Alpha Benji

♕Chapter Thirty-Two♕

"What's this?"

I catch a glimpse of the papers littering Benji's desk, easily narrowing in on the freshly printed piece of paper in question. Dotty was still out of town celebrating her friend's mating ceremony and I didn't want to spend my weekend alone, but Benji's been extremely busy. Between whatever secret pack business that has been keeping him up at night, preparing for the Luna ceremony, and working with Jeremiah on the cell reform - very little time has been left for me.

It feels weird but I'm genuinely starting to want to spend time with him.

I settled on eating my lunch in Benji's office so I wouldn't be alone. He made me promise not to bother him with his work, but I've been patiently eating my sandwich in complete and utter silence for the last fifteen minutes. 

Benji tore his tired eyes away from the patrol report he was looking over to gaze at the paper in question. Quickly he plucked the corner of the paper, pulling it closer so he could look at it. "Oh, Jeremiah dropped that off this morning." He commented under his breath, tossing the paper back to the top of his desk. "It's his first list of pre-approved prison - I mean, cell guests, to be considered for the trial run." 

This immediately peeked my interest. "Can I see?" I tried to act indifferent, but my intentions were clearly written all over my face. I couldn't help but perk up in my spot at the mention of a list of names. Sure, I cared a lot about getting justice for the innocent people down in the cells. But there were a few special names that meant the most to me; that have to be on that list.

I could see the internal struggle as he feel silent. Benji pursed his lips for a moment, before sighing. "Yes, you can. They still need to be checked out one last time, so it isn't final."

I could have squealed in excitement! I nibbled on the bottom of my lip to contain my glee, quickly grabbing at the paper before he could change his mind. Immediately my eyes began to roam the small list, looking for my special person. Having her here, free, will finally help make this place feel like home. With Gwen by my side, I could do anything. I could be a proper Luna and mate. She'd be able to support me, just like she did in the cells. 

My cloud of excitement was squashed rather quickly, though.

My grip on the paper tightened as I re-read the names again, this time slower. And again. And again.

"Aria?"

I kept my eyes trained on the piece of paper clutched in my hands. I re-read it one more time for good measure before I finally looked up. It was difficult to see Benji through my watery vision. 

"Aria?!" There's more alarm in his voice when he takes in my sorrow expression. In a blink of an eye, he's away from his desk and suddenly in front of me, prying my fingers away from the piece of paper. "What's wrong? Tell me." He demands, his Alpha tone slipping through his tone. "I'll fix it."

My lower lip trembles as I whisper words that hurt my chest, "She's not there. She's not on the list."

"What are you talking about?" He asks but I can tell, despite his worry, that he's frustrated. He doesn't understand, or know, so I can't blame him. "Is there someone from your pack there? Someone from your family?"

"No, but she's my friend. She kept me safe." In a fit of anxious energy, I grab at the piece of paper in his hands, scanning through the names again. When I can't find her name again, the pain in my chest only tightens. "Jeremiah has to add her to the list. I need to see her."

"Aria, you need to calm down." Benji's voice is stern as he speaks. Instead of going to grab at the piece of paper, the palm of his hands settle on my shoulders. Sparks dance against my skin as he slowly rubs up and down, trying his best to settle my nerves. "I don't know who you are talking about. Who is it?"