Chapter 731 Bill’s Questioning
Hayley’s POV:
“Winterbite Pack’s land auction?” I glanced at Benjamin. “Are you getting into real estate now?”
“It’s not for me–it’s for you.” Benjamin shifted into a more comfortable position, draping one arm around my shoulders. “Lot Number Six–the one Freya wants, the one Peter’s after too. That’s the land in question.”
Hearing this, I couldn’t help but look down at the auction details on my phone again, my finger scrolling across the screen as I committed every piece of information to memory.
“I’ve already prepared the money and booked the tickets. We leave tomorrow. We’re going to get that land back for your brother,” Benjamin said.
I stared at my phone, momentarily lost in thought.
He’d gone to such lengths for me–so considerate, so thorough. He hadn’t overlooked a single thing, not even my family’s pride and needs.
Hera, sensing his scent, was nearly giddy with excitement within me, and my own heart was deeply moved by his devotion.
He lifted his hand and gently ruffled my hair. “What’s wrong? Still not ready to face Freya head-on?”
He paused, his gaze thoughtful as he nodded to himself. “That makes sense. Alan will be there as well. I didn’t consider that. Maybe I should go in your place. He’s never been all that fond of me anyway. If his opinion of me gets any worse, it won’t really make a difference.”
My eyes stung with the threat of tears. How could he be so good to me?
“You’re a strange one,” Steven teased. “Most people would kill to win over their mate’s father, but here you are, going out of your way to cross him! How about I go with you? Now that I know Hayley is X, there’s no way I’m letting you out of my sight. I’m coming with you, end of story.”
I refused him outright. “That won’t be necessary. I have nothing to hide from. I want to do this myself. I promised I’d make him pay for his foolishness.”
Grandpa let out a heavy sigh, pushing himself up with his cane. He fixed Benjamin with a stern look and barked, “You–come with me!”
I could hear the edge in his voice and shot Benjamin a worried glance, lowering my voice. “Did you make Grandpa mad?”
“No.” Benjamin shook his head, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. “I’ll go see what he wants.”
Benjamin and Bill walked all the way to the far end of the backyard before stopping.
Bill turned around, his expression grave. Making sure I hadn’t followed, he finally let out a sigh and spoke, “Have you thought about Hayley at all in all this?
“She’s Alan’s biological daughter. Even though the official recognition ceremony hasn’t happened, everyone in the leadership circles of the packs already knows.
“And now you’re dragging her across the country, making her fight for something her own father wants. How do you think that makes her look to outsiders?
“Do you want Hayley to be seen as cold and heartless?”
Benjamin pressed his lips together, silent.
“Peter is a good kid, and now he’s back in a hospital bed overnight. We all know the Sanders are a den of vipers–we’ve been worrying for Hayley behind the scenes. And you? Instead of keeping her away from this mess, you’re pushing her right into the middle of it, letting her stir up more trouble. Do you want to get Hayley killed!?”
Bill’s voice grew more agitated, his cane striking the ground again and again, each thud echoing like a blow to Benjamin’s heart.
For a long moment, Benjamin met Bill’s gaze, his tone solemn and sincere. “I know Hayley has always been surrounded by malice. Life hasn’t been easy for her, and she’s rarely been truly happy.”
“You know that, and you still want to do this?” Bill’s face darkened, anger blazing in his eyes. His wrinkled features were filled with the authority of a patriarch.