Xena''s POV


    "Victory goes to Xena Harris," Logan announced, raising my hand high in the air as enthusiasm, I felt strangely hollow inside.


    cheers erupted around us. Despite the crowd''s


    My eyes scanned the gathered pack members, searching until they locked with Ryder''s intense green gaze across the field. His expression was aplex mixture of pride and anger, both emotions bleeding through our bond and into my consciousness. Yet he remained rooted in ce, watching me from a distance instead of approaching.


    Why wasn''t heing to congratte me?


    "Why isn''t Rydering over?" I whispered to Logan, trying to keep my voice steady despite my confusion.


    Logan''s face transformed, his expression suddenly guarded. There was something in his eyes-knowledge of something I didn''t understand. He hesitated, ncing briefly toward, his father before looking back at me.


    "I''m sorry, X. I didn''t know this was going to happen," he muttered, his voice so low I barely caught the words.


    Before I could demand an exnation, Alpha Benedict''s powerful voice boomed across the training field,manding everyone''s attention.


    Xena Harris is my son''s new mate! As you all know, she has been marked and imed as his mate, making her the future Luna of our pack. If anyone wishes to challenge her position, now is your opportunity! Speak now or forever hold your peace!"


    My mouth fell open in shock, blood rushing to my face as rage built inside me. What the actual hell? Future Luna? Public challenges? Had they orchestrated this entire thing just to put me on disy like some prize to be won or challenged?


    I locked eyes with Ryder across the field, fury and betrayal coursing through me like electricity. He had never warned me about this. Not a single word about bing some public spectacle after my fight.


    Anger would have to wait, though. I scanned the crowd carefully, my body still humming with adrenaline from the previous fight. I knew I''d performed well-better than well-but that didn''t mean no one would step forward. I hadn''t even known this was customary here.


    After several tense minutes of silence, Alpha Benedict spoke again.


    "Then it is done! No challengers havee forward! Let me introduce your future Luna, Xena Harris!"


    The roar of apuse was deafening as Ryder finally approached me. Logan released my hand and stepped away, allowing Ryder to take his ce. I refused to look at him, but I allowed him to take my hand and raise it high alongside his


    own.


    The crowd went wild seeing their future Alpha and Luna together, but I couldn''t enjoy the moment. Not like this. Not when I''d h blindsided.


    Spotting Ama walking toward me with open arms, I yanked my hand free from Ryder''s grip and moved toward her instead.


    "You were amazing!" she eximed, pulling me into a tight embrace Her genuine enthusiasm was a balm to my wounded pride.


    Thanks,” I replied as we separated.


    "Well done!" William added with a smile, sliding his arm around Ama''s waist to draw her back to his side.


    "Xena!" Penelope called, approaching with Logan and my father. "Hey girl!"


    I waved as they came closet. Tenelope hugged me first, followed by Logan, and finally my father.


    "Good job. I''m proud of you, Dad said, looking me directly in the eyes. His words filled me with a warmth I hadn''t expected.


    Thanks, Dad," I smiled, taking a step back.


    "Excellent performance, Xena," Alpha Benedict approached, smiling at me with what seemed like genuine approval.


    The sight of his smug face made my stomach turn. He had orchestrated this entire spectacle and now acted as if nothing unusual had happened.


    Looking at him, I couldn''t contain my anger, anymore. "I didn''t know you were going to publicly call for challenges against me, t stated bluntly.


    Severalpanions lowered their heads in difort, but my father looked surprised. "You didn''t know?"


    ''No, I didn''t know I might have to fight multiple battles back-to-back. My voice was ice cold.


    "I''m sure you understand. We wanted to settle this matter quickly. I didn''t want any surprise challengester. Not when everyone was already here," Alpha Benedict justified himself with such self-righteousness that it made my blood boil.


    "I''m sorry, but that''splete bullshit. If you''ll excuse me, I need to change for the apparently already-scheduled meeting about Vi./I turned and walked away before they could respond.


    "Xena!" Ryder called after me, but I kept moving.


    If I turned around now, I''d likely punch him in the face. I quickened my pace, channeling every ounce of my fury through our bond. I wanted him to feel exactly how angry I was.


    I pushed through the pack house''s front doors, my footsteps echoing against the marble floors until I reached the staircase. Taking the steps two at a time, I made my way to our bedroom.


    The worst part was having to unlock the damn door, which gave him time to catch up. Just as I stepped inside the room, his hand closed around my arm.


    When he pulled me around to face him, my right hook was already in motion. Chapter Comments


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