Page 170 of His White Moonlight
“Better?”I asked.
“I should be asking you that.”
“We both know this hug is more for you than me.I’m fine.”
“You’re not.Konni said you knew you were going to get hurt last night.And I don’t think it was premonition but experience that gave you that level of insight.”His hold tightened.“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You would have focused on the wrong thing, like you always do.‘Give me a name, Wrenly.’You’re desperate to cast blame and right the wrongs.”
“What should I do instead?”
“Ask why.Why does someone hate me enough to hurt me?”
“Okay.Why does someone hate you enough to hurt you?”
“Because everyone thinks I’m not worthy to be a part of the Wulf family.Everyone except you and the other family members.You have no idea what kind of target has been on my back since the day Mom brought me home…because of you.You want to beat everyone down for their jealousy and hate, but you’re not addressing the real issue.”
“What’s the real issue?”
“Their perception of the Wulf family and their perception of me in it.You’re not blind, Bennett.You saw how often the pack girls bullied me when I was growing up.All the scrapes and scratches that were written off as shifters learning not to be too rough with a human.Instead of claws that leave marks, I got hair pulling and tripping.I get pinned against a bathroom door or held to the wall by the throat.I will never measure up to you in the pack’s eyes or elite society’s eyes.Ever.Why do you think I want to attend a school where the Wulf name isn’t known?I’m tired of fighting, Bennett.I want to be able to let my guard down and not wake up with my heart racing and my fists ready anymore.”
Pulling back, I met his frustrated gaze.
“I know my worth.I’m amazing.My resilience and grades prove it.What I’m saying isn’t self-pity.It’s just reality.And I know you want to deny it.But before you do, use your eyes.Pay attention to how people look at me when they think no one is watching.Listen to the whispers.Put your view of me aside and see me through an outsider's eyes, not to change your opinion but to open your understanding of what I’ve been facing.Okay?”
He nodded, kissed my forehead, and pulled me back into his hug.
I melted into it, letting him comfort me like he wanted.
A few minutes later, I heard the door open.
“Please tell me she wasn’t drugged again,” Konni said.
I rolled my eyes at him without lifting my head.
“Your timing is perfect,” Bennett said.“There’s something I’m going to need your help with.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The houses grew increasingly largerthe deeper Milo drove into The District until they couldn’t be called houses anymore.The ostentatious mansions that The District was known for were interesting to see in a spectator kind of way, but were not something I’d ever want to live in.
“There are a few places for sale if you’re interested,” Bennett said, watching me stare.
“I was just thinking the opposite of that.I’d hate living in places like these.They look cold and unwelcoming.”
“Konni lives here.I’ll let him know it’s a mark against him.”
I shot Bennett a look, and he grinned.His teasing smile made my pulse skip and my thoughts drift to last night’s kisses.Ignoring him, I continued to look out the window.
Milo slowed the car and turned into the next driveway, where he pushed a call button.I listened to him give our names and watched the gates slowly open in response.
“What are you going to do if they don’t care?”I asked as Milo drove down the long driveway.
“They’ll care,” Bennett said.“Maybe not today, but they’ll figure it out quickly.”
Bennett’s plan for revenge had started while he still held me earlier today.After telling Konni that it had been Lindi who’d drugged me, he’d called Lindi and asked if she and her family would be home in a few hours.He’d said he wanted to speak to her parents about her help the night before and how he wanted to repay her.She’d quickly confirmed that they would be home and looked forward to welcoming him.
Milo stopped in front of Shane Manor and opened Bennett's door.
