Chapter 8 Hostility Toward Me

• Hayley's POV
• I could sense the coldness in her eyes directed at me.
• Before arriving at the Midnight Pack, I had already learned about her feelings for Benjamin and how her parents had groomed her to be the future Luna of the Midnight Pack.
• She never anticipated that someone like me, an Omega from another pack, would show up and possibly threaten her position with Benjamin.
• She must hate me.
• As we approached the Southwells' Residence and reached the villa, all the Southwell brothers were present.
• They warmly welcomed Madeline back, having not seen her for a long time, and she handed out the gifts she had brought from abroad.
• When it came to me, she hesitated slightly. "I'm sorry, Hayley. I didn't know you would be staying at the Southwells' when I returned, so I didn't bring anything for you."
• Her demeanor seemed disingenuous to me, masking her dislike with politeness.
• Before I could respond, Henry chimed in, "Maddie, you don't know her well anyway, so no need to apologize."
• He unwrapped his gift and it was a new limited edition game console. "Wow, Maddie! You're too generous!"
• Observing their close interactions, I felt like an outsider and decided to retreat to my room.
• Shortly after, there was a knock at my door. I opened it to find Benjamin standing there.
• "The Kilmers are hosting a welcome back banquet for Madeline tonight. Grandpa wants you to come along."
• He was responsible for me today and had arranged everything.
• Initially, I was not keen on going, but since their grandpa insisted, I had no choice but to accept.
• I sighed and joined him and Madeline as we headed to the dress shop.
• Upon our arrival, Benjamin was already seated on the sofa, waiting for us.
• Acting like a caring older sister, Madeline took my hand and reassured me, "Hayley, don't worry about the banquet later. If you need anything, just let me know."
• I barely managed to suppress my irritation at Madeline's transparent attempt to undermine me and responded with a polite smile, "That's reassuring to hear. I'm sure I'll be in good hands with Benjamin tonight."
• Madeline's smile faltered slightly, and her grip on my hand tightened momentarily before she regained her composure.
• "Absolutely, let's find our dresses quickly so we don't keep Ben waiting too long," she chimed in cheerfully. "I spend a lot of time studying fashion. How about I pick something for you?"
• "Sure, that sounds great."
• "What do you think about this?"
• She eagerly presented me with a dark green strapless gown, a style more suited to an older woman, clearly not fitting for someone my age.
• Her intention was clear—she was testing me.
• "Don't you like it?" she asked.
• She presumed that I, coming from the countryside, lacked knowledge of such matters. Moreover, as an 'Omega' beneath her in status, I would not likely contradict her.
• Playing into her expectations, I nodded.
• "It looks wonderful."
• Her smile widened as she said, "Perfect, let's head to the fitting room."
• I mentioned, "My skin's been rather sensitive lately so I won't be putting on any makeup."
• Madeline made no comment, likely pleased at the thought of me looking less than my best.
• Dressed in the ill-suited gown, I stepped out of the fitting room while Madeline looked radiant in a chic light blue gown that complimented her features beautifully.
• Benjamin, noticing my outfit, raised his eyebrows subtly but remained silent.
• The event was hosted at the Kilmers' lavish villa, attended by Madeline's circle of friends and some of her family.
• As we arrived, Madeline busied herself greeting everyone warmly. Benjamin, being the Alpha heir, was equally engaged with the guests.
• I, however, found myself isolated, wandering alone through the venue.
• The attendees, primarily high-ranking werewolves, looked on with surprise and disdain at my presence, an 'Omega' among them, showing no desire to interact with me.
• I shrugged off my irritation and continued to meander around with my cocktail. Spotting Madeline conversing with her cousin Janae Kostner, I immediately lost any inclination to join them.
• "I hate how she smells." My wolf Hera's acute sensitivity to odors often left me agitated around certain people.
• "Let's find somewhere quieter to unwind," I decided, taking Hera's hint. I slipped out through the banquet hall's back door and into the garden.
• I was aimlessly strolling by the pool in the backyard, contemplating the tedium of the banquet and wondering if I should shift into a wolf and run freely to unwind.
• Before I could make up my mind, a harsh bump from someone knocked me off balance and sent me tumbling into the pool.
• As the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, few knew my secret phobia of water.
• Panic set in, and I shut my eyes tight, bracing for the worst.
• "Stay alert! Wake up! You can't lose consciousness!" Hera's voice echoed in my mind, urging me to fight the fear.
• Then, suddenly, I felt a firm grasp around my waist, pulling me to safety.
• Blinking the water from my eyes, I looked up to find Benjamin had rescued me.
• ...
• After the incident, we were both escorted upstairs to change.
• After my bath, the thought that someone had deliberately pushed me into the pool fueled my anger.
• "I need to find this person and tear them apart!" Hera fumed inside me.
• Then, there was a knock at the door—it was Irving's voice.
• "Hayley, I brought you some clothes. Are you alright?"
• Opening the door, I accepted the clothes and expressed my gratitude.
• "You ... "
• Irving's eyes widened in shock as he looked at me.
• I then realized that without my makeup, I appeared nothing like the Hayley they had known.