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.”

all,” he continued. “In any pack, wolves don’t oppress

message, and the frown on her face deepened. She was

words laced with tension. “But not today. My mother and grandmother were in an accident.

older woman

should leave now. Without you and Mom around, the family would fall apart. I can’t hold everything together

forward, slapping

shoved Virginia aside with

17

542 Open to

76%

+8 Pearls

didn’t even blink. She stood there, her eyes cold and calculating,

her hair, her earlier composure replaced with a look

Virginia crumple to the floor stirred something deep within me, a sharp tug at my chest that

as always. She wanted control, to take over and deal with Freya

Virginia’s side. “Are

the late Michelle. “Michelle, my darling daughter, I’m fine,”

said gently, careful to bring her back to the present. Her eyes fluttered open, confusion fading as she blinked, finally

chord in me. I quickly reassured her. “Don’t worry about it. It’s no trouble at all. If you’d

brightened, her grip on my arm tightening

a gentle pat, then turned to Mrs. Laurel. “What do you think, Mrs.

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

Her lips parted, but no words

all her faults, was right about one

stepped aside, their legacy

understood her reluctance. Mrs. Laurel was reluctant to relinquish the family’s power, the