Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate
Chapter 690: Sharp Noise
Benjamin’s POV:
The moment Ryder finished speaking, something about him felt off. By the time I reacted and rushed forward, gripping his hair and yanking his head up, it was too late. His lifeless eyes stared ahead, a thin trail of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He had stopped breathing.
I quickly signaled Lawrence to check for his wolf, but there was nothing—it was completely gone. I angrily clenched my fists. I almost managed to stop it—but I was just a moment too late. I kicked the chair aside, the sharp noise echoing through the space and drawing everyone outside to rush in. Their eyes flickered between me and Ryder’s still body, leaving them frozen in shock.
Hayley’s POV:
I had Hera carefully analyze the lingering scent, hoping to piece together what had just happened. Before Benjamin could say a word, Claudio asked, “You didn’t silence Ryder just to protect Hayley, did you?” Loretta, usually fearless, was visibly shaken after witnessing someone die right before her eyes. Without a word, she took a step back, positioning herself behind me. I pursed my lips tightly, a weight settling in my chest. Hera sadly admitted she couldn’t detect anything, leaving me with no clues about what had occurred. The only thing I was sure of was that Benjamin wasn’t the type to kill in cold blood. So, did Ryder say something that pushed Benjamin over the edge? Or did Ryder commit suicide?
Meanwhile, at the Southwells’ Residence:
When Benjamin didn’t respond, Odessa decided to call Vivian instead. “What’s the matter?” Brayden’s impatient voice came through the phone. “Mr. Jagged, it’s Odessa.” She softened her tone before continuing, “I heard Vivian was seriously ill. I know two skilled doctors. If it’s alright, I’d like to bring them over to check on her.”
“There’s no need,” Brayden replied coldly. “She’s already recovered.” After a brief silence, he added with a mocking edge, “And it’s all thanks to you, Mrs. Southwell. Hayley said she only stepped in because of your son, Benjamin.”
Odessa didn’t expect that. Hayley had been so dismissive over the phone, yet she still chose to save Vivian. The realization stunned her, but she quickly masked her emotions. Forcing a pleasant tone, she said, “That’s wonderful! Axel and I were worried about her.”
“You know, I’ve always seen Vivian as the future Luna of our Midnight Pack. She’s the only one I believe is truly worthy of Ben.”
Brayden sneered. “I understand your intentions. Since you’re already aware of the situation, I won’t waste my breath. I have things to do. Goodbye.”
Click!
Odessa’s flattering words caught in her throat. Before she could get another word in, the call had ended. She put her phone down, replaying Brayden’s words in her mind. Hayley had taken action without telling her. It was the same girl who had thrown all courtesy aside and reprimanded her severely. Odessa found it difficult to believe Hayley was compassionate. She even wondered if she had been too quick to judge Hayley all along.
Benjamin’s POV:
As the crowd’s doubtful eyes fell on me, I cast a calm glance toward the doorway before pulling my hand back. Taking out a handkerchief, I slowly wiped my fingers. “He bit his tongue,” I explained evenly.
“Then we might still be able to save him!” Claudio quickly stepped forward, grasping Ryder’s wrist to check for a pulse. After a few moments, he shook his head disappointedly. “He’s dead,” Claudio let go of Ryder’s hand, a trace of helplessness in his voice. Just then, a noise erupted from outside the door.