealing the judgment she faces due to her family’s past. Benedict, upon learning of this, confronts the individuals making the remarks and asserts his protective instincts over Sloane. This confrontation highlights the clash between social expectations and personal loyalty, as Benedict stands up for Sloane, reinforcing his feelings for her and challenging the prejudices of their peers.

In a bold move, Benedict publicly acknowledges Sloane’s worth and potential, countering the negative perceptions held by others. He reframes the narrative around her, declaring her as “Alpha material” rather than the derogatory labels others have placed on her. This declaration not only empowers Sloane but also solidifies Benedict’s commitment to her, setting the stage for their evolving relationship amidst the challenges they face from their community. The chapter ends on a note of hope and promise, as Sloane’s shock at Benedict’s words hints at a deeper connection that may blossom between them.

Benedict

“Thank you for coming,” I say to her. “You look …”

I’m honestly at a loss for words. I’ve never seen Sloane like this. I’m not sure that any woman has made me want them like I want her at this moment.

“Uncomfortable? Like my feet are being pinched? Like I don’t want to be here?” she offers in her typical snarky Sloane way.

“Stunning.” I say, meaning it. She is absolutely the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen in my life.

‘And she smells good too, Marrok adds. Interesting.

“Will you join me?” I ask, offering her my arm.

She shakes her head and looks so utterly defeated that I could kill my mother.

“Maybe I should just go.”

“Please stay.”

“Why?” she whispers.

“You got all dressed up. You’re here. It’s my birthday and I want you here. Please?” I say, offering my arm again.

“People will talk,” she says, putting her arm through mine.

“Oh, they most definitely will,” I say, walking her into the room. “No one has ever seen you looking like this. I’d tell you that you look amazing, incredible, magnificent, or perfect, but I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t believe the stunning I’ve already called you, so I’ll refrain from saying you look any of those things.”

“You would be right. Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Benedict. Speaking of, did you not find your mate?” she asks, frowning.

“No, I didn’t. She’s either not here, or perhaps she’s underage,” I say, watching her carefully. I wonder if I’m the only one feeling the pull. “When is your birthday?”

She snorts in a very typical Sloane way.

“After graduation. I’m pretty sure you’re safe.”

“Mmm,” I say noncommittally. “Will you dance with me?”

“I don’t dance.”

“Did you get me a birthday present?”

She’s looking around the room and while I can hear the party–goers asking if this is really Sloane Hartwell on my arm, I ignore them. I’ve been utterly bored all night and now, I’m perfectly content.

She looks up at me. “What could I possibly get the man who already has everything?”

“A dance with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

She blinks at me, then frowns.

“Tell me where she is, I’ll get her for you.”

I smile. “She’s right here. Dance with me. Consider it my birthday present.”

She gets that terrified look on her face again. “I don’t know how to dance, Benedict.”

I take her out onto the dance floor and nod at the musicians that my mother paid to play tonight. They begin a slow, love song and I turn to her.

“Follow my lead, Sloane. I won’t let you fall. Don’t fight me, just follow my lead,” I say, holding out my arms to her.

She steps into my arms and the rest of the room falls away. I’ve heard my sister talking about things like this. It’s apparently a big deal in the romantasy books she reads where the world falls away when you’re in the arms of the one you love. I never gave any thought to it, until now.

Right now, the only two people in the world are me and Sloane.

“How is your weekend?” I ask her as I begin to dance. The slow song allows me to stay close to Sloane, helping to guide her through the dance.

“Lovely. How is your birthday?”

“Better now that you’re here,” I say, grinning when she rolls her eyes. “Honestly, I didn’t think you were going to come.”

“I wouldn’t have, if you hadn’t specifically brought it up yesterday. But then I’d have to say that I’d missed the birthday of the Alpha King,” she says, making her eyes wide like she’s swooning over my title.

I throw my head back and laugh. It’s the first real laugh I’ve had today.

“What a ridiculous title,” I say.

“Utterly ridiculous,” she agrees, grinning at me.

I realize she’s not paying attention to our steps so it’s making it easier to guide her around the dance floor.

“You don’t actually think you’re going to beat me for Valedictorian, do you?” I ask, loving this banter between us.

“Oh, I’m absolutely going to beat you, Alpha. You can count on it.”

“I don’t know … I asked Principal Rodgers yesterday where we stand,” I say, knowing she hasn’t and that she’ll want to know.

Her eyes narrow. “What did she say?”

“That it’s too soon to tell and that finals will decide who is actually the school’s Valedictorian.”

She grins at me. “It’s a good thing I’m not distracted by things like birthdays. I’ve been studying and preparing for finals while you’ve been …” she looks around us. “Dancing.”

I grin. “I learned to dance years ago, Sloane. I could dance with my eyes closed and still recite the periodic table without missing a step.”

“I guess we’ll see.”

“Yes, we will,” I say as the song comes to an end.

“I think your uncle wants to say goodbye. I think he’s making a point to my mother that he’s offended,” I say, nodding at the edge of the dance floor where Alpha Roman is standing with Luna Samara and Alpha Slade.”

“I can ask him to stay,” she says.

“No. He’s right to show his unhappiness. It will make it easier for me to get my father to side with me tomorrow when we argue about this.”

I watch her shoulders deflate again. “See, I shouldn’t have come. I’m causing as many problems here as I do at school.”

“You don’t cause those problems, Sloane. My mother was wrong. Your uncle is right. I hope you won’t leave just yet. But if you do, at least I got my dance.”

I was right that Alpha Roman was ready to leave. He said goodbye to me, making sure that Sloane was okay, then made a point of thanking my father for his hospitality and barely acknowledging my mother. His goodbye to Bethany was much warmer though, which makes me wonder if my sister was busy soothing ruffled feathers while I was dancing with Sloane.

I’m pleased when Sloane agrees to stay and because I can’t give every bit of my attention to her, even if it is my birthday and that’s what I want, I’m thrilled when my sister steps up beside her, making sure she’s not alone.

Knowing she’s in good hands with Bethany, I make a tour around the room, not asking anyone else to dance, and keeping an eye on Sloane the entire time. I know Bethany will tell me if I’m needed, but I’m still worried.about her.

I watch when she leaves the room, and I quickly mind link Bethany to ask where she’s going.

‘Bathroom. Stalk much?‘ Bethany asks.

Making sure mother doesn’t act like a fool again.‘

‘It’s not just Mom. You should know that a lot of these jealous, bitchy she–wolves are making derogatory comments about Sloane. They aren’t happy that she’s the only one you’ve danced with.’

‘Tough shit,‘ I growl. ‘I want a list of names.

Easier to make a list of names who HAVEN’T said something derogatory about her.

When I hear my sister’s

Wolf, Audra, growl, I cut off the conversation that I’m having and go to find Sloane.

“It’s pathetic that you’re trying to become Benedict’s Luna,” I hear a she–wolf say.

“Yeah, you can dress the trash up, but underneath, it’s still trash,” another she–wolf says.

“What is wrong with you? When Benedict hears of this…” I hear Bethany say.

“Benedict won’t hear about this, will he, Sloane?”

Before Sloane can answer, I step into the hallway.

“Benedict already DID hear about it.” I look at the Alpha females who were snarling at Sloane. “You two can leave. You are no longer welcome in my home or on my pack lands,” I growl.

“But…”

“NOW!” Marrok snarls.

Both of their necks go up in submission as they walk past me, unable to fight against Marrok’s Alpha command. It doesn’t matter that they’re Alphas. Marrok is one of the purest, strongest Alpha wolves in our time.

I’m pleased to note that Sloane and Aisling aren’t submitting to me. I was pretty sure they wouldn’t feel the need to. Aisling is as pure an Alpha as Marrok is.

“Come with me,” I say, taking Sloane’s hand and leading her back into the party.

“What are you doing, Benedict?” she whisper yells at me as I basically drag her into the center of the room.

“Everyone, may I have your attention please?” I say.

The room instantly goes quiet.

“Benedict, don’t do this,” Sloane pleads.

I ignore her, knowing that she might punch me later for what I’m about to do, but it needs to be done.

“Show of hands, how many of you in this room know that I’m in the running to make Valedictorian of our class this year?” I

ask.

About half the people raise their hands.

“And how many of you know that my biggest competition, is this woman right here, Sloane Hartwell?” I ask.

Not a single hand goes up.

“Right. You all think you know who this woman is because you know something about her family’s past. You know nothing about HER, about the woman that Sloane Hartwell is,” I say turning to her.

From behind me, I hear my mother hissing. “Benedict, she is NOT Luna material.”

“You’re right, mother. Sloane is not Luna material.”

I watch as Sloane’s body delates, as if she’s expecting me to make a spectacle of her, as if she’s expecting me to berate or bully her in front of everyone, making her the laughing stock of the school. She couldn’t be further from the truth.

I watch her carefully, wanting to see her reaction and know if I’m right.

“You ARE, however, Alpha material, aren’t you Sloane?” I ask.

I’m rewarded with her gasp and the look of shock and surprise that I was expecting

As the music fades and the crowd’s murmurs fill the air, I can see the walls Sloane has built around herself begin to crack. Her surprise at my words is palpable, and for a fleeting moment, I catch a glimpse of the woman she truly is beneath the layers of insecurity and doubt. In that moment, I realize that my declaration is not just for the audience but a lifeline for Sloane—a chance for her to see herself as I do. The tension that once hung between us dissipates, replaced by a shared understanding that we are both more than our titles and expectations. This is not merely a birthday celebration; it is a turning point for us both, a moment where Sloane can reclaim her narrative and step into the light.

As I watch her process my words, I feel a rush of hope. The laughter, the banter, the dance—they were all building to this moment of truth. I know that I cannot shield her from the harsh judgments of others, but I can stand beside her, unwavering in my support. The whispers may continue, but together we can forge our own path. Sloane’s transformation from the girl who feels out of place to the Alpha she is destined to be begins here, in front of our peers. I squeeze her hand gently, signaling that I am here, and as the crowd begins to applaud, I see her smile for the first time tonight—genuine and radiant. In this shared moment, we are no longer just Benedict and Sloane; we are allies, partners, and perhaps something even more profound.

In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension between Benedict and Sloane to escalate as he challenges the perceptions of their peers in a bold and unexpected way. His declaration in front of the party-goers not only puts Sloane in the spotlight but also sets the stage for a deeper exploration of her character and potential. Will Sloane embrace this newfound recognition, or will she retreat into her insecurities? The stakes are high as Benedict, fueled by his feelings for her, risks his own social standing to defend her honor.

Moreover, the fallout from Benedict’s public declaration will undoubtedly ripple through the pack dynamics. With his mother’s disapproval looming over them, and the jealous she-wolves still lurking in the shadows, Sloane will have to navigate the complexities of acceptance and identity in a world that has often judged her based on her family’s past. As the chapter unfolds, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering how Sloane will respond to Benedict’s bold move and whether their relationship will evolve into something more than just a dance. Expect emotional revelations, fierce confrontations, and perhaps a turning point that could redefine both their futures and the perceptions of those around them.

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.