Chapter 724 Meeting X
Hayley’s POV:
“I don’t understand,” I said, frowning at her in confusion. “Right is right, wrong is wrong. What’s so hard about facing the truth?
“If someone can’t face it, it just means they’re not brave enough–too timid and weak. If they lack courage, why should anyone else pity them or go along with their cowardice? That’s not how the world works.”
Laurel looked at me with concern. “You’re young and headstrong, and as an Omega, that’s going to cost you someday.”
“Then let it cost me.” I slipped my hands free from hers. “I’d rather pay the price than betray my own heart. Besides, I was actually an Alpha. I was more than capable of handling the consequences of my choices.”
With that, I nodded politely and turned to leave.
Benjamin’s POV:
I’d been standing nearby, listening to their conversation. When I saw Hayley walk away, clearly upset, I finally stepped forward to explain to Laurel on her behalf. “Hayley’s straightforward by nature. She doesn’t play games or look for hidden motives. If she’s offended you, I apologize.”
“She’s my granddaughter. How could I ever hold a grudge against her?” Laurel sighed, then added, “But you, stay by her side and remind her–fearlessness isn’t always a virtue. I worry one day she’ll end up hurt.”
“Don’t worry. Even if I get hurt, I won’t let Hayley lose a single strand of hair,” I promised her.
Laurel nodded. “I’m entrusting my granddaughter to you. Take good care of her, for my sake.”
Hayley was my destined mate. No one needed to remind me–I’d protect her with everything I had.
“I will. If you’ll excuse me, I should go after her now.”
“Go on.”
With that, I hurried to catch up with Hayley.
Hayley’s POV:
The moment I got in the car, my phone rang.
“Hello? If you’ve got something to say, say it. If not, I’m hanging up.”
“Hey now, is that the way to treat your old friend?” Steven’s complaining voice came through.
“Get to the point,” I snapped, not in the mood for small talk.
“The point? I thought you’d know by now!” Steven drawled, sounding smug. “The Jaggeds have completely lost their hold over the ruling family in their pack. Mission accomplished. Since you didn’t reach out, I figured I’d call you to settle our deal.”
“That was fast.” I realized I’d underestimated Steven’s capabilities.
“Fast or slow, it all depends on my mood,” Steven replied, full of self–satisfaction. “You were my top priority. But you haven’t forgotten our arrangement, have you?”
I froze–I actually had forgotten.
After a brief silence, I forced myself to sound casual. “Of course I remember. Tonight works–she happens to be free for a drink.”
“Perfect! I’ll bring a couple of good bottles. You come too, and bring Benjamin. We’re not leaving till we’re all drunk!”
Steven sounded positively delighted.
“Sure. Same place as last time–Timelight Hills,” I said, then hung up.
Steven’s POV:
I hadn’t expected her to hang up so quickly. I didn’t even get half my words out.
The way she handles things–decisive and direct–she’s more like a high–ranking pack leader than an Omega.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was X herself!
Could she really get X to show up? She wouldn’t lie to me, would she?
Would someone as mysterious as X really agree to meet at some random place like Timelight Hills?
I had my doubts, but then again, I figured X must trust me.
X believed I wouldn’t betray their whereabouts–maybe that’s why they seemed so unconcerned.
That evening, I arrived early at Timelight Hills, bottles in hand.
I’d gone all out–put on the most expensive suit in my closet, even had my hair styled. Every strand was perfectly in place.
I waited a long time, nerves building, until finally I heard footsteps outside the door.
The door swung open, and the first to enter was Benjamin.
The moment I saw this Alpha, I jumped to my feet, every muscle tensed, my eyes locked on the space behind him.
Six years. After all this time, I was finally about to meet the legendary, mysterious X!