Vi let out a softugh, her gaze briefly flitting toward Leonard. "Okay."


    I noticed the flicker of uncertainty in Vi''s eyes, and my heart ached for her. She''d been through so much, and all I wanted now was to make her feel safe and epted. "Why don''t you and Penelope go to the kitchen for some snacks? We''ll finish up here, and if there are any more questions, I''ll have Penelope bring you back.""


    "Yes, ma''am," Vi gave me a small smile.


    "Just call me Xena." I stood up and took her hands in mine, pulling her to her feet. I could feel the slight tremor in her fingers against my palm, strengthening my resolve to protect her, Penelope walked over and draped her arm around Vi''s shoulders.


    "I''ll take you," she said. Luna Kestrel smiled at me as she walked over to open the office door. Only after they had left did I turn and


    sit back down.


    Leonard stood up, watching the doorway, his concern and protectiveness evident in his eyes. I knew he wanted to follow them, but now wasn''t the time. "Leonard, sit down," I sighed. Heplied, though clearly not happy about it.


    "Xena Alpha Benedict began.


    I''m sorry, Alpha Benedict, but she''s been abused her entire life. Being questioned by a man won''t make her open up," I interrupted, my voice firm despite the flutter of anxiety in my chest about possibly overstepping.


    He nodded. "May I speak now?" He leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "I apologize. Please continue."


    "I was going to say well done. I think you''ll make an excellent Luna, and you''re good for my son." Alpha Benedict gave me a small


    smile.


    His response caught me off guard. I blinked a few times before responding. "Thank you."


    "About what she said regarding Tatum..." Alpha Benedict looked toward my father. "He can''t just get away with this!" Logan looked furious.


    "We can''t do nothing," Ryder said calmly. I nced at him, but he barely looked at me, his expression neutral as he stared at his


    father.


    "Children, we need to be smart about this," Dad said. "We never said we wouldn''t take action."


    "Exactly. An eye for an eye," Alpha Benedict agreed.


    "But we need to be in public view, so it doesn''t look like we did it,* Logan said.


    "What if we hold a big party at the club?" Leonard spoke up.


    "I don''t understand why everyone''s making such a big deal. It''s just her shop. Are


    we really going to send warriors to die for her?" Martha sneered.


    Why are you even here?" I found my voice. "You''re not wee here."


    "You lit-" Martha Immediately started spewing insults, but unlike before, she didn''t lunge at me. Instead, she stood in ce, ring venomously as Ryder instantly jumped in front of me.


    "I suggest you sit down and shut the fuck up." Dad''s voice was filled with authority as he grabbed her arm and forcefully sat her on the couch. Ryder moved behind my chair.


    "The dance is next week," I said loudly. All eyes turned to me. "You wanted a public event. How much more public does it get? We will all be there."


    "That''s not a bad idea," Logan said, beginning to pace.


    "I''m not sure it''s a good idea for Vi to be there," I said, looking at Leonard. "If Tatum or any of his people show up, she''s not strong enough yet. She''ll break down, and who knows what will happen."


    Leonard clearly didn''t like the answer but nodded anyway.


    "We''ll see how the week goes," Dad said, looking at Leonard.


    "Thank you," Leonard sighed, leaning back in his chair.


    "So what would the target be?" Logan asked.


    "I need to do some research on what they own," Alpha Benedict said. "Obviously, Hank will be on board with this since Vi is in his pack. We''ll discuss and go from there." He effectively ended the meeting with that statement.


    "Sorry, X. We have a full day of stuff to do. We can''t hang around," Logan turned to look at me.


    "Don''t worry. I just want to get thetest update on my shop from Penelope," I stood up, cing my hands in the pockets of my jeans.


    "Alright, why don''t you go find her and ask? That way we can get ready," Logan gave me a hug before letting me go.


    "Fine." I had a strange feeling he was trying to get rid of me, but I didn''t push. He nced at Ryder, nodded toward me, and I left the room. Instead, I focused my attention on finding Penelope to see how she was doing.


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