Listen to me 111

In Chapter 111 of “Listen to Me,” Benedict finds himself genuinely falling in love with Sloane during their date. The atmosphere is light and playful as they share a moment of singing in the car, showcasing Sloane’s authentic self, which Benedict deeply appreciates. Their connection grows as they step out of the car, and Sloane’s radiant smile makes Benedict feel victorious, as if he has succeeded in making her happy. They engage in flirtatious banter, allowing their chemistry to flourish as they prepare for a picnic.

As they settle down on the blanket, the conversation shifts to more personal topics. Benedict expresses his nervousness about the date, revealing his desire to get things right. Sloane reciprocates by sharing her thoughts on their budding relationship, hinting at her own surprise and pleasure at how the date is unfolding. Their playful exchange about their kisses adds a layer of intimacy, with Sloane comparing Benedict’s taste to fine wine, further deepening their emotional bond.

The dialogue becomes more profound as they discuss their families and past experiences. Sloane opens up about her younger sister and the complexities of her family dynamics, while Benedict candidly shares his strained relationship with his mother. This honesty fosters a deeper understanding between them, with Benedict encouraging Sloane to recognize her strength and individuality, separate from her mother’s legacy. His insistence that she is not defined by her past resonates with her, prompting a moment of vulnerability.

The chapter culminates in a surprising revelation from Sloane, as she hints at her connection to Alpha Waylon, which leaves Benedict in shock. This twist adds a layer of intrigue to their relationship, suggesting that Sloane’s identity may be more complex than initially perceived. The emotional stakes are heightened as their bond grows deeper, intertwining their personal histories with their present connection, setting the stage for future developments in their story.

Benedict

Okay, it isn’t just Marrok. I’m officially falling in love with Sloane all on my own.

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I’ve never had so much fun, and we’ve barely started our date. I didn’t think she’d actually sing along with me, but unlike other girls I’ve dated, she isn’t trying to look or act a certain way. She’s just being herself and I love every fucking minute of it. I’ve never felt this relaxed around anyone except Bethany before.

When we get out of the car, she takes a deep breath. I watch as she closes her eyes and her face relaxes into a beautiful smile.

I fist pump in my mind.

‘Here, Marrok says, mentally holding out his paw. I fist bump his paw, knowing we fucking scored! She loves it! I got it right!

I walk to the back of the car, working hard to hide my smug–as–fuck smile that I got this right. I grab the blanket I brought, and the basket that has wine, but also soda and water, then get the food from the back.

“Ready?” I ask.

She chuckles. “Let me help you.”

“I’ve got it. But if you want to help, I could use a little extra assistance in holding up this arm,” I say, holding out my arm for her.

She shakes her head at me. “Are you always this smooth?”

“Do you want the honest truth?”

“I’d prefer it,” she says.

“I’m nervous as fuck right now. I want to get this right and I’m in unchartered territory.”

She slides her arm through mine. “Well, if I’m being honest, I didn’t expect this and I’m pleasantly surprised, Benedict

Winslow.”

“Pleasant enough that I earned another kiss?” I ask hopefully.

She surprises me by turning to look at me and after a moment’s hesitation, she leans in and presses her lips to mine.

She pulls away before I’m ready, but I’ll take it. I lick my lips. “Mmm, you taste good.”

“What do I taste like to you?” she asks as we walk toward the overhang.

“Honey, Sweet, rich honey. What do I taste like to you?” I ask, wondering if she’s feeling any sort of pull to me at all the way

that I am to her.

She grins, and looks at me out of the corner of her eye,

“Tell me, please,” I say softly,

She looks like she might refuse, then answers. “Like a fine wine, aged to perfection. That was the thought I had the first time

you kissed me.”

“The first time, or the second time?” I ask, finding a spot that gives us a spectacular view but isn’t too close to the edge. I stop, setting the food and basket down before spreading out the blanket.

“First or second?” I ask again when she doesn’t answer.

“The first time was …?”

“Beside your uncle’s car.”

She looks down, blushing. “The second one, then.”

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“The one at my birthday. That was a good kiss. They both were,” I say, wanting her to know just how much I enjoy kissing

her.

“You’re a very good kisser,” she says, giving me a look.

I sit on the blanket and pat the space in front of me, waiting for her to sit.

“I won’t lie to you, Sloane. I’ve kissed other women. But none of them, not one of them, has tasted as good as you do.”

She points at me. “See, you are much too smooth for me.”

“I’m just being honest. I’ve never brought anyone up here before. I’ve never gone on a date where I didn’t have the option to use something to help steer the conversation, like a restaurant, or a show. I brought you here, primarily, because I thought you’d like it.”

“I do,” she says.

“Good. But I also brought you here, because I want to get to know you, Sloane. I want to know who you are outside of all the bullshit at school.”

I reach over and start unpacking the food, laying several different sandwiches out. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I bought several different kinds.”

Then I lay out several bags of chips and some pickles.

“Do you think of everything?” she asks, looking over the sandwiches.

“I try, especially when it’s important to me. This is important to me,” I say, opening the basket. I pull out the wine, the soda cans, and the water.

She takes the wine and looks at it, grinning. “A fine wine, aged to perfection. I wonder if it will taste better than you.”

It’s a challenge, and the Alpha in me rises to accept it.

“We should try it and find out,” I growl softly, getting the wine key I brought and the plastic wine glasses.

I open the wine and pour two glasses. I hand her one, then hold my glass out.

“To meaningful relationships.”

She tilts her head at me, then clinks her glass to mine. “To meaningful relationships.”

She takes a sip and closes her eyes. “Mmm, it’s good.”

Note to me, my girl likes a good wine.

I swirl my wine in the glass watching her

“So? What’s the verdict? Me or the wine?” I ask.

Her blush lets me know I’ve won before she answers.

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“It’s a very good wine,” she says.

“And?”

“You taste better,” she whispers, as if she’s admitting a sin.

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“Good. Maybe you’ll kiss me some more then. What kind of sandwich do you like?” I say, changing the subject before she can get too shy.

She grins and puts her hand on the largest sandwich I bought. “I like the ham, turkey, and roast beef combo. Is that okay?”

“Perfect!” I say, grabbing the turkey and ham combo.

“So, tell me about yourself, Sloane,” I say as we start eating.

“What do you want to know?”

“Well, I know Slade is your brother, but you mentioned Aria before?”

She bites into her food, nodding as she chews. When she swallows, she looks at the sandwich. “This is really good.”

“You’ve never eaten there before?” I ask.

“Apparently not. Wow!” she says, taking another bite.

I take a bite, waiting for her to continue.

“So, yes, Aria is my youngest sister. We’re nine years apart, so she’s still in elementary school, which is probably why you haven’t heard about her. She’s Theo’s age … you know who Theo is, right?” she asks

“Alpha Roman and Luna Samara’s heir.”

“One of them,” she says, nodding. “Well, Aria is Theo’s age, so it’s been a lot easier for her. She was a baby when … everything happened. She doesn’t remember our parents, and she calls Uncle Roman and Aunt Samara mom and dad. They’re the only parents she’s ever known. I envy her for that.”

“May I ask how you feel about your aunt and uncle giving your family’s pack to their second son?” I ask. It’s a deep question early on, but it fits in the conversation. If she balks, I’ll move to easier conversation.

“It’s wasn’t my family’s pack, though, was it? My parents should never have had that pack. It belonged to my Uncle Theo, or as Aunt Samara calls him, Uncle Teddy,” she says smiling. “You know, it’s strange. I was the age she was when everything happened with my family. She was nine when she lost her family and so was I. I’ve often wondered if there was a reason for that.”

“I don’t think we always know what the Moon Goddess has planned or why she does things. Do you feel like it was history repeating itself?” I ask.

“No,” she says thoughtfully, grabbing a pickle spear and biting into it. I grin as her face puckers. “Wow, that’s strong!”

“Best pickles around,” I grin, grabbing my own spear and biting in. My mouth puckers at the dill taste too.

“I guess I feel like it was more of karma, or fate, or the Moon Goddess coming full circle. All those horrible things happened when my Aunt Samara was nine, and everything came back around, and the truth was revealed when I was nine. It felt …

destined.”

She looks at me, taking a bite of her chips. “Tell me about your mother.”

I sigh. “What about her?”

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“She doesn’t like me.”

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It’s a statement, not a question. I hadn’t planned on lying to Sloane and she’s been honest in a way that I’m not sure she is with most people, so I refuse to give her anything less than the same honesty she’s giving me, no matter how much it bothers me.

“No, she doesn’t,” I sigh. “And I have no idea why she’s so against you and Slade.”

Sloane raises an eyebrow. “Really? You don’t know why?”

“You are NOT your mother. Her sins died with her. I honestly have no idea why my mother has such an issue with you.

“My mother was a murderer who killed her parents, her brother, and her fated mate. She’d have killed my Aunt Samara if she could have.”

I lean forward and take her chin in my hand. “Are you a murderer, Sloane? Have you killed your family? Are you planning to murder Slade? Aria?”

She jerks, shocked at my words.

“No?” I continue, watching as she frowns. “Then don’t tell me it makes sense that others treat you like you’re just like your mother. You are nothing like her.”

“You don’t know that,” she says quietly.

“Don’t I? At nine years old, you were willing to leave your bedroom in a way that you hated so that your brother and sister wouldn’t face any backlash. Doesn’t sound like a murderer to me. At least three times a week, I see people saying shit to you and never once do you stand up for yourself, but goddess forbid someone breathes wrong on your brother. You’re there in an instant, smashing your fist into their face or their gut, reminding them that they’d better not fuck with your family. So yes, Sloane, I DO know that. I KNOW that you aren’t like your mother. I also know that YOU don’t seem to realize that any more than the assholes at school.”

She stares at me, blinking as if shocked by my words. When she finally tries to pull away from my grasp, I hold on just long enough to press my lips to hers before releasing her.

“Stop underestimating yourself, Sloane. Stop letting others treat you like you’re less than you are. You are a strong, powerful, compassionate Alpha female. You should make others respect you for who you are.”

She looks down, picking at her sandwich.

I lay down on the blanket, propping myself up on my elbow so I can watch her.

“Alpha Waylon seems to see the person you are,” I say.

Her eyes snap to mine and her chin goes up,

“Is that the real reason I’m here, Benedict? You want to know about that?” she says, her face and her tone letting me know that she’s disappointed. In me. It’s unacceptable that she thinks that’s the only reason I brought her here.

I sit up, sliding my hand into her hair and holding her there when she tries to pull away from me.

“I am here because I like you, Sloane, and I want to get to know you. Am I curious about why Alpha Waylon seems to have chosen you as his successor, yes? Will it change my feelings for you if you don’t tell me? No. I like YOU, Sloane. I like the woman you are, the fighter you are, the sister you are, the competitor you are. Do I want to know what caused you to become the first possible female Alpha that I’ve ever heard of? Fuck yeah! This is groundbreaking shit and I’d be stupid to NOT want to know more, especially since you’ll be running a pack adjacent to mine. But it’s not why I brought you here, Sloane. You’re here because I want to get to know YOU better.”

She stares at me for a long time, but I don’t let her go. It’s important to me that she realizes how serious I am.

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“What would you say if I told you that I’m Alpha Waylon’s granddaughter?”

Holy fucking shit. I didn’t see that coming.

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Comment

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the blanket they sat upon, Benedict felt an overwhelming sense of clarity wash over him. The laughter and playful banter shared with Sloane had peeled away layers of uncertainty, revealing the raw, genuine connection they were forging. He had entered this date with trepidation, unsure of how to navigate the uncharted territory of his feelings for her. Yet, with each shared moment, every teasing kiss, and the vulnerable truths exchanged, he realized that what they were building was not merely a fleeting romance but the foundation of something profound. Sloane’s honesty about her past and her strength resonated with him, and he knew that he wanted to be more than just a fleeting presence in her life. He wanted to stand by her side, not only as a romantic partner but as a steadfast ally in the face of the challenges that lay ahead.

Sloane, too, felt a shift within herself as she sat there, nestled against Benedict. His unwavering belief in her worth and potential had ignited a spark of confidence she had long buried under the weight of her family’s legacy. The warmth of his hand in her hair, the way he looked at her with such intensity, made her feel seen for who she truly was, not just as the granddaughter of Alpha Waylon or the sister of Slade. In that moment, she realized that she was ready to embrace her identity, both as a powerful individual and as part of a couple with Benedict. The revelation of her lineage hung in the air, but it no longer felt like a burden; instead, it was a testament to her strength and resilience. As they clinked their glasses in a toast to meaningful relationships, Sloane understood that this was just the beginning of their journey together, one filled with promise, courage, and love.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, the tension between Benedict and Sloane is set to escalate as the revelation of Sloane’s lineage as Alpha Waylon’s granddaughter hangs in the air. This unexpected twist will not only challenge Benedict’s perception of their budding relationship but also force Sloane to confront her own identity and the expectations that come with it. The stakes are higher than ever, and the emotional fallout promises to be intense as they navigate the complexities of their connection against the backdrop of their respective family legacies.

As the night unfolds, readers can anticipate deeper conversations that will peel back the layers of Sloane’s guarded heart. Will she embrace her heritage, or will it drive a wedge between her and Benedict? The chemistry that has been building will be tested as they face the realities of their worlds colliding. Expect moments of vulnerability, passion, and perhaps even conflict as both characters grapple with their feelings and the weight of their responsibilities. With the potential for new alliances and rivalries on the horizon, the next chapter is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next twist in this captivating love story.

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.