Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 141 Meeting Again Hayley's POV: The moment I saw Benjamin, I froze, completely caught off guard, my mind going blank.

4 Finished I forgot how to ride my bike, and before I knew it, the bike veered out of control, skidding forward. "Get out of the way... move!' I shouted.

Benjamin turned just in tto see the bike barreling toward him. In an instant, he stepped forward, catchingjust as we both tumbled to the ground, rolling over several times.

Held securely in his arms, Hera surged with excitement desperately wantingto claim him. Benjamin looked down atwith a curious, searching gaze, as though he was about to say something. But ignoring Hera's wild impulses, I quickly pushed myself away from him, stumbling back several steps. "'I... I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" I deliberately turned my face away and scrambled to my feet. I'm so sorry for crashing into you!" I apologized again, barely giving Benjamin a chance to respond before rushing to pick up my fallen bike.

"It's fine, Benjamin said slowly, with a calm but unreadable expression.

Not daring to linger, I pushed my bike and hurried off, though my little dog, Loki, trotted right up Benjamin. Wagging his tail, Loki rubbed against Benjamin's pants leg as if thanking him.

Benjamin chuckled, reaching down to ruffle Loki's fur, but the little dog promptly scampered away.

"Mr. Benjamin, are you alright? One of the house staff hurried over.

Benjamin replied, "I'm fine. Let's go inside." The staff then led Benjamin into the castle, and I stared, completely stunned.

Seeing Benjamin here was already surprising enough, but now he was actually going into my castle! Could he possibly be here for me? But judging by his expression, that didn't seem likely.

I bit my lip, decided to wait and see, and quietly followed at a distance.

Inside the castle, Tara was the first to notice Benjamin. The staff introduced him to her, "Aunt Tara, this is Mr. Josh's guest, the Alpha Mr. Benjamin." Tara beamed and greeted him warmly. “Oh, so you're Mr. Benjamin! I've heard so much about you!" Benjamin greeted her politely, “Hello. Is Mr. Josh here?" Tara nodded cagerly. "Yes! Mr. Benjamin, you call the way from Astoria, didn't you? Please wait here while I go fetch him." With that, Tara instructed the staff to prepare coffee for Benjamin and went to the entryway to call Mr. Josh.

1/3 Finished is he here?" Tara explained, "He's a guest of Josh. He tolda few days ago that a friend of his would be visiting. It turns out it's him." I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. To avoid any suspicion, I reminded her, "Aunt Tara, from now on, please don't call'Hayley. Use the nI asked you to-call'Hazel" Tara didn't ask why, simply smiling as she agreed. "Alright, alright, Ms. Hazell" I added, "And please, could you tell the others as well? Just for the next few days, have everyone call'Hazel' instead of 'Hayley."" Tara seemed a bit puzzled by my request but nodded obediently. "Of course! I'll let everyone know right away. Thanking her, I let out a sigh of relief, though my initial excitement for kite-flying had vanished. The whole reason I'd cto France was to get sdistance from Benjamin, but fate had other plans, bringing us face- to-face in a foreign land.

I could only hope he didn't sense anything unusual.

Luckily, I hadn't restored my natural scent since arriving in France, so his wolf shouldn't be able to recognizeas his destined mate... right? Even so, I couldn't help but worry. It seemed I'd have to avoid him as much as possible...

Benjamin's POV: Following the staff's lead, I soon met Mr. Josh-a man with a distinctly refined air. He greetedwith a broad smile. "So, you're the grandson of that old man from the Southwell family, the current Alpha of Midnight Pack, Benjamin, yes?" I returned the greeting politely, my tone respectful. "Yes. I'm Benjamin, and it's an honor to meet you, Mr. Josh." Mr. Josh chuckled heartily. "I've heard all about you from that old friend of mine! He always said he'd bring his exceptional grandson to meetone day. So, where is he? Didn't calong?" I explained, "Grandpa's health has been poor the last couple of years, and he can't handle long flights anymore..so he sentin his place to pay his respects "Ah, that old scoundrel! I hope he's taking care of himself. It doesn't matter if he can't visit me; just knowing he remembersis enough." Mr. Josh ledinto the living room, where we engaged in a pleasant conversation.

He seemed to grow more and more appreciative as we spoke, his gaze warm with approval. "You're a fine. young man, indeed."

"Since you've call this way, Ben, why don't you stay for dinner tonight? No need to rush off You can head out tomorrow," he offered, extending an invitation. 2/3 Chapter 141 Meeting Again Not wanting to refuse Mr. Josh's hospitality. I agreed. Then I'll be honored to accept." ☐80% Faithird

Mr. Josh immediately instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner, but a staff member interjected "Ms. Hazel has NO already returned, and Aunt Tara asked us to prepare the meal in advance. Mr. Josh's eyes lit up.

"Hazel's back, too? That's wonderfull At the mention of the n“Hazel," I couldn't help but recall the woman I'd bumped into in front of the castle. Could it be the sperson? When I'd been close to her, my wolf, Lawrence, had reacted in an oddly familiar way.

It was the sreaction I'd felt around Hayley and that translator, Selena.

Was something wrong with Lawrence? How could he be reacting to three different women in this way? Pondering this, I realized I was genuinely looking forward to seeing that woman from earlier again

Just as I was lost in thought, Mr.

Josh patted my shoulder. "Tonight, I'm going to introduce you to to someone new. She's the owner of this manor."