Listen to me 96

In this chapter titled “Listen to Me,” the protagonist observes a tense situation involving his father, Alpha Roman, and Luna Samara, which creates a sense of unease. The meeting is focused on the bullying of Sloane by some she-wolves, and the protagonist is relieved that his father has chosen to heed his advice regarding the consequences for those involved. The atmosphere changes when the Superintendent of Schools exits the room looking uncertain, hinting at the gravity of the discussions taking place. The protagonist shares his concerns with Alpha Jeremy about the potential repercussions for all the packs involved, emphasizing the seriousness of Alpha Roman’s displeasure.

As they discuss the situation, the protagonist reflects on the history of Alpha Roman and Luna Samara’s past actions against those who have harmed their family, demonstrating their zero tolerance for such behavior. This discussion reveals the underlying tension and fear among the packs, as they realize the potential consequences of their actions. The protagonist’s protective feelings towards Sloane emerge, showing a deeper emotional connection and a desire to shield her from further harm.

The chapter also introduces a lighter moment when the protagonist’s sister shares gossip about Alpha Waylon’s heir announcement, adding a layer of intrigue to the social dynamics within the werewolf community. The protagonist’s playful banter with his sister highlights their close relationship, contrasting with the more serious themes present in the chapter. The conversation shifts back to the protagonist’s interactions with Alpha Roman and Luna Samara, where he expresses admiration for Sloane’s strength and character, further solidifying his emotional investment in her well-being.

The chapter concludes with the protagonist’s mother interrupting their conversation, revealing her disdain for the Hartwells and her controlling nature. The protagonist stands firm in his beliefs about leadership and the necessity of making tough decisions as an Alpha, indicating a growing tension between his values and his mother’s influence. This conflict sets the stage for potential challenges ahead, as the protagonist grapples with his responsibilities and the dynamics within his family and pack.

**TITLE: Listen to Me**

I observed my father as he stepped through the door into a private chamber, accompanied by Alpha Roman and Luna Samara. A sense of foreboding settled in my stomach; I was already aware of the reason for this meeting. I had warned him, and to my relief, he had heeded my advice instead of my mother’s.

Moments later, I witnessed the Superintendent of Schools enter the same room. When she emerged, her demeanor was noticeably diminished, confidence replaced by a shadow of uncertainty.

“Why did my father get called into a room with Alpha Roman and Luna Samara?” Alpha Jeremy inquired, positioning himself beside me, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I suspect they’re discussing the consequences for your she-wolves regarding their bullying of Sloane,” I replied, turning to meet his gaze. “Did your father uphold the punishments you initially imposed?”

“After I laid out the potential repercussions, yes,” he confirmed, a hint of relief in his voice.

“Then he should be alright,” I assured him, though a nagging doubt lingered.

“Why now, though? Why not address this earlier when all the trouble began with her and Slade?” he pressed, his voice tinged with frustration.

“Sloane never spoke up, and apparently, neither did Slade. Alpha Roman only discovered the situation yesterday, and to say he’s displeased would be an understatement,” I explained, my tone grave.

He let out a low whistle, clearly troubled. “Is he planning to confront every Alpha here? Because I’m pretty sure not a single pack is innocent; every one of them has had at least one wolf who bullied Slade or Sloane.”

“I can’t say how much he knows, but we should definitely spread the word. Alpha Roman is on the warpath, searching for anyone who’s harmed his family. Alphas need to alert their wolves because as compassionate as he and Luna Samara are reputed to be, if anyone dares to hurt their family, they won’t hesitate to eliminate the threat,” I warned, my voice low and serious.

Jeremy regarded me with wide eyes. “That seems a bit extreme.”

I raised an eyebrow at him, my expression challenging. “Everyone remembers how Sloane and Slade’s parents annihilated Luna Althea’s family and her mate. But few recall that Alpha Roman and Luna Samara executed Alpha Sawyer, Luna Althea, and Alpha Dylan for their treachery. The packs would do well to remember that Alpha Roman and Luna Samara have zero tolerance for those who dare to harm their kin,” I stated firmly.

“How do you know all this? It happened before our time,” he asked, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

“I make it my business to know,” I replied, a hint of pride in my voice.

Just then, the door creaked open, revealing Jeremy’s father, who looked a shade paler than when he had entered. Jeremy pushed off the wall, urgency in his movements.

“I’ll catch you later. And thanks for the heads-up yesterday. I’d rather not see my pack decimated because a couple of she-wolves couldn’t keep their mouths shut,” he said, his tone serious.

As he walked away, I navigated through the room, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in light banter with dignitaries, politicians, and other influential figures in the werewolf community.

I soon felt my sister join me. I knew she preferred to remain on the sidelines, avoiding the relentless pressure of performing in front of these powerful wolves, which meant she had something important to share.

“Have you heard the latest rumor, brother?” she murmured, glancing around while sipping her drink, a smile playing on her lips.

“Which one? There are so many swirling around tonight,” I replied, intrigued.

“The one about Alpha Waylon preparing to announce his heir,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her words jolted me; I had been keeping a close eye on his pack since they were our neighbors. The choice of heir could either forge a powerful alliance or create a formidable enemy.

“Who is it?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

“I don’t know. It seems no one does,” she replied, a hint of frustration in her tone.

“Please, goddess, tell me it’s not that fool Kaelin,” I muttered, nodding toward a widowed she-wolf, at least my mother’s age, who was eyeing me with an unsettling intensity. The thought of an alluring woman, regardless of her age, kneeling before me had once thrilled me. I knew from experience that older women possessed certain skills that could be enticing.

Yet tonight, the image of Sloane invaded my thoughts. Her haunting sadness tugged at my heart, igniting a fierce desire to protect her. The notion that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders only intensified my resolve. I glanced back at the widow, but instead of flirting, I averted my gaze.

“I doubt it’s Kaelin. That’s not what I’ve heard, although you can bet he’ll stir up trouble for whoever the heir turns out to be,” Bethany said, her tone reassuring.

I smiled at my sister, warmth flooding my chest. “Have I told you how much I adore you?”

“Not in ages,” she replied, smirking before reaching up to kiss my cheek.

“Keep your ears open. Let me know if you hear anything,” I urged.

“Anything for you, big bro,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she returned to the sidelines, ensuring no male wolves approached her.

“Alpha Benedict,” a deep voice called out, pulling my attention.

I turned to find Alpha Roman and Luna Samara approaching me, their expressions serious yet warm.

“Alpha Roman, Luna Samara. I trust you’re both enjoying the festivities,” I greeted, my voice steady.

Alpha Roman raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I grinned, unable to resist. “Perhaps I should rephrase that: I hope you’re getting what you want from this gathering.”

“Yes, we are. I wanted to express my gratitude for your actions,” he said, sincerity lacing his words.

“You don’t need to thank me, Alpha,” I replied, attempting to downplay my role.

“Actually, I do. But aside from that, I’d like to inquire if you’ve set a date for your Alpha ceremony. With only a month left of school, and if I’m not mistaken, your birthday falls before the school year ends,” he said, his tone shifting to one of genuine interest.

“It does. In fact, I believe my mother intends to send out the invitations tomorrow. She wanted to ensure nothing overshadowed tonight’s celebrations,” I explained, a hint of exasperation creeping into my voice.

“Knowing your mother, your birthday will indeed be quite the spectacle,” Luna Samara remarked, her tone suggesting she didn’t quite approve of my mother’s extravagant tendencies. I might have been offended, but I found myself agreeing with her.

“I’m sure you’re right. But an Alpha heir turning eighteen is significant. I hope both of you will be in attendance, even if it is ‘quite the spectacle’,” I said, a teasing note in my voice.

To my surprise, Luna Samara blushed lightly, her cheeks tinged with color. “I meant no offense.”

“It’s alright. We all know my mother tends to be a bit excessive,” I whispered conspiratorially, a grin breaking across my face.

“I can see why Sloane is drawn to you,” Alpha Roman remarked, and I nearly choked on my drink.

“I think you underestimate your niece’s feelings for me,” I countered, trying to keep my composure.

“And yet, you may very well be the only ranked member and Alpha heir she hasn’t struck in her four years of high school,” he replied, his gaze assessing.

I took a sip of my drink, gathering my thoughts. Alpha Roman was scrutinizing me, and I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant. I was also taken aback by his awareness of my unique position; it confirmed my suspicion that he was vigilantly protecting his family.

“I’ve never given Sloane a reason to punch me. However, after witnessing her take down ranked members over the years—sometimes even multiple at once—I can’t deny my curiosity about her strength. One day, I hope to test my own strength against hers,” I admitted, my tone earnest.

“You may very well get that opportunity, Alpha,” Luna Samara said, her voice warm yet tinged with an undercurrent that suggested she knew something I didn’t.

“I certainly hope so. Your niece is a captivating enigma. I find her utterly fascinating,” I confessed, my thoughts drifting back to Sloane.

“Why is that?” Luna Samara asked, her interest piqued, genuine curiosity shining in her eyes.

I smiled, thinking of her resilient spirit. “She possesses a power that is characteristic of a pure Alpha wolf. Yet, she never uses more strength than necessary, and when given the option, she consistently chooses compassion over anger. I can’t say I know many individuals in this world who embody that principle.”

“You see quite a bit in our niece,” Alpha Roman commented, his assessing gaze returning.

“As I mentioned, I find her fascinating,” I reiterated, feeling a sense of pride in my words.

“Benedict, darling, it’s time for dinner. Will you escort me to the dining room?” my mother interjected, striding over with purpose. She could have gone with my father, but she chose me for a reason.

“Of course, mother. Please, enjoy your dinner,” I said to Alpha Roman and Luna Samara before pivoting to follow my mother, the weight of the evening pressing on my shoulders.

“What did they want?” she whispered as soon as we were out of earshot, her voice low and conspiratorial.

“They wanted to express their gratitude for the punishment I imposed on our she-wolves. It’s fortunate that Dad listened to me instead of you, Mother. Tonight could have spiraled out of control if he hadn’t,” I said, ensuring she grasped the severity of my warning. When I became Alpha, I would not tolerate her attitude. If necessary, I would have my father intervene to remove her from the pack. Her toxicity was a festering wound, and such negativity spread swiftly within a pack.

“How very pompous of them,” she snarled, her displeasure evident.

“What is your issue with the Hartwells, Mother?” I asked, my tone challenging.

“I have no problem with them, other than their tendency to flaunt their power,” she retorted, her voice dripping with disdain.

“Unlike you, I suppose?” I shot back sarcastically.

“I did not raise you to speak to me in that manner, Benedict,” she growled, forcing a smile as we rejoined the crowd.

“No, you didn’t. But Dad raised me to be an Alpha, and sometimes, Alphas must draw a hard line,” I replied, my voice steady.

She grunted in response, then plastered an even wider smile on her face, the façade of civility returning.

“Attention, everyone! Dinner is served!”

As the evening unfolded, the weight of the night’s revelations settled into a bittersweet understanding. Benedict had navigated the turbulent waters of familial expectations and pack politics with a newfound conviction, feeling the burden of responsibility as the future Alpha. His discussions with Alpha Roman and Luna Samara illuminated the delicate balance between compassion and authority that he would need to master. The acknowledgment of Sloane’s strength and resilience sparked a profound admiration within him, intertwining his protective instincts with a burgeoning connection that promised to deepen in the days to come. With each interaction, he felt the threads of his destiny weaving tighter, binding him not only to his family but also to the very essence of what it meant to lead with integrity and heart.

In the midst of the formalities, the tension with his mother lingered like a specter, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. Benedict’s resolve solidified; he would not allow her toxic influence to undermine the values he intended to uphold. As dinner was announced, he felt a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty. The night was not just a celebration but a pivotal moment of clarity, where he recognized the importance of standing firm against the shadows of the past. With Sloane’s spirit echoing in his thoughts and the weight of his lineage on his shoulders, he stepped into the dining room, ready to embrace the future—one where he would protect those he cared for and forge a path defined by strength, compassion, and unwavering resolve.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

As the tension from the previous chapter hangs heavy in the air, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the consequences of the recent revelations. With Alpha Roman’s wrath looming over the werewolf community, the dynamics within the packs are bound to shift dramatically. Benedict’s position as the future Alpha will be tested, especially as he navigates the delicate balance between his mother’s ambitions and the expectations of his pack. The stakes are high, and the fallout from the bullying incident could lead to unexpected alliances or fierce rivalries, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, the mystery surrounding Alpha Waylon’s heir will unfold, potentially shaking the very foundation of pack politics. Will the chosen heir foster unity, or will it ignite a power struggle that could engulf everyone in its path? Benedict’s growing fascination with Sloane adds another layer of complexity. As he grapples with his feelings for her, the question remains: will he be able to protect her from the impending chaos, or will he find himself caught in the crossfire? With secrets waiting to be uncovered and tensions rising, the next chapter is sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations that will leave readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

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.