Forsaken by the Moon Goddess novel Chapter 52

Sloane

I truly had no idea that Benedict had been competing with me academically for two years. I thought, like me, he had learned that we were both close to becoming Valedictorian at the end of this year.

It makes more sense to me now that he’s been watching me so closely for so long. That’s why he’s been around every time this year when I’ve gotten into a fight with someone because they picked on Slade. He’s been Casually watching me while I was actively ignoring everyone.

I could feel that he meant every word he said during his speech, damn the man. I had planned to throw out some nice platitudes about Benedict and now I’m going to have to get all fucking mushy and say how 1 really feel about him.

‘Be the Alpha. Be the Alpha, I say to myself as I step up to the podium and look out over the student body, willing myself not to choke.

Tell the truth, and be yourself, my human, Aisling says, giving me her strength.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m proud to stand before you tonight, not just as a co-Valedictorian, but as a representative of this student body. I’m sure you all know me, even if it’s not for the same reasons you knowBenedict,” I say, glancing at him as the group chuckles.

“School hasn’t been easy for me. I’m a loner. As Benedict said, I was the quiet one who rarely spoke in class. I kept my head down and basically just wanted to get through high school so I could start the next phase of my life. I’m sure some of you out there can relate to that.”

I get a few “Yeah’s!” and “Woo’s” at that.

“Benedict is right. I had no idea that we were in competition for the last two years. It wasn’t until the hot guy suddenly started showing an interest in little ol’ me that I realized we were neck and neck for Valedictorian.

And, as Benedict said, just like any Alpha, I hate losing. So, he’s not the only one who got pushed to be better.”

I stop, looking down at the podium, before looking back out over the crowd. “Maybe I pushed Benedict to work harder, but he’s pushed me too.”

I turn and look at him, watching as he frowns at me.

“Benedict is the kind of Alpha that makes people proud to follow an Alpha. He’s the kind of man, the kind of Alpha, that all Alphas should strive to be. In the last couple of months, Benedict has taught me a lot about the kind of Alpha I want to be. He’s taught me about strength and pushed me to see myself differently, to see myself as the person and woman that I truly am, not the woman that others assume l am. He has challenged me, forced me to face the reality of situations that l’d been hiding from or ignoring. Benedict has taught me to stop accepting thenames that others call me, to stop accepting that am the person that people who don’t know me at all think that I am. Instead, the hot guy at school somehow saw me more clearly than I was able to see myself. And for that, l am eternally grateful,” Tsay, looking at him again.

His eyes are burning with a ferocity l’ve never seen before.

There’s desire and passion, but there’s also pride and maybe a bit of humility. He pulls my hand to his lips, kissing it as he holds my gaze.

I blush and turn back, needing to get through this.

“All of that to say, that Benedict is once again right. You should find someone in your life who pushes you to be a better person. But that doesn’t have to be academic.

Sometimes, it’s emotional, it’s personal, and someone who can see you, can see past your flaws and your own insecurities, that’s the kind of person you want in your life. And for those of you who will be lucky enough to call Benedict Winslow, V, your Alpha tomorrow night, he’s definitely the kind of Alpha you want to have leading your pack.”

Several of the students and pack members in the audience begin howling at my statement.

“As you go out into the world, find people who see you clearly, people who see you for the person you are. Find people who are born leaders, people worth following, people who will always recognize your worth, no matter your role in the pack. We are starting a new path in ourlives, one of our own choosing. You no longer have to accept the life that has been given to you, you can make a new life, begin again, find your own happiness and your own way in this world. Congratulations, graduates! We did it. Now it’s time te move forward to make our packs and this world and a better place.”

I step back and Benedict pulls me into his embrace while the students cheer. I’m so surprised that people are actually cheering that I don’t realize Benedict is going to kiss me until he is.

The level of cheering increases until Principal Rodgers taps us on the shoulder.

“Graduation isn’t over yet, you two,” she says so only we can hear her.

Benedict pulls away, grinning like the damn Cheshire Cat as I blush a crimson red, and leads me to our seats.

Then, we sit and wait while each person’s names are called individually. When my name is called, I stand to get my diploma. Benedict shocks me by lifting his head and howling proudly. I turn and smile at him, surprised when so many in the room answer his howl.

I get my diploma, then return to my seat, waiting for Benedict’s name to be called. When it is, I’m not surprised when his pack howls for him. I lift my head and howl for him as well, once again surprised when others raise their heads and answer my howl.After that, the names go quickly and before know it, Principal Rodgers is congratulating our class and wishing us well in the future.

Benedict and I stand, tossing our hats in the air and then I turn as he pulls me to him. I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him with utter abandon, not caring who sees us tonight.

He growls but I can’t hear him over the loud cheering, howling, and stomping around us. I feel the vibrations through his body and when he pulls away, he looks at me with a look more possessive than l’ve ever seen on his face before.

“I need to go see my family, and I know you do too. But when we’re done, you’re mine, Sloane Hartwell.”

“Maybe you’ll be mine, Benedict Winslow,” I say.

He growls again, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before, taking my hand and leading me off stage.

The moment we’re off the stage, Scarlet is there, slamming into me.

“WE DID IT!” she says as we hug each other so tightly it’s amazing either of us can breathe.

I hold her as we rock back and forth together and when we finally pull apart, I realize that Benedict has drifted into the fray of people to find his family.

“Uh! How did I do? Did I sound stupid?””Girrrrrl, you sounded awesome! Awe inspiring! Like the Alpha you are!” she says, just as my family arrives to greet me.

“Sloane!” Aunt Samara says. I hug her and realize that she’s crying.

“Aunt Samara, why are you crying?” I ask her.

“You’ll be leaving us now. I know it’s silly. I’m very proud of you, but I hate that you won’t be around anymore,” she says, wiping her eyes.

“No, Uncle Roman,” I say, shrugging. “Benedict said he got a hotel room for us.”

He gives me a long look. “Call if you need anything at all, no matter the time,” he says.

I smile, hugging him again.

“Thanks, Uncle Roman.”

I wave as they leave, saying goodbye to my grandparents and then to Will, who is staying with my aunt and uncle tonight before returning home tomorrow.

Once they’re gone, | look around again, not seeing Benedict. Rather than freak out and assume the worst, like I used to, I make my way to his car. My things are inside, so surely, he wouldn’t have left without me.

When I get to his car, he’s still nowhere to be found. I pull my wrap over my shoulders and lean against the car, waiting.

I’ve been waiting about fifteen minutes, reconsidering my decision to wait for him when I hear him jogging up.

“Sloane!”

I turn and look at him. He rushes over to me. “Goddess, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“I was here the whole time,” I say, shrugging.

“I’m sorry I took so long. There were a lot of pack members here who wanted to congratulate me,” he says, pulling me into a hug.

I can smell them on him, all the she-wolves who have ‘ congratulated’ him this evening. I know Benedict is a catch. I know that almost every she-wolf in the room tonight wants him, so I shove down the jealousy that threatens to rear its ugly head and ruin tonight for me.

When he pulls back, he cups my cheek. “For a moment, I was afraid you left.”

“I was beginning to wonder if I should have,” I said.

“Thank you for waiting. I shouldn’t have left you so long.

Are you ready?” he asks.

“I’m ready. Let’s go.”

He opens the door for me and once I’m cocooned in his car, all my doubts fall away. Benedict is here, with me, because he wants to be.