Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate: Chapter 640 – Shield Me from Danger
Hayley’s POV:
When I said those words, I wasn’t joking. I despised feeling helpless and in the dark, as if I had no control over what’s happening. I didn’t mind Benjamin having his secrets, but there was no way I’d stand by while he faced danger alone, without me knowing.
If only I could be honest with him about my status as an Alpha. I was sure the reason he was keeping things from me was to protect me, to shield me from danger. But I didn’t want that kind of protection. Most people would probably see it as thoughtful when a partner hid their wounds or struggles—suffering in silence to avoid worrying the other person. But that wasn’t what I wanted. I’d always wanted to fight alongside my mate, side by side, facing every challenge together.
I promised Benjamin that one day I would become his Luna, and with that promise came the responsibility to stand by him, through every difficulty and danger. I never wanted to be kept in the dark or pushed aside when it was his turn to face the worst.
After two long, tense minutes of silence, I finally heard Benjamin’s strained voice on the other end of the phone. “Are you trying to call off our engagement?” I could hear the weakness in his voice, and though I was angry, just knowing he was alive gave me some relief. “Send me the address!” I snapped, cutting him off before he could say another word. Without hesitation, I ended the call.
A minute later, Tyrone sent me the location. Following the coordinates, I found myself standing in front of a small two-story wooden house. I climbed the stairs and stepped inside, where I saw Benjamin lying on a bed, his upper body exposed. Thick bandages were wrapped tightly around his shoulder and waist, but the blood seeping through the fabric told me his injuries were far from minor. Even more troubling was the pallor of his skin—far too pale for someone who had just been wounded. Hera, my wolf, shared in my discomfort. She could sense that his wolf was also injured.
I moved closer, my heart sinking with every step. “You don’t need to look,” Benjamin murmured weakly, his voice barely audible. “It’s the same poison that affected my grandmother, only mine’s worse.”
“What happened?” I froze, completely thrown off. Why was this same deadly poison targeting the people I cared about? Benjamin tried to speak but was too weak. Instead, he motioned to Tyrone, signaling for him to explain.
Tyrone stepped forward and, after giving a respectful nod to Benjamin, began to explain what had happened the night before. When he finished, I paused to think. Then I turned to Tyrone. “You go downstairs. I’ll need to perform needle therapy. There’s too much poison in his system—it has to be purged.” Tyrone gave Benjamin one last look, and when Benjamin nodded, he left the room.
I helped Benjamin settle back onto the bed and took out the needle kit I always carried. Setting a chair by his side, I began inserting the needles one by one, focusing all my attention as I guided Hera’s energy through me to heal him. Benjamin watched me carefully, and after a while, he asked softly, “Are you still angry?”
I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I deliberately angled the needle a little sharper and pressed deeper into his skin. Benjamin winced and groaned in pain, but I didn’t stop. When the sound of his discomfort finally ceased, I quickly removed the needle and inserted another in a different spot, just a few inches away. His gaze stayed locked on mine the entire time. After a moment, he gave me a faint smile.
“Now we’re even,” he said, his voice filled with humor despite the situation. “You’re laughing when your life is at risk?” I asked, pretending to be angry, though I didn’t let up on the treatment for a second.
“As long as you’re here, I won’t die,” he said, his voice gentle and sure. There was a look in his eyes that spoke volumes, and it made me pause. He seemed absolutely certain of his words. I raised an eyebrow and teased, “You’re not marrying me for free access to a top-tier, personal doctor, are you?”
“Am I really such an opportunist in your eyes?” Benjamin frowned, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips. He added, “What I mean is, you’re my life. As long as you’re okay, I won’t let myself die. And I’m an Alpha. With my powerful wolf and all those experienced Beta warriors, I won’t die easily. So don’t worry about me.”
I shook my head in mock disbelief. “You’re quite the smooth talker, Mr. Southwell. I still have my doubts about whether your past is as squeaky clean as you claim.”
“I swear to the Moon Goddess, it’s because I love you that I talk to you like this,” he said, raising his right hand and holding up three fingers in a mock solemn pledge. “Cut it out,” I said, grabbing his hand and pushing it toward his middle finger. I quickly jabbed a needle into it. “Tell me when did you realize I had installed the tracking software?”
“Right away,” he replied, pride lacing his voice. “You’ve underestimated how much I care about you, my future Luna. I’m always watching over you.”
I didn’t reply, fully aware that he wasn’t exaggerating. As an Alpha, his instincts were just as sharp as mine. Once I finished the treatment, I looked up to find his eyes fixed on me with an intensity I couldn’t escape. Before I could react, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me with an urgency that left me breathless.
An hour later, I fixed my collar, composed myself, and went downstairs. I handed Tyrone a piece of paper. “Follow these instructions. Go to the black market, buy the items, and hurry,” I commanded him firmly.