Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 542 Open to Anyone

Hayley’s POV:

76%

+8 Pearls

Hera’s anger surged within me, fierce and sudden, a storm waiting to break.

For a fleeting moment, I found myself longing for the Shadow Pack’s estate.

If we were there, my warriors would have swiftly subdued her, bound her up, and administered punishment the moment she had the audacity to step inside uninvited.

“Ms. Carson, it’s been quite some time. Do you remember me?” Freya called, her eyes locking onto mine with calculated intent.

She strolled into the room, her presence filling the space with careless authority, as though the world revolved around her.

I didn’t respond, my mind wandering elsewhere. Should I send two beta warriors to guard the door, protect Grandpa and Grandma?

I couldn’t let anyone think they could simply stroll into my territory without consequence.

Freya, as expected, ignored both Mrs. Laurel and Virginia. Instead, she lavished her praise on my grandparents, the words dripping with fake sweetness. “You must be the esteemed Mr. and Mrs. Carson of the Shadow Pack,” she said, her voice honeyed, yet insincere. “Your presence is truly remarkable.”

“It’s no surprise that Ms. Carson turned out so brilliant and capable!”

Grandpa, however, was having none of it. He turned his face away, a clear sign of his disinterest. His voice -dripped with sarcasm as he replied.

“Hayley’s always done fine on her own. She didn’t need us to teach her,” he said sharply. “Some people, though, might need more guidance–otherwise, they’ll veer off course. If you wish to learn, I suppose we could give you a lesson, though I doubt you’re interested.”

“In any pack, wolves don’t oppress one another. That’s a rule that applies to every pack.”

and the frown on her face deepened. She

today. My mother and grandmother were in an accident. They’re shaken up, and I need to take them home to make sure they’re

without hesitation. The older woman resisted, but Freya didn’t care, dragging

and Mom around, the family would fall apart. I can’t hold everything

forward, slapping Freya’s hands away in desperation. “Let go! You monster,

her grip for a brief moment, then shoved Virginia aside with a brutal push. “What’s wrong with you?” she spat, her voice

17

542 Open to

76%

+8 Pearls

crashed to the ground, but Freya didn’t even blink. She stood there, her eyes cold and calculating, watching

if nothing had happened, she straightened her hair, her earlier composure replaced with a look of pure disdain.

my chest that

voice buzzed in my head, impatient as always. She wanted control, to take over

Virginia’s side. “Are you alright,

late Michelle. “Michelle, my darling daughter, I’m

as she blinked, finally recognizing me. A wave of regret washed over her face. “Hayley, I’m

it. It’s no trouble at all. If you’d like, you and

on my arm tightening as hope

gentle pat, then turned to Mrs.

knew that Virginia’s mind was fragile, thus it was Mrs. Laurel

hesitated. Her lips parted,

Freya, for all her faults, was right about one thing–the

Mrs. Laurel and the others stepped aside, their legacy would

was reluctant to relinquish the family’s power, the legacy that had been built