Chapter 319
Chapter 319
“My alpha is currently engaged in a way that makes me want to keep my distance, sir. Given the threat level, my time is better spent collaborating with Alpha Elara since neither of you seem interested in handling the situation,” he states firmly, emphasizing my title as if the two grown men before us had forgotten I hold one. His words carry a subtle jab, implying they aren’t fulfilling their responsibilities, and while I appreciate the hint, I can’t help but worry about him too.
“Isn’t your little boyband supposed to be having dinner soon? I thought I overheard something about you eating early and then heading back out to patrol. Don’t let us delay you,” Jeff says casually, pacing around. My ears twitch at the mention, but I dare not glance at Ben. I never mentioned eating early to anyone besides planting bait for the listening device.
“Jeff can’t be stupid enough to just blurt that out, can he?” I whisper to my wolf.
“He’s taken a few hits to the head. So, we can’t be certain,” she replies with a hint of skepticism.
“We’re at the mercy of Alphas Elara and Jeremiah. If they want us to run patrols again, we will. If they want us to eat, we eat. My evening plans haven’t been set,” Ben says with a shrug as he steps away from the door, pretending to study a book on one of the nearby shelves—the same one he glanced at when we first arrived. His body language makes it clear he has no other place to be.
“Okay… so you don’t have to like him, but he’s starting to grow on me,” I admit quietly.
“What?!” My wolf is incredulous. I need her support to resist Ben until we reach our goals. I don’t have time for a mate especially not a man who seems intent on taking my father’s place.
“Stop being so dramatic. We know someone is listening, and we know they appeared less than fifteen minutes after you both mentioned eating early and leaving this office. He’s a Beta; there’s no way he’d leave an Alpha unguarded with a potential threat standing just feet away from you. Remember, he doesn’t want to be your mate either. It’s just in his nature to protect,” she reasons.
Why does that simple truth make my stomach twist? I don’t want him, he doesn’t want me. That should be enough, but the thought still gnaws at me.
“So, Elara I begin.
“Alpha Elara,” Ben corrects Jeff without looking up from his book. I quickly turn away, pretending to focus on something on my desk to hide the smile tugging at my lips. “It’s customary to use titles in front of guests p>
“Who do you think you’re talking to, boy?” Jeff steps closer to Ben, slamming the book shut and throwing it on the floor, trying to get his attention. What an asshole.
“Currently? A Gamma who doesn’t seem to understand protocol. No worries, it’s an easy mistake—especially when you’re close to your alpha,” Ben replies coolly, sizing Jeff up. “Or more likely, you’re not used to dealing with high-profile visitors.” His smirk is the final blow.
Before Jeff’s temper explodes, Richard steps between them. Despite the twenty- plus years between them, Ben’s size advantage over my dad’s Gamma is obvious. Richard understands the situation, but Jeff apparently doesn’t.
“Let’s go. Leave the kids to their work,” Richard grunts, pushing Jeff out the door. Dıscover more novels at.net
Ben closes the door behind them and turns to me. “You should check every room, including your bedrooms p>
“Wait, wait, wait. What?” I sink back into my chair, overwhelmed. “I know Jeff is a major jackass, but p>
“But nothing. You know someone is listening, and I think it’s specifically targeting you. We need to find out if the devices are everywhere or if you’re the only one being spied on p>
He leans forward, resting his fists on my desk. The energy radiating from him is intense; his muscles ripple beneath his shirt, distracting me. I rub my hands over my face, trying to break the spell he’s unknowingly casting.
Rising to my feet, I head toward the door. “Let’s get Jax and Dev. They won’t be thrilled if we find listening devices in their rooms p>
Ben chuckles softly behind me.