Listen to me 106
In Chapter 106 of “Listen to Me,” Sloane experiences a wave of discomfort as she is thrust into the spotlight by Benedict, who announces her as his rival for Valedictorian. The scrutiny from peers, especially after being insulted by two other girls, intensifies her anxiety. As Benedict aligns himself with his mother to publicly declare that Sloane is unfit to be Luna material, she realizes that this entire situation is a cruel joke aimed at humiliating her. The emotional turmoil is compounded by the realization that Benedict knows more about her than she anticipated, which leaves her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
As the tension escalates, Benedict unexpectedly defends Sloane, reminding everyone of her strong Alpha lineage. His authoritative declaration shifts the room’s energy, and Sloane feels a mix of gratitude and frustration. When he invites her outside for fresh air, she is both relieved and apprehensive. Once in a secluded area, their conversation becomes intimate, and Benedict challenges her to recognize her own worth. Despite her sarcastic defenses, his compliments and the physical closeness stir emotions within her, leading to a passionate kiss that surprises them both.
The kiss marks a turning point for Sloane, as she begins to embrace the warmth and safety of being in Benedict’s arms. Their connection deepens, and after the kiss, they share a light-hearted moment where Benedict expresses his genuine feelings for her. He asks her not to act awkward around him after their encounter, revealing a desire for more than just a fleeting moment. Sloane, feeling emboldened, playfully invites him to kiss her again as they share a second passionate moment before she leaves.
As Sloane drives away, she reflects on the unexpected joy of the evening, despite the earlier humiliation. However, she notices Benedict’s mother watching them with fury, hinting at potential conflict ahead. The chapter encapsulates Sloane’s journey from feeling belittled to discovering her strength and worth, all while navigating the complexities of her relationship with Benedict. The emotional highs and lows highlight her internal struggle and the blossoming connection with Benedict, setting the stage for future challenges.
**TITLE: Listen to me 106**
**Chapter 106**
**Sloane**
The moment Benedict yanked me into the center of the room, an unmistakable wave of discomfort washed over me. The spotlight was a place I despised; it felt like a heavy cloak of scrutiny, suffocating and oppressive. I had always believed that being the center of attention was a recipe for disaster, and today was no exception. After enduring the cruel remarks of those two she-wolves, my self-esteem was already hanging by a thread.
Then, as he began to announce to everyone that I was his rival for Valedictorian, my heart raced with confusion. Where was he heading with this?
But when he aligned himself with his mother, declaring that I wasn’t fit to be Luna material, the realization hit me like a cold splash of water. This entire charade—the attention at school, the invitation to the party, the forced dance, and now this public spectacle—was nothing but a cruel joke, meticulously crafted to humiliate me in front of everyone. Being degraded by Benedict Winslow, V, was a stain that would linger forever.
Yet, the blow I anticipated wasn’t the one that landed. Instead, it was something far more insidious.
He knows. I can see it in the smug smile that spreads across his face, a knowing glint in his eyes that suggests my silence has only confirmed his suspicions.
“How?” I manage to whisper, my voice barely audible over the murmurs in the room.
“I keep my eyes and ears open and I pay attention,” he replies, his tone just as soft, yet laced with an edge of confidence.
I scan the room, feeling the weight of their gazes. I haven’t officially accepted Grandpa Waylon’s pack yet; nothing is set in stone, and I certainly don’t want this information to leak out prematurely.
As if he can read my mind, Benedict continues, seemingly undeterred by my stunned silence.
“It seems everyone has forgotten that Sloane descends from an Alpha line as pure as mine, possibly even purer,” he announces, his voice ringing with authority. “Some of you were reminded of that power not long ago, but it appears you still fail to recognize that Sloane is one of the strongest Alphas of our generation. If there ever comes a day when she decides she’s tired of granting you the respect you should be giving her, I assure you, you will regret your memory lapse. Everyone in this room would do well to remember that.”
He pauses, his gaze locking onto one individual in particular. I follow his line of sight and see it’s his mother, her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. When our eyes meet, I can feel the disdain radiating from her, a silent promise that her feelings toward me will never shift.
“Sloane,” Benedict says, breaking my reverie. “Will you walk with me?” He extends his hand, an invitation that feels both comforting and daunting.
The entire room is fixated on us, and the weight of their stares is almost unbearable. Yet, eager to escape the spotlight, I take his hand, allowing him to guide me out of the room.
“Where are we headed?” I inquire, the low buzz of conversation rising behind us again.
“Outside. I thought you might appreciate some fresh air after I thrust you into the spotlight. I know you detest being the center of attention, but I refuse to let others belittle you, especially when you’re a guest in my home.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” I reply, my voice a mixture of gratitude and frustration.
“Yes, I did. What I don’t understand is why you won’t.”
He leads me to a secluded area adorned with soft lights, a sanctuary that shields us from the chaos of the party. With the sounds of celebration fading behind us, it feels as though we are the only two souls in existence.
Suddenly, he pivots to face me, and I nearly collide with him. Instead of stepping back, he entwines our hands behind my back, drawing me closer to him.
“Why do you allow them to underestimate you?” he asks, his voice low and intimate. The warmth of his breath brushes against my lips, igniting a flutter of nerves deep within me.
“Maybe they’re the ones who see me clearly, Benedict. Perhaps you’re the one wearing blinders,” I retort, my heart pounding.
He caresses my cheek with his free hand, sending a shiver coursing through my entire being.
“So, the real question is, why don’t you see yourself clearly? Do you not recognize what an extraordinary woman you are, Sloane?”
“Why, because I’m intelligent?” I reply, my sarcasm a defense mechanism. This conversation is edging too close to my vulnerabilities.
“You’re intelligent, you’re incredibly beautiful, you’re powerful, compassionate, caring, and loving,” he lists, his tone earnest.
“That’s quite a few adjectives for someone you barely know,” I interject, feeling a mix of flattery and discomfort at his words. The way my body reacts to his touch is alarming. Benedict is not meant for me; there’s no way the Moon Goddess would pair him with someone who should have been a white wolf but isn’t.
“I told you, I pay attention. I’ve been observing you for a long time, Sloane Hartwell. Tell me, what are you afraid of?” he whispers, his vibrant green eyes sparkling under the twinkling lights surrounding us. It feels as if he’s pulling me in closer, despite the minimal space between us.
“I’m not afraid of anything,” I assert, though the proximity of his lips makes my heart race.
“I’ll add fearless to that list of adjectives,” he murmurs before pressing his lips against mine.
For a fleeting moment, I tense, watching as his eyes flutter shut. Then, the warmth of his kiss envelops me, and I sigh against him, surrendering to the invitation he offers. As he deepens the kiss, sliding his tongue into my mouth, I instinctively reach up to his shoulder, seeking something to ground me as sensations of pleasure flood through me, dizzying and intoxicating.
Benedict releases the hand he was holding and pulls me even closer, wrapping my arms around his neck as he expertly guides me through this first real kiss. The heat radiating from his body seeps into mine, and I realize I’m not the only one responding to this electric moment.
I lose myself in the kiss, enveloped in warmth, pleasure, and an unexpected sense of safety that comes from being in Benedict’s arms.
When he finally pulls away, both of us are breathless, panting as he presses his forehead against mine, our bodies still intertwined.
“I think I’ll add passionate to that list of adjectives,” he breathes, a smile playing on his lips.
I let out a soft laugh, the tension easing as he steps back slightly, the lights around us still shimmering in his eyes.
“Thank you,” he says, sincerity etched across his face.
“For what?” I ask, a frown creasing my brow.
“For making my birthday special. For coming when I know you didn’t want to, for the dance, and for that spectacular kiss. I really should head back inside; it is MY party, after all,” he adds, rolling his eyes in a playful manner that makes me chuckle. “I’m guessing you don’t want to join me?”
“You would be correct,” I respond, feeling a mix of shyness and relief.
“Can I walk you to your car, then?” he asks, his tone hopeful.
I nod, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. My lips still tingle from our kiss, and the taste of him lingers on my tongue, reminiscent of a fine wine aged to perfection.
He takes my hand, leading me around the exterior of the packhouse to the front, where he hands the valet my ticket. While he goes to retrieve my car, he turns to me, his expression earnest.
“Do me a favor?” he asks, his voice low.
“What’s that?” I reply, curiosity piqued.
“Don’t act weird around me on Monday. Don’t overthink the kiss. I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time. It wasn’t just because it was my birthday, or because I was feeling festive, or even just to satisfy my curiosity about kissing you. Sloane, I like you. I like you a lot.”
A smile spreads across his face as he brushes his fingers against my cheek again. “I want to kiss you again right now.”
I’m surprised by the sudden surge of courage that wells up inside me.
“You’d better hurry, then. My car will be here any minute,” I tease, my heart racing.
He cups my cheek, and just like before, when his lips meet mine, a wave of heat rushes through me. I can’t help but whimper, and his possessive growl sends shivers of delight coursing through my body as he pulls me even closer.
I’m completely oblivious to the valet pulling up my car until Benedict releases me from our kiss, and the sound of the engine fills the air.
“I’m definitely adding passionate to that list of adjectives,” he growls, his voice low and husky.
The valet is nowhere in sight, clearly giving us the privacy we didn’t know we needed. Benedict walks me around to the driver’s side, holding the door open as I slide into the car.
“Thank you again for making my birthday special, Sloane,” he says, his eyes softening.
“Thank you for inviting me, Benedict. I actually had a nice time,” I reply, surprising myself with my sincerity. Well, not everything was pleasant, but the moments with him certainly were.
“Drive safely. I’ll see you on Monday,” he says, his voice warm.
“Goodbye,” I manage, my heart fluttering as I pull away.
As I glance in the rearview mirror, I see Benedict watching me leave, his hands tucked into his pockets. I would have waved, but behind him, standing in the entrance of the packhouse, is his mother, her expression a storm of fury.
In the aftermath of that tumultuous evening, Sloane’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions—confusion, vulnerability, and an unexpected spark of hope. Benedict’s bold declaration of her strength, followed by the intoxicating kiss they shared, had shaken the foundations of her self-doubt. For the first time, she felt seen and appreciated for who she truly was, not just the girl burdened by expectations and harsh judgments. In that secluded corner, beneath the twinkling lights, she had glimpsed the possibility of acceptance and love, a stark contrast to the humiliation she had endured earlier. The warmth of his embrace lingered with her, igniting a flicker of courage that she had long thought extinguished.
Yet, as she drove away, the reality of their world loomed large, casting a shadow over her newfound confidence. The sight of Benedict’s mother, seething with disapproval, reminded Sloane that their journey would not be without obstacles. The weight of societal expectations and the looming threat of judgment still hung heavily in the air. However, for the first time, she felt a sense of determination rising within her. The kiss had not only awakened her desires but also rekindled the belief in her own power. As she navigated the road ahead, Sloane resolved to embrace her identity and the challenges that lay before her, knowing that she was no longer alone. With Benedict by her side, she dared to dream of a future where she could truly be herself, unshackled by the fears that had once held her captive.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension between Sloane and Benedict simmers, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions in the next chapter. With the lingering effects of their passionate kiss still fresh, Sloane must navigate the complexities of her feelings for Benedict while grappling with the looming threat of his mother’s disapproval. Will Sloane find the strength to embrace her Alpha lineage, or will the weight of societal expectations and familial pressures pull her back into the shadows? The stakes are higher than ever, and the fragile balance between love and duty will be tested.
Moreover, the fallout from Benedict’s public revelation about Sloane’s heritage promises to create ripples throughout the pack. How will her peers react to the newfound knowledge of her Alpha bloodline? As whispers spread and alliances shift, Sloane may find herself at the center of a brewing storm, forcing her to confront not only her identity but also the power dynamics within the pack. With Benedict by her side, will she rise to the occasion, or will the fear of rejection and judgment hold her back? Readers should prepare for a chapter filled with tension, revelations, and the possibility of unexpected alliances as Sloane’s journey unfolds.
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.