Listen to me 93

In Chapter 93 of “Listen to Me,” Benedict experiences a whirlwind of emotions after impulsively kissing Sloane Hartwell, feeling both exhilarated and reckless. The kiss ignites a strong desire within him, and he relishes the sweetness of her presence, likening her taste to honey. As he drives away, his sister Bethany’s teasing questions about Sloane’s recent behavior lead to a discussion about the tensions brewing within their pack, particularly regarding Sloane and her treatment by others.

The chapter escalates as Benedict confronts his mother about the punishment he has given to the she-wolves who bullied Sloane. Their confrontation reveals the underlying power dynamics within the Winslow family and the pack itself. Benedict stands firm in his decision, asserting his authority despite not yet being the Alpha. His mother’s attempts to undermine him only strengthen his resolve, and he articulates the potential consequences of their actions, emphasizing the importance of discipline over favoritism.

Benedict’s father ultimately supports him, a moment that brings relief and gratitude. This decision marks a significant turning point for Benedict, as he begins to carve out his own leadership style. The tension within the family and the pack is palpable, especially with the impending arrival of the Hartwells, further complicating the dynamics at play.

As the chapter progresses, preparations for a grand party reveal the social expectations that weigh heavily on Benedict and his family. Despite his disdain for such events, he takes on the role of host, showcasing his commitment to his responsibilities. The interactions with his sister Bethany highlight their bond, and he reassures her as they navigate the pressures of their roles within the pack. The chapter concludes with a sense of anticipation for the chaos that lies ahead, encapsulating the blend of familial loyalty, leadership challenges, and the complexities of their werewolf society.

**Listen to Me**

**Chapter 93**

**Benedict**

What on earth possessed me to kiss Sloane? It was reckless, especially with her uncle standing just a few feet away. But now that the act is done, an insatiable urge to do it again courses through me.

The expression on her face was nothing short of priceless. In that moment, I realized that rendering Sloane Hartwell speechless has quickly become my new favorite pastime.

As I make my way to my car, I can still taste her on my lips. Honey. She tastes like honey—sweet, sticky, and delightfully messy. It’s an utterly perfect flavor for her, something that lingers and makes you crave more.

A grin spreads across my face as I slide into the driver’s seat. “What’s got you smiling like that?” Bethany asks, her voice breaking the spell of my thoughts.

“Just… nothing,” I reply, trying to play it cool.

“I heard Sloane Hartwell went off the deep end today,” she says as I pull out of the parking lot, her tone teasing yet curious.

“Don’t pay attention to rumors, Beth. They’re usually laden with exaggerations meant to provoke a reaction.”

“So, she didn’t make four she-wolves kneel, two of whom are from our pack?” she presses, raising an eyebrow.

“Actually, she did. Well, her wolf did, but there was a reason for it.”

“I figured as much,” she replies, leaning back and gazing out the window, lost in thought. “But those she-wolves are bound to stir up trouble.”

“That would be a grave mistake on their part. I won’t stand for bullying in my pack.”

She turns to me, her expression serious. “But it’s not your pack yet, is it?”

“Just one month left, little sister.”

“A lot can happen in a month, Bene. Don’t be surprised if they run to Mom. Everyone knows she’s not fond of Sloane and Slade.”

“Why do you like them so much?” I ask, genuinely curious about her perspective.

“Slade is nice. He doesn’t carry himself like most Alpha heirs, all high and mighty. Maybe it’s because he’s been tormented, but I think it’s just who he is. I like him.”

“I called Sloane compassionate today,” I muse, reflecting on our earlier conversation.

“Yeah, that’s a better word for it. They both have more compassion than most.”

I can’t help but think about Sloane’s words. She mentioned that she shouldn’t need my help because, as wolves, we should treat each other as equals. It struck a chord with me. In our world, the pack hierarchy is everything, yet I understand her point about not bullying those we perceive as lesser.

As soon as we step into the packhouse, my mother is there, ready to pounce.

“Benedict! We need to talk!” she exclaims, her voice sharp.

“Told you,” Bethany mutters under her breath as she slips out of the room, leaving me to face the storm.

“What’s this I hear about you punishing our young she-wolves? Eight hours of patrol for a month? That’s excessive! Unacceptable! You need to revise that to two hours of patrol for the next three days,” she declares, her tone filled with authority.

“No, I will not,” I respond, placing my bags on the dining room table and turning to confront her.

“Excuse me? You’re not Alpha yet, son.”

I lean in closer, fatigue mingling with frustration. “And you have never been Alpha, Luna,” I emphasize her title, my voice low but firm.

“How dare you speak to me like that! I will be discussing this with your father!”

“Good. Let him hear your thoughts. If he decides to overrule my decision, then he can explain to Alpha Roman why two members of our pack, who bullied his niece, only received six hours of patrol. Are YOU ready for that conversation with him and Luna Samara? Because I’m not. I handed down a fitting punishment for behavior that will not be tolerated in this pack,” I say, holding her gaze with unwavering resolve.

“Benedict, do you hear this?” my mother says, and it takes me a moment to realize she’s directing her words at my father, not me.

I turn to look at him. My father appears worn out, the weight of his impending retirement evident on his face. My mother’s incessant nagging only adds to his fatigue.

“It would be our two she-wolves’ word against Sloane Hartwell’s,” my father sighs, sounding weary.

“See?” my mother shoots at me, her glare sharp.

“Except I commanded them to tell me the truth after they lied to avoid trouble. The entire student body heard them admit to bullying Sloane. Honestly, Mother, I’m tempted to double their punishment because they came crying to you. How utterly inappropriate. If they had no issue lying to me, I can only assume they lied to you as well,” I say, turning my attention back to my father. “Is this the kind of pack the Winslows are raising these days? If so, I want no part of it. Override my decision if you wish—that’s your right as Alpha. But I will NOT be answering to Roman and Samara Hartwell if you do. Remember, they’ll be here tomorrow night. I suggest you consider that before making your choice.”

“The Hartwells aren’t as powerful as everyone thinks. They have very few allies. If they were to challenge us, we could call upon our allies and take them down,” my mother counters, her voice laced with defiance.

“Do you hear the words coming out of your mouth, Mother? You’re willing to go to war rather than discipline a couple of she-wolves for their misbehavior? Alpha Roman may not have many alliances, but he controls three packs that are managed by his people. He’s allied with Alpha Waylon, our neighbor, whose pack strategically spans the north and south, and he’s also aligned with Alpha Will in the south. Will’s father may not have been the most formidable Alpha in his time, but his alliance with Alpha Roman has significantly bolstered his power. You’d both be wise to remember that before you provoke a war we can’t hope to win.”

I turn away, finished with this conversation. I take three steps before my father’s voice halts me.

“Benedict!”

I don’t turn around.

“Your decision stands,” he asserts.

I glance over my shoulder, a flicker of gratitude in my eyes. “Thank you, Father.”

I exit, the sound of my mother’s indignant complaints fading behind me until my father’s booming voice commands her to stop.

As I reach the Alpha floor, my sister nearly tackles me in her eagerness.

“Well? What happened?” she demands, eyes wide with anticipation.

“Dad sided with me,” I reply, a sense of relief washing over me.

“Thank the Moon Goddess! At least one of them has some sense. I swear, Mother is getting worse.”

“I don’t understand her issue with the Hartwells. It’s time for her to step down. She’s certainly not acting like the Luna she’s meant to be.”

The next day is a whirlwind of chaos. Everyone is bustling about, preparing for the grand party that will host every significant figure in the werewolf world at our pack.

By four o’clock, I’m dressed in my perfectly pressed suit, ready to play the role of the ideal host. Personally, I detest these events, but they are necessary, and my mother thrives on the excitement of hosting them.

As I make my way downstairs, I pause by Bethany’s room. She stands in front of her floor-length mirror, tugging at the elegant dress that makes her look older than her years.

“Ugh! Why do I have to go to this?” she grumbles, her annoyance palpable.

“Because you are the daughter of Benedict and Beatrice Winslow, and because, dear sister, you will be a hot commodity when you come of age in a few years.”

“Great. I’m like a fucking cow at auction,” she growls, yanking on the dress again before turning away from the mirror in frustration.

“You’re far prettier than a cow,” I tease, a grin breaking across my face.

“Lucky for you, I love you,” she mutters, rolling her eyes.

I step in front of her as she exits her room, taking a moment to look her over.

“You look lovely,” I say sincerely, wanting her to feel confident.

“Thanks, Bene. And I’m sure you already know that you look absolutely panty-dropping hot.” She rolls her eyes again. “I’m sure that’s ALL I’ll hear about tonight.”

“Ahh, the agony of being a fourteen-year-old she-wolf,” I lament dramatically, taking her hand and guiding it into the crook of my arm. Despite her feisty nature, I know she’s nervous, and having me by her side will help her navigate the sea of unfamiliar faces.

“If anyone bothers you tonight, you let me know,” I whisper as we descend the stairs together. The great room below us is filled with guests, all eyes turning to watch our entrance.

“Thanks, Bene. You’re the best!” she whispers back, her gratitude evident.

“Let the chaos commence,” I declare as we step into the fray of people eager to speak with me, seeking my support for their endeavors, or perhaps something else entirely.

What a delightful night this promises to be.

In the aftermath of the tumultuous events, Benedict stands at a crossroads, embodying the weight of his choices and the newfound clarity they bring. The kiss with Sloane lingers in his mind, a sweet reminder of the connection they share, igniting a fire within him that propels him to stand firm against the injustices in his pack. His confrontation with his mother marks a pivotal moment, where he asserts his authority and commitment to fairness, showcasing not only his growth but also his willingness to challenge the status quo. As he navigates the complexities of family dynamics and pack politics, he finds strength in his beliefs and a burgeoning sense of responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

As the grand party unfolds, Benedict is acutely aware of the delicate balance between tradition and change. His relationship with Sloane serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that compassion can coexist with leadership. With Bethany by his side, he embraces the chaos of the night, determined to foster an environment where kindness prevails over cruelty. The anticipation of their future together, intertwined with the challenges ahead, fills him with resolve. In this moment, he understands that true leadership is not merely about power, but about uplifting others, forging alliances, and creating a pack that stands united against adversity. The night is just beginning, and with it, the promise of a brighter path forward.

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

As the grand party unfolds, tensions are bound to rise, especially with the Hartwells in attendance. Benedict’s firm stance on Sloane’s behalf has already stirred the pot, and the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. Will Sloane seize the opportunity to confront her bullies, or will she find herself caught in the crosshairs of the Winslow family’s mounting drama? With the stakes high and emotions flaring, the night promises more than just pleasantries and small talk.

Furthermore, the dynamics between the Winslows and the Hartwells will be tested as alliances are scrutinized and rivalries simmer beneath the surface. Benedict’s relationship with Sloane may take center stage, leading to unexpected revelations and perhaps even deeper connections. As he navigates the complexities of family loyalty, power struggles, and budding romance, readers can expect heart-pounding moments that challenge his resolve and redefine his role within the pack.

With the party serving as a backdrop for potential confrontations and alliances, every interaction will be charged with significance. The question remains: will Benedict manage to protect Sloane and uphold his vision for a more compassionate pack, or will the weight of tradition and familial expectations threaten to unravel everything he’s fought for? Prepare for a night filled with intrigue, passion, and the undeniable pull of destiny.

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.