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.

it was nothing. “Just a few

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

clearly downplaying it to

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

and the

come from, and I silently vowed

within me, and I could tell Lawrence

woman.

hand gently on Hayley’s shoulder, I said, “Stay

toward the woman called Lisa, who was

Hayley’s POV:

determined steps, I

him, grabbing his sleeve to stop him. “It wasn’t her fault,” I blurted out. “I hurt my

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protect Lisa and refused to listen

the tension building in him, and it was clear he was on the verge of losing control.

conflicted–1 felt both worried and oddly reassured.

over. I knew Lisa would face unimaginable consequences if

responsible was Irving. She was merely a

“It’s true. I injured myself and thought they’d take me to the hospital. I was hoping to use that chance to