Page 81 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“Where should I put these?” he asks.

“Just next to the shed,” I say. “But you really don’t have to do all this. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

“Don’t worry, I’m ready to be your slave,” he says, before it dawns on him what he just said. He looks at me bashfully. “I didn’t mean it like… I meant...”

I can’t help but giggle.

“When you laugh, it’s like the sun illuminates you,” Benji says quietly, his eyes looking at me in awe, as if I’m the most magical creature he has ever encountered.

I feel myself getting flustered. It’s been a while since a guy was able to do that to me. But he sounds so sincere, even if he says such cringey lines. I somehow don’t find them cringey when he says them.

“Lori, I need to tell you something,” he says seriously, my heart instantly sinking at his tone. He is definitely going to reject me. “Marcellus and Silas know what we are to each other,” he explains. “They noticed immediately. How are we going to deal with that? I don’t want to pretend that you aren’t my mate.”

“You can do it the way you want,” I tell him. I don’t want to test him, but part of me wonders if he will stand by me, or simply pretend we are only acquaintances because he is embarrassed by having a half-human mate.

“Really?” he asks, suddenly sounding excited. “You wouldn’t mind if I told everyone?”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

He beams at me. “You know, my last mate didn’t want anyone to know. She even threatened me and was angry that she was mated to me.”

“She was a fool,” I say. Benjamin is so capable and reliable. I don’t care for his history. No matter what he says, he was a victim of his father’s abuse and dealt with it the only way he could. I don’t know what kind of person he was in his old pack; all I care about is how he is now. It’s obvious everyone here likes him and relies on him. He is great with the younger ones, and even with the pack’s youngest member, Maddie. He’s quick to help when anyone needs something. Last time, I spotted him cleaning the rain gutter of an older she-wolf. He never complains, and he always throws himself into his work and training.

Whoever that girl was, she was an idiot.

“Benji?” A voice calls out from the path leading to my cottage.

“Here,” Benji calls back. “We are behind the house.”

“Got you.”

It’s a female voice. Soon, the owner of the voice appears. It’s a young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, tall and with a friendly face. She is attractive, radiating confidence and power. “This is Nova,” Benji tells me. “She is my friend. Her brother is Alpha Cassian.”

“Oh, really?” I ask. I’ve heard of Alpha Cassian; he is said to be very progressive. A lot of girls from my old pack were crushing on him, but he never took any of them home, always saying he was waiting to meet his mate.

Benji clears his throat while eyeing Nova. I can’t help but think how well she would suit him. She is an alpha’s sister, and clearly has alpha blood in her. She also seems respectful, and she is beautiful. “Nova,” he says, suddenly looking nervous. “Allow me to introduce Lori. She is… my…” His cheeks flush slightly. “My mate.”

I can’t believe heactuallysaid it and introduced me as his mate! I never expected it, and I am not even prepared to deal with everyone knowing.

Nova squeals. “No way! I am so happy for you!” She smacks Benji’s shoulder before she takes my hands and squeezes them. “You got a good one here. I am so happy for you both.”

Now it’s my turn to turn red. “I am not sure if I deserve that.”

“You do,” Nova says with emphasis.

“Since you are Alpha Cassian’s sister,” I say awkwardly. “Then you know my history and-“

“Girl!” Nova snorts. “I know some things, and I couldn’t give a shit about your so-called history. I do give a shit about those assholes in your former pack, though.”

“Exactly my words,” Benji says. “I wish I could…”

His voice trails off, and I eye him curiously, wondering what he wishes he could do. Nova, however, seems to understand and nods. “I know,” she says quietly. “Oh, by the way, the reason I looked for you, some of my friends and I are throwing a small party tomorrow. Cass has a cottage in the mountains and has lent it to me. It’s going to be fun. I wanted to invite you anyway, Benji, but now Lori is invited, too, of course.”

Benji looks at me. “What do you think?” he asks.

“Is it really okay if I come?” I ask Nova. “I don’t want it to be awkward.”

Nova nods her understanding. “I get where you are coming from. But it’s only a couple of wolves from my pack and two additional friends. Benji knows them already.”