Chapter 10: Envious Stare Boring Into My Back

Hayley’s POV

The crowd murmured as they witnessed the scene.

“Even though Hayley is from a lower werewolf class, she represents the ruling family of the Shadow Pack and comes as a noble guest for the alliance. Her status is not to be underestimated! Your father isn’t even our Alpha’s deputy yet; some people really overestimate their own importance.”

“Your family might spoil you, but that doesn’t mean everyone has to indulge you.”

This public rebuke was a first for Janae, leaving her both embarrassed and infuriated. She lunged at me in a rash move, but I easily sidestepped, causing her to stumble and fall loudly to the floor. My Alpha reflexes and agility were much more advanced than hers. If I were not masquerading as an Omega, her lower rank and her daring to provoke and humiliate me would have been enough reason for me to let Hera take control and teach her a severe lesson long ago.

With a nonchalant gesture, I declared to everyone, “As you can all see, I didn’t lay a hand on her.”

Then, softly but firmly, I cautioned her. “Janae, I know you were the one who pushed me into the pool earlier. Try anything like that again, and I assure you, your darling Irving will be the first to find out.” I was not certain, but the threat seemed to hit its mark.

With a polite smile, I offered loudly, “Miss Kostner, need a hand getting up?”

Janae’s face blanched as she scrambled to her feet and fled. Her reaction pretty much confirmed my suspicions.

“Let me at her! I want to bite her neck!” Hera clamored within me, but I managed to soothe her agitation.

Disinterested after the commotion, I turned to Madeline. “Ms. Kilmer, I appreciate your hospitality, but it’s time for me to leave.”

“Sorry for any inconvenience,” Madeline responded, maintaining her composure, though it was clear she likely faulted Janae for the fiasco.

Just as I was about to exit, I heard the telltale sound of a failing zipper. Just my luck, everything went wrong at once! I clutched the broken zipper to keep my skirt from dropping. Although I was not facing Madeline, I could practically feel her smugness from behind.

Irving tried to offer his coat, but Benjamin was quicker, covering me with his jacket.

“What happened?” Benjamin’s deep voice asked.

“The zipper broke.”

He glanced at Madeline, suspecting foul play. “Let’s go,” he decided.

“Ben, I just got back. Can’t someone else take Hayley? You haven’t danced with me yet,” she pouted and protested.

“No, thank you.” Benjamin dismissed her again and turned to me. “I’ll take you home.”

Surprised by his defense, I simply responded, “Oh.”

Meanwhile, Henry noticed us leaving early. “Ben, you’re going already?”

He then noticed the jacket around me and snapped, “Hey, don’t try to seduce my brother!”

I rolled my eyes. I wanted to leave by myself too. The last thing I wanted was this awkward attention, especially from Madeline. However, Benjamin insisted on escorting me, so I did not protest.

As I left with Benjamin, I could sharply sense Madeline’s envious stare boring into my back.