Listen to me 132

Chapter 132

Sloane

No one has ever challenged me like Benedict does. He pushes me out of my comfort zone, he forces me to look at myself, really look at myself, and see the person that I am, not the person that others or even I see in myself.

The thing is, I really like Benedict. But more than that, I respect him and I want him to continue to respect me too. So, every time he challenges me, every time he raises the bar about me facing something I don’t want to face or being someone I don’t think I can be, I do it to maintain his respect. And in doing so, I’m starting to realize how many voices that I HAVEN’T listened to in my life.

Yes, the bad stuff is easier to believe, but I have people in my life, people I love, care about, and respect, and I have made their voices quieter than the people who mean nothing to me. I really need to think about that, especially if I’m going to be an Alpha. There will always be people who think I’m not worthy because I’m a woman, because of who my parents were, or because of something they think isn’t good enough about me. I have to stop listening to the nay–sayers and start believing in myself.

‘Well, it’s about damn time, Aisling says.

When Benedict pushes me to initiate our kiss, it’s yet another challenge, one that I feel incapable of meeting. But I shove that down and force myself to rise to the level of his expectation. Benedict said that he enjoyed being with me, so I’m going to trust that and kiss him like he kisses me.

It starts tentatively, but then I deepen the kiss. Aisling pushes forward, enjoying Benedict’s taste and scent, but he doesn’t take charge. He lets me be in charge.

However, he, or more accurately Marrok, begins a low–level growl. The sound bounces around the close confines of the car, erasing any sounds from the outside world and making me want him again.

I kiss him with a passion I didn’t know I possessed. I kiss him like he’s mine and for the moment, he is.

When I finally pull back, I press my forehead to his, both of us panting.

“Feel free to kiss me like that any time you’d like,” he says, making me laugh.

“I mean it,” he says, sliding his thumb over my cheek. His hand is still in my hair and when I look at him, there is no longer any anger in his eyes.

I press my lips to his quickly. “Are you going to feed me or what? I ask.

He chuckles and looks at his watch. “Hold on. I had great plans for tonight, but we may have to revise those.”

He calls the restaurant without pulling away from me. He tells them we’re running late and asks if it’s okay if we still come. He grins when they tell him that our table will still be ready.

“We’ll be there in twenty minutes,” he says, hanging up. “Are we good now?” he asks me.

I nod. “Yeah. Yeah we’re good.”

“Good,” he says, pulling away from me and starting the car. “And for the record, I expect a redo of tonight. You owe me a good after sex moment.”

Something about Benedict makes me feel either very bold or very vulnerable. At the moment, I’m feeling bold.

“Did you have plans after graduation tomorrow night?”

He growls, glancing over at me. “I do now.”

20:18 Sat, Jan 3 0 G D

Chapter 132-

He takes my hand and pulls it to his lips. “I meant what I said, Sane. I care about you a lot. Tonight was amazing for me

“It was for me too. I’m sorry.” I stop, revising what I was going say. Rather than apologizing for ruining everything. I force myself say it differently. “I’m sorry I freaked out afterward

He smiles, as if pleased with my change in wording.

“Next time, let’s bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking,” he says waggling his eyebrows.

I laugh. “What does that even mean?”

He shrugs nonchalantly, “I don’t know, but I guess we’ll find out

When we arrive at the restaurant, I want to argue that I’m under dressed, but Benedict doesn’t seem to care, so I push my insecurities aside again. He takes my hand as we walk inside, grinning happily. I catch the looks from just about everyone in the restaurant as we pass them. Based on the twitching of their noses, I’m sure they can smell Benedict all over me.

I channel my inner Benedict and raise my chin, ignoring the looks from the people around me. I’d love to say that I did it all on my own, but honestly, it had a lot more to do with Benedict standing beside me, focusing all of his attention on me, and acting like nothing in the world matters to him except me.

‘I don’t know why you care about people staring at us. Benedict and Marrok chose us. Let them stare. Let them wonder. Let them see that we are WORTHY of a man like Benedict and a wolf like Marrok, Aisling growls in my mind.

I wish I had my wolf’s confidence, but since I don’t, I think I fake it well.

Over dinner, Benedict and I talk about the graduation ceremony how we want to give our speech – he’ll go first, then I’ll go, then about his Alpha ceremony. I’m surprised when he opens up to me about some of the changes he wants to make in his pack, talking about how his father is tired and beyond ready to retire.

Before I know it, we’ve eaten and had dessert, and it’s time to leave.

“What time should I pick you up tomorrow? And will you be at your uncle’s pack or Alpha Waylon’s?”

“Why are you picking me up?” I ask.

“Because you’re my girlfriend and I can,” he says.

“Pick me up at Alpha Waylon’s pack,” I tell him, knowing I’ll be heading that way tomorrow morning. My family will be at graduation, and I’ll see them then, but right now, I need to be focused on taking over my grandfather’s pack.

“And do you need to return to Alpha Waylon’s pack after graduation, or can I steal you away for our repeat performance of tonight?” he asks.

“What do you mean, steal me away?” I ask.

He looks at me, before looking back at the road as he drives me back to Uncle Roman’s pack. “I mean getting a room for the two of us, away from the packs.”

“You want to spend the night with me?” I ask, surprised.

He turns and looks at me longer than he should since he’s driving. “Is that really a question? I told you that tonight was one of the best moments of my life. Hell fucking yeah I want to relive that … as many times as possible.”

I laugh. “Aren’t there graduation parties and things like that?”

“Yep. If you want to go to any of those we can, but I just need to know where we’re ending up. I already know where we’re ending up on Saturday night.”

That gives me pause. “You’re sure that your mother won’t be a problem if I stay Saturday?”

“I’m sure that as her Alpha, I can command her to knock her shit off.”

I think about it. I have to admit that the idea of spending the night with Benedict is intriguing.

“Are you going to bring condoms?” I ask.

“Cases of them,” he says, grinning.

I laugh again. “Then let’s get a hotel.”

“Done.”

ཊཱི 17%2

55 Vouchers

He pulls my hand to my lips for another kiss. “Just so we’re both clear, I don’t only want you for your body, Sloane. Yes,

the person, tonight was fantastic, and I want to have that moment as many times as possible in my life, but I care about you, the woman, and the Alpha. This isn’t just a night to rut you like crazy, although that’s certainly on the table,” he says, making me laugh again.

“I want to be with you, Sloane. I want time alone with you. I like being with you. I like being able to relax and be myself with you. So yeah, I’m really excited about getting to spend so much time with you this weekend, and if that means I get to rut you like crazy, well, that’s just the cherry on top. Pun definitely intended.”

I frown, not getting the pun.

When he looks at me, he grins. “If you still don’t get it after tomorrow night, let me know. I’ll explain it.”

I blush, not sure I would be able to ask if I still don’t get it.

When we pull up to the guard date of Uncle Roman’s pack, Benedict lowers his window. I watch as the guard’s nose twitches, and I suddenly remember that it’s very likely that my uncle is going to kill my boyfriend.

“Maybe you should just drop me off here,” I say after we pass the gate.

“Absolutely not. I’m an Alpha. I don’t slink away

from the consequences of

my actions,” he says

confidently.

“It’s your funeral,” I murmur.

When we arrive, Uncle Roman is waiting outside for

As soon as I step out of the car, Uncle Roman’s nose twitches. I’m positive the gate guard already told him a reek of Benedict.

“Uncle Roman …” I begin, ready to step in and run interference.

His eyes haven’t left Benedict. He raises a finger

to tell

me to stop.

“It’s late. You have graduation tomorrow night. Go get some sleep, Sloane,” he says.

I turn and look at Benedict who nods his head that he’s fine. Then I kiss my uncle’s cheek as I pass. He pulls me to a stop, looking into my eyes, searching and assessing. He must be fine with what he sees, because he lets me pass.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he says.

“Goodnight,” I say, turning again to look at Benedict.

“Goodnight, Sloane. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says.

“Goodnight, Benedict,” I say, walking into the packhouse.

GD

I tried to warn him. I just hope he can withstand my uncle’s wra

709

1338 vouchers

Lucia Morh

Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.