Listen to me 100

In Chapter 100 of “Listen to Me,” Sloane finds herself at Scarlet’s birthday celebration, surrounded by friends and laughter. While she admires Scarlet’s magnetic charm and popularity, Sloane feels out of place among the large crowd. Her relationship with Scarlet is deep and meaningful; Scarlet stands by her fiercely, unbothered by any judgment from others. Despite Sloane’s love for her younger sister Aria, she feels a deeper bond with Scarlet, who has been a steadfast presence in her life during difficult times.

As the evening progresses, Sloane contemplates her own future and the possibility of stepping into a leadership role within her Grandpa Waylon’s pack. Aisling, her inner wolf, encourages her to embrace the challenges of being an Alpha, but Sloane grapples with her fears and the desire for a calm life. When the moment comes to present her gift to Scarlet, Sloane feels a mix of anxiety and hope, wanting to convey the significance of their friendship through a custom-made necklace that symbolizes their bond.

Scarlet’s emotional reaction to the gift—overwhelmed with joy and tears—highlights the depth of their friendship. The moment is filled with warmth as they promise to wear the necklaces as a symbol of their connection. This touching exchange is a testament to how much they mean to each other, with Scarlet’s happiness bringing Sloane a sense of fulfillment. As the party continues, Sloane reflects on her feelings of discomfort in social situations, grateful for Scarlet’s understanding nature.

The chapter also unfolds with conversations about future events, including a party hosted by Benedict Winslow, which Sloane is reluctantly invited to attend. As she navigates her thoughts about the expectations placed on her, Sloane’s internal struggle becomes apparent. The chapter concludes with Sloane’s quiet contemplation during the car ride home, where she reflects on her future and the path she wishes to carve for herself, indicating a journey of self-discovery and the importance of friendship in her life.

**TITLE: Listen to Me**

**Chapter 100**

Sloane

Scarlet is surrounded by a multitude of friends, an endless sea of laughter and chatter that swirls around her like a vibrant whirlwind. I adore my friend and, truth be told, I’m not surprised at all by her popularity. She has this magnetic charm that draws people in, making them feel seen and valued. Yet, when it comes to being part of that large group, I feel like a fish out of water. Scarlet is my one true friend, and navigating the social dynamics of so many others leaves me feeling out of my depth.

Scarlet has never been one to care about what others think of me, and that’s one of the many things I cherish about her. She stands by me fiercely, unfazed by any judgment that might come our way. If anyone dares to whisper something unkind about me or Slade within earshot, she would be ready to defend us without a second thought. Her passion is as fierce as a wildfire, and I often think of her as much a sister as I do Aria. While I have an immense love for Aria, she is nine years my junior, and our time together often feels more like family bonding or youthful escapades tailored to her interests, especially since she hasn’t yet found her wolf.

When Scarlet and I are together, it’s like the world fades away. We share our secrets, our dreams, and fantasies of her future with Will, speculating on who will be mated to whom, and discussing the paths we envision for ourselves.

As the evening unfolds, while everyone showers Scarlet with gifts and affection, my thoughts drift to my Grandpa Waylon’s pack.

Could I really do it? The answer springs to mind almost immediately: yes. Aisling, my inner wolf, is adamant that we could make it work.

But do I genuinely want to take that leap? That’s a question that gnaws at me. Do I wish to keep battling against the currents of my life, fighting the tide of expectations and challenges? Will there ever be a moment when my life feels calm, untroubled?

‘Isn’t that just an excuse, a convenient way to avoid stepping up and claiming your own destiny as an Alpha?’ Aisling chimes in, her voice echoing in my mind as she always does, ever the vigilant observer of my thoughts.

‘Of course I’m listening! The mere thought of you settling for some dull, monotonous job that you drag me to day after day is utterly repulsive. Or worse, are you actually considering working for Slade once he ascends to Alpha? He wouldn’t want that any more than you would, Sloane.’

I can’t help but agree with her. A job devoid of challenge, mentally or physically—or ideally both—would drive me to madness.

‘Helloooooo! Being an Alpha would present you with new challenges every single day, Sloane,’ Aisling sings, her tone teasing and light.

“Looks like that’s the last of the gifts, Scarlet,” Luna Elizabeth announces, her voice cutting through my reverie.

“Actually, Luna, I have one more,” I interject, stepping forward. My gift is something special, and I want Scarlet to know it’s from me when I present it.

“Ohhh, what could it possibly be?” Scarlet dances over to me, her excitement palpable. I hand her the box, my heart racing with the hope that she’ll love it.

Her face lights up as she tears into the wrapping, but then she frowns at the sight of the tape that seems to cling stubbornly to the box.

“Aria and Jessica helped me wrap it,” I whisper, letting her in on the secret and explaining the excessive tape.

“Of course they did! It’s not a glitter bomb, is it?” she whispers back, a playful glint in her eye. We both remember the glitter bomb phase they went through, which left us finding glitter in the most unexpected places for months on end.

“If it is, I swear I didn’t know about it.”

With a flick of her wrist, she finally frees the box and pulls out the necklace, her expression shifting to one of confusion.

“It’s… beautiful. What is it?” she asks, her brow furrowing in curiosity.

I reach into my pocket and pull out the matching necklace I had made for myself, holding it up for her to see.

“I had them custom made. Yours has your birthstone at the bottom, and mine has mine. When you put them together…” I begin, my voice trailing off as I watch her reaction.

Everyone around us falls silent, their attention drawn to Scarlet as she stares at her gift, her expression unreadable. The tension hangs in the air, and I shift uncomfortably, my heart racing.

“If you don’t like it…” I start to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Suddenly, she throws her arms around me, her joy overwhelming. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received in my life, Sloane! I love it!”

I wrap my arms around her, feeling a rush of warmth and affection. As I do, I realize she’s crying. “Those better be happy tears,” I murmur softly, my heart swelling with emotion.

She nods against my shoulder before stepping back quickly, hastily wiping her tears away.

“Put it on me!” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I unhook the pinkies, the twisted parts of the necklace, and carefully place her necklace around her neck.

“Now you,” she says, dabbing at her cheeks again before taking my necklace from me. I turn around, feeling her hands deftly fastening it around my neck.

When I turn back to face her, she holds out her pinky. “Bestie Promise to never take it off.”

“Bestie Promise,” I reply, intertwining my pinky with hers, sealing our bond with a vow.

She hugs me tightly once more, and as the party continues, Luna Elizabeth brings out the cake, a sweet distraction from the emotional moment we just shared.

“That was a beautiful gift, Sloane,” Luna Elizabeth remarks later in the evening, her gaze fixed on Scarlet and her friends as they dance joyously in the designated area. Knowing how much I detest being the center of attention and how dancing makes me feel like a deer caught in headlights, Scarlet wisely refrains from dragging me onto the dance floor. It’s just another reason I love her so deeply.

“I wanted it to be meaningful for both of us. Scarlet accepted me without hesitation from the moment we met. She was there during my darkest times, when I felt utterly alone. Somehow, she wiggled her way into my life, bringing with her the sunshine and joy that only she can. Her dedication to me and our friendship has never wavered,” I say, a smile spreading across my face as I glance at Luna Elizabeth. “She’s a lot like you.”

“She makes me proud to be her mother every single day,” Luna Elizabeth replies, her eyes shining with love as she watches her daughter.

“Do you think she’ll end up mated to Alpha Will?” I ask, curiosity bubbling within me as I wonder if Uncle Roman’s predictions hold any truth.

She shrugs, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “I know she’s hoping for it. She’s even made plans to visit his pack next weekend in hopes that they are mates.”

“I had no idea,” I say, surprised by this new information.

She shrugs again, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Doesn’t bother me at all. It gives me a perfect excuse to decline Benedict Winslow’s birthday party next weekend.”

She glances at me, her expression shifting. “I heard your aunt and uncle’s invitation was specifically extended only to them.”

“Benedict invited me and Slade personally,” I reply, a hint of pride in my voice.

“Did he?” Something in her tone piques my interest, making me look at her closely.

“Yeah, he did. Why do you ask?”

She shrugs once more, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Why do you think he did that?”

“I genuinely have no clue. Honestly, like you, I would have preferred not to go. Did you know his pack borders Grandpa Waylon’s?”

“Yes. Most people are aware of where the packs are situated in relation to one another, Sloane. You’re one of the few who has never paid much attention to that.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard about Grandpa Waylon’s proposition,” I say, my tone serious.

“I have.”

“So, I’m contemplating it and I agreed to return next weekend. Since I’ll be so close, I plan to attend Benedict’s party.”

“I’ll be eager to hear how it goes,” she replies cryptically, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she knows something I don’t.

I snort, unable to suppress a laugh. “I’m sure I’ll end up standing around, much like I am here, but instead of watching my best friend revel in her birthday, I’ll be a spectator to women throwing themselves at Benedict all night. One of Grandpa Waylon’s warriors told me that the she-wolves in their pack are calling him the Alpha King, as if his already inflated ego needed any more air.”

“I’ve never known Benedict to have a big ego. But then again, I don’t know him like you do. It’s his mother who’s always been the real piece of work. Be cautious around her. She’ll smile sweetly to your face, but the moment you turn your back, she’ll strike with her claws.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks, Luna.”

“Thank you for coming tonight, Sloane. I know you have a lot on your plate, and I realize you didn’t get to spend much time with Scarlet this evening, but it truly meant the world to her that you were here. Honestly, you were the only person she cared about having by her side tonight. That’s why she changed the date, you know, so you could be here.”

“I do know, and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Besides, she made me Bestie Promise to show up,” I say, grimacing at the memory.

Luna Elizabeth bursts into laughter, her joy infectious. “That sounds just like my daughter.”

We could have easily stayed the night, given that both our packs attend the same schools, but my aunt and uncle are aware of how uncomfortable I feel within this pack. Thankfully, they agreed to return home with me.

I embrace my friend once more, wishing her a happy birthday again, before saying my goodbyes to her friends and leaving with my family.

The car ride home is tranquil, the younger pups and even Slade succumbing to sleep. I seize the opportunity to reflect quietly on my future and the path I wish to carve for myself.

As I sit in the quiet of the car, the gentle hum of the engine lulling the others to sleep, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over me. The night has been a whirlwind of emotions, from the laughter and joy shared with Scarlet to the deep introspection that followed. The gift I presented her was more than just a necklace; it symbolized our unbreakable bond, a promise of support and understanding that transcends the chaos of our lives. In that moment of connection, I realized that while the world around us may be unpredictable, the love and loyalty we share can anchor us amidst the storms. The tears in Scarlet’s eyes were a reminder of the depth of our friendship, one that has carried both of us through our darkest days and into the light.

With each mile that takes us further from the celebration, I feel a renewed sense of purpose stirring within me. Aisling’s voice echoes in my mind, urging me to embrace the challenges ahead and to step into my own power as an Alpha. The prospect of returning to Grandpa Waylon’s pack fills me with both excitement and trepidation, yet I know that I am not alone in this journey. Scarlet’s unwavering support and the promise of our friendship will guide me as I navigate the complexities of my future. I am ready to claim my destiny, to forge my own path, and to listen to the call of my heart. As I glance back at my sleeping family, I am filled with resolve; I will step into the role I am meant to play, not just for myself, but for those I love.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As Sloane grapples with her emotions and the weight of her decisions, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into her internal struggle. The anticipation builds as she prepares to confront the pivotal choice regarding her future within Grandpa Waylon’s pack. Will she embrace the call of her inner wolf, Aisling, and step into the role of Alpha, or will the fear of the unknown hold her back? The tension between her loyalty to Scarlet and the expectations of her lineage will be palpable, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of identity and destiny.

Additionally, the looming invitation to Benedict Winslow’s birthday party adds another layer of intrigue. With the backdrop of the party, Sloane will find herself navigating not only the complexities of her own feelings but also the dynamics of the packs surrounding her. Will she encounter unexpected allies or adversaries among the attendees? The chapter is sure to heighten the stakes as Sloane’s relationships are tested, particularly with the enigmatic Benedict and his formidable mother. As the lines between friendship, loyalty, and ambition blur, readers can expect a whirlwind of emotions and revelations that will leave them eager for more.

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.