Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate
Chapter 634: His Scent
Hayley’s POV:
“Hayley, welcome home!” His arms enveloped me tightly. At first, I wanted to pull away, but instead, I found myself softening, sinking into his solid hold, eventually allowing myself to feel comforted by it. I sensed something unusual. Whenever I was near him, Hera, my wolf, seemed to calm down as well. His scent, like Virginia’s, had a soothing, almost healing quality that deeply affected me. It was a feeling so different from the intense passion and love I felt for Benjamin. Peter’s embrace, on the other hand, made me feel secure and cared for.
I inhaled deeply, realizing in that moment that, beyond Virginia, I was once again experiencing the mysterious pull of familial connection. Freya’s eyes burned with fury, her fists clenched at her sides, shaking with barely controlled rage. I couldn’t resist teasing her, raising my eyebrows in a playful challenge. I knew exactly what was happening—it was jealousy, and the more she fumed, the more I felt the urge to provoke her. If I could drive her mad enough, maybe it would shatter her composure. At that moment, Hera stirred within me, her energy rising in excitement. I eagerly glanced toward the door, anticipating Benjamin’s arrival. When he walked in, his eyes met mine, and he gave me a warm, affectionate smile as he moved toward me.
Freya, noticing him, turned her attention toward us and called out mockingly, “Peter, you might not know, but Hayley is already taken. She’s engaged to Mr. Benjamin Southwell. You’re hugging his fiancée right in front of him. You might even make him jealous.”
Peter released me the moment he heard her words. He briefly glanced at Benjamin, and the two exchanged a quiet nod, like they were communicating without speaking. Then Peter casually replied, “What’s the big deal? A brother hugging his sister is hardly something out of the ordinary. Besides,” he added with a shrug, “Michelle has been gone for years. She’s just catching up on the hugs she missed when she was a child.”
“But Hayley isn’t a child anymore,” Freya snapped, her teeth clenched, throwing a sharp, resentful glare in my direction. I couldn’t suppress a quiet chuckle, lowering my head slightly to hide my amusement.
Peter looked at her in genuine surprise. “Freya, are you seriously going to argue with me over something so trivial? I thought you never picked fights.”
“I…” Freya faltered, momentarily lost for words. After a brief silence, she quickly tried to cover, adding, “I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought that if anyone saw, they might think Hayley is spoiled and doesn’t know proper manners. It could hurt her reputation.”
Virginia, holding my hand, shot Freya a disdainful look. “She’s my daughter, and she deserves to be treated with care. Why are you so concerned about that?”
Daniel, who had remained silent until now, stepped in to defend Freya. “Freya’s just trying to be helpful. It’s not fair to talk to her like that.”
Peter shot him a cold, sideways look. “The Sanders’ family business isn’t yours to worry about. Don’t forget, Daniel, you’re not even part of this family. Even if you were, it’s not your place to tell my mother how to act!”
“Peter, Daniel is my fiancé! How dare you disrespect him like that?” Freya exploded, her voice laced with fury.
“Oh?” Peter seemed to realize something. He turned to Virginia and me, speaking lightly, “Well then, Mom, Michelle, let’s not get into an argument over this trivial matter. It’s never wise to bite back after a dog has bitten you.”
I couldn’t hold back a laugh at that. Virginia, clearly amused, gave Peter a thumbs-up. “Well done, son!”
Freya’s eyes, full of fury, flashed with hatred. She shot us one last venomous look before storming off. Daniel, grinding his teeth, glared at me before following her out.
Freya’s POV:
As soon as we stepped outside the Carson house, I halted in my tracks, fuming with rage. I spun around and muttered curses under my breath. “I really regret choosing you as my mate. What a mistake.”
Daniel, hands tucked into his belt, scoffed and retorted, “I’m the mistake, huh? Well, take a good look. I’m the only one who’s still standing by you. Do you really think anyone else would have you?”
His words struck me like a slap, and a fierce anger surged through me, burning deep within my chest. More than anything, I wanted to make him regret ever speaking to me like that.