Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate

Chapter 768 Something Doesn't Feel Right

The moment the lapidary let out a gasp of surprise, a murmur rippled through the crowd.

Even the people who had wandered off to watch the other attractions came flocking back, craning their necks to see what the commotion was about.

Preston, who had been standing at a distance watching quietly, now narrowed his eyes with sudden interest.

Could Hayley reallybethesecondchosenone?

Is itpossibleforhertospot a high-gradegemstonefrom a lumpofordinary- lookingrock?

Every eye followed the lapidary's careful movements as he worked, as if their collective gaze alone could peel open the stone.

Finally, with precise skill, the lapidary sliced away the top layer of the stone, revealing its core.

And just like that, all the anticipation collapsed into disappointment.

Laughter erupted, harsh and echoing through the hall.

"Haha! Just as I thought-nothing good ever comes out of those outer-hall rocks."

"This thing's average at best. It has impurities, and look at that—it is in the middle. I wouldn't take it even if it were free!"

"Figures. Omegas can't do anything right. I really thought we had another chosen one on our hands!"

like she's trying to flirt her

stone on the cutting table didn't look impressive at all. Not smooth.

valuable.

heard every sneer and chuckle, but I stayed

result was exactly

standing beside me, who looked like he might faint. He had already taken

you ... " he

he was thinking. That I didn't stand

we can cancel the bet and pay a penalty. If an Omega like you falls into Preston's hands... Who knows what

still hire a pro," he added quickly. "It's just the first day;

a lazy yawn and patted my lips. "Hmm... but I'm feeling

don't joke like that. Lunch break just ended,"

768 Something Doesn't

shoulder with a grin. "Relax, kid.

back stronger. You think you can hold the fort while I'm

to fake it. "Not

"Well, sometimes it's okay not to be so honest, you

one of pure

at random. I'm heading out for a nap," I said,

sneered, his voice full of jibes. "What's the matter? Realized you

I rolled my eyes.

and cut a stone. What

exactly are you pretending to look

if my words hit

like I struck