[ the alpha doesn’t move from his position. he continues to look down to her, watching carefully. her question lingers between them, heavier than she probably intended. ben studied her for a beat, really looked this time—- past the smug smile, past the confidence she wore like armor. he doesn’t answer right away. truth was, he’d asked himself that same thing since the moment they met. he’d seen monsters plead. he’d seen liars smile just like that. but her? she didn’t f͟e͟e͟l͟ like either. dangerous, sure. sharp-edged and undoubtedly unpredictable, but not cruel. not hallow. ] well, i didn’t say you were innocent. [ finally, a faint smile .. that doesn’t last long. ] don’t get cocky, witch.