Listen to me 109

In Chapter 109 of “Listen to Me,” the story unfolds with Benedict and his sister Bethany in the car after school, where Bethany excitedly probes into Benedict’s upcoming date with Sloane. Their playful banter reveals Bethany’s knack for gossip and her concern for her brother’s romantic endeavors. Despite his confidence, Benedict feels the pressure of their mother’s potential disapproval regarding his choice of date, especially since Sloane comes from a prestigious lineage that complicates family dynamics.

Upon arriving home, Benedict is confronted by his mother, who demands to know about his date. The tension escalates as Benedict asserts his independence, declaring that he no longer needs her permission to date. Their confrontation becomes heated as Benedict challenges his mother’s expectations and reveals his frustration with her attempts to control his romantic life. The emotional stakes are high, as Benedict grapples with familial loyalty and his desire for autonomy, leading to a rift between him and his parents.

As the week progresses, Benedict prepares for his date with Sloane, determined to make it special despite the challenges he faces at home. He plans an outing that aligns with Sloane’s personality, aiming to ease her stress. The anticipation builds as he picks her up from school, where the moment is charged with excitement and a hint of anxiety. Their chemistry is palpable, and Benedict’s protective instincts emerge as he navigates the public scrutiny of their relationship.

The date begins with a surprise kiss that deepens their connection, showcasing the genuine affection Benedict feels for Sloane. This tender moment marks a turning point in their relationship, as both characters experience a mix of exhilaration and vulnerability. The chapter concludes with Benedict’s pride in Sloane and a realization of his feelings for her, hinting at the complexities that lie ahead as they navigate their budding romance amidst external pressures.

**Chapter 109**

**Benedict**

**5 vouchers**

As we settled into the car after a long day at school on Monday, Bethany wasted no time in diving straight into the gossip pool. “What’s this I hear about you going on a date with Sloane this Friday?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and mischief.

I couldn’t help but chuckle, genuinely impressed by her knack for picking up on the latest news. “Seriously, how do you manage to stay so in the loop?” I replied, shaking my head in disbelief at my sister’s uncanny ability to know everything happening around us.

She smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “When your name, Sloane’s name, or Slade’s name pops up, I make it my business to listen. And when two of those names collide, you can bet I’m all ears. So, is it true?”

“Yeah, it’s true,” I said, unable to suppress the grin that spread across my face.

“How did you pull that off?” she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

“What? You think I don’t have any game?” I shot back, glancing at her as I maneuvered the car out of the parking lot.

“I’m not convinced that your ‘moves’ would work on Sloane,” she replied, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

“Oh, I have special moves just for her. Unique moves that no one else gets to see,” I said, recalling the way her eyes widened in surprise when I asked her out—she looked so taken aback that words escaped her.

“Mhmm,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me, as if she could see right through my bravado. “So, where are you taking her, and what’s your plan for telling Mom?”

“First of all, it’s really none of Mom’s business who I choose to date,” I began, my tone firm.

Bethany snorted in disbelief, but I pressed on. “And I haven’t made up my mind yet. I doubt she’d appreciate a fancy restaurant.”

“Oh, so your usual high-end places are off the table?” she quipped, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“Yeah, it looks like it. But like I said, I have my own special moves for Sloane,” I insisted, confidence creeping back into my voice.

“Well, brother, you better make the most of this opportunity. I’m pretty sure you have a real shot with Sloane, and if you mess it up, there won’t be another chance. And whatever you do, keep this under wraps from Mom,” she warned, her expression serious.

I wished it were that straightforward. Gossip didn’t just flutter around school like a gentle breeze; it spread like wildfire, and before long, it would reach the packs, eventually landing in my mother’s ears.

The moment I stepped into the packhouse on Monday afternoon, I was met with my mother’s fierce gaze.

“Benedict Winslow, V, we need to talk,” she commanded, her tone brooking no argument.

“Damn,” I mouthed silently to Bethany, who stood nearby, her eyes wide with sympathy.

I felt my lips contort into the same sour expression I’d seen on my mother’s face lately. Recognizing it for the bitter look it was, I forced my features into a mask of indifference, determined to remain unflustered.

“Yes, Mother?” I asked, striding into the room where she stood, my backpack still slung over my shoulder—a clear indication that I wasn’t planning on lingering.

“What’s this about you having a date on Friday night?” she demanded, her tone sharp.

“I do have a date on Friday night. I’m eighteen, and in just a couple of weeks, I’ll be the Alpha of this pack. I don’t need your permission to go out on a Friday or any other night,” I replied, my voice steady but tinged with defiance.

Her lips tightened into that same sour expression. I silently prayed to the goddess above that I would never wear such a scowl.

“And who is this date with?” she pressed, her eyes narrowing.

“That’s none of your business,” I shot back, my patience wearing thin.

“I am your mother. Of course, it’s my business,” she retorted, her voice rising.

“I’m an adult now. You don’t get to dictate who I date, so no, it’s not your business,” I countered, my tone firm.

“It’s HER, isn’t it?” she growled, her voice low and dangerous.

“You know, Mother,” I said, stepping further into the room and letting my aura expand, “I’m starting to think you’re jealous of Sloane Hartwell.”

“Why on earth would I be jealous of her?” she replied, her tone incredulous.

“She comes from a lineage of pure Alphas, Alphas who were fated mates. But you and Dad had to reject your mates to keep our bloodline intact, didn’t you? That must really sting,” I challenged, watching her reaction closely.

“We don’t even know who her father is. And since she no longer carries the white wolf line, I can safely say he wasn’t an Alpha,” she said, a smirk creeping onto her lips.

“And yet, her aura is as potent, if not more so, than mine. It certainly surpasses yours. Tell me, Mother, why is it acceptable for you to wish I’d be mated to a Beta female from our pack? Isn’t the whole point of our lineage to preserve the Alpha bloodline? Yet, you were secretly hoping I’d end up with Cynthia, weren’t you? Don’t deny it. I know the truth already,” I pressed, my voice rising.

Her lips twisted into that sour look once more.

I took a step closer, my voice low and intense. “Are you so afraid that Sloane Hartwell might be my mate that you’d rather dilute our lineage than see me with her?”

“There are other Alpha females out there, Benedict,” she snapped back, her frustration palpable.

“Yes, I know. You’ve been shoving them down my throat for years. But I don’t want them,” I insisted, my voice firm.

“Then, you’re a fool,” she replied, her tone laced with disdain.

“The only fool in this room is you, Mother,” I growled, anger bubbling to the surface.

“BENEDICT!” my father’s voice boomed from behind me, his authority unmistakable. “Do not speak to your mother that way.”

I turned to face him, my frustration boiling over. “Then maybe you should keep your mate in check, Alpha. I’m tired of her tirades,” I snarled, pushing past him as I stormed out of the room.

I had no clue what transpired between my parents after I left, but my mother didn’t utter a single word to me for the rest of the week.

During the day, I would joke around with Sloane, playfully asking her where she wanted to go for our date. She never offered any suggestions, merely shrugging and suggesting something silly like getting ice cream, as if I would allow our date to last only an hour.

At night, I buried myself in my studies, fully aware that she was doing the same. With finals looming next week, we were in the final stretch.

By Friday, I had devised a plan. Sloane wasn’t one for flashy outings; she shunned the spotlight and had been under immense pressure lately. So, when the bell rang on Friday afternoon, signaling the end of the school day, I gathered my belongings for the weekend and made my way to her locker.

Scarlet was there, chatting with her. When she spotted me, she leaned in and whispered something to Sloane before wrapping her arms around her in a hug.

“See you later, Sloane,” she said, her voice loud enough for me to hear. “Hello, Alpha Benedict.”

“Hello, Scarlet,” I replied, trying to maintain my composure.

“I hope you’ve got something special planned,” she whispered as she passed by.

I hoped so too.

“Ready, Sloane?” I asked, my heart racing with anticipation.

“Yeah. Ice cream, right?” she responded, her face lighting up with a hint of excitement.

I took her backpack and tossed it over my shoulder. “We can get ice cream later if you want, but that’s not the main event for our date.”

“Then where are we going? I didn’t bring anything to change into,” she frowned, a hint of worry crossing her face.

“I didn’t expect you to. I didn’t either,” I said, placing my hand gently on her back and guiding her toward the parking lot, even as I felt her resistance.

Once we reached my car, she turned to me, her expression curious. “Where are we going, Benedict?”

“It’s a surprise, Sloane,” I replied, trying to keep the excitement in my voice.

I could feel her tension building, her body stiffening slightly.

I brushed my fingers along her cheek, my voice softening. “Trust me, Sloane. I’ve been thinking about this all week. If I mess it up, you can tell me. But I have a good feeling about this.”

She searched my face, looking for any signs of deceit. Not wanting her to second-guess me, I leaned in and pressed my lips against hers.

Her gasp was unexpected, and her body jolted in surprise, but I seized the moment to deepen the kiss, sliding my tongue into her mouth and savoring her taste. Damn, her sweetness was even more intoxicating than I remembered.

I cradled her face in my hands, leaning my body against hers, pressing her against the car as I indulged in the kiss.

I felt her body relax, her hands finding their way to my sides, gripping my shirt tightly.

I didn’t want to stop kissing her. The thought of continuing this for hours was tempting, but I knew we needed to escape the watchful eyes of the other students and teachers.

Reluctantly, I pulled away, breathless. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

I could see the moment reality hit her; her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink.

I winked at her, stepping back to open the door for her, feeling a surge of pride as I did so.

When she climbed into the car, I closed the door gently, placing our bags in the backseat before making my way around to the driver’s side. As I did, I noticed what seemed like the entire student body watching us. Good. No one better try to make a move on my girl.

That thought made me pause. When did she become ‘my girl’?

“Since you kissed her at your birthday party,” Marrok chimed in, his focus unwavering as always when Sloane was around.

Once I settled into the driver’s seat, I found Sloane staring out the front windshield, her expression a mix of excitement and anxiety. “Everyone is staring at us,” she murmured.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to make you the center of attention. But honestly, you just taste so good, Sloane,” I replied, trying to lighten the mood.

She glanced at me, her cheeks turning that same enchanting shade of pink.

“Stop blushing,” I growled playfully. “You’re just making me want to kiss you again.”

When she licked her lips, I couldn’t help but growl even louder, leaning over to capture her mouth in another possessive kiss.

The thing about Sloane is, she wasn’t trying to be alluring; she was simply being herself. And that, in itself, was incredibly sexy.

As the date unfolded, a palpable shift occurred within Benedict. The tension that had been building between him and Sloane melted away with each shared smile and stolen kiss, revealing the undeniable chemistry that had simmered beneath the surface for far too long. In that moment, surrounded by the watchful eyes of their peers, he felt a surge of possessiveness that ignited a fierce determination to protect what was blossoming between them. Sloane was no longer just a girl he had a crush on; she was becoming something much more significant—his partner, his confidante, and perhaps even his destined mate. The weight of his mother’s expectations and the looming pressures of his future as Alpha faded into the background, replaced by the exhilarating thrill of being with someone who truly understood him.

Yet, as the initial excitement of their connection began to settle, Benedict couldn’t shake the reality that lay ahead. The challenges he faced with his mother and the pack’s expectations loomed large, threatening to overshadow the joy of his budding romance with Sloane. But in that fleeting moment, as he held her gaze and felt the warmth of her presence beside him, he realized that love was worth fighting for. The emotional arc that had begun with defiance against his mother’s wishes had transformed into a powerful resolve to carve his own path. With Sloane by his side, he felt ready to confront whatever challenges awaited them, knowing that together, they could face the world.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As the anticipation builds for Benedict and Sloane’s date, readers can expect an exhilarating mix of romance and tension in the next chapter. With the pair finally embarking on their first official outing together, the chemistry between them is palpable, but lurking beneath the surface are the complexities of their respective family dynamics. How will Benedict navigate the expectations of his mother, who is clearly not on board with his choice of date? And what will Sloane think of the surprise location Benedict has planned for their evening? The stakes are high, and every moment could either deepen their connection or unravel the fragile threads of their budding relationship.

Moreover, the presence of their peers adds an extra layer of intrigue. With the entire student body seemingly watching their every move, will they be able to enjoy their time together without the weight of judgment? As they explore the depths of their feelings, the chapter promises to delve into the inner conflicts both characters face, particularly as Benedict grapples with his responsibilities as the future Alpha. Expect unexpected twists, heartfelt revelations, and perhaps even a confrontation that could change everything for them. The clock is ticking down to Friday night, and the question remains: will this date solidify their bond or expose the cracks in their worlds? Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next installment.

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.