Chapter 34: Benjamin's in Trouble!
Benjaminโs POV
Hayley seemed surprised to see me. At the same time, I sensed a subtle tension in her expression. She was trying hard to appear calm, but I could tell she was hiding something. I wasnโt bothered by the absence of the usual respectful fear most lower-ranked werewolves show toward an Alpha. I was used to it, especially from her. As a member of the ruling family of the Shadow Pack, Hayley had always carried herself this way since she arrived in our Midnight Pack.
But today, something was different. Her usual clear and direct gaze had changedโthere was an avoidance, like she was trying to hide something from me. Had she been up to something before I stopped her? Or maybe she had met someone she didnโt want me to see? If there was someone, they mustโve been a high-ranking werewolf, able to slip away without me noticing.
Still, I wasnโt going to confront her about it now. I knew her well; sheโs sharp, not easily shaken. Her mental resilience rivals mine as an Alpha. No matter how I questioned her, she wouldnโt give anything away. With that in mind, I decided to play it cool. Iโd quietly have my Betas look into her activities without making her suspicious of my doubts. After coming to that conclusion, I gave her a casual glance.
Hayleyโs POV:
โAre you here alone for dinner?โ he asked.
I nodded. โIโve already eaten. I was just about to head out.โ
Benjamin didnโt say much more and took a call. Whatever the person on the other end said clearly put him in a good mood. His eyes lit up, and he said into the phone, โWhatever their request is, accommodate it. Just set the date.โ
A strange feeling crept over me. Could it be about that? I wondered what his reaction would be once he realized that the racing goddess heโs so eager to meet is actually me. With a smirk, I turned away and left without another word.
Chapter 34: Benjaminโs in Trouble!
In the days that followed, I breezed through my matches and advanced to the round of sixteen. My next opponent was last yearโs runner-up. As soon as people heard, almost no one thought I stood a chance.
โHayley, making it this far as an Omega is already impressive. But your next opponent is a high-ranking Beta and last yearโs runner-up. The odds are not in your favor,โ the school tennis coach said, trying to comfort me.
โExactly. Winning the state championship last time was already lucky, but this is a world-class tournament,โ a classmate chimed in.
I didnโt bother responding to their doubts. I simply smiled and kept quiet. On the other hand, Henry was convinced heโd already won our bet. He was celebrating early.
โHayley, youโre going to lose the next match for sure. Soon, that rustic, ugly Omega is going to slink out of our Midnight Pack in disgrace. One day closer to not having to see you.โ
I paid no mind to Henryโs taunts. My thoughts were already on the upcoming race with Benjamin. My Beta, Thomas, had already set everything up.
โAlpha, itโs set for 8 PM this weekend at the Black Dragon Circuit,โ he texted.
I quickly replied, โAlright.โ That afternoon, after school, I told my host family I was heading to a classmateโs party as an excuse. I was really going to meet Benjamin.
Once Thomas picked me up, I shed the disguise Iโd been wearing for so long. I removed my makeup, changed into my racing gear, and finally let my true appearance shine through. It had been so long, with all the wigs and makeup, that Iโd almost forgotten what I truly looked like. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and couldnโt help but smile at the fresh-faced girl looking back at me. To ensure Benjamin wouldnโt recognize me, I not only changed my clothes and hair but also put on a fox mask.
Thomas drove us to the garage, where I climbed into my Ferrari. The second I pressed the gas, the car shot forward like a bolt of lightning. Night had fallen, but the soft summer dusk was gentle, almost peaceful. The cool breeze added a sense of calm to the evening.
I arrived at the Black Dragon Circuit right on time at 8 PM. I greeted Benjamin as I approached. โDidnโt expect you to be so punctual.โ
Benjamin stared at me silently. Did he figure something out? My heart skipped a beat. I kept my face neutral, watching his expression closely. He seemed calm enoughโhopefully, he hadnโt noticed anything suspicious.
Chapter 34: Benjaminโs in Trouble!
I fought to restrain Hera, who was eager to get closer to him. Instead, I made sure to keep my distance.
โWhat are the rules? You decide,โ he said after a long pause.
I smiled. โWeโll race 60 laps. First one to cross the finish line wins.โ
โDeal, no problem.โ We quickly agreed. Without further delay, we hit the gas at the same time and sped onto the track.
Iโve loved racing since I was a kid, as I was addicted to the rush of speed and the thrill of flying down the track. My family always said it was too dangerous, and with the responsibility of taking on the Alpha role, they forbade me from racing. So, I practiced in secret. Sometimes, Iโd even forge an identity and sneak into races under a false name. After becoming the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, I stopped racing entirely.
But now, gripping the wheel again, I felt the excitement flooding back. I slammed my foot down on the gas, letting the sheer joy of speed consume me. My hands moved instinctively over the wheel, and it wasnโt long before Iโd left Benjamin far behind.
A few seconds later, though, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw his car catching up. I had to admit, I was impressed by his skills. He controlled the car as smoothly as an Alpha commands his wolf. Not bad.
My competitive spirit flared up. As I neared a sharp curve, I executed a perfect drift, blocking Benjaminโs attempt to overtake me. Then I sped up, putting more distance between us.
Benjaminโs voice crackled over the carโs radio. โWhatโs your name?โ His voice was filled with excitement.
โWhat did you say?โ I asked instinctively.
Benjaminโs voice came through even more animated. โAre you Sara? The one who won the France Grand Prix three years ago?โ
โNo.โ I denied it immediately, not even pausing to think.
โBut how can your technique be exactly like hers at the bend?โ
I went quiet, thinking of a way to respond, but before I could say anything, a loud crash echoed through the radio.
โBenjamin?โ
โBenjamin?โ I called out several times, but there was no response. My heart dropped.
Damn it! Benjamin is in trouble!