Listen to me 91

In Chapter 91 of “Listen to Me,” we witness a tense scene where Aisling’s immense power has stirred chaos at school. Benedict observes as Scarlet and Slade attempt to comfort Aisling, who is overwhelmed by her abilities. Marrok, intrigued by Aisling’s strength, reminds Benedict that she and her brother are pure Alphas, capable of great power that they seldom display. Tensions rise when Principal Rollins approaches Sloane, provoking Aisling further, prompting Benedict to intervene and assert his authority, warning Rollins of the consequences of his actions.

Benedict’s protective instincts kick in as he confronts two girls from his pack who bullied Sloane, revealing their cruel taunts about her worthiness and her mother’s past. He enforces strict punishments for their behavior, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the dignity of his pack and protecting Sloane. Despite the girls’ pleas, Benedict remains resolute, emphasizing that their actions cannot go unpunished, especially considering the potential ramifications from the Hartwell family.

After dealing with the bullies, Benedict seeks out Sloane and Aisling, feeling a deep concern for their well-being. As he approaches, he finds Sloane in tears, prompting a protective reaction from Scarlet and Slade. Benedict expresses his desire to apologize for his pack’s actions, but Sloane rebuffs him, insisting that his words won’t change anything. Their conversation reveals Sloane’s frustration with the expectations placed upon her and her brother, as well as her struggle with the bullying they face due to their family history.

Benedict tries to connect with Sloane, acknowledging her pain and offering help, but she resists, feeling that Alphas should uphold decency among their pack members. Their exchange becomes a moment of vulnerability, as Sloane reveals her exhaustion from constant judgment and the fear of leaving her brother unprotected. Despite her skepticism, Benedict reassures her that he sees her worth and is willing to support her and Slade. This chapter highlights themes of power, protection, and the burdens of identity, as Benedict strives to prove his sincerity and earn Sloane’s trust.

**Listen to Me 91**

**Chapter 91**

**Benedict**

From my vantage point, I observe the scene unfolding before me, where Scarlet and Slade are doing their utmost to soothe Aisling. The sheer magnitude of her power is nothing short of breathtaking.

“Most have forgotten that she and her brother are pure Alphas,” Marrok remarks, his voice laced with intrigue as he watches the trio. “Her strength has faded from memory because she rarely lets it surface, just as we all refrain from flaunting our own.”

“She could have brought this entire school to its knees,” I respond, a sense of awe creeping into my voice.

“Everyone except us. Did you feel her power?” he continues, a low purr resonating in my mind.

“Yeah, I felt it. So did everyone else in the vicinity.”

“Young lady,” Principal Rollins growls, making his way toward Sloane with an air of arrogance that I find infuriating. I can’t allow him to provoke Aisling again; his stupidity is a dangerous game.

“I believe the exact words were ‘insignificant and unintelligent,’” Marrok interjects, clearly captivated by Aisling’s latent strength.

I take a step forward, my resolve hardening. “Sloane, why don’t you go with Scarlet and Slade for a bit? Aisling likely needs some space to regain her composure,” I suggest, locking eyes with her.

She nods, her gaze flitting around the chaotic scene one last time before allowing her brother and best friend to guide her away.

“Alpha Benedict,” Principal Rollins begins, clearly gearing up for a confrontation.

“Principal Rollins, the only reason you’re not on your knees or flat on your back in utter submission is that Sloane managed to exert some control over her wolf. I strongly advise you to walk away and leave her be for the remainder of the day. Otherwise, you and everyone else here might just witness the true extent of her power. What you saw earlier was merely a fraction of what she can unleash.”

I catch a flicker of fear in his eyes before he quickly suppresses it. With a sharp turn, he strides away, undoubtedly to inform Roman Hartwell that his niece is stirring up trouble once again.

“Well, that was absolutely insane,” Alpha Jeremy remarks as he approaches, the leader of the two girls who had been tormenting Sloane.

I turn my attention to the two members of my pack who had found themselves at the mercy of Aisling’s wrath. A wave of fury surges through me at the thought that they believed they could deceive me.

“Tell me what transpired. And this time, I want the truth,” I growl, projecting my Alpha aura outward.

The girls wince, instinctively raising their necks in submission.

“We told her that no one would ever want her. We said that if she found her mate, he’d run from her, terrified that she’d be a danger to him, just like her mother was to her father.”

Marrok’s growl reverberates through my mind, filled with anger.

“And you think I condone this kind of bullying among wolves? Or that you can lie to me and escape the consequences?” I demand, my voice cold as steel.

“No, Alpha,” they whimper.

I fix them with a glare, refusing to release them from my gaze.

“Both of you have just earned yourselves eight-hour patrols every day after school and on weekends for the next month,” I declare, my tone unforgiving.

“Alpha, please! No! It’s the end of the school year!” one of them pleads, desperation creeping into her voice.

“Perhaps you should have considered the repercussions before you chose to represent me and our pack in such a disgraceful manner,” I snarl, my patience wearing thin.

“That’s a bit excessive, don’t you think, Benedict?” Jeremy interjects, his tone questioning.

I pivot to face him, aware that unlike me, he isn’t a pure Alpha. If Aisling had unleashed her full aura over the student body, he would have found himself on his knees as well.

“Are you really willing to risk Roman and Samara Hartwell discovering that your pack members bullied their niece and you did nothing?” I challenge, already anticipating his answer. The mere thought of him letting this slide is revolting to me.

His gaze shifts to the other two she-wolves, their expressions wide with alarm. “Alpha, no! Please!” they beg.

“You’ll endure one month of this. Our pack cannot afford to be vulnerable to an attack from the Hartwells,” he growls, his tone brooking no argument.

The she-wolves dissolve into tears, but I turn my focus back to my own pack members. “Don’t ever embarrass me like this again,” I growl before striding away.

The crowd parts, allowing me passage. Once I’ve moved past them, I lift my nose to the air, searching for her scent. I can’t quite grasp why I feel compelled to ensure she’s alright, but the urge is undeniable. I could tell myself it’s because my pack members instigated Aisling’s fury, but that wouldn’t be the whole truth. I’m not the type of Alpha to hide behind falsehoods.

The reality is, I’m genuinely concerned for her well-being.

I find the trio gathered near the bleachers that encircle the outdoor track and field area.

It’s only as I approach that I notice Sloane is crying, and an uncomfortable twist of emotion knots in my stomach. It pains me to see this strong woman brought to tears.

In my distraction, I realize I’ve been spotted. It’s not until I hear the snarl that I fully comprehend.

“What do you want? Did you come to gloat?” To my surprise, it’s Scarlet who snaps, her protective instincts flaring. This isn’t her usual demeanor, but it’s clear she’s as fiercely loyal to Sloane as Sloane is to her and Slade.

I take a deep breath, striving to maintain my composure. “I came to check on Sloane and Aisling,” I reply, watching as Sloane hurriedly wipes away her tears.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Benedict. I’m fine,” she asserts, refusing to turn around.

“Sloane, or rather, Aisling, I want to apologize for the behavior of my pack members. They will face consequences for what they did.”

She scoffs, a bitter edge to her voice. “Don’t bother. It won’t change anything.”

“It matters to me,” I insist, stepping closer, only to be halted by Scarlet and Slade, who stand protectively in front of Sloane.

“You should leave,” Slade growls, his youthful bravado evident. Though younger, his wolf senses my presence and is clearly agitated by his sister’s distress. As a pure Alpha, his aura is formidable, but it pales in comparison to mine.

“I’m not going anywhere until I know that Sloane and Aisling are okay,” I state firmly.

“Don’t worry, Benedict. I won’t go all psycho and kill anyone today,” Sloane retorts, her usual snarky tone cutting through the tension.

“That’s not what I meant, Sloane,” I reply, my frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Silence envelops us, and I watch as both Scarlet and Slade exchange glances with Sloane. Whatever she conveyed through their mental link was clearly not intended for my ears. Their lips press together tightly, a silent communication passing between them.

“I don’t like this, Sloane,” Scarlet states, concern etched on her face.

“I’ll be fine, Scarlet,” Sloane replies, her voice resolute.

Scarlet’s gaze shifts to me, and if looks could kill, I’d be lying on the ground, bleeding out.

“Mess with her, and I swear you’ll regret it,” she snarls, before wrapping an arm around Slade’s shoulders and descending the bleachers, leaving me alone with Sloane.

Once they’re out of earshot, I turn back to Sloane. “Are you okay?”

She stands, turning to face me, her eyes rimmed with red.

“I’m perfectly fine,” she replies, a sniffle betraying her bravado.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Sloane,” I say gently.

“What would you like me to say, Benedict? That I’m utterly exhausted from everyone blaming me for my mother’s actions? That I’m sick of hearing other wolves threaten my brother because of our parents’ past? That I can’t wait for the day I can escape this hellhole of a school, yet I’m terrified of leaving Slade behind without me to protect him? Is that what you want to hear?” she growls, her words dripping with frustration.

“I asked for the truth. Thank you for sharing it with me. What can I do to help you?”

She blinks at me, as if I’ve sprouted a second head. “Nothing. You can’t do anything to help me.”

“Why won’t you accept my help, Sloane?”

“Because I shouldn’t need it, Benedict! Because Alphas should be ensuring that their pack members exhibit basic decency. We should be treating each other as equals, not devolving into judgmental bullies. Do you have any idea how fortunate they are that I didn’t unleash Aisling on them?” she snarls, her anger palpable.

“Yes, I do. I understand that Aisling could have forced every student, every teacher, and Principal Rollins to their knees today if she had chosen to. But she didn’t. Even after all that’s happened, she opted for compassion,” I assert.

“She chose ME! She’s the only one who ever has,” Sloane retorts, her voice rising.

“That’s not accurate. Scarlet chose you. Your brother chose you,” I counter.

“My brother had no choice,” she growls, her defiance unwavering.

“Of course he did, and he continues to choose you, time and again. Others may not see you, Sloane, but I do. Others may not remember who you are, but I do. Others may not recognize that you combat hatred with compassion, but I do. I see you, Sloane. I know who you are. And I respect you for the woman and wolf that you are.”

“What do you want from me, Benedict?” she asks, her voice weary.

“I want you to allow me to help you.”

“You want to help me?” she asks, her skepticism evident. She clearly doesn’t believe that I’m genuine in my offer.

“Yes,” I affirm.

“Protect my brother.”

“Done. I arranged that yesterday,” I reply, watching her closely.

“What? Why?” she asks, surprise flickering across her features.

“Because it’s the right thing to do, and you shouldn’t have to face the world alone, Sloane.”

She narrows her eyes, suspicion clouding her expression. “What’s in it for you?”

I smile, gauging her reaction. “I get to keep what little respect you and Aisling have for me.”

I watch her blink in rapid succession, her frown deepening as she grapples with my words. For once, she seems completely at a loss for a response.

In the aftermath of the chaos, a fragile understanding begins to take root between Sloane and me. Her fierce independence, once a barrier, now reveals the depth of her vulnerability. As she grapples with the weight of her family’s legacy and the burden of being an Alpha, I stand firm, offering not just my support, but a promise to protect her brother. It is a small gesture, yet it signifies a shift in our dynamic—a recognition that strength does not solely lie in power, but in the willingness to stand beside those we care for. As Sloane wrestles with her emotions, I realize that my concern for her well-being transcends the boundaries of duty; it has become a personal commitment to honor her spirit and resilience.

As the tension dissipates, I see the flicker of hope in Sloane’s eyes, a glimmer of possibility that perhaps she does not have to shoulder her burdens alone. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for both of us, one where understanding and respect can flourish amidst the chaos of our world. In recognizing her strength, I find my own, and together, we forge a path forward, united by the shared goal of protecting our loved ones. The emotional arc that began with fear and confrontation now leads to a budding alliance, hinting at a future where compassion reigns over conflict, and the bonds of loyalty are strengthened through adversity.

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

As tensions rise and emotions simmer, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complex dynamics between Sloane, Aisling, and Benedict. With Sloane’s defenses still high, will she finally allow herself to be vulnerable and accept Benedict’s offer of help? The emotional weight of her past and the burden of her family’s legacy loom large, and readers can expect a gripping exploration of her internal struggles as she navigates her feelings towards Benedict and the expectations placed upon her.

Moreover, the repercussions of Aisling’s power will reverberate throughout the school, igniting new conflicts and alliances that will test the very fabric of their pack. With Principal Rollins and Roman Hartwell lurking in the shadows, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Benedict’s leadership be enough to protect his pack from external threats while also mending the fragile relationships within? Get ready for a whirlwind of revelations, as alliances are forged and loyalties are challenged, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that could change everything for Sloane, Aisling, and the entire pack.

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.