Chapter 199: Expelling Him from the Midnight Pack
Hayley’s POV:
It was the first time I’d seen Irving since he left the Southwells. In just two weeks, he seemed like a completely different person.
Henry had been about to say something when Christopher stopped him. “Forget it. Don’t pay attention to him. Let’s go back,” he said.
Henry made a face and leaned in to whisper to me, “We know about Irving’s situation. I’ve heard that he’s been lowering his status to secure resources for his small company. He even pursued a mixed-race heiress, making every effort to win her over.”
Henry spoke with disdain, “He’s fallen so far, practically embarrassed our family.”
“It’s a shame that because of family rules, Ben can’t publicly expel him from the pack. If he did, we don’t have to see him again.”
Christopher tried to calm him, “His business is no longer related to our family, and we shouldn’t interfere.”
Tanner looked away and said, “It’s getting late. We should head back and get some rest.”
Then he turned to Benjamin and asked respectfully, “Ben, will you take Hayley back? We’ll head back together.”
Benjamin agreed.
I stood still, watching the trio leave. But just then, Irving noticed us and walked over. He stared at me, his gaze lingering for a few seconds before he finally looked away and addressed Benjamin. “Long time no see. You’re not avoiding me, are you?”
Benjamin’s expression was unchanged. “You’re overthinking it. We were just exhausted from playing.”
In an instant, Benjamin’s face hardened, releasing his alpha’s commanding presence. Looking at Irving, he spoke slowly, “And as a lower-ranked wolf, have you forgotten how to greet your Alpha properly?”
Irving smirked and gave a bow. He then glanced between me and Benjamin before pulling the woman beside him closer. “Well, we used to be family. Since we’ve crossed paths, allow me to introduce myself. This is my fiancée, Lisa Carr.”
Benjamin showed no interest, not even to me. “Wait for me here. I’ll get the car.”
I nodded. Benjamin walked away without acknowledging Irving. He paid no mind to the awkward tension between Irving and Lisa.
Lisa didn’t seem bothered at all. Instead, she comforted Irving and said, “Don’t mind them. I’ll stay with you.”
I was curious how someone like her, a mixed-race person, was unafraid of the Alpha. Hera whispered in my mind that Lisa carried witch blood. Witches were known to be the enemies of werewolves. They had no fear of wolves. It was fascinating to learn she was the descendant of both a werewolf and a witch. Suddenly, I understood why Irving had chosen her as his mate.
Irving forced a strained smile and kissed Lisa’s forehead. “Be good. Wait for me in the car, okay?”
Lisa smiled and nodded before walking off. Once Lisa was gone, it was just Irving and me. Irving stared at me for a moment, and for a fleeting second, I felt like those times we spent together belonged to another lifetime.
After a pause, he broke the silence, “I didn’t expect you to be with Benjamin.” His tone carried a hint of unwillingness. Hera and I both didn’t have much regard for Irving. A man who would use his feelings to achieve his goals was despicable in my eyes.
“My life is none of your business,” I replied coldly.
Irving gave a self-deprecating laugh and agreed, “It’s true that it’s not, but I feel it’s my duty to warn you: Benjamin is not someone simple. If you’re really with him, you’d better be cautious. You might not even know how you’ll end up.”
I laughed and said, “I’m not blind. I know who’s worth my time and who I should stay away from. Unfortunately, Mr. Irving, you’re the kind of person I should keep my distance from.”
As an alpha, did I really need him to warn me about who to fear? Irving opened his mouth, but before he could say anything else, Benjamin’s car pulled up.
I didn’t say anything more. Ignoring Irving standing behind me, I walked toward the car. As soon as I sat down, Benjamin’s sharp eyes turned to me. “What did he say to you?”