Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 524 I Should’ve Been Faster

Benjamin’s POV:

As soon as I saw Hayley, a wave of relief washed over me.

40 Pearls

I pulled her into my arms without hesitation, holding her tightly. For a moment, I wished we could become one so I’d never lose her again.

“I’m here,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. Iently stroked her back, savoring the proof of her presence.

The thought of nearly losing her was unbearable.

“I know,” she replied, her eyes brimming with tears. She smiled softly and traced her fingers along my face. “Thank you, Ben.”

I shook my head, a pang of guilt surging through me as I gently patted her head. “I should’ve been faster.”

As I touched Hayley’s hand, the sticky sensation made me pause.

Looking down, I noticed her palm was marred by wounds and streaked with blood.

The deep red served as a brutal reminder, piercing me like a blade.

“What happened? Are you hurt?” I asked, my voice trembling with concern, though I hesitated to touch her further for fear of worsening her pain.

as though it was nothing. “Just a few small cuts.

I knew better. As an Omega, her pain tolerance was low. How could she be

it to keep

that–whether it was Irving or someone else would pay.

shut, leaving only Hayley and the other woman present. It was obvious where

from, and I silently vowed to

within me, and I could tell Lawrence

woman.

Hayley’s shoulder,

woman called Lisa, who was in the living room.

Hayley’s POV:

determined steps, I immediately realized what he intended to do.

stop him. “It wasn’t her fault,”

1/2

Fri, Jan

Should’ve Been Fastef

+ Pearls

Benjamin’s fury only grew stronger. He assumed Iwas trying to protect Lisa and refused to listen to a word I

could see the tension building in him, and it was clear he

heart was conflicted–1 felt both

like him could be ruthless when their wolves took over. I knew Lisa would face unimaginable

real person responsible was Irving. She was merely a

stinging pain in my hand and placed my own over Benjamin’s, where he held the knife. “It’s true.