Listen to me 98

In Chapter 98 of “Listen to Me,” the dynamics in the school shift dramatically after Alpha Roman and Luna Samara take a stand against bullying, leading to a newfound sense of relief for Sloane and Slade. Principal Rogers enforces strict anti-bullying policies, promising expulsion for offenders regardless of their status, which resonates deeply with the students. Amidst this change, Benedict discovers that Sloane is now aware of their competition for Valedictorian, transforming their playful rivalry into an intense academic battle. This revelation ignites a competitive spark between them, leading to engaging conversations filled with tension and excitement.

Benedict experiences a mix of exhilaration and nervousness as Sloane approaches him after class, challenging him about their test scores. Their interaction is charged with a newfound energy, highlighted by Sloane’s radiant smile that leaves Benedict momentarily speechless. The playful banter between them deepens their connection, with both characters showing determination to outdo each other academically. Benedict’s confidence swells as he embraces the challenge, and he feels a thrill at the prospect of competing with Sloane, who he acknowledges as one of the brightest in their class.

As the school week progresses, the competitive atmosphere continues to build, with Benedict teasing Sloane about their grades. He also faces familial tensions regarding his birthday party, as his mother excludes Sloane and Slade from the guest list. Determined to invite them, Benedict takes matters into his own hands and gives Sloane an invitation, but she initially dismisses it, unaware of the significance of his gesture. Their interactions are filled with a mix of frustration and longing, as Benedict grapples with his feelings for Sloane and the complications that arise from their academic rivalry.

The chapter culminates in a moment of revelation for Benedict when he learns that Sloane, along with Slade and another girl, is visiting Alpha Waylon’s pack. This news stirs a mix of jealousy and concern within him, as he realizes the potential implications of Sloane’s connections with other Alphas. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of anticipation, as Benedict’s feelings for Sloane deepen, and the stakes of their relationship rise amidst the backdrop of their academic competition and the looming presence of other pack dynamics.

**Listen to me**

**Chapter 98**

**Benedict**

After Alpha Roman and Luna Samara made it abundantly clear that they would no longer tolerate any form of bullying directed at their niece and nephew, a significant shift occurred. The relentless torment that had plagued Sloane and Slade suddenly ceased. It was a relief to witness Principal Rogers stepping up to the plate as well. During our Monday assembly, she laid down the law with a stern warning: any student found guilty of bullying would face expulsion, regardless of their senior status. The gravity of her words resonated throughout the auditorium, leaving no room for doubt.

But it was on Tuesday that I stumbled upon a revelation that sent a thrill through my veins: Sloane had somehow caught wind of our competition for Valedictorian. And just like that, the stakes were raised. What had once been a playful rivalry transformed into a full-blown battle of wits. If I thought it was exhilarating to compete when she was blissfully unaware, the game had just become infinitely more electrifying now that she knew.

Her newfound interest in our academic standings was palpable. It was as if a spark had ignited between us, forcing her to engage in conversation. That was when I realized she was fully aware of the stakes.

It happened after Physics class when she approached me, her expression a mix of determination and curiosity.

“So, how’d you do on the test?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of challenge. I was so taken aback by her initiative that I nearly dropped my bag in surprise.

“Good. How about you?” I replied, trying to maintain my composure.

“Good.” She lingered, not making any move to walk away, so I adjusted my bag over my shoulder, feeling the tension crackle in the air.

“I was just wondering how good you did,” she pressed, her eyes glinting with competitive spirit.

“I got an A,” I admitted, fully aware that I was revealing more than just my grade— I was acknowledging her prowess. After all, I sat beside her or right behind her in most of our classes, and I had been meticulously tracking her grades. I knew she was one of the brightest in our cohort. “Not the A+ that you got, though,” I added, a smirk playing on my lips, letting her know I was aware of her motives.

In a surprising twist, she spun around, walking backward, and for the first time, I was graced with Sloane’s radiant smile. In that fleeting moment, I felt as though the world had paused. My breath hitched, and my thoughts scattered—perhaps because all the blood in my body seemed to rush to my face. Sloane was already stunning, effortlessly captivating without even trying, and that smile? It was a weapon of mass attraction, one that could bring kings to their knees and make even the most stoic saints weep for mercy.

“What?” I stammered, shaking my head in disbelief. I had seen her lips move, but the words were lost on me.

“I said, you’re going down, pretty boy,” she declared, a playful challenge dancing in her eyes.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but smile back. I relished the thrill of a challenge, especially one that promised to push my limits.

“Bring it on, gorgeous. I’m not that easy to take down,” I shot back, my confidence swelling.

“I guess we’ll see,” she grinned, spinning back around to head to her locker, leaving me with a mix of exhilaration and anticipation.

“I guess we will,” I murmured to myself, still caught in the whirlwind of our exchange.

“Alpha, what was that about?” Ellis inquired as he approached, his brow furrowed with curiosity.

“Sloane Hartwell just realized that she and I are competing for Valedictorian,” I replied, my gaze still fixed on her retreating figure.

“She is?” he asked, disbelief etched on his face as if the idea of Sloane being that academically inclined was utterly preposterous.

I turned to my Beta, my expression revealing a hint of Alpha arrogance. “Did you ask that because she’s a woman or because it’s Sloane?”

He frowned, clearly wrestling with his thoughts. “Dude, what’s the deal with her?”

“I’m just tired of people underestimating her, especially when it’s my Beta doing the underestimating. Be a better man than the idiots who have nothing better to do than spread lies and rumors around this school,” I growled, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

I could tell my outburst startled him, but I meant every word. If he was going to be MY Beta, he needed to rise above mediocrity. I wouldn’t tolerate anything less among my ranks.

The following days unfolded in a competitive haze. With the school year winding down, we were inundated with tests, and each day became an opportunity for me to tease Sloane about her grades in comparison to mine.

“Oh, only an A-? That’s too bad. A+ for me,” I teased, flashing my grade with a triumphant grin.

“Only an A again? Oh, I’m sorry. Maybe Physics isn’t your class,” Sloane shot back, revealing her own grade on Thursday with a smirk.

I couldn’t recall a time when school had been this enjoyable.

Thursday afternoon, as I returned home, I felt a surge of determination to ensure that my mother had invited Sloane to my birthday party. She was still upset with me about the party, but I wasn’t about to let her double standards slide— not even from my own mother.

“Mom, did you invite the Hartwells to my birthday party?” I asked, my tone firm.

“Yes, why? Can I uninvite them?” she replied, feigning sweetness.

“You invited ALL of them, right?” I pressed, my impatience growing.

“Why would I invite all of them? I invited Alpha Roman and Luna Samara,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“Why wouldn’t you invite Sloane and Slade?” I challenged.

“Why would I invite THEM to your birthday party?” she replied, her tone dismissive.

“Besides the fact that Sloane is in my class and Slade is an Alpha heir? Why wouldn’t you?” I pressed further.

“Sweetheart, your birthday is a very important day. We want very important people to be there. Maybe you’ll find your mate. That would be wonderful. There’s no reason to create discord,” she reasoned, as if her logic was flawless.

“No, there isn’t, is there?” I growled, frustration bubbling beneath the surface as I walked away.

Determined to take matters into my own hands, I decided to act. The next day, on the way to school, I handed Bethany an invitation.

“Will you give that to Slade?” I asked, my voice low.

“What is it?” she questioned, eyeing the envelope.

“An invitation to my birthday party,” I replied.

“Does Mom know?” she asked, her brow raised.

“Mom excluded him and Sloane to avoid ‘discord’,” I explained, my annoyance evident.

She glanced at the invitation, her expression shifting. “Are you giving one to Sloane?”

I retrieved the invitation I had made for Sloane from the console, waving it in front of her.

“You know Mom is going to freak the fuck out when she realizes what you did, right?” she warned.

“It’s my fucking birthday. She doesn’t get to dictate who I invite or don’t invite. Well, okay, she can dictate who is invited, but she can’t say Sloane and Slade AREN’T invited. Not when I’ve invited them myself. I’ll need you to back me up when they arrive, though,” I said, my resolve firm.

“You know I’ve got your back, Bro,” she assured me.

“I know. That’s why you’re my favorite sister,” I replied with a grin.

“I’m your ONLY sister,” she retorted, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.

As we exited the car, I pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re still my favorite.”

“I love you too, Bene,” she said warmly before heading off toward her classroom.

Walking through the schoolyard, I greeted my fellow students, letting Marrok lead the way as he searched for Sloane’s scent.

I caught a whiff of her fragrance mingling with Scarlet’s. Shit. I had no idea if my mother had invited Scarlet or not. Instead of approaching them directly, I opted to head to my locker.

“Hi, Ben. My family got the invitation to your birthday party. I can’t wait,” Mia chimed, her enthusiasm evident.

“Awesome, I’ll see you there, Mia,” I replied, trying to keep my tone casual.

“Oh, you definitely will, Ben,” she said, biting her lip and sliding her hand down my arm, sending a jolt through me.

I sighed, turning just in time to catch Sloane turning away, as if she hadn’t just witnessed Mia flirting with me.

I watched her as she closed her locker and began to head to class. An idea struck me, and after saying goodbye to Mia, I jogged up to Sloane.

“Sloane, hey! Ready for that quiz today in economics?” I called out, trying to break the ice.

“I’m positive I’ll ace it,” she replied, but the coolness in her tone was unmistakable. Yep, she definitely saw Mia.

“I wanted to give you something,” I said, my voice steady.

“Oh, yeah? What’s that?” she asked, her eyes fixed ahead, refusing to meet my gaze.

I pulled out the invitation and handed it to her. “This.”

She frowned, staring at the envelope as if it were a puzzle she couldn’t solve, but she didn’t take it.

“What is it?” she asked, her annoyance creeping in.

“Why don’t you open it and find out,” I growled, halting in my tracks.

She narrowed her eyes at me, pulling the invitation from my grasp. She opened it and barely glanced at the contents before scoffing and tossing it back at me.

“Right. Thanks, Benedict,” she said dismissively.

“Whoa!” I exclaimed, catching her arm gently. “Did you even read it?”

“Yeah. My aunt and uncle already got the invitation. Thanks,” she replied, attempting to walk away again.

I tightened my grip, feeling the tension between us.

Her eyebrows shot up, and I noticed her fists clenching at her sides. “You’re going to want to let go of me.”

“Read the invitation, Sloane,” I urged, my voice low and insistent.

She glared at me for a long moment, but I didn’t waver.

“Fine,” she snapped, snatching the card from my hands. I watched her read it, her expression shifting to one of confusion.

“Why?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Because I want you at my party,” I confessed, my sincerity spilling out.

She shrugged and began to hand it back. “I have plans this weekend, sorry.”

A strange wave of jealousy washed over me, but I pushed it down. “Read it again, Sloane. It’s not for this weekend.”

She reread the card, her lips pressing together thoughtfully.

“I’ll have to see if I have anything else going on,” she said, turning to head toward class, her demeanor still guarded.

“I really hope you can come,” I said earnestly, hoping my words would reach her.

The rest of the day, I kept an eye on her. I caught her glancing at me several times, and I noticed when Slade approached her about his invitation to my party. He looked just as surprised as she had, but at least he seemed excited about the prospect.

As I climbed into my car to leave for the day, my thoughts drifted back to what possible plans Sloane could have for the weekend. Was her family going away? Was she visiting Alpha Will? What was her relationship with him? I knew their families were close, part of an alliance, but Will was young enough that he could potentially be mated to Sloane. Were they hoping for that? And why did that thought gnaw at me so much?

When I got home, I ignored my mother’s chatter about my party and retreated to my room. Why did it bother me that Sloane had plans? She probably had them all the time, and I was oblivious. But now that I was aware, it felt like a thorn in my side.

It wasn’t until Saturday morning that I finally got my answer.

I was meeting with Ellis, discussing our plans to take over the pack, when Bethany burst into my temporary office, her expression frantic.

“Bene! I need to talk to you. It’s important,” she exclaimed, breathless and flushed.

“Bethany, are you alright?” I asked, concerned by her urgency.

“Yes, but I need to talk to you. RIGHT. NOW!” she insisted, her eyes wide with excitement.

“I’ll catch up to you later, Ben,” Ellis said, nodding at Bethany before slipping out.

Once the door was closed, she leaned in, urgency radiating from her.

“Guess who is getting the tour of Alpha Waylon’s pack as we speak!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

“Tell me,” I urged, trying to keep pace with her enthusiasm, even though I was still processing why Ellis had to leave.

“Sloane Hartwell, Slade Hartwell, and Scarlet Chapman,” she announced.

My frown deepened. Slade was an Alpha heir, and Scarlet was the daughter of a Beta. But Sloane…

I looked at my sister, and it was clear she had pieced it together too.

“Holy Mother Moon Goddess!”

In the wake of Alpha Roman and Luna Samara’s decisive stand against bullying, a newfound sense of hope blossomed for Sloane and Slade. The oppressive atmosphere that had once shadowed their school life evaporated, replaced by an invigorating sense of possibility. For Benedict, the shift was palpable, igniting a spark of rivalry with Sloane that transformed their interactions into something electric. As they navigated the challenges of academia, their playful banter evolved into a deeper connection, hinting at the potential for something more profound. Benedict’s determination to invite Sloane to his birthday party, despite his mother’s reservations, underscored his commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. This pivotal moment marked a turning point, not just in their academic pursuits, but in their budding relationship.

However, the revelation of Sloane’s visit to Alpha Waylon’s pack introduced a new layer of complexity to Benedict’s feelings. As he grappled with the jealousy and uncertainty that accompanied her potential alliance with another Alpha heir, he found himself at a crossroads. The stakes had never been higher, and the thrill of competition had morphed into a deeper emotional struggle. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there was a glimmer of hope. Benedict’s willingness to challenge societal norms and extend his hand to Sloane signaled his desire to support her, regardless of the obstacles they faced. As the chapter closed, the air was thick with anticipation, leaving readers eager to witness how their journey would unfold against the backdrop of rivalry, loyalty, and the undeniable pull of attraction.

In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension to escalate as Benedict grapples with the implications of Sloane’s unexpected tour of Alpha Waylon’s pack. With the stakes raised higher than ever, the dynamics of their budding rivalry are bound to shift dramatically. Will this new development pull Sloane further away from him, or will it ignite a fire that brings them closer? Benedict’s protective instincts are already flaring, and as he navigates his feelings of jealousy and concern, the reader will be on the edge of their seat, wondering how he will respond to this new challenge.

Moreover, the upcoming birthday party promises to be a pivotal moment in the story. With Sloane now aware of the invitation and the potential for her to attend, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation. Will Benedict’s mother intervene, or will he find a way to ensure Sloane’s presence? The interplay between the characters, especially with the looming presence of Scarlet and Slade, will add layers of complexity to their interactions. Expect witty banter, unexpected confrontations, and perhaps even a revelation or two that could change everything for Benedict and Sloane. The chapter is set to be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with challenges, competition, and the undeniable chemistry that continues to simmer between them.

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.