Chapter 628: Crisis

Benjamin’s POV:

Seventy-two percent finished. Lawrence, my wolf, urged me to take a breath and calm myself. “She’s still your mother. If you hurt her, it will hurt both of us.”

I forced myself to steady my emotions, took a deep breath, and started to walk away. “Benjamin,” Axel called after me in a weak voice. I could walk away from my mother, but I couldn’t ignore my father. I turned around to face him.

“Dad, if you have something to say, then say it.”

Axel sighed deeply, clearly unsure how to start. His face was filled with guilt as he hesitated. I already suspected what he was going to ask and spoke up calmly, “You want me to give money to help the Southwells through this crisis, don’t you?”

Axel didn’t answer, but his silence confirmed my guess.

“You should help, Benjamin,” Odessa chimed in, her voice full of conviction. “Now that the Alpha position of the Midnight Pack has been handed to you, you are the one responsible for the Southwells. The whole family’s livelihood and well-being are in your hands. Your relatives have served the Midnight Pack loyally, just as you have. You can’t just abandon them.”

I ignored her words, focusing on my father. “Dad, is this really what you want?”

Axel sighed again, looking troubled. “Benjamin, please let me live a few more days. The house has become unbearable. If you don’t help us, your mom and I might end up on the streets.”

Without hesitation, I replied, “Fine. I’ll help. It’s my responsibility as your son.”

“Then will you cut ties with that woman, Hayley?” Odessa asked, her voice hopeful.

“No,” I responded coldly. “Hayley and I will be married soon, and I will announce her as the Luna of the Midnight Pack. I’ll give you the money, anything if you need it, but as long as I’m alive, I will stay by Hayley’s side. She is my mate.”

“Y-you heartless brat! You’ll be the death of me!” Odessa spat, her rage palpable.

I stayed silent, unwilling to argue further. No matter what anyone said, my decision about Hayley was final.

Just as I was lost in thought, Lawrence picked up a familiar scent, one that instantly calmed me. Looking up, I saw a small figure approaching slowly.

Chapter 628: Crisis

Hayley’s POV:

I had been there for a while, listening to every word of the heated exchange between Benjamin and Odessa. Her urging me to step in and help him. I wiped away the tears Benjamin had caused, then decided to find him.

“If I didn’t show up, how long do you think they’d keep pushing you around?” I said lightly, trying to bring a smile to his face.

I walked past him, locking eyes with Odessa’s cold stare. “From the moment Benjamin and I got together, you’ve been talking about dying from anger. Yet after all this time, you’re still alive and kicking, giving such long lectures. Not bad,” I teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Why does it matter to you whether I live or die?” Odessa snapped.

“You’ve been hoping for my death all along. If I were to die, you could ruin my son, the Southwells, and even the Midnight Pack. No one would be able to stop you. You’ve always wanted me gone, haven’t you?”

Odessa’s eyes narrowed with fury as she glared at me. “Ruin Benjamin? What about you?” I laughed, disgusted by her shamelessness.

“You’re the one who tried to tear us apart to nothing, not even a penny! To get what you wanted. You forced Benjamin to leave with… And when things went wrong for you, you wanted him to spend every last cent to fix it! You give nothing but take everything, clinging to Benjamin like a parasite! You rely on his kindness, pushing him until he can’t take it anymore!”

“Benjamin has a heart—he can’t be cruel to you. But I won’t let you get away with it.” I took a step closer to her, my tone hard and unforgiving. “I’m not interested in speeches. Anyone who hurts the people I care about will feel my wrath. I’m making myself clear today: Benjamin is my mate. If any of the Southwells dare to hurt him again, I will make them pay.”

After issuing my warning, I turned and looked at Benjamin.