Ryder''s POV


    "Let my mother take you to the bathroom to clean up, then you can join the party," Imanded. Not ideal, but there weren''t many options left.


    "Come along, dear. My mother wrapped her arm around the girl''s shoulder, and we followed behind them. As they entered the women''s restroom, Xena and I walked into the men''s.


    Leonard was washing his hands. His back suddenly straightened as


    approached the sinks. "What''s that smell?


    Xena and I exchanged puzzled nces. "Blood," she shrugged. She was about to ce her hands under the faucet when suddenly her back mmed against the wall. Her ws and fangs instantly appeared, a threatening growl escaping her throat.


    "Damn it, Leonard, what are you doing?" I asked, preparing to intervene.


    Leonard ignored Xena''s hand gripping his throat, leaning in to directly scent her palm. That''s when it clicked


    "Shit." Xena retracted her ws and dragged him out of the bathroom.


    Without even knocking, she thrust her head into the women''s restroom. My mother looked utterly shocked. "What the hell, Ryder, what are you doing?"


    "Bring the girl out," I said, my voice filled with authority. I watched them exchange confused nces before walking toward us. Logan stood nearby, arms crossed. Themotion we''d caused had already stopped the music, drawing a crowd. Xena stepped forward, shock washing over her face when she saw my hand still firmly gripping Leonard''s throat.


    "Ryder?"


    I held up one finger, signaling for her to wait. My mother and the girl emerged, and the moment they saw each other, they both eximed, "Mate!" Leonard tried to lunge toward her, but she remained frozen in ce. I grabbed her arm and dragged them both


    outside.


    "Ryder! Wait!" my mother called out, probably concerned about what I was nning to do. Unfortunately, the crowd followed us out.


    "Everyone! Get back inside!" I roared in frustration. Everyone except my mother, Xena, Ama, William, Logan, Penelope, and our parents retreated.


    "Let me go!" Leonard demanded.


    "Shut up," I growled at him. My authority was enough to make him stop struggling. The girl just stood there. I released her, maintaining several feet of distance between her and Leonard.


    "Leonard, listen. She was just attacked by several people. She''s frightened and needs some space," I tried to exin.


    "We''ve already dealt with those people,” Logan stepped forward to say.


    Leonard stopped fighting against me. Logan nodded at me, and I released him.


    "Leonard is the Beta of the Nightcedar Pack, a member of Logan''s pack. You''ll be safe there. He''ll treat you well," I told the girl gently


    She hesitantly took a few steps toward Leonard. He held out his hand, waiting for her to touch him. Trembling, she stretched out her hand, lightly touching his fingertips before quickly withdrawing.


    Chapter 106.


    "What was that?" she asked, looking around in feat.


    "The mate bond, Xena stepped forward and said, cing her hand my back..


    The girl tried again, extending her entire hand into Leonard''s. She slowly moved closer until her arms were wrapped around him. Leonard gently pulled her into an embrace, holding her tight.


    "What''s going on here?" Tatum appeared in the doorway. "Vi?"


    "Y-yes, Alpha?" She stepped back. few paces,'' kneeling before him. had to


    control myself to keep my ws from extending.


    "It appears she''s my Beta''s - Leonard''s - mate," Logan said through gritted teeth.


    Xena''s grip on my hand tightened.


    "Is that true?" he asked Vi gently.


    "Yes, Alpha," she answered, head bowed.


    "Well, this is interesting indeed," Tatum murmured with a half-smile


    "Needless to say, she''ll being home with us," Logan


    stated.


    "What about your personal belongings?" Tatum ignored Logan, asking Vi softly.


    Vi trembled with fear.


    "We have a tradition where newly bonded members receive an entirely new wardrobe," Xena suddenly spoke up. Looking back, she stood in front of all the women, even including my mother.


    Tatum''s eyes seemed to sparkle, and his voice was no longer gentle as hemanded authoritatively, "Tell you what. If you dance with me-one dance of my choosing-I''ll allow her to go home with Leonard."


    My anger ignited instantly.


    Xena''s back straightened, but her gaze remained fixed on Vi.


    In the silence, everyone waited for her answer.