Forsaken by the Moon Goddess novel Chapter 21

Sloane

When Benedict pulled me into the center of the room, I was already uncomfortable. I hate being the center of attention. Nothing good ever comes of it. And after listening to those two she-wolves call trash, I’m not exactly feeling good about myself.

Then, when he started telling everyone that I’m his competition for Valedictorian, I wasn’t sure where he was going.

But when he agreed with his mother that I’m not Luna material, I finally understood. All of this, the attention at school, the invite to the party, the dance, pulling into the middle of the room, it was all a joke to belittle me in the most public way possible. No one could ever recover from being humiliated by Benedict Winslow, V.

But the metaphorical punch to the gut that I was expecting, wasn’t the punch I received, although it was no less powerful.

He knows and I can tell by the way that he’s smiling at me that my response to him just confirmed it.

“How?” I whisper.

” keep my eyes and ears open and I pay attention,” he says, just as softly.1 glance around. I haven’t agreed to take Grandpa Waylon’s pack yet. Nothing is official at this point, and I don’t want it to come out publicly yet.

As if reading my thoughts, Benedict continues as if he didn’t just render me speechless.

“It seems that everyone has forgotten that-Sloane descends from an Alpha line as pure as mine, possibly even more so,” he says, looking around the room again.” Some of you were reminded of that power in school not so long ago, but it seems that you still don’t recognize that Sloane is one of the strongest Alphas of our time. If there ever comes a time when she decides she’s tired of giving all of you the respect that you should be giving her, I have no doubt that she’ll make you regret that memory lapse.

Everyone in this room would be wise to remember that.”

He stops in his turn of the room, focusing on one person.

When I glance over, I see that it’s his mother. Her lips are pressed tightly together and when her eyes meet mine, I know that her feelings toward me won’t change.

“Sloane,” Benedict says, regaining my attention. “Will you walk with me?” he asks, holding out his hand.

The entire room is staring at us, but since I want out of the limelight, I take his hand, letting him lead me out of the room.

“Where are we going?” | ask as the murmurs start again behind us.”Outside. I thought you could use some fresh air after l put you in front of everyone. I know you hate being the center of attention, but I won’t allow others to demean you, especiatty not when you’re a guest in my home.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did. What I don’t understand is why you won’t.”

He leads me to place that has soft lights and blocks the view of the house behind us. With the sounds of the party muted behind us, it almost feels like we’re the only two people in the world.

He turns suddenly and I nearly run into him. Rather than stepping back, he takes our clasped hands and wraps them behind my back, pulling me against his body.

“Why do you let them underestimate you?” he asks softly.

He’s so close I can feel his warm breath against my lips.

“Maybe they are the ones who see me clearly, Benedict.

Maybe you’re the one with blinders on.”

He brushes my cheek with his free hand, making my entire body shiver.

“So, the real question is, why don’t you see yourself clearly. Do you not see what an amazing woman you are, Sloane?”

“Why, because I’m smart?” I ask sarcastically. This conversation is hitting a bit too close to home for me.”You’re smart, you’re incredibly beautiful, you’re powertol, you’re compassionate, your caring, you’re loving, you’re protective.

“That’s a lot of adjectives to describe a woman you barely know,” I interrupt. I don’t like the way my body is responding to his touch or his words. Benedict is not for me. There’s no way the Moon Goddess would punish him by mating him to someone who should have been a white wolf but isn’t.

“I told you, I pay attention. I’ve been watching you for a long time, Sloane Hartwell. Tell me, what are you afraid of?” he whispers. His green eyes are glimmering from the twinkling lights around us. It feels like he’s drawing me closer, even though there’s barely any distance between us.

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