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.

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

As an Omega, her pain tolerance was low.

clearly downplaying it to keep me from worrying.

caused that–whether

leaving only Hayley and the other woman present.

injuries had come from, and I silently vowed to uncover the truth.

me, and I could

woman.

gently on Hayley’s shoulder,

I strode toward the woman called Lisa, who was

Hayley’s POV:

determined steps, I immediately

grabbing his sleeve to stop him. “It wasn’t her fault,”

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5241 Should’ve Been

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trying to protect Lisa and refused to listen to a

in him, and it was clear

conflicted–1 felt both worried and

ruthless when their wolves took over. I knew Lisa would

responsible was Irving. She was merely a pawn

pain in my hand and placed my own over Benjamin’s, where he held the knife. “It’s true. I injured myself and thought they’d take me to the hospital. I was hoping to use that chance to escape.”