《Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)》 Chapter 1 Xena''s POV I was modifying Leonard - my pack''s future Gamma''s - motorcycle. My hands were steady, despite the fact that he was hovering over my shoulder like I was about to ruin his precious bike. "Xena, are you done yet?" Leonard asked, impatiencecing his tone. I nced up at him, taking in his tall, handsome frame. tinum blonde hair, striking blue eyes, chiseled jawline. He was attractive in an obvious way, but definitely not my type. Too arrogant, too aware of his own appeal. "Almost," I replied, focusing back on my work. "Just let me finish thisst detail.¡± My mind wandered as I worked. I was Xena Harris, daughter of Alpha Hank from the Nightcedar Pack, though most people called me de. My twin brother Logan was born just minutes before me, which meant he''d inherit the Alpha position when the time came. Not that I wanted it anyway. The motorcycle shop had be my sanctuary over thest three years. I''d learned everything about customizing bikes, turning it from a hobby into a business that kept me financially independent. With our eighteenth birthday approaching, I knew changes wereing for both Logan and me. "I''m really d we could get this done," Leonard said, interrupting my thoughts. "I''ve got a date this weekend and I want it to look good." I suppressed an eye roll. Leonard had a different girl every weekend. I couldn''t be bothered to remember their names anymore. "Don''t worry," I replied, wiping my hands on a rag. "I''ll make sure it look good. Can''t have our pack''s reputation taking a hit." I teased. The silver wolf with cedar trees in the background that I''d painted on his bike gleamed under the shop lights. It was beautiful work, even if I said so myself. "You know, they call you ''de'' for a reason," Leonard said with a smirk. "Cold and cutting, just like a sword." Before I could respond, the bell above the door jingled. Logan walked in, followed by Samuel - the future Beta and a couple other pack members. "Did you skipst period again?" Logan asked, his voice carrying that authoritative edge he''d been developing. I ignored him, focusing on finishing the detail work on Leonard''s bike. "Don''t rush me," I told Leonard as he fidgeted beside me. "I know what I''m doing." "You''re not going to mess it up, are you?" Leonard asked nervously. I shot him a re. "If you don''t shut up and let me concentrate, I might just decide to add some pink flowers to this design." "X, I asked you a question," Logan repeated, his voice dropping an octave. "Answer me." I could feel my heart rate picking up, but not because of my brother''smanding tone. Samuel had settled himself on the bench near Leonard, I had a slight interest in him, nothing too intense though I wasn''t ready to acknowledge it openly. "I heard you," I finally replied, not looking up. "I didn''t want to go." Logan''s voice became dangerous. "Why not? What happened?¡± I was about to ignore Logan''s questioning again, knowing full well it would only fuel his anger. I was saved from answering by the arrival of my best friend Ama, her dirty blonde curls bouncing as she practically skipped into the shop. "How''s it going?" she asked cheerfully, looking at the motorcycle I was working on. "Just finished Leonard''s bike," I said, grateful for the interruption. "The princess here was worried I''d ruin his precious ride." Ama grinned as she circled the motorcycle. "It looks amazing!" "I''m not a princess," Leonard grumbled, "Rx," I said. "It was just a joke." ossing his ms. The bell above the door jingled again, and the air in the shop suddenly shifted. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as a stranger walked in. "Hello," said a deep voice. "I heard this is the ce for custom motorcycles?" I was wiping oil from my hands when I looked up and nearly dropped my rag. Standing in the doorway was possibly the most attractive man I''d ever seen. Light blonde hair, cropped short. Green eyes that seemed to pierce right through me. He wore a leather jacket despite the summer heat, paired with tight jeans and motorcycle boots. Every cell in my body seemed to stand at attention. I forced myself to appear unaffected, mentally scolding myself for reacting like a hormone-driven teenager. Which, technically, I was, but still. I had my pride. I noticed Logan stand up straighter, the atmosphere in the shop growing tense. "I was told to ask for someone named Xena," he continued, his gaze sweeping the shop beforending back on me. "Supposedly the best in this town." "That would be me," I replied, lifting my chin slightly. Surprise flickered across his face before he masked it. "You?" "Problem with that?" I challenged, crossing my arms. He shook his head, his lips curving into a smile that did ufortable things to my insides. "Not at all. Just not what I expected." "What can I help you with?" I asked, keeping my voice professional. "My Harley needs aplete makeover," he said. "Exhaust, suspension upgrade, the works. And I want a paint job that''ll turn heads. Dark theme, ck wolf with bones and ashes." "What is your name?" Logan stepped forward, shoulders squared. "I''m Ryder," the stranger said, extending his hand to my brother. "Son of Benedict, Alpha of the Boneash Pack." Logan''s jaw tightened as he shook the offered hand. "Logan Harris, son of Hank, Alpha of the Nightcedar Pack. This is my twin sister, Xena Harris." He nodded towards me. "Ama, future Beta Samuel, future Gamma Leonard" Ryder''s eyes returned to me with new interest. "Alpha''s daughter. That exins a lot." "I don''t want to intrude bying here. I am finishing myst year in school here before transferring." He exined. "Where are you transferring to?" I asked, ignoring Logan''s displeased expression at my willingness to engage with someone from another pack. "Training," Ryder replied vaguely. "You have reference work?" he''d asked, his voice deep and gravelly. I rolled my eyes and pointed to the disy stand filled with leather-bound books of my designs. "Right there." I watched Ryder''s eyes scan my portfolio, his jaw clenched in concentration. Most men judged me on sight-a young woman who couldn''t possibly know how to handle their precious bikes. I was used to it, but that didn''t make it any less infuriating. I''ve always been good at reading people-Logan says it''s because I''m an Alpha Female. Whatever. But Ryder was... different. Mysterious. Dangerous, yet not dangerous at the same time. "There." I announced to Leonard, putting the final touches on his bike''s custom paint job, spraying the protective coating over the fresh artwork. "I''m done." I stepped back, admiring my handiwork while peeling off my gloves. The green and silver tribal design curled around the gas tank, extending down the sides in sweeping patterns that looked like they were in motion even while stationary. "You know the rules," I warned Leonard, narrowing my eyes. "Don''t make me fix your mistakes. And this time, don''t let those bitches ride your bike and scratch up my paint." Chapter 2 Xena''s POV Leonard threw his hands up defensively. "That was one time!" "One time too many," I muttered. I washed my hands and grabbed my camera, picking the best angle. Click. "Perfect," I said. The photo would make an excellent addition to my portfolio. I could sense Logan''s impatience, his protective big brother vibes radiating across the room. He didn''t want to leave me alone with Ryder, that much was obvious. I''m fine, bro. I sent through our mental link and put the camera on the counter, slipping on gloves to clean my workstation. I don''t trust him, Logan replied, his mental voice tense. I sighed, gathering used supplies and tossing them into the proper bins. Ama will be with me, and if you''rete again, Dad will kill you. There was a pause before Logan''s grudging response. Fine. I want to know exactly when he leaves. It was an order. But we both knew those didn''t work on me. I smirked. Yes, sir. The three boys-Logan, Leonard, and Samuel-stood and headed toward the door. Logan paused beside Ryder, tension crackling between them like electricity. "I don''t think I need to tell you to treat my sister appropriately," Logan said, his voice low and threatening. Ryder''s eyes narrowed at the threat, but he remained still, controlled. "I''m not in the habit of disrespecting women." Logan gave me onest look. "X," he said with a nod, then walked out. I exhaled slowly once they left, turning to Ryder. "Sorry about that. Have you made a decision?" I busied myself with organizing supplies, stacking oil containers back into their drawers, trying to look casual despite the sudden tension in the small shop. "Yes, I''d like to schedule an appointment," Ryder replied, his eyes tracking my movements as I continued to collect scattered parts from the floor and returned them to their proper ces. "Are you the only employee here?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. I walked over to the counter and pulled out my appointment book. "Yes. This shop is mine. Only mine." Pride swelled in my chest. "Maybe I''ll expand someday." Flipping through the calendar, I spotted an opening. "I can fit you in tomorrow at five. We''ll see how long you can sit, then schedule future appointments ordingly." Ryder nodded. "Works for me. I train in the mornings, so that''s perfect." I pulled out a clipboard with forms and handed it to him along with a pen. "Here''s what you need to fill out. Leave your paint sketch, and bring cash when youe back with thepleted forms." "What are these forms for?" he asked, flipping through them. "Saying you understand who I am, what pack I''m from. That you''re doing this freely and all the small print stuff," I exined. "This is a legitimate business that I file taxes on. Just the same as the packs do." He tucked the clipboard under his arm. "Alright. See you tomorrow then." ¡°Alright,¡± I echoed, stepping out from behind the counter. The moment Ryder walked out the door, Ama bounced over to me, her green eyes wide with excitement. "Oh my god, if you don''t fuck him, I will!" she eximed, fanning herself dramatically. I snorted and shook my head. Ama was boy-crazy but had her limits. For all her flirting and kissing, she was still saving herself all talk, little action. "Logan would kill him," I warned her, though the thought of Ryder''s intense gaze made my stomach flutter. Ama wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Wouldn''t that be a dreamy showdown though?" Iughed despite myself, locking up the shop. Standing outside, I took a moment to admire the storefront: "Road Rebel Garage" in sleek, metallic lettering against matte ck. Ama walked to her motorcycle while I stood in front of mine, shoving keys and other essentials into my backpack wallet before strapping on my helmet. It wasn''t until my leg swung over the bike''s seat that I noticed Ryder across the street, staring directly at me. It gave me goosebumps. "Almost," I replied to something Ama had said, though I''d missed half of it. I knew Ryder could hear us now. The shop''s interior was soundproofed, but out here, with his enhanced werewolf hearing, every word was clear. "Come on," I said to Ama, revving my engine. "I need a run to burn off some energy." We rode past Ryder, and his eyes never left me. There was something in them I didn''t understand, something wild and ancient that called to a part of me I''d kept buried for years. The roar of our motorcycles died down as Ama and I pulled into the driveway of the my house. My heart sank as I spotted Martha standing on the porch, arms crossed, her face twisted in that familiar scowl that seemed permanently etched onto her features whenever she looked at me. "Great," I muttered under my breath, pulling off my helmet and shaking out my curls. Ama shot me a sympathetic nce. "Want me to wait with you?" Before I could answer, Martha''s shrill voice cut through the air. "Where have you girls been?¡± Her eyes narrowed to slits as she focused on me,pletely ignoring Ama''s presence. I squared my shoulders and met her gaze. "Just got back from the shop. We''re going for a run, then meeting friends for dinner." I kept my voice steady, refusing to show the irritation bubbling beneath my skin. Martha is my stepmother. My mother died when I was only three years old, and less than a year after her death, my father mated with Martha. Martha has always been cruel to me, often scolding me without reason. Fortunately, my brother knows what kind of person she is and frequentlyforts me. As Logan grows older, he looks more and more like our father, while I increasingly resemble my mom. I don''t know if that''s the reason, but Martha has always been very rude to me. Her face flushed with anger. "I don''t think so! You haven''tpleted the list of chores I left for you this morning!" My temper red. "I finished everything before I left for school this morning. Did you even bother to check before using me?" The tension crackled between us like electricity before a storm. Martha might be Luna of our pack, but she''d never earned my respect-not after years of her "special treatment." The front door swung open, and Dad stepped out, followed by Logan, Samuel, and Leonard. The tension in the air immediately thickened as they sensed the confrontation. "What''s going on out here?" Dad''s asked in stern voice. Martha turned to him, her voice dripping withint. "She''s neglecting her responsibilities again and being disrespectful! This is thest time!" I muttered under my breath, "That''s bullshit." She instantly flew into a rage, even more furious than before, raising her hand to p me. "You little brat! What did you just say?" she snapped. I didn''t flinch. I''d learned long ago not to show weakness around her. But Logan was there in an instant, his hand gently but firmly catching Martha''s wrist. "You don''t get to hit her," Logan said, his voice deadly calm. Chapter 3 Xena''s POV Martha''s eyes widened in shock before narrowing again. "Logan!" she hissed. I could see Dad''s jaw tighten. "X," he said, turning to me. "Did youplete your chores?" "Yes, sir. I did them this morning before school." My voice rose unconsciously. Martha said coldly, "She''s lying." "No, I''m not!" I yelled back. "See?" I pulled out my phone, opened my email, and showed him the time-stamped pictures I''d taken of eachpleted task. "All done at 6:30 AM, before school." "Looks like she did it." Dad nodded slightly. "What are you doing this evening?" "Ama and I are going to run to the pizza ce in town and have dinner there," I answered in a cold voice, unsatisfied with how he was handling this. "Alright, have fun and remember not to be toote," he said tly. "By the way, Dad," I added, "the son of Alpha Benedict from the Boneash Pack ising by the shop tomorrow at five for a custom job on his motorcycle. His name is Ryder." Dad''s eyebrows rose slightly and turned to leave. "I''ll stop by to meet him." Martha clearly wasn''t happy about being cut out of the conversation. She followed Dad back inside, alreadyunching intoints about how I needed to be disciplined. Logan lingered behind with Samuel and Leonard. "What did you do to piss her off this time?" he asked once Martha was out of earshot. I shrugged, heading toward the house. "We literally just pulled up and she was already waiting there. I can''t wait to get out of this hellhole. As soon as we turn eighteen, I''m gone." Logan frowned, following me inside. "Running away isn''t the answer, X." I entered my room, Logan on my heels. "What''s going to change, Log?" I countered. "Dad said you can''t take over until you''re twenty-five, not a day sooner. I''m not waiting around for seven more years." "What if your mate is here?" he challenged. I stepped into my closet, grabbed a blue tracksuit, slipped it on, and checked my reflection in the mirror. Not bad. "Well, I hope he likes to travel, because I''m nning to see the world for those seven years." Logan sighed heavily. I knew he hated this situation as much as I did, but he was bound by his sense of duty to the pack. I turned to face him, softening my tone. "I know you don''t like it, but what do you expect me to do? A girl can only take so much, especially when no one stands up for her.¡± I slipped my headphones from my nightstand and secured them around my neck my precious little escape from reality. "I stand up for you," Logan said, hurt evident in his voice. "I know, and I love you for it," I assured him, "But you know you can only do so much. You can''t always be there to stop the physical stuff." "I hate that," he growled, his fists clenching at his sides. I tried to lighten the mood. "It''s fine. You hit me harder when we spar anyway." I grabbed a hair tie from the table by the door and loosely tied it back into a pony tail as I walk. He didn''t smile at my joke. "That''s not the same thing, and you know it." Iced up my running shoes and gave him a sad smile. "I love you, bro, but I don''t have any options. I need to go run." I hesitated, debating whether to double up on sports bras. My "watermelons" had a tendency to bounce painfully during runs. Ama bounced into my room, already changed into her running gear. "Ready to go?" I nodded smilingly. "See you boys." "We''ll meet you at the pizza ce in an hour!" Leonard called from down the hall. "Got it!" Ama and I headed out, passing by Dad''s office. Even through the closed door, I could still hear Martha''s shrill voiceining about me. I quickened my pace, eager to put as much distance between myself and her as possible. "Which route do you want to take?" Ama asked as we stretched at the end of the driveway. "Let''s run to the Center today. We can take the long way to the pizza ce." The Center was the neutral town where all packs coexisted, including where our high school was located. "Sounds a bit hard." As we started jogging, I felt the familiar weight in my legs and the tension in my shoulders. But with each stride, the burden lightened. I increased my pace, Ama keeping up beside me. I slipped my headphones over my ears, letting the music drown out everything else. My heart rate climbed, and gradually the world faded away until there was nothing but the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground, the burn in my lungs, and the beat of the music. Each step carried away my worries and anxieties, dissolving them into the air behind me. Eighty minutes and ten milester, we reached the town, stopping at our usualmppost-our unofficial finish line. We both hunched over, gasping for breath. Ama looked absolutely wrecked. "Too... long," she wheezed, her voice raspy. "Feels... like... dying." I was breathing hard too, but not quite as dramatically as Ama. I took a sip from my water bottle and grinned at her. ¡°You''ve been having too many dessertstely. Next time I call you for a run, don''t make excuses." Ama shot me a re betweenbored breaths, hands braced on her knees. "Next time... you call me for a run... remind me to block your number first." We walked slowly, regaining our breath as we headed toward the pizza ce two blocks away. It was the most popr spot for high school students, both werewolves and humans. When we arrived, the ce was already packed with familiar faces. The scent of melted cheese and tomato sauce filled my nostrils as Ama and I pushed through the door. The ce was packed tonight, with the noise ofughter and conversation bouncing off the walls. I scanned the room, easily spotting Leonard''s blonde hair in our usual corner booth. Next to him sat a petite brte I didn''t recognize, probably histest conquest. "There they are," Ama nudged me, her blonde curls bouncing as she nodded toward the booth. I sighed, weaving through the crowd with Ama close behind. "You finally made it!" Leonard called out, his blue eyes lighting up as we approached. His arm was draped possessively around the brte, who gave us a once-over that immediately set my teeth on edge. "Gotta keep this figure up," I replied tly, sliding into the booth across from him. Ama slipped in beside me. The brte''s eyes lingered on my tattooed forearm before she wrinkled her nose slightly. "Where''s Logan?" I asked, ncing around for my twin brother. "Log hasn''t gotten here yet." Samuel was sitting across from Leonard. There was a girl trying to get his attention. I smirked at him and lifted an eyebrow. He shook his head at me, telling me he wasn''t feeling it. Leonard said with a shrug. "Said something about Keira wanting to stop somewhere first." "Where''s my drink?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "You guys have been here for half an hour already." Leonard''s date suddenly leaned forward, her perfume overwhelming my sensitive nose. "I think I saw some empty seats over there," she said sweetly, though her eyes were cold as she looked at Ama and me. "Why don''t you girls go sit there instead? We were kind of having a private conversation." Chapter 4 Xena''s POV Her openly hostile stare had already rubbed me the wrong way from the moment we met, but this sudden provocation made my blood boil. Without hesitation, I stepped up, locked eyes with her, and said coolly, "Excuse me? You wanna say that again?" Samuel quickly jumped between us. "Whoa! Whoa! Calm down." Leonard cut in immediately, "Hey!" he said quickly, nudging his date out of the booth. "Babe, why don''t you go get some drinks and order threerge pizzas for the group? I''ll handle this." "Yes, please do," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I stared her down. The girl huffed but slid out of the booth, shooting me a re before stalking off toward the counter. "Seriously, Leonard?" Ama said once she was out of earshot. "Where do you find these humans?" "She''s hot," Leonard defended weakly. "And she doesn''t know who you are yet." ¡°She''ll learn,¡± I muttered, standing up. "I''m getting my own drink." I made my way to the counter, weaving through the night crowd. Someone stepped on my foot. "What the fu¡ª¡± I jerked back instinctively. "I''m sorry-" a deep voice began. I looked up to find myself staring into the intense green eyes. Ryder. Closer now than we''d been this afternoon, I noticed details I''d missed before. My stomach did a weird flip as I took in the rest of him-light blonde hair cut short, strong jaw, broad shoulders under a ck leather jacket. He was gorgeous in a dangerous way that made my skin prickle. Before he could finish his apology, a girl with dark hair appeared beside him, wrapping her arm possessively around his waist. "Watch where you''re going," she snapped at me, her eyes narrowing. Tonight really fucking sucks-ran into so many dumb bitches. I drew myself up to my full height. "He stepped on me." Ryder''s eyes widened slightly. "Helen," he said quietly, his hand tightening on her waist in warning. "This is Alpha Hank''s daughter, Xena." Helen''s demeanor shifted instantly, though the hostility remained in her eyes. Her lips curved into a fake smile. "Oh, how nice to meet you." "Yeah," I replied tly, moving past them toward the counter. Noelle, the cashier who''d been working here since I was a kid, greeted me with a smile. "Hey, de! The usual?" I nodded, leaning against the counter."No, just a Fruit Punch." "Got it," Noelle replied, punching in the order. "Put it on Logan''s tab?" "Yeah, thanks," I said with a small smile. "Stupid bitch thinks she owns the ce."From behind me, I heard Helen mutter under her breath. The words were quiet enough that a human wouldn''t have caught them, but my wolf hearing picked them up clearly. I felt my patience snap. Turning slowly, I looked directly at her and released a small portion of my aura-just enough to make her feel the weight of who she was dealing with. "My name is Xena," I said quietly, my voice carrying despite the restaurant noise. "Daughter of Alpha Hank from the Nightcedar Pack. I expect a certain level of respect. If that''s too difficult for you to manage, we can always step outside and discuss it further." Helen paled, her eyes widening as she felt the pressure of my presence. Ryder beside her, ced a restraining hand on her arm. "I apologize for her disrespect," he said, his voice deep and controlled though his eyes shed with anger as he gripped her arm. "It won''t happen again." I pulled back my aura, satisfied that my point had been made. "I don''t give second chances." ¡°Understood,¡± he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "Xena, your drink''s ready," Noelle said from behind me. "Okay, thanks." I turned around and grabbed the ss from the counter. From the corner of my eye, I saw Ryder dragging that bitch from earlier out the door. A familiar arm draped over my shoulder. "Everything okay here, X?" Logan asked, his voice casual but his posture protective as he assessed the situation. "Fine," I replied, leaning slightly into my twin''s side. "Just a misunderstanding." Keira, Logan''s girlfriend, appeared on his other side, her pretty face curious as she looked between us and the other pack members. "What''s going on with Alpha Benedict''s son?" Logan asked quietly. "His bitch needs to learn some manners," I replied, keeping my voice low. Logan''s eyebrow raised. "What did she say?" "Nothing worth repeating," I dismissed. We made our way back to the table, which was now even more crowded with Logan and Keira joining us. I ended up squeezed in next to Samuel, who silently shifted to make room, his arming to rest on the back of the booth behind me. It wasn''t a romantic gesture¡ªjust necessity in the cramped space-but I noticed Leonard''s date eyeing us spectively when we arrived. Her attitude had done aplete 180. "So, Xena," she said, smiling brightly, "Leonard tells me you run every week. How do you find the motivation?" I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her obvious attempt to get on my good side. "I''m motivated by not wanting to die when rogues attack," I replied bluntly. Logan kicked me under the table, but I ignored him. "How''s business at the shop?" Keira asked, clearly trying to steer the conversation to safer ground. Before I could answer, the waitress arrived with our pizzas, setting them down on the table. "Not bad I already passedst year''s numbers," I answered her casually. Keira and I weren''t exactly close. Logan had never told me she was his fated mate or true love or anything like that, so I knew whatever they had going on probably wouldn''tst. As everyone dug into the food, I happened to nce toward the entrance. Ryder was standing there, his eyes finding mine across the room. He tilted his head slightly toward the door, clearly wanting me to join him outside. I hesitated, curiosity warring with caution. What could he possibly want to talk about? I didn''t hesitate for long and decided to go meet him. "I need some air,¡± I announced, sliding out of the booth. "I''ll be back in a minute." Do you want me toe with you? Samuel''s voice echoed in my mind through our pack link. No, I''m good. He probably just wants to make sure I won''t kill his girlfriend. I felt Samuel''s displeasure through the link. While we weren''t together, we''d had our moments-usually after a few too many drinks. We''d never gone all the way, but the asional make-out session had blurred the lines of our friendship. Enough that he tended to get possessive when other males showed interest in me. I can handle myself, I assured him, breaking the connection before he could argue. The cool night air was a relief after the stuffy restaurant. Ryder was sitting on his motorcycle, one boot nted on the ground for bnce. "Wasn''t sure you''de out," he said, his green eyes gleaming in the parking lot lights. Chapter 5 Xena''s POV "What''s up?" I asked, crossing my arms as I approached him. Ryder shifted his weight, his green eyes serious. "I wanted to talk to you about Helen." Of course. His girlfriend. "What about her?" I kept my voice neutral. "She''s got a bit of a temper," Ryder admitted, running a hand through his light blonde hair. "But she''s transferring soon, and I don''t want any problems at school before then." I raised an eyebrow. Was this his way of asking me to y nice? After she''d been nothing but hostile? "As long as she knows her ce," I replied coolly. "If she doesn''t, I''m sure she''ll figure it out quickly." I didn''t phrase it as a threat, but we both knew it was a promise. He nodded slightly, his face still indifferent. ¡°Why do they call you ''de'' at school?" A small smile crossed my lips. "Because I''m sharp. I''m not the warm, friendly type." Before Ryder could respond, I sensed a familiar presence behind me. Samuel approached, his grey eyes taking in the scene with quiet assessment. "Everything okay here?" he asked, his deep voice rumbling with an underlying protective edge. Ryder''s eyes darted between us, misinterpreting. "Your boyfriend?" I didn''t bother correcting him. ¡°Not even close,¡± I replied tly. "See you tomorrow." I turned away, feeling Ryder''s gaze on my back as Samuel and I walked into the crowded restaurant. The sound of his motorcycle roaring to life outside momentster confirmed he''d left. Logan, Leonard, and Ama still seated at the booth, tes of half-eaten food scattered across the table. Logan''s eyes immediately locked onto mine, the twin connection letting him sense my mood instantly. "What did he want?" he asked, sliding over to make room. I shrugged, stealing a fry from his te. "Just warning me to y nice with his girlfriend Helen." Leonard nearly choked on his drink. "What''s the deal with his girlfriend? What happened between you two?" "She''s a werewolf too. That bitch seems to really care about Ryder," I said, my voice getting quieter when I mentioned Ryder''s name. "How did you respond?" Logan asked with concern in his voice, leaning forward. "I said as long as that bitch knows her ce, I won''t start anything," I replied, wiping my hands with a wet wipe. "Your reputation should be enough to keep her away," Amaughed. "It''s not my fault I have a reputation," I said, leaning back in the booth. "One little fight and suddenly I''m the school bad girl." "Not just a fight," Loganughed. "You put her in aa, X." I felt my lips curl into a smirk. "That bitch needed to know her ce." The memory shed through my mind¡ªa girl from a neighboring pack who''d thought she could challenge me. I hadn''t meant to hurt her that badly, but I wasn''t sorry either. In the world of werewolves, respect wasn''t given; it was earned. As night fell and the restaurant began to empty, I stood up. "I think I''ll walk home." Logan immediately shook his head. "No way. It''ste, and there''ve been rogue sightings." "I can handle myself," I insisted, but the look on my brother''s face told me this wasn''t a battle worth fighting. "Fine.¡± We left the restaurant, the cool night air a wee relief after the stuffy interior. Ama climbed onto the back of Logan''s motorcycle while I reluctantly joined Samuel on his. "Is Martha going to give you trouble for beingte?" Samuel asked quietly as he handed me a helmet. I sighed, wrapping my arms around his waist. "I''ll be in trouble either way. Might as well enjoy the night while itsts." The ride home was too short. With each mile, the knot in my stomach tightened. Martha would be waiting, I knew it. She never missed an opportunity to make my life hell. Thirty minutester, we pulled up to the house. Logan and Samuel went to park the motorcycles in the garage, while I stood at the front door, a foolish part of me hoping she might already be asleep, that I could slip quietly to my room unnoticed. The moment I stepped inside, Martha was there, as if she''d been waiting by the door. Her small frame seemed to fill the entryway, her eyes hard as she stared me down. "I''ll give you one chance," she said, her voice razor-sharp, "to apologize for your disrespect this afternoon." I almostughed at my earlier wishful thinking. Of course this was happening. I was done appeasing her. Submission never worked with Martha; she just took it as permission to push further. I met her eyes coldly. "I was falsely used. I don''t owe you an apology." Disbelief shed across her face. Since I''d entered high school, I''d been fighting back more often. She seemed genuinely shocked that I wouldn''t just take her abuse silently anymore, that I refused to be her punching bag. "You little bitch," she hissed. "You''re just like your stupid mother." The insult struck its target, as it always did. I''d heard these words countless times, but they still ignited a fire in my chest. I kept my voice dangerously low. "You shameless homewrecker, you don''t deserve to mention-" The p came before I could even draw in a breath, the force of her palm crashing against my cheek with the brutal strength of a wolf''s strike. The sound of the impact echoed through the stillness of the house. I hadn''t seen her move- only the searing sting of her ws, the raw power of her werewolf strength, spreading like fire across my face. "Stupid girl!" she shrieked. "How dare you disrespect me!" Something in me snapped. All the years of abuse, of watching my father look the other way, of being treated like an unwanted burden in my own home-it all boiled over in one explosive moment. Before I could think, my hand struck out, catching her across the face with enough force to send her stumbling backward. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" My father''s thunderous voice filled the room as he appeared from his study, his eyes darting between Martha sprawled on the floor and me standing with my hand still raised. "She hit me first!" Martha wailed, clutching her cheek dramatically. Chapter 6 Xena''s POV The dam broke. "I just walked in and she pped me!" I shouted, feeling hot tears spring to my eyes. "I''m sick of this! I''m sick of being disrespected by someone who isn''t even my mother! I hate it here! The day I turn eighteen, I''m gone, and you''ll never see me again!" I spun on my heel and ran to my room, mming the door behind me. My lip was split, I could taste blood, but the physical pain was nothingpared to the rage coursing through my veins. I stalked over to the punching bag hanging in the corner of my room, my hands trembling with fury. I started mming my fists into it with relentless force, each punch driving the anger deeper inside me. I didn''t stop, not even when the skin on my knuckles tore open, the blood oozing out with every hit. The pain in my joints only fueled me further, the searing throb from my broken knuckles sending waves of torment through my body. But still, I kept going, the sobs swallowed whole by my fury. I didn''t hear the door open, but suddenly strong arms wrapped around me from behind, pinning my arms to my sides. "X, calm down!" Logan''s voice in my ear was firm but gentle. "Calm down, sis. I''m sorry." I struggled against his grip for a moment before going limp, the fight draining out of me. Leonard and Samuel stood by the door, their expressions a mixture of anger and concern. "Ama went home," Logan said, releasing me slowly. "Take a shower and get some sleep." Samuel walked up and grabbed my chin, turning my face toward him to examine my cheek. "It''s nothing," I said coldly, jerking my head out of his hand. "You should talk to dad in the morning," Logan suggested softly. Dad? It''s useless talking to him no matter how many times we try. He simply can''t really solve this problem. I nodded numbly, too emotionally exhausted to argue. "Yeah, I will." I nced at Logan, whose eyes were full of concern. "I''m kinda tired. Good night," I managed to force a slight smile for Logan and Samuel. The two of them exchanged looks, then nodded. Samuel walked to the door, gave me onest nce, and gently pulled it closed behind him. I took a deep breath, dragging myself to the bathroom exhausted. Thirty minutester, a hot shower hadn''t improved my mood much. Just then my phone buzzed. I checked it to find a text from Ama. Are you okay? I typed back quickly: Yeah, I''m fine. Her response was immediate: Don''t believe you, but we''ll talk tomorrow. Maybe Samuel can make you feel better? Despite everything, I felt a small smile tug at my lips as I replied: Good night. I woke up early, my body still aching from yesterday''s confrontation with Martha. Touching my jaw gently, I winced at the tenderness. The mirror revealed a faint bruise forming-nothing too bad, but enough that I''d need to cover it. Quickly, I braided my hair to the side, applying just enough makeup to hide the evidence ofst night. I slipped into a flowy pair of shorts and a ck bodysuit, grabbing my sandals before heading toward Dad''s office. I knew Martha would still be sleeping, which meant Dad would be alone. I knocked three times. "Come in," his deep voicemanded from the other side. I stepped inside, closing the door softly behind me. ¡°Hi, Dad,¡± I said, sitting in the chair across from his massive desk. When it was just the two of us, I didn''t have to be as formal. "Xena, what is it?" He looked tired, the weight of leading our pack etched into the lines of his face. "She''s making my life hell," I said, my voice quiet but steady. "Just because I look like Mom. I literally just walked in the door and she attacked me. I know I shouldn''t have hit her back, but I''m tired of being her punching bag." I said calmly. Dad''s expression hardened. "Are you nning to leave when you turn eighteen?" "Yes, I can''t live with her anymore," I admitted. "You know you can''t go around hitting Martha," he began, slipping into lecture- mode. "Just once, could you be my dad? Actually listen to what I''m saying?" I interrupted, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Xena, you know I love you," he sighed. I stood up, my back straight. "Alpha, please just give me my punishment so I can get to school?" If he wouldn''t be the father I needed, I wouldn''t call him Dad. "Don''t be like that," he said, disappointment clouding his features. A knock at the door saved me from responding. The door opened before my father could answer, and Samuel''s father appeared. "Sorry, I cane backter..." "I need to get to school," I said, looking at my father. "This conversation isn''t over," he said as I turned to leave. "Yes, sir," I responded coldly. I rushed out of his office and headed straight for the garage. Grabbing my helmet and keys, I swung my leg over my motorcycle and roared away before anyone could stop me. The wind whipped through my hair at the edges of my helmet, and for those brief moments, I felt free. In my hurry, I''d forgotten gloves, and my scabbed knuckles were visible for everyone to see. They looked worse than they felt. Since I''d left so early, the school parking lot was nearly empty. After parking my bike, I wandered over to one of the pic tables and sat down. I pulled out my sketchbook, put my headphones on, and sted some ssic rock while losing myself in my art. I liked having plenty of my own designs of spray painting ready for customers to choose from. I was working on a phoenix, its wings spread wide with mes surrounding it. I was so focused on getting the shading just right that I didn''t notice Samuel approaching. When he tapped my shoulder, I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Jesus Christ!" He sat down across from me, and I watched his eyes catalog my split lip and bruised knuckles. It made me ufortable. "You okay?" he asked. "As good as ever," I replied, putting my music away. "Xena." The use of my full name told me he was serious. I put down my pencil and met his gaze. "What do you want me to say? That I''m fine? That I''m great? That I''m fucking miserable? Is it too much to ask for a father who''s willing to stand up for me?" The sudden outburst seemed to catch Samuel off guard for a moment, but he quickly broke into a smile. I was getting worked up again. Samuel reached across the table and took my hand in his. "It''s okay. I wish I could take your pain away." It sounded intimate. "Logan will take over in seven years," I sighed, steering the conversation away from whatever was happening between us. "Your birthday''sing up. What if your mate is in this pack?" We''ve talked about how we might be mates, but I still feel like something''s off. "School''s over in a few months. Maybe he''ll be into vacations," I said with a forced smile. "What if he can''t leave?" He was talking about himself, and he was right. Once Logan turned eighteen, his alpha training would intensify, meaning I''d barely see him. It also meant Samuel and Leonard would be just as busy. "I''ll send postcards," I replied, my voice lighter than I felt. Chapter 7 Xena''s POV I hadn''t noticed how crowded the campus had be. The first bell rang, letting us know we had five minutes to get to ss. Samuel frowned as we both stood up to head inside. I felt someone watching me and turned to see Ryder staring at me from across the quad. Helen was practically glued to his side. I wanted to smack that smug look off her face, but I turned and headed to ss instead. The morning dragged by slowly. The teachers'' lectures were mind-numbingly boring. I was taking all advanced sses, which actually required me to pay attention, but I couldn''t focus. Myst ss before lunch was Advanced Calculus. The door opened, and Ryder walked in with another guy I didn''t recognize. Ryder scanned the room, spotted me, and sat on the opposite side. His sexy friend sat next to him. I was in the back row-I couldn''t concentrate in the front. Not knowing what was happening behind me made me anxious, so I always sat in the back. asionally, I''d feel his gaze on me, but I tried to focus. The teacher was reviewingst semester''s material, so I pulled out my sketchpad and continued working on my phoenix design. Most people didn''t know my IQ was off the charts. Three years ago, I tested out of high school, but I didn''t want to be a freak, so I chose to stay and go year by year. All the teachers knew, which is why they never called on me or worried when I skipped. Not to mention they were all werewolves who knew exactly who I was. Dad and the other alphas had ordered them not to tell anyone about my intelligence. It wasn''t something I wanted to share anyway. When the bell finally rang, the teacher called out, "Miss Harris, could youe here for a moment?" Everyone left except Ryder and his friend. "Hello, Ms. Johnson. I''m Ryder, and this is William. I wanted to introduce myself," he said smoothly. "Ah yes, Alpha Benedict''s son?" she looked at him. "Yes, ma''am," he replied. "Pleasure to meet you. I should mention that even Alpha''s sons aren''t exempt from homework," she said, giving him a stern look. I stood awkwardly to the side. "Understood," he said, clearly annoyed but not arguing. "Miss Harris, can I count on you again this year?" she asked, turning to me. I couldn''t help the smug smile that crossed my face. "Yes, ma''am. Looking forward to it." "Excellent. I''ll email you the details.¡± "Sounds good!" I said before walking away. "Wait!" Ryder jogged to catch up with me. "Xena, this is William. He''ll be my beta. William, this is Alpha Hank''s daughter." "Pleasure to meet you," he said formally. I raised an eyebrow at his professionalism. "Likewise. If you''ll excuse me..." I turned to leave. My stomach was growling. "Still on for this afternoon?" Ryder called after me. "Yes, sir," I replied without looking back. I could feel them following me, but I didn''t care. I needed food. The lunch bell rang, and I quickly grabbed my tray, scanning the cafeteria for familiar faces. Like always, each group had imed their territory, wolves sitting with their packs while humans filled in the remaining spaces, blissfully unaware of the predators in their midst. Leonard waved at me from our usual spot. I made my way over, ignoring the whispers that followed me. My reputation had a way of parting the crowd like the Red Sea. "Your lip doesn''t look too bad," Amamented as I slid into my seat. I shrugged, brushing my fingers absently over my split lip. "I''ve had worse." Ama''s green eyes shed with sympathy, but she knew better than to push the subject. Being surrounded by my friends felt safe-my own personal bodyguards. Not that I needed protection, but there wasfort in numbers. "Did you talk to Dad?" Logan asked, his voice low. "Briefly, before Philip came in," I replied, taking a half-hearted bite of my burger. The nd cafeteria food tasted like cardboard in my mouth, but at least it was something. Ama leaned in, her blonde curls falling forward. "What''s the punishment?" "None. For now." I took another bite, forcing myself to eat despite myck of appetite. My thoughts drifted to the endless list of tasks waiting for me-homework, the shop, designs for Ryder''s bike. I barely registered the conversation shifting around me until Samuel''s voice pulled me back to reality. "Are you going to the club with us tomorrow?¡± he asked, his gray eyes studying me intently. It was Friday, and we usually went out on Velvet Den. "I don''t have anything to wear," Iined, ring at Leonard. "You guys always spill drinks on me." "We could go shopping tonight!" Ama eximed, practically bouncing in her seat. I shook my head. "Can''t. I have that appointment, remember?" "I''ll shop for both of us," she offered with a grin. "I know your size." "Don''t you dare buy me anything pink," I threatened, pointing my fork at her like a weapon. "I will stab you." They allughed, and I felt myself rx a fraction. The bell rang too soon, and I dumped my tray, heading to my next ss. I usually sat alone-none of my friends qualified for college-level ounting. But today was different. I had just settled into my seat when Ryder and William walked in. They slid into seats beside me with a few minutes to spare before ss. "Do you take all the advanced sses?" Ryder asked, his green eyes curious. "Yes," I replied simply, pulling out my notebook. "Why ounting?" He leaned closer, his scent-pine and something wilder- distracting me for a second. I arched an eyebrow. "Why is a guy who''s going to inherit an Alpha position taking ounting?" "What happened to your lip?" William asked. Ryder''s eyes immediately darted toward me, turning sharp as his expression grew serious. Chapter 8 Xena''s POV I instinctively turned my head away. "Nothing." "And your knuckles?" William pushed. "Did someone hurt you?" Ryder asked earnestly. His concern caught me off guard, making me feel a bit flustered. Just as I was struggling toe up with an answer, Mr. Davis saved me by starting ss. "Xena, can I count on you again this year?" he asked, looking at me over his sses. I nodded. "It''s on my list." I felt Ryder''s sideways nce but ignored it. Thankfully, after ss, Mr. Davis wanted to speak with him, giving me the perfect opportunity to slip away. At 4:50, I sat behind the counter at my shop, waiting for Ryder to arrive. The design of paint job was ready, exactly as he''d requested. Logan and Samuel hadn''t arrived yet, and neither had Dad. I was printing out the final design when the door opened, the bell jingling softly. Ryder and William walked in, both looking more casual than they had at school. "You''re on time," I said, not bothering with pleasantries. "Bathroom''s in the back if you need it. Did you bring the forms and money?" Ryder ced thepleted paperwork and cash on the counter. I checked through the documents, making sure all the signatures were where they needed to be. While Ryder wandered over to examine some of my other custom jobs disyed on the walls, William stepped forward and asked, surprised, "You really run this ce on your own?" I finished counting the money and nodded. "All mine." I gestured to the portfolios disyed on the wall. "All my designs and work." William flipped through one of the albums, his eyebrows rising. "This is really impressive." The door opened again, and my friends walked in. I introduced them to William, making sure to identify Logan as my twin brother and both of us as Alpha Hank''s children, then introduced Samuel as our future Beta and Leonard as our future Gamma. When Ryder rejoined us, they exchanged brief greetings. "Ready to check out the design?" I asked Ryder, who nodded. I unrolled the sketch across the counter, revealing my vision for his Harley-an all- ck base with gray ash patterns and a realistic ck wolf at the center. "The exhaust system will need custom parts that''ll take about a week to arrive," I exined, "but we can start on the suspension tomorrow. What do you think of the design?" Ryder chuckled softly, his eyes still on the design. "I like it," he said, his finger tracing the outline of the ck wolf. "It''s more detailed than I imagined." I moved to stand beside him, pointing out details. "I added some texture to the ashes here that will give it more dimension. The ck wolf on the tank will shift with the light, showing different depths as you move around it." "How do you guys like it so far?" Logan was trying to make small talk. "Different but nice." William said. "You guys look stiff as shit, rx and take a damn seat." I looked around them. Ryder snorted in approval. "Let''s do it." I prepped the Harley, masking off areas meticulously before mixing the custom ck paint. With precise strokes, Iid down the base coat. The airbrush felt like an extension of my arm as I worked, buildingyers of depth into the design. "Hold this steady," I instructed Ryder, pointing to the stencil I needed in ce. He moved beside me, rolling up his sleeves before gripping the edge of the temte. The muscles in his forearms flexed as he held it perfectly still, veins visible beneath his skin. I tried not to notice how the lights entuated every defined line of his arms as I leaned in to spray the intricate ash pattern. "X, did you get the emails from the teachers?" Logan asked me. "Yeah, two of them even asked me in ss." "What''s that about?" Ryder handed me a roll of masking tape. "She''s been organizing the school events for five years now," Leonard exined, pride evident in his voice. William stopped ying with the paint can and turned to look at me."But you''re just a senior?" I rolled my eyes. "It''s not a big deal. I''m good at school, so I took over. I don''t do all the nning, but I do most of it. I have assistants who do the actual work. I''m in charge of writing tests, spelling bees, dances..." "You''ve been doing this since eighth grade?" Ryder asked, surprise evident in his tone. "Just one of my many talents," I replied with a shrug. "I need to pick words for the spelling bee next month, and there''s the danceing up, plus the prep ally for the end of the year." X, we need to head out. You good? Logan asked through our mental link. I''m fine, I responded. My friends stood up. "We''ll see you at dinner," Logan said aloud, moving toward the door. Samuel gave me onest look before following him out. "Is he your boyfriend?" William asked with a smile, nodding toward Samuel''s retreating form. I snorted. "No. I''ve known these guys since birth. Our birthdays are actually all within a week of each other." "So how smart are you, exactly?" William pressed. I gave him a look that clearlymunicated how stupid his question was. "What do you mean?" "You take all advanced courses and do all this work..." "I''m a woman of mystery," I replied, just as the door opened again. My father walked in, his tall frame filling the doorway. "Hey, Dad,¡± I greeted him, watching as Ryder and William immediately straightened their postures in the presence of an Alpha. Chapter 9 Xena''s POV My father walked in, his tall frame filling the doorway, and the atmosphere in the shop instantly changed. Both Ryder and William straightened up, William immediately rising to his feet while Ryder carefully set down the paint can he was holding, preparing to stand. Dad stood there, expressionless, watching them with that imposing stare. William and Ryder hastily extended their hands. Dad slowly reached out, shaking Ryder''s hand first. Ryder''s demeanor instantly became respectful. "Ryder Nash, Alpha Benedict''s son. Pleasure to meet you, Alpha Hank." Then Dad shook William''s hand. "William Millier, Ryder''s future Beta." Dad waved his hand. "Rx, boys. I''m just here to check on my daughter." He walked over to inspect my work, nodding with approval as he examined the Harley. "Nice work." "How much longer will you be working tonight?" he asked, turning to me. I shrugged, wiping my hands on a rag. "Not sure. I''ve finished the base coat and the main color. Just need to apply the clear coat." "Good. I brought you dinner." Dad ced a bag on my desk. "Thanks," I replied, focusing back on my work. The scent of burgers wafted from the bag, making my stomach growl. I hadn''t realized how hungry I was. "No need toe to my officeter," he added. I looked up, surprised. Really? No punishment? Dad turned his attention to Ryder and William. "I shouldn''t need to tell you boys to be respectful." "Yes, sir," William replied promptly. Dad gave a curt nod and left without another word. I let out the breath I''d been holding, silently relieved to have escaped punishment. Dad must know about the incident with Luna Martha, but he wasn''t going to make an issue of it. Maybe he realized she''d struck first, or perhaps he just didn''t want to deal with more drama over a minor scuffle. Either way, I felt lighter. William cleared his throat. "Mind if I order pizza to be delivered here?" "Sure," I nodded, gesturing to the business cards near the register. "Address is on my card, but go outside to call. Signal''s terrible in here." William grabbed a card and headed outside. The moment the door closed behind him, Ryder turned to me. He reached out, his fingers gently touching my split lip. The unexpected contact startled me, sending a tingling sensation through my body. His green eyes studied me intently. "Who hit you?" he asked, his voice low. I pulled back slightly, not wanting to reveal my family drama. "Nothing you need to worry about." "I''ve heard rumors," Ryder said carefully. "People say your father hits you." My jaw dropped. "What? No!" I was genuinely shocked. "My father has NEVER hit me like that. Ever." I said it with such conviction that Ryder seemed to believe me. "Your mother, then?" he pressed. "She''s not my mother," I corrected him. "My real mother died when I was little." Concern shed across his face. "Do you need help?" Iughed without humor. "I''m fine. My brother and his friends are protection enough." At the mention of Logan and the others, Ryder''s intense gaze finally shifted away. He stood up and walked to the cab where I kept supplies, picking up an unopened pack of sandpaper. "Are you with Samuel?" he asked suddenly, his tone serious. The direct question caught me off guard, but a small thrill ran through me. I decided not to give him a straight answer, wanting to see where this was going. "Like I said, no... but I''m not sure why you care." He smiled, and damn if that smile didn''t do something to my insides. He casually replied, "Just don''t want to step on anyone''s territory." He opened the sandpaper box and handed me a sheet. I took it naturally, then countered, "Is Helen your girlfriend?" He grimaced. "She wants to be. I don''t." Ryder sat down beside me again, his arm brushing against mine. I rolled my eyes. "You seem to let girls hover around you. What''s your deal? Different vor every week?" His green eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable. "I''m actually very selective about who I date." "How old are you?" I asked, changing the subject. "Just turned eighteenst month," he replied. "Found your mate yet?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "No," he said. "Still looking." I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Are you really looking? You seem busy with training." "This training is only for a week," he exined. "After that, I''m home for good." The door jingled as William returned. "Pizza''s ordered. What are you two talking about?" Something seemed to ur to Ryder. "When''s your eighteenth birthday?" he asked me. "Next Friday, actually," I replied, focusing on my work. "Happy early birthday," he said with a smile. "Thanks. I''m still figuring out how to celebrate," I admitted. Just then, Ama burst through the door, holding up the most revealing pink dress I''d ever seen. "Look what I got you!" she announced dramatically. Ryder turned to look and burst outughing. William''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Absolutely not," I said firmly, ring at her. Ama grinned. ¡°Just kidding! That''s mine." She pulled out a ck dress with a plunging neckline and side cutouts. "This is yours." I nodded approvingly at the ck dress. "That I can work with." "Where are youdies wearing these dresses?" William asked, eyebrows raised. "Clubbing," Ama replied with a mischievous smile. "I think I''ll go tonight after all," I decided suddenly. Ama looked surprised. "Really? That was easy." I shrugged. "No punishment, so I''m free." "Punishment?" William asked, confused. "For what?" Ama started to say, "For hitting Luna-" before I shot her a warning look. William''s eyes widened. "You hit her? For real?" "She hit me first," I defended myself. Ama ced the clothes on the couch and headed to the bathroom. William''s phone rang again, and he cursed at the poor signal, stepping outside once more to take the call. Suddenly, Ryder ced his hand on my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. His thumb traced small circles on my thigh. The contact sent electricity shooting through me. I didn''t stop him, but feeling a little defiant, I peeled off my right glove and boldly ced my hand on his chest. His surprise was evident, but his smile widened. His chest was firmer than I''d expected. He wasn''t bulky, but I could feel the lean muscle under my fingertips, his body fat clearly minimal. After a few seconds, I pulled my hand back, knowing it would be awkward if William or Ama caught us. "Pizza''s here!" William announced loudly as he returned, carrying the boxes. He set them down on the table and nced at the bathroom door with an odd expression. "What''s wrong?" Ryder and I asked almost simultaneously. William frowned, lowering his voice. "How old is Ama?" "She''ll be eighteen in just a few hours," I answered. He didn''t respond, seeming lost in thought until Ryder nudged his arm. "Dude?" He snapped back to reality, saying carefully, "I think she''s my mate." Ryder and I exchanged shocked nces. "Why do you say that?" I asked. "Just a feeling I have," he replied, then looked at Ryder. "Dude, I think we''re going out tonight." Ama emerged from the bathroom, cheerfully announcing she''d brought makeup so we wouldn''t need to return to the pack house to get ready. "Did you tell Logan?" I asked. "Yep! He said they''ll meet us there. Can''t exactly ride motorcycles in these dresses," she replied. "You brought my shoes?" I asked. "I brought everything, babe," she answered excitedly. I reached out through my mental link to inform my father about our ns. Dad, we''re going out tonight. Stay close to Logan and be careful, he responded. Thanks, Dad, I replied before cutting the mental connection. Getting his permission improved my mood considerably. I turned to Ryder, my voice brighter than before. "The clear coat is done. Now we just need to remove the masking tape and touch up any uneven spots.¡± "Let me help you," he offered, putting on gloves and looking into my eyes with a smile that made my heart skip a beat. Chapter 10 Xena''s POV Ryder and I carefully removed all the masking tape from the motorcycle. Ama emerged from the bathroom, and I had to do a double-take. She wore a dress with ruched ties on the side that hugged her curves so tightly it barely covered her ass. William let out an appreciative "Damn," and I exchanged an amused nce with Ryder. Ama struck a pose, tossing her dirty blonde curls over her shoulder. "Eat your heart out," she quoted from Grease, confidence radiating from her every move. I wish I had half her confidence sometimes, I thought, though I''d never admit it aloud. "My hair doesn''t seem curly enough,"She muttered to herself, then walked into the bathroom and picked up her curling iron to style her hair. With a resigned smile, I grabbed my shlight to inspect the paint job one final time, moving the beam slowly across the surface to check for any imperfections. The finish was wless-smooth and even throughout. "Nice," I murmured, unable to contain my satisfaction at a job well done. I switched off the shlight and turned to Ryder. "We''re good." "That''s fucking awesome," William said, admiration clear in his voice as he circled the bike. "Thank you, William," I replied, allowing myself a small smile of pride. Ryder hadn''t spoken, but his eyes were fixed on the motorcycle, taking in every detail of the custom paint job. His intense focus felt like apliment all its own. I started cleaning up the scattered supplies from the floor. "We''ll do the exhaust and suspension upgrades next time." "Can we do Wednesday?" Ryder asked, finally tearing his gaze away from the bike. I mentally reviewed my schedule before nodding. "Should work. The parts I ordered should be in by then." I walked over to my appointment book and penciled him in. William nudged Ryder with his elbow, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Helen''s probably going to be begging you to take her for a ride." The image of Helen sitting behind Ryder, arms wrapped around his waist, immediately popped into my head. Just like that, my good mood evaporated. I felt an unexpected surge of irritation at the thought. "Keep her away from this bike," I warned, voice sharper than I intended. "I don''t want my work ruined. If anything gets damaged, repairs will cost extra." Ryder''s expression remained neutral as he replied with a simple, "Noted," before heading toward the door with William. "Fucking men," I muttered under my breath once they were gone, continuing to clean up the shop. "Alright girl. Let''s get you cleaned up!" Ama eximed, practically bouncing with excitement as she dragged me toward the bathroom. "I''m your doll," I conceded with an eye roll, though secretly, I enjoyed these moments. I''d never tell her, but being pampered sometimes felt nice. Ama unbraided my hair, using nearly an entire can of dry shampoo and hair gel to tame my natural curls into something that framed my face perfectly. The dress she''d brought fit like a second skin, just long enough to cover my ass, with a neckline that made my chest look amazing. She yfully squeezed my breast, grinning wickedly. "I''m so jealous of your watermelons." I rolled my eyes again, though a smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "You''ve got your own assets, Ama. Focus on those." She shrugged,pletely unbothered. "True, but yours are better." She stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "You look stunning. Now, let''s get you out there and make everyone regret not noticing you sooner." I couldn''t help butugh, feeling the warmth of her confidence settle around me. "You really know how to boost my ego, huh?" She winked. "That''s what best friends are for." ncing at her phone for the tenth time, Ama groaned in frustration. "Where are those guys?" "Maybe they''re primping too," I joked, sitting down and opening the takeout box Dad had dropped off. Inside was the usual burger and fries from the diner in town. No one at home ever cooked for me, so this was as close to a home-cooked meal as I got. "Don''t mess up my makeup," Ama warned, pointing a threatening finger at me. "Yes, sir," I replied sarcastically, taking a massive bite of my burger. The meat patty was already cold, but I was too hungry to care. Chapter Comments Chapter 11 I''d barely made it halfway through my meal when the guys walked in. Logan was dressed all in ck, looking every bit the future Alpha. Leonard wore a blue silk shirt paired with ck pants, while Samuel had opted for a white button- down with the sleeves rolled up, exposing his muscr forearms. Keira was there too, stunning in a red satin dress thatplemented Logan''s outfit perfectly. "Wow, boys, you clean up nice," Amamented with obvious appreciation. Leonard preened at thepliment. "You too, Ama. You''ve already got my blood pumping." "Roll up your sleeves," Ama suggested to Leonard, eyeing his arms. "Help me?" Leonard asked, extending his arms toward her with a flirtatious smile. Samuel leaned against my counter, his gray eyes lingering on my chest. The tension between us was palpable. "See something you like?" I teased, meeting his gaze directly. "Maybe," he replied, his voice low and husky. Logan approached the counter then, but I wasn''t worried about him overhearing. He''s used to the flirting between Samuel and me by now. He probably knows we hook up asionally, but we''ve never talked about it. "Looks like the paint job is done. Looks good," Logan observed, clearly noticing Ryder''s Harley sitting in the shop. "More modifications toe?" I grabbed a Coke from the mini-fridge, popped it open one-handed, and took a swig before answering. "Still need to do the exhaust and suspension." Ten minutester, I balled up my napkin and tossed it into the empty container. "I''m done eating. Let''s go!" I announced, carrying my trash to the bin and wiping down the table with a wet napkin. On my way out, I grabbed my ID and keys from the drawer behind the counter. Although I didn''t actually need ID. I handed mine to Logan anyway. He tucked it into his wallet while Leonard took Ama''s. After locking up the shop, I jogged to the dumpster in my heels. "Holy shit, these heels are killing me!" Iined as we all piled into the SUV. The club was actually owned by Logan and me, though we operated under different names. No one knew for sure that we were the owners, which was exactly how we wanted 1. it. We''d built it on human territory, making it neutral ground where all packs could gather. We had strict rules against fighting, so aside from the asional drunk troublemaker, it was a peaceful ce: The valet approached as we pulled up, and Logan handed him the keys. My red-sole heels clicked rhythmically against the pavement until we reached the carpeted entrance. The bouncer was from our pack, but in public, protocol required formality. "Sir Logan, Miss Xena," he greeted us with a respectful nod, stepping aside to let us enter. Music pounded through the speakers as we entered the dimly lit corridor. The hallway opened onto a balcony overlooking the dance floor, which was already crowded despite the early hour. To our right was a staircase leading up to the VIP rooms, and to our left was the bar and stairs leading down. The lower level housed the main bar, dance floor, and a game room equipped with pool tables and a few arcade machines. Ama and I lingered on the balcony, surveying the sea of bodies moving below. Logan and Leonard headed straight for the bar, Keira trailing behind them. Samuel stood beside us, his imposing presence making him look like a damn bodyguard. "This ce is busy!" I shouted over the music, feeling a rush of excitement. "I know! I need a drink first," Ama yelled back, already moving toward the VIP area. We followed Samuel up to our reserved VIP room, where our drinks were already waiting. Ama had her usual vodka cranberry, while I went for Jack and Dr. Pepper. The guys all ordered whiskey neat. Ama and I stood at the VIP balcony, watching the people dancing below. The energy of the club was intoxicating, making me feel alive in a way I rarely did at home or school. I felt a pair of hands settle on my hips, and Samuel''s warm breath tickled my ear as he whispered, "Ready to dance?" Chapter Comments 61 POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 12 Xena''s POV I felt the bass thumping through my body as we made our way to the dance floor. Ama let out an excited "Hell yeah!" before grabbing Leonard''s hand. Logan and Keira followed close behind, his arm draped possessively around her shoulders. The moment we hit the dance floor, Samuel''s hands found their way to my hips, his body pressing against mine from behind. The warmth of his chest against my back sent a familiar thrill through me. Damn, woman. I want to take a bite, his voice echoed through our pack link, low and seductive. I couldn''t help but smirk as I pressed back against him, our bodies moving in perfect sync to the pulsing rhythm. Just one bite, I teased back through the link, feeling a rush of heat at the thought. The chemistry between us was electric-but there was always that unspoken understanding hanging over us. We both knew that if we weren''t mates, a rtionship would only end in heartbreak. I rested my head against his chest, letting myself enjoy the moment. As Beyonc¨¦''s "Single Ladies" started ying, Logan groaned dramatically and tugged on Keira''s hand. "That''s our cue to get drinks," he shouted, Samuel nodding in agreement as they escaped the dance floor. I continued dancing with Ama, both of usughing as we moved to the music. That''s when I felt it-eyes on me. I nced up, scanning the crowd, and found Samuel watching me from the bar, his gaze intense. But he wasn''t the only one. Across the club, leaning against the opposite wall, stood Ryder, his green eyes locked on me like a predator tracking its prey. "Why is Ryder staring at you like that?" Ama asked, her voice close to my ear as she followed my gaze. I shrugged, trying to appear nonchnt despite the heat rising to my cheeks. "No idea." "That''s Alpha Benedict''s son, right?" Keira asked, her eyes widening as she turned to get a better look at him. "Yeah," I confirmed, taking a sip of my drink. "He came to the shop to get his bike customized." Keira''s gaze lingered appreciatively on Ryder''s tall frame and broad shoulders. "If I wasn''t with Logan, I''d go for him,¡± she admitted with a grin. Before I could respond, a human guy with too much cologne and even more confidence stepped into our circle. He was nked by two equally cocky friends, all of them reeking of alcohol. "Can I buy youdies a drink?" he asked, his eyes sweeping over us in a way that made my skin crawl. What a total asshole, I thought, biting back the urge to tell him off. "No, thanks. We''re good," I said firmly, already shifting to leave. "Aw, don''t be like that," he said, reaching out and cing a hand on my shoulder. The moment he touched me, my whole body tensed. I wanted to deck him right then and there-but this was my club, and thest thing I needed was to cause a scene. I just wanted to get the hell away from this creep. I smacked his hand off me. "I said no." Then I grabbed Ama and Keira and pulled them away from the dance floor without looking back. It seemed like my response set him off. He grabbed my shoulder instantly, his face twisting in anger. "Stuck-up bitch," he snarled, his alcohol-soaked breath washing over 1. me. A security guard noticed themotion and rushed over, ready to step in. "Ms. Xena, everything okay here?" he asked, his eyes flicking between us. "We''re fine," I said, waving my hand to signal he didn''t need to get involved. "This gentleman was just about to leave." "I wasn''t-" the man started, stepping toward me. Without hesitation, I drove my knee up into his groin. He doubled over with a strangled groan. Chapter 13 "Please take out the trash," I said to the security guard, who nodded and grabbed the guy by his cor, hauling him toward the exit. "Everything good?"William suddenly appeared, making me jump slightly. Though he was supposedly addressing all of us, his eyes remained locked on Ama. "Good, you finally made it." Amapletely melted into his embrace, his arms wrapping tightly around her. If Ama was his fated mate, that would be interesting. But I felt an inexplicable twinge of loneliness. I''d never experienced being looked at with such intense focus, the way William looked at Ama, as if she were the only person in the world. "What''s going on here?" Logan and Ryder approached together. Both of them looked at William and Ama, who were lost in their own little world. "I just handled some trash," I said lightly, spreading my hands. Keira saw Loganing and hurried over, clinging tightly to his arm."She basically neutered the guy," Keiraughed. Watching Keira''s intimate behavior with Logan now, and remembering what she''d said earlier, I mentally rolled my eyes. "Are you okay?" Ryder asked, his green eyes searching my face. "Yeah, I need another drink," I replied, hoping alcohol would help calm the jumble of emotions I was feeling. "You''re wee to join us," Logan said to Ryder. Logan''s sudden invitation surprised me a little. "Thanks. Though I don''t think I could pull him away even if I wanted to," Ryder said, grabbing William''s arm to separate him from Ama while I pulled Ama along as we headed to the VIP room. Samuel and Leonard were nowhere to be seen. "What would you like to drink?" Logan asked. "Whiskey on the rocks," Ryder ordered for both himself and William. Ama and William sat across from me. Keira and Logan took the innermost part of the U- shaped booth, while I sat on the edge with Ryder to my right. I could feel Ryder''s presence. I wasn''t sure what this feeling was, but I tried to stay calm and not let my thoughts wander too far. "So, what happened?" Logan pressed. "A drunk human wanted to cause trouble," I shrugged. "I gave him a chance, but he insisted on making a scene." Our drinks arrived quickly. I picked up my ss and drank half of it. "There you are! We''ve been looking everywhere for you guys." Samuel entered the room, first noticing me, then Ryder beside me. He immediately sat down on my left, while Leonard brought a girl over and sat next to Samuel. I waspletely sandwiched between Samuel and Ryder. I felt a wave of pressure as the space suddenly seemed too small. "This is Cindy," Leonard introduced his date. Nobody knew what to say. Cindy sounded like a stripper name, and she dressed the part too. I sighed internally. Typical Leonard. "How did you find us?" I turned to look at Ryder. "Right ce, right time," his answer was vague, and I couldn''t help wondering if he''d been keeping tabs on my whereabouts. The thought made me both nervous and slightly excited. "Did something happen? I saw somemotion where you guys were," Samuel suddenly joined our conversation. ¡°Nothing major. Just took out the trash." This was exactly why I didn''t want to make a scene-everyone kept asking about it. I finished the rest of my drink in one gulp. "Damn,¡± Samuel''s irritation at my lukewarm response was evident as he leaned back and focused on his own drink. The alcohol must have gone to my head, because I couldn''t quite control myself anymore. "Ama!" I shouted. "What?" She jumped, her attention snapping back to me. Chapter 14 Xena''s POV "What''s Ama short for?" William asked, his eyes never leaving her face. "Amara," she replied, her voice softer than I''d ever heard it. ¡°Such a beautiful name." William''s fingers brushed lightly against her cheek, and I swear I could see Ama melting under his touch. I leaned closer to Ryder and whispered, "Is he always like this?" My movement caused Samuel to snort beside me. I could feel his disapproval radiating through our pack link. "No, he''s acting weird today," Ryder replied, his green eyes studying his friend with curiosity. "You think they''re mates?" I asked, watching the pair who seemed lost in their own world. "We''ll know soon enough." Ryder showed me his watch. Fifteen minutes until midnight- when Ama would officially turn eighteen and would know for certain if William was her destined mate. "Let''s dance!" Cindy eximed excitedly, already tugging on Leonard''s arm. He stood up, allowing her to drag him away. He threw a questioning nce at Samuel and me. "X! Samuel!" I shook my head, declining his invitation without looking at Samuel''s expression. Leonard frowned slightly before following Cindy into the crowd. "Don''t want to dance?" Logan asked, looking at me curiously. "I do, but I''m more interested in seeing what happens here." I nodded toward William and Ama, who were stillpletely absorbed in each other. "Me too!" Keira bounced excitedly in her seat. "What if we''re destined mates? We''ll know soon!" I felt Logan''s difort at her words. He tugged at his cor nervously. Ryder leaned closer to me. "He doesn''t want her as his mate?" I gave him a polite smile but didn''t answer. He seemed to take my silence as confirmation. "She doesn''t exactly meet Luna standards," Ryder nodded in understanding. Before I could respond, a bartender approached our table, looking stressed. "Ms. Xena, I''m so sorry to bother you, but we have a problem." "What is it?" I straightened up immediately. "The beer tap system is malfunctioning, and we can''t figure out how to fix it.'' "Damn. Give me a minute, I''ll be right there." She sighed with relief and walked away. "Is there anything you can''t do?" Ryder asked suddenly, leaning in closer. "Kill a mockingbird," I said, meeting his intense green eyes with a yful smirk. "Can''t you ever be serious?" He frowned slightly. "asionally." I plucked the cherry from my drink and ced it between my teeth teasingly. I could feel Ryder''s gaze on me, an electric current flowing between us. I wasn''t sure why I was flirting with him like this, but something about those deep green eyes made me lose allmon sense. For a moment, I forgot where we were, forgot that we barely knew each other. I just wanted to know what would happen if I crossed that line- A primal growl interrupted my thoughts. William was staring at Ama intently. "Mate," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Mate," she echoed softly, and then they were kissing. The air around them was charged with intensity, but they were barely controlling themselves. "Well then," I said, starting to slide out of the booth. "Where are you going?" Logan asked. "To fix the bar equipment?" I replied, confused by his question. "I''lle with you." Logan sighed, starting to rise. "No! I want to dance!" Keirained, pouting at him. Logan''s expression turned annoyed. "I''ll go with her. I promise, I''ll protect her," Ryder offered, easing the tension. "I don''t need saving," I muttered irritably as I left the booth. The word ''protect'' grated on my nerves-I''d never needed anyone to protect me, and no one could anyway. "What kind of saving are you referring to?" Ryder caught up quickly, grabbing my arm at the first corner and whispering in my ear. His sexy voice made my knees weak. "All kinds," I managed to say. ¡°From where I''m standing, you need at least one kind of saving, or is my nose deceiving me?¡± The gleam in his eyes caught me off guard as his gaze dropped to my lips. "I" I couldn''t form words. My body was gravitating toward him against my better judgment. Deep down, a voice was screaming for me to keep my distance, but another voice encouraged me to move closer. There was something maic about Ryder that I couldn''t resist, like an invisible thread pulling us together. "Ryder! There you are!" I heard Helen''s voice from behind him. I was around the corner, while Ryder was fully exposed, so Helen probably only saw him. I quickly stepped back,posing myself. As I hurried toward the stairs, I nced back to see Helen jumping into Ryder''s arms. When she pressed her lips against his, his eyes found mine. For some reason, the sight stung. I tried to tell myself it shouldn''t affect me-after all, Ryder and I were nothing to each other-but the ache in my chest was undeniable. I was just a stranger; I shouldn''t feel this way, shouldn''t feel heartbroken seeing him with someone else. It was ridiculous-I barely knew him. I reached the bar''s back area and took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the problem at hand. "It''s here. We changed the keg, but it''s not working," the bartender from earlier exined. I walked behind the bar and noticed they hadn''t reset the system. "You have to shut down the machine first, connect everything, and then reset it." I demonstrated the process, then went to the front to test it. "Oh my god, thank you!" she eximed as beer flowed properly from the tap. "No problem!" Truthfully, after what just happened, my enthusiasm for the night had diminished considerably. I was ready to go home, but Ama was still here, and I couldn''t leave her behind. I''d have to wait until she was ready to leave. Unconsciously, I looked up toward where Ryder and Helen were. I tried to appear indifferent, but the disappointment inside me was impossible to suppress. I told myself it was just hormones, just a normal reaction to an attractive man, but deep down, I knew it was more than that. Chapter Comments Chapter 15 Xena''s POV "No, I''m taking her to her brother. You go be with your friends." "What? You''re choosing her over me?" Helen stared at me with disgust, like I''dmitted some unforgivable offense. I felt irritation building in my chest, a nameless fire burning. Why did she have to make everything soplicated? I didn''t owe her anything. "I''m not choosing anyone," Ryder said firmly. "I''m just fulfilling a promise to her brother. This is why we could never work." I caught a sh of hurt in Helen''s eyes before she ran off crying. The emotional maniption made me feel suffocated, and I sighed internally. "Am I being too dramatic?" I half-joked, my voice tinged with bitterness. "You can go after her. I''m not your job." I added more seriously. Ryder suddenly grabbed my hand, pulling me into a meeting room near the bar. It was rarely used, the air heavy with the scent of dust. He pushed me against the wall, his body pressed against mine. I could feel his body heat through the thin fabric, my heart racing as my body instinctively tensed. "Tell me you don''t want this. Tell me to stop," Ryder said, one hand circling my neck, tugging at my hair to force me to look at him. His other hand gripped my chin, his thumb gently prying my mouth open. I instantly lost my ability to speak, desirepletely taking over my senses. I saw his eyes turn ck, his wolf nature beginning to surface. My tongue unconsciously licked his thumb, and that small action seemed to ignite thest thread of his rational thought. With a low growl, his lips crashed down on mine. He held me tightly, kissing me so hard, so passionately, as if trying to melt me into his life. Only minutester did he allow me to breathe again. "I shouldn''t be doing this," he backed away, guilt and regret crossing his face. The feeling of rejection washed over me like ice water, making my entire body go cold, my heart squeezed by an invisible hand. This feeling was worse than anger- a mixture of helplessness, shame, and self-doubt. Was I really that unworthy? "Then forget it ever happened!" I shouted, the tremor in my voice betraying my hurt. Before he could stop me, I rushed out and headed straight for the bathroom. I entered a stall and sat down to pee. I took a few minutes to collect myself, trying to steady my breathing and push away those hurtful thoughts. Suddenly, I heard footsteps and the sound of the bathroom door being locked. My sixth sense went on high alert, a premonition of danger making the hair on my arms stand up. "Logan, women''s bathroom. Help me," I quickly said through our mind link as I felt my stall door being violently shaken. "Hold on, sis," Logan responded angrily. "Come out, bitch," It was Helen. "You pathetic slut, I''ll teach you what happens when you steal someone else''s boyfriend," another girl''s voice snarled, along with a third girl''s voice adding her agreement. I stood up, flushed the toilet, and walked out. On the surface, I was calm, but inside I was already calcting the possibilities and strategies for the fight. Three against one wasn''t. good, but I''d been taught how to handle situations like this since childhood. "What do you want?" I asked, my voice unnaturally calm. "I want you to stay away from Ryder. He''s mine!" Helen jabbed her finger into my chest, the possessiveness in her tone making me want tough. "Either you step back, or I break your fingers," I warned calmly, while mentally assessing the situation: three against one, I could at least get a solid hit on one person before the others joined in. She stepped forward, closing the distance between us. That was the signal I''d been waiting for. Fine, let''s do this. I quickly punched her in the teeth before the other two could grab me. I knew I''d broken at least one of her teeth, but the short-haired girl had already hit me in the ribs. A sharp pain shot through me, but the adrenaline kicked in, making the pain fade quickly. I felt endless rage and strength surge through me as I threw an elbow strike, hitting her nose and breaking it. I took two more hits to the ribs from the long-haired girl and Helen, then grabbed what seemed to be the long-haired girl''s head and smashed it against the sink. "You stupid bitch," Helen roared, kicking me hard in the back. The impact sent me crashing into the wall, my entire body feeling like it was falling apart. I leaned against the wall as the three approached me slowly. The bathroom lights flickered ominously, and I didn''t know how long it would take Logan to arrive. A flicker of fear rose in my chest as I struggled to stand. The door was kicked open violently, and Logan and Samuel burst in. Samuel quickly grabbed two of them by the neck, mming them against the wall. Logan went straight for Helen, grabbing her throat without hesitation. I looked at them both, relief washing over me as I took a deep breath. The price of adrenaline was the multiplied pain that followed. "What the hell is happening here?" Samuel roared, looking terrifying. The girls trembled in fear. "You came to my club to mess with my sister?" Logan''s voice was dangerously calm as he looked at Helen. Her neck seemed about to snap in his grip as she frantically tapped at his arm. "Samuel, go check on Xena," he said calmly, eyes still on Helen. Samuel gave each girl in his grasp a kidney shot, and they doubled over in pain, copsing to the floor. He walked over and looked at me. I was still leaning against the wall, trying to steady my breathing. "Are you okay?" he turned my face toward him, his concerned gaze making my heart skip a beat. But immediately after, anger and wounded pride took over, I violently pulled my face from his hand, struggling to stand up. I was fucking angry. I had several broken ribs, but otherwise I was fine. Helen was still conscious, barely. After steadying myself, I walked over to her. I slowly raised her right hand, grabbed her finger, and broke it in front of her eyes. "We''re going to settle this in the ring. I challenge you." As these words left my mouth, Helen looked terrified. She could only wave her arms in protest. By now, William and Ama had arrived, Ama rushing to my side with tears in her eyes to support me. "William, take her away," Samuel ordered. "Logan, Xena, I apologize for my pack members. Their punishment is yours to choose. I hope this won''t affect our future cooperation," he said, referring to the fact that Ama and William were mates. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 16 Xena''s POV William wasn''t the same person I''d seen before. The air around him was intense. His hands gripped the necks of Helen''s two helpers tightly, his knuckles white with pressure. "Come to Alpha Hank''s office with Alpha Benedict tomorrow. We''ll settle the details there," Logan said, his voice carrying the authority he''d been born to wield. "We''ll be there," Ryder responded, ncing at Helen before asking Logan, "Your cell or mine?" "Mine," I answered for Logan. Ryder stared at me for a second, then nodded in agreement. "No!" Helen cried out, struggling against Logan''s restraint, her voice shrill with panic. "I''ve got the SUV at the door," Leonard announced as he rushed over, dangling the keys in his hand. "Samuel," Logan nodded, then looked toward Samuel, gesturing toward the door with a tilt of his head. Samuel approached me without asking how I felt. He simply examined my injuries silently before lifting me in a bridal carry, carefully avoiding my major wounds. Still, I had to bite down on his shoulder to stifle a scream of pain. He stood still, letting me adjust, waiting for the pain to subside. After a moment, I released his shoulder and rested my head against his chest. The damn pain was nearly suffocating, but I refused to show weakness in front of outsiders. I could feel the warmth of Samuel''s chest, his heartbeat steady and strong, offering me an unexpectedfort. "Bitch," I muttered as Samuel carried me toward the door, turning right toward the back exit. William escorted the two girls behind us, with Ryder following close behind. They headed in the opposite direction, toward the main entrance. "Um, de?" Ama looked at us and then at William with concern clouding her face. 7:15 pm F I raised my head with effort. "It''s fine. Go with them, thene back for the meeting." I saw Ama''s face on the verge of tears, and I didn''t want her to worry, though I knew she could feel my pain. The sensation ofyer uponyer of constriction spread through my chest, each breath feeling like a stab wound. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling. She gently brushed the hair from my forehead. "I''ve been through worse," I gave her a weak smile. "Moon bless you, de," she kissed my cheek before heading off to find William. I slowly closed my eyes, my ears processing the club''s noise, the greetings from the bouncers at the door, and finally the sound of the SUV door closing. I leaned against Samuel the entire time, with Leonard firmly gripping Helen. Logan was driving. No one spoke during the ride. Logan drove home first, where Leonard got out and took Helen straight to the cells. Then we drove to the hospital. Logan said the doctor and my father were waiting for us. "Logan, what happened?" my father demanded as the doctor performed the X- ray. "She was ambushed by three girls. One of them is in our cell. Alpha Benedict wille to discuss punishment. X challenged one of the girls to a duel. Also, Ama and their future Beta William are mates." "This isplicated," my father sighed. "Are you alright, X?" He looked at me with concern. "Not bad, she didn''t get away unscathed either. I gave as good as I got," I forced a smile at my father. "Two fractured ribs, nothing else serious," Dr. Smith announced. "No adjustment needed, should heal in a day or two." "Thank you, doctor," Logan said. "Samuel, take X to her room to rest," my father instructed. Samuel nodded and lifted me again. We headed to the pack house, which was just next door. When he carried me to my bedroom door, I patted his arm. "Thanks, I can manage from here." He didn''t protest, just gently set me down, and I staggered into the room. He watched me walk in and sit on the bed, giving me a look I couldn''t decipher, then walked away. I was too preupied with my pain to worry about his mood; I just wanted to lie down. Logan had already ced my phone and ID on the nightstand, so I only needed to undress and slip under the covers. That''s exactly what I did. Just as I was about to fall asleep, my phone vibrated. A text message. Unknown number: It''s Ryder. I''m sorry about tonight. Me: Which part specifically? (I saved his number.) Ryder: All of it. I don''t regret the kiss, but I shouldn''t have done it. Me: Oh? Ryder: Couldn''t help myself. You looked too good. Me: How many girls have you said that to? My fingers tapped on the keyboard with sarcasm. I knew Ryder''s type-charming, dangerous, always with sweet words on his tongue. But I wasn''t ordinary prey, and that feeling terrified me, yet excited me at the same time. He took so long to reply that I fell asleep. When I woke up the next morning, I immediately checked my phone. 1 unread message. I opened it. Ryder: Too many, but you''re the first one I truly care about hurting. The words stirred something inside me. Was he being sincere? Or was this just another carefully crafted lie? Regardless of the truth, I decided to ignore his message for now, letting him stew a bit while I got up to shower. It took me longer than usual, but I managed. It was Saturday, and I needed to go to my shop, so I dressedfortably. I tried to brush my hair but couldn''t lift my arms high enough. Damn. Maybe Ama could help when she arrived, depending on her ns. I could use her assistance today. "Sis, they''re here," Logan informed me through our mental link. "Coming," I stood up and slowly made my way to my father''s office. The door was open, and to my annoyance, Martha was working at her desk. "How do you feel?" my father asked as I entered. "Furious." "Good," my father nodded. Martha said nothing, just shook her head. I sat in the chair opposite him. We didn''t wait long before we heard footsteps approaching. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 17 Xena''s POV "Alpha Hank." Alpha Benedict said as he walked into the room. I tried to stand up, but he ced his hand on my shoulder, gesturing for me to stay seated. "Don''t get up. How are you feeling?" "She''s fine," Martha suddenly interjected, answering for me. Everyone looked at her in confusion, not understanding why she''d speak on my behalf. I chose to ignore her. The three girls followed in behind Ryder, William, and Ama. Ama walked directly to my side. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, crouching beside me. "Much better. Can you help me braid my hair?" I smiled, stroking her face. "Of course." Ama stood up and began working on my hair. I looked at the three girls-broken nose, missing teeth, ck eyes. They looked far worse than I did, and I felt a small sense of satisfaction at the sight. "Seems like even three against one wasn''t enough advantage for you," my father mocked them. "First, I want to apologize for their behavior. They will ept whatever punishment you deem appropriate," Alpha Benedict said. "My daughter has already challenged that one to a duel," my father stated firmly. "Stupid girl!" Martha muttered under her breath. Everyone in the room could hear it, and Logan shot her a murderous re. "Perhaps you should check on the garden?" My father sensed the tension rising in the room and walked over to Martha, ushering her out. "The sooner you all realize she''s just trash, the sooner we can be rid of her!" Martha shouted as my father pushed her out. "Go on, the garden needs tending," my father said wearily. I was so ustomed to this kind of talk that I didn''t even blink. Years of this had numbed me to the sting-both Martha''s hatred and my father''s enabling of it. Ryder and Alpha Benedict looked at me with sympathy. I could almost read their thoughts: "No wonder you hit her." This pity felt worse than hostility. "So, shall we set it for next Saturday?" Alpha Benedict asked. "Perfect," I said coldly, looking at Helen. She appeared frightened but still had anger smoldering in her eyes. "And there''s also the matter of this youngdy who will be mating with our future Beta." Alpha Benedict gestured toward Ama as he spoke to my father. "Ah, yes. Miss Ama Gonzalez. Daughter of our finest warrior. She will be missed," my father replied with a smile. "Could we have the young people leave and discuss matters privately?" Alpha Benedict asked. "Certainly." We all stood and walked toward the hallway. As William and Logan escorted the girls to the cells to await punishment; I turned to Ama. "What are your ns today?" I asked. "Nothing special, I guess. Maybe moving my things." "Can you help me at the shop today? I can''t lift my arms," I said quietly, trying not to show how much pain I was in. "Of course." She looked at Ryder for confirmation. He shook his head. "You need to move your things and handle all the official paperwork. I''ll go with her to help." Ama''s face lit up. "That''s so sweet of you." I narrowed my eyes, immediately sensing something off. "Yeah, ''sweet'' is one word for it, or did your father send you to make sure this doesn''t turn into a bigger problem?" When he didn''t answer, I knew I''d guessed correctly. "That''s what I thought. I don''t need your help." I stood up and slowly walked out the door, heading toward my car. "de!" Ama called out. "Love you!" I called back with augh, letting her know I wasn''t upset with her. I had no ill feelings toward Ama; she was one of the few people I allowed into my heart. "Not happening! You''re riding with me, princess." Ryder quickly caught up to me. "Princess?" I raised an eyebrow. He hurried to his car, which was parked next to mine, and opened the passenger door with a flourish. I bet this car had attracted plenty of girls. "Why do they call you de?¡± he asked, genuine curiosity in his eyes. I frowned and asked, "Didn''t you already ask about that?" Ryder replied with a half-smile, "I just want to get to know you better." "Because my heart is forged in fire, and I''m a rebel, a warrior." I stared into his eyes, emphasizing the words ''rebel'' and ''warrior.'' "Logan is the charming one. The social butterfly, girl ma, warm guy. And me, the cold-hearted sister, known for not taking any shit." "I''ve heard," he nodded. "Yeah, so whatever you do won''t hurt my feelings. Whatever this is, don''t worry. You don''t owe me anything. We''re not looking for war, and you can go back to doing whatever you want with whoever you want." I said coldly. I painfully got into my car and drove straight to my shop with him following behind in his own car. We arrived at the motorcycle customization shop. It took me a moment to unlock the door and go inside. He didn''te in immediately but instead parked and waited quietly at the entrance. I put him out of my mind. Cleaning the bathroom and picking up trash was difficult for me, but I managed. However, looking at the brake pads on top of the cab, I sighed. Normally, I could just jump up and get them; but with my current injuries, that wasn''t possible. After hesitating for a moment, I sighed again and called his name. "Ryder?" "What is it, princess?" He seemed pleased that I''d called him, entering the room with a smirk and crossing his arms. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 18 Xena''s POV I suddenly felt ufortable, though I maintained my cool exterior. "Yeah, the brake pads and those parts on the tool rack. Could you grab them for me?" Ryder nodded and walked toward the cab. I couldn''t help but stare at his solid frame, the muscles in his arms flexing unconsciously as he picked up the items. My heart rate quickened despite my best efforts. "Don''t you think standing like that is inconvenient?" Ryder suddenly paused, turning back with a challenging smile ying at his features. His gaze traveled from my injured leg up to myposed expression, as if waiting for my reaction. I frowned slightly, ufortable with being the object of anyone''s concern, but managed a reluctant smile. "I''m fine, don''t worry about it." Instead of continuing his task, Ryder turned and approached me, standing ufortably close. "You''re strong, but you don''t always need to carry everything alone." His tone was gentle but carried an unmistakable suggestion that made my skin tingle. My heart hammered in my chest, but I fought to keep myposure. I cleared my throat and replied tly, "Just grab the stuff, that''s all." Ryder''s eyes flickered, and he let out a soft chuckle before continuing to gather the tools I needed. "I''ve got two clients scheduled for tonight. Put those on the tool cart, brake pads on the second shelf, and the chain and sprocket at the top," I instructed. Watching himplete these tasks, I walked to the counter. With fifteen minutes before my first appointment, I pulled out my sketchbook and continued working on my phoenix design. Drawing always calmed me, as if all my pain could flow away through the tip of my pencil. Ryder came over, looking at my phoenix sketch. "That looks incredible." "Thanks," I replied briefly. I suddenly remembered I needed to send the spelling bee word list. I quickly sent the link with my selected words, wondering why I still involved myself in school activities while knowing it was my only way to maintain "normalcy" and belong somewhere. He picked up my sketchbook and began flipping through it. The entire evening dragged on with Ryder quietly watching me as I worked. My injury made routine tasks exceedingly difficult. What normally took an hour now required two, and customers had to return another day toplete their orders. I inwardly sighed. Damn! That bitch! Ryder looked bored in the corner of the room. He spent most of his time either watching me work or texting. Part of me wanted to know who he was texting, but I reminded myself it wasn''t my business. I shouldn''t develop any curiosity about Ryder; it would onlyplicate things. After thest customer left, I walked to the door and flipped the sign to show CLOSED. The feeling of closing up shop was satisfying. Finally, after a busy day, all I wanted was to copse into bed. "All done?" Ryder asked as he watched me put on gloves to start cleaning. "Yeah, just need to clean up and check the books." I tossed sharp objects into their special container and waste into the trash bin. A few chains that should have gone back to the cab remained on the tool cart. Ryder just watched me work. "Does Luna Martha hit you?" Ryder asked abruptly. My entire body froze. Damn. He probably already knew the answer but wanted to hear me say it. I felt my throat tighten, anger and shame washing over me simultaneously. Why would he ask that? "Doesn''t matter. I won''t be around much longer anyway," I tried to make my voice sound indifferent. "What does that mean?" Concern colored Ryder''s tone. "Once I turn eighteen, I''m leaving. Traveling around until Logan takes over the pack. Then I''lle back." Voicing my n gave me a strange sense of relief, as if saying it aloud made the dream more tangible. "Why doesn''t Logan stop her, or your father?" "Logan does more for me than anyone. He''s always there, helping as much as he can. But he can''t be with me 24/7, and I can handle a few bruises or a split lip just fine." I sighed, sitting down to finish the bookkeeping. Ryder approached, standing at my desk. "Where will you go?" I nced up at him, surprised by his interest. "Anywhere. Everywhere. Just not here." "And what about this business?" "I guess I''ll have to put it on hold for a while." Saying those words hurt- motorcycles were my only passion, the only thing that made me feel free. "What about your mate?" "You sure ask a lot of questions," I muttered, growing tired of the interrogation. "Just curious," Ryder replied softly. "Well, when I find him, I''ll ask for his opinion," I answered, unexpectedly imagining Ryder might be that person. The thought startled me, and I quickly pushed it away. A knock at the door! Looking up, I saw Logan standing there. Ryder walked over to open it. "Ryder," Logan said as he entered. "Logan." There was no obvious power y, but the tension between them was almost visible. "What''s up, bro?" I asked. "Just checking on you." Logan walked over, looking at the work I was doing. "Going well, it''ll be a good month," I said, trying to ease the atmosphere. "Good, that''ll make things easier for you." "Easier for her?" Ryder asked, confused. ¡°For my travel preparations. If I get cut off financially, I have my own money to live on." I ced thepleted ledger in the drawer, locking it with a key. "You''re okay with her leaving?" Ryder asked Logan. "Of course not, but I also don''t want X to keep being abused, Logan replied, his voice tight with a mixture of anger and resignation. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 19 Xena''s POV "I don''t understand why I have to wait until I''m eighteen. I''m smarter than everyone. I can take care of myself," I said stubbornly, crossing my arms over my chest. Logan smiled at me, his brown eyes softening. "While I agree with you, we have an agreement." "Whatever." I rolled my eyes, feeling frustration bubble up inside me. Why was it always rules and agreements? Weren''t my intelligence and abilities enough to prove I could make my own decisions? "Besides, Dad asked what we wanted to do for our eighteenth birthday. I think he wants to throw a big party," Logan said, leaning against the counter of my shop. "Do I have to go?" The idea sounded absolutely terrible. My stomach clenched at the thought of a birthday hall packed with werewolves, all of them staring at me, judging my every move. "You have to go, and you have to wear a dress," Logan teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Then it''s not much of a birthday party for me," I said with a bitter smile. Wearing dresses'' was torture - restrictive and ufortable. "What do you want to do for your birthday?" Ryder asked. "Hmm..." I considered, imagining escaping the pack and the cookie-cutter birthday parties. "Maybe hiking, or sunbathing on a beach, even just rxing by a pool. Just something simple and private." Saying these words aloud made me feel lighter somehow. "Why not tell your father that''s what you want?" Ryder suggested, his green eyes studying me intently. "Because traditionally, once we turn eighteen, we''re supposed to find our mates. Start full-time training for whatever job we''re going to do. In Logan''s case, they need to train a Luna," I frowned, feeling weary of it all. Always expectations, always responsibilities, never what I actually wanted. "I think Dad expects you to be mated to Samuel, so you''d be a beta female," Logan said with a frown. "That''s a demotion, and I already do more work than Martha does in a year," I said through gritted teeth, remembering all the ignored effort and contributions, anger at the unfairness burning inside me. "A big party increases our chances of finding mates," Logan continued. "What good is a mate to me? Even if it''s Samuel, that just means I''m stuck here for life." As I said it, I felt a choking sensation, like an invisible hand was squeezing my throat. Freedom that''s what I truly longed for but could never seem to grasp. "But once I take over, no one would darey a hand on you again," Logan promised. "What if you be like Dad ¨C so consumed with running the pack that you have no time for family drama - poor alpha femaleining about being disciplined." I finished speaking and realized our conversation might be making Ryder ufortable. I nced at him awkwardly. "Every pack has family drama. I won''t tell anyone about yours," Ryder said with a shrug. "Have you found your mate?" Logan asked him, seemingly satisfied with Ryder''s answer. "No. Not in any rush either," Ryder replied casually. "By the way, is that girl who attacked Xena your girlfriend?" Logan questioned, a hint of disapproval in his tone. "She was, until I dumped her after she showed that disrespect at the pizza ce," he answered like it was no big deal. I snuck a nce at Ryder, curiosity rising within me - he''d done that for me? But I didn''t want to continue this topic. "I''m hungry and tired. You boys can stay and chat, but I''m going to get food," I said, standing up to leave. "I promised Keira I''d take her out. I just wanted to check on you," Logan said with frown. "Enjoy your date. I''ll drive to get something," I reassured him. Logan checked his watch. "I have time to take you home..." "I''ll do it, man. I was nning to anyway," Ryder quickly offered. "Alright." Logan looked at him, then at me, and seeing no objection from me, he added, "Text me when you get home." "Yes, sir," I answered halfheartedly. Logan smiled, kissed my forehead, then walked out. Deep down, I knew he genuinely cared about me, but his protection sometimes felt like another form of constraint. "When you''re ready, we can go," Ryder said, checking his watch. "If I''m keeping you from something, I can walk home," I offered. "No need. I''m good," he replied. Afterpleting the security checks before closing the shop, I told him, "Ready to go." "Great, let''s go," Ryder said, practically pushing me out the door. He seemed in a hurry too. "Do you have somewhere urgent to be? I thought you didn''t have ns?" I asked curiously as I slid into the passenger seat, my mind racing with possibilities. "I just made ns," Ryder said with a smile as he started the engine. I rolled down the window, letting the wind blow against my face as Ryder sped onto the highway. It wasn''t until he missed a turn - this wasn''t the way to my pack - that I looked at him. "Um, you missed the turn!" I eximed. "No, I didn''t." "Yes... you did. This road doesn''t lead to my pack," I felt a twinge of unease. "We''re not going to your pack." "But your ns...?" I waspletely confused, yet my heart rate quickened involuntarily. "My ns are with you," he stated simply. "With me? Why?" I asked, feeling an inexplicable surge of anticipation. "Do you have.a curfew?" Ryder asked with a smug smile. "Um, no," I answered automatically. "What''s wrong? Am I making you nervous?" He challenged with that infuriating smirk of his. "Hell no," I decided to stop pursuing answers and turned my attention back to the window. The warm wind caressed my face, and bright stars illuminated the world around 1. us. It was a perfect night. When Ryder made a turn, I realized his n. "Really?" I sounded way too excited about it. "Never been here before?" Ryder asked, a mysterious smile ying on his lips. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 20 Xena''s POV "No." We arrived at a drive-in movie theater, the kind where you could order food while enjoying the film. Tonight''s feature was "2012." "Hope you like cheeseburgers," Ryder said with a smile. "I do, actually." I wasn''t particrly picky about food, as long as it wasn''t something ridiculous like those Donut Burgers. Ryder found a spot at the back of the parking lot. We got out and he pulled out a nket and spread it over the surface to protect the paint job, then we climbed onto his hood. "I bet you bring girls here all the time," I couldn''t help asking, though I felt an odd twinge of difort, secretly hoping he would deny it. "You''re the first. This is usually something I do alone." His answer surprised me, making my heart beat a little faster. "Then why bring me?" "I just wanted to watch a movie," Ryder shrugged, his tone so t I couldn''t tell if he was serious or joking. Our food arrived as the movie started. I was really enjoying the film. My cheeseburger was juicy and delicious, with burger juice dripping down my chin until Ryder had to hand me a napkin. "Charming," he teased. "I try," Iughed as I wiped the juice away, feeling a subtle intimacy flowing between us. "Can I ask you something?" "Sure," I replied, only half listening as most of my attention was on the movie. "You mentioned earlier that you''re smarter than everyone else. What did you mean by that?" 7:18 pm n "Exactly what I said. I''m just smarter." I answered casually. "What''s your IQ?" "That''s a secret only my mate gets to know." I smiled. "I mean, it''s not a huge secret, but it is a secret." "Hmm." Ryder took a sip of his c, not pressing further. "Let''s just say I could have skipped high school altogether and gone straight to college." I immediately regretted saying too much. I always felt conflicted when this topic came up- part of me wanted someone to understand my differences, while another part feared being "Why are you so interested in me?" I tried changing the subject. "I''m not particrly interested, just making conversation." "My life isn''t as exciting as you might think. What you see is what you get." I shrugged. "If you say so." Ryder gave me a smile tinged with sadness. "Besides, if Helen is your type, then I''m the opposite. We could be friends, but I don''t think I''m feminine enough for your taste," I said honestly. "I never said I was interested in you that way." His response disappointed me a little-apparently he was just ying around with no real feelings involved. "No, you didn''t, did you?" "I guess that kiss at the club was just a spur of the moment thing," I said, taking another big bite of my burger and pretending to watch the movie. "Something like that." Ryder''s eyes remained fixed on the screen, not looking at me. My disappointment deepened. I didn''t want to push the issue further, so we watched the movie in silence. But damn it, I couldn''t stop thinking about that kiss. There was a strange chemistry between us, maybe just physical attraction, or maybe it was his mysterious aura. Ryder had that silent, brooding man vibe that was sexy as hell. "I like this movie," Ryder said, sliding off the hood and extending his hand to help me down. I appreciated the assistance since my ribs were still sore. "Me too, it''s a ssic." We got into the car and Ryder folded up the nket. His phone vibrated, and he checked it. "Everything okay?" I asked, noticing his mood shift. "It''s fine," he answered almost curtly. He stepped on the gas, and we sped away from the parking lot. My mouth opened and closed several times before I finally just leaned back in my seat and stayed quiet. Awkwardness and confusion spread through me, not understanding why the atmosphere had suddenly be so tense. We reached my pack house in record time. Ryder leaned over to open my door, but didn''t get out himself. "Oh, um... thanks for dinner and the movie," I said, feeling disappointed and confused. "You''re wee," he replied, clearly angry about something. I got out of the car, bewildered, and before I could even close the door, he hit the gas and quickly drove away. How strange. Even though it wasn''t particrlyte, no one was awake, so I didn''t have to deal with Luna Martha''s interference and easily made it back to my room. After a difficult shower, I finally crawled into bed and quickly fell asleep. "de... de?" I hazily heard a female voice calling my name. "What the hell?" I opened one eye to see sunlight streaming painfully through the curtains. I rubbed my eyes and saw Ama sitting on my bed. "I came to spend the day with you," she said, her tone hopeful. "Where''s your mate?" I asked. "I''m seeing him tonight. Ryder came home in a bad moodst night, and it''s still continuing this morning." "When did he get home?" I asked, rememberingst night and feeling an inexplicable sense of loss. I didn''t understand why his mood had changed so suddenly, or why I cared so much. The date was supposed to be just a casual social activity between friends, but my heart uncontrobly wanted more. Chapter Comments. LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 21 Xena''s POV "Around 11:30, I think," Ama said, struggling to remember. "Why do you ask?" "No reason. Just wondering why he was so pissed off." "Who knows." She shrugged. I sat up in bed, stretching with a yawn. "What''s the n for today?" "Do you have any appointments at the shop?" Ama asked, already bouncing with energy despite the early hour. "One in the afternoon. Morning''s free." "Perfect! Let''s get you dresses for tonight and your birthday party!" Ama pped her hands, looking way too excited for a shopping trip. "Oh great. Can''t wait," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. I climbed out of bed, carefully testing my range of motion. Better than yesterday, but still sore. My phone buzzed as I headed toward the bathroom. I nced at the screen and saw two messages. Samuel: Hey, how are you feeling today? Ryder: Sorry aboutst night. I''m not ready to deal with either of these, I thought, especially Samuel''s message. I can''t let myself fall any deeper. If we''re not mates, these feelings will only make separation more painful. And Ryder... his sudden appearance justplicates everything. I decided to focus on getting ready instead. Too tired to put much effort into my appearance, I threw my hair into a messy bun and pulled on sweatpants and a crop top. "So sexy," Ama teased, looking me up and down. "I''m too tired to care." I grabbed my wallet as we headed for the door. "I''m so excited!" Ama squealed. When we reached the hallway, Logan, his friends, and my dad were there. I was momentarily happy to see them until Martha emerged from the kitchen. "Where are you two going?" she asked sharply. "Shopping for birthday dresses," I answered. "There''ve been more rogue attackstely. Maybe one of the boys should go with you," Dad said, concern evident in his voice. "They''ll be fine. She needs a nice dress." Martha looked me up and down with disdain in her eyes. "Maybe I could join you for a bit?" Logan suggested. "We don''t need protection," I snapped, frustration building. "I''ve had the same training you have." "Ama..." Martha said her name with disgust, "might need it. If she gets hurt under our watch, her current pack won''t be pleased." I really hate her. She always finds ways to get under my skin. "She''s right," Logan said, stepping forward and patting my shoulder. I felt betrayed that he was siding with Martha. "Samuel will go with them," Dad announced, and my heart sank. Space was exactly what I needed right now. Why Samuel of all people? Thest thing I need is to be around him when I''m trying to sort out my feelings. "Fine," Samuel said, leaning against the doorframe. His eyes immediately found mine. "Let''s go," Ama said, seemingly oblivious to my difort as she dragged me out the door. "I''ll drive," Samuel announced, walking toward his sports car. Ama climbed into the back seat, leaving me the front passenger seat. Just great... "To the mall!" Ama directed cheerfully. Samuel nodded and pressed the elerator. Ama''s phone rang, and as she chatted away in the backseat, it felt like Samuel and I were alone in the car. You didn''t reply to my text, Samuel''s voice came through our mental link. Sorry, Ama forced me out of bed. I''m feeling okay, still sore but not too bad, I replied. You''ve been avoiding me. It wasn''t a question; I could hear the certainty in his tone. You''re imagining things, I deflected, turning to look out the window. Don''t lie. It started after Ryder showed up. Is there something between you two? He sounded irritated. No! It''s not about Ryder. It''s about turning eighteen, and reality setting in. We might not be mates, and if we''re not- What do you feel for me? Samuel interrupted. This is exactly the conversation I''ve been avoiding, my heart raced. I mean... you''re a good friend. We had an agreement, just kissing, nothing more. No feelings, and if one of us developed feelings, we should end it. Do you have feelings? I wasn''t sure I wanted to hear the answer I already knew. You damn well know I do, he growled, anger radiating from him. My mind was racing, uncertain how to respond. "What kind of dress are you thinking?" Thankfully, Ama ended her call and started asking questions. "It''s a formal event. Well, until the party starts at 11!" I quickly answered, turning back to smile at her, stealing a nce at Samuel''s dark expression as he stared ahead at the road. "Exactly. I''m thinking all ck with some sparkle," Ama said excitedly, using her fingers to outline a sweetheart or strapless neckline. "I''m not sure what I want. Just something I can dance in." "Better not be too revealing or Luna Martha will flip out," Ama rolled her eyes. "Then that''s exactly what I''ll do!" The mention of Martha stirred my rebellious streak. "What?" Ama looked surprised at my response. "Actually, I''ve been thinking about wearing a crimson dress. Just to stand out, make a statement." She quickly changed the subject. "That would definitely be a statement." I turned back to face forward as we pulled into the parking lot. Samuel parked quickly, and I unbuckled my seatbelt. Ama was already outside, ready to help me out. "Or maybe a white dress?" I suggested, leaning on her shoulder as I struggled to get out. "No, save that for your Luna ceremony." "Luna ceremony? Did you forget Logan''s older and will take the position?" We started walking toward the mall entrance with Samuel trailing behind us. "I still think you''ll mate with an Alpha. Preferably Ryder, so we can live in the same pack!" Ama leaned in to whisper in my ear. "I doubt I''ll end up his mate. No, with my luck, I''ll probably be stuck in this pack forever." Samuel held the door open for us, and we walked inside. "I''m sure your mate will want to travel with you!" Ama tried to reassure me. I nced at Samuel, who frowned deeply. If Samuel and I were mates, he definitely wouldn''t travel with me. We''ve discussed it before, though he did say he wouldn''t force me to stay. Chapter Comments Chapter 22 Xenas''s POV "Let''s go in this one!" Ama squealed, tugging on my arm as we made our way into Stitch & Story. We each selected three dresses to try on. Ama''s picks matched exactly what she''d described earlier, while I chose threepletely different styles. The first was an emerald green slip dress with thin straps and a plunging neckline. It hugged my waist before falling straight down with a slit that ran dangerously high up my thigh. I stepped out of the changing room and stood in front of the mirror, examining myself with a critical eye. "Looks good," Samuelmented casually. I sighed internally. His voice as t as if he werementing on a roadside flower. I could feel him deliberately keeping his distance, even as his eyes wandered over me when he thought I wasn''t looking. "This one would work for dancing, but it doesn''t really do anything for my figure," I said softly, hoping to ease some of the tension between us. Ama emerged wearing a strapless mermaid dress, her blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. "I don''t like you in that one," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Good, because I''m not feeling it either," I replied, relieved to have an excuse. "That''s not working either," I said honestly about her dress. That style needed fuller hips to pull it off, which Ama clearly didn''t have. "Yeah, it''s not right for me," Ama agreed. We retreated back to our changing rooms. My second dress was all ck with strategic cutouts. The straps were thicker, crossing under my chest to push my breasts up and make them more prominent. The design crossed in the back before returning to the front, with cutouts ced beneath my chest, along my sides, and across most of my back. The dress clung to every curve, the crossing in the back positioned just above the dimples of my lower back, while the cinched fabric perfectly entuated my hips. The slit was so high I could barely wear underwear with it. 7:20 pm I walked out and stood before the mirror, waiting for Ama. Looking at my body tightly wrapped in ck fabric, aplex feeling washed over me. I felt beautiful and sexy, like I''d transformed into someone else. The feeling excited me but also scared me a little. Martha would definitely disapprove of this dress, but in that moment, I felt a rebellious urge to break free from her constraints. Ama emerged after a few minutes. Her dress was a ck corseted ball gown with a low neckline, but with two sharp edges above each breast. The skirt was hitched up and gathered in the front, resembling more of a salsa dance party dress. "Oh my god, even if you don''t wear that to the party, you have to buy it," Ama stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. "Damn,¡± Samuel muttered under his breath, shifting ufortably in his seat. I felt a wave of heat run through my body, knowing he was struggling to control his reaction to 1. me. "I really love how you look in that dress!" I told Ama, trying to divert attention from the tension I was feeling inside. "Me too. It fits well, and I can dance in it," Ama responded. I stared at my reflection, imagining how I''d look all done up: my curls pinned low in a messy bun with a few strands falling loose; maybe red lips and high heels. The image was so different from my usual self, yet it gave me a strange sense of belonging, as if I''d finally found another part of me. "Okay, one more to go," Ama said excitedly. Walking back to the changing room, I felt anticipation for thest dress. I had to admit, I liked the ck dress more than I''d expected. Ama was right-I would buy it regardless. The final dress was the crimson red. It was corseted, pushing my breasts up and cinching my waist. However, it was made ofce andpletely transparent. There was ck lining for the chest, but from beneath my breasts to where the skirt began, you could see my stomach. The slit was wide, withceyered over a silk skirt. I stepped out to find Ama already changed. She wore a silk dress that looked stunning on her. It wasn''tpletely form-fitting, more like a slip dress. With thin straps and flowing fabric, she looked wless. "Add some fashion tape, and that''s your dress," I evaluated, feeling a bit awkward about making eye contact with Samuel after his earlier reaction. "I know! I didn''t even intend to get one with straps, honestly didn''t notice they had that style," Ama responded. When I walked over to her, she finally noticed what I was wearing. "Hot damn!" "I know! It''s sexy in its own way," I replied, pleased by her reaction. "They''re both sexy, just different types of sexy!" Ama exined. I understood what she meant, but I wasn''t sure which type I wanted to be. The elegant, subtle kind, or the bold, direct kind? "Whatever, I''ll buy both and decide what to wearter," I blurted out. Ama jumped up and down with excitement. "Can we leave now?" Samuelined impatiently. "Why are you so grumpy?" Ama asked him, barely acknowledging his mood. "No reason," Samuel answered shortly, his jaw clenched tight, eyes deliberately avoiding me. My heart ached a little, knowing the source of his irritation. "Hungry?" Ama teased. "Actually, yes. Let''s get something to eat and then leave. I have work to do," Samuel said, his voice revealing his eagerness to escape the current situation. "We should head home. We can grab something to go," I added, thinking that the sooner we separated, the less grumpy he might be. "Alright," Ama sighed, "a sd sounds good." "It does. We''ll order takeout from Panera Bread, and I''ll go pick it up," Samuel offered. Ama nodded and started ordering on her phone. My thoughts were consumed by theplicated rtionship between Samuel and me. Are you really going to stay in this mood? I couldn''t help asking Samuel through our mind link, What do you expect? he shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. We shouldn''t have started this. I''m sorry, I replied, my heart sinking as I thought about the pain I was causing him. I didn''t want to admit it, but I hoped he wasn''t my mate, so I wouldn''t be trapped here. The car soon pulled up outside Panera Bread. I cut off the mind link and, before Samuel could stop me, I opened the door and limped toward the restaurant. The hot, humid air hit me like a wall, making my skin instantly sticky with sweat. "Table for one?" the hostess asked. "Actually, I''m here to pick up an order," I replied. "Sure, what name is it under?" "Um, probably Ama''s name." "Two sds?" "That''s the one!" I said with relief. Chapter 23 Xena''s POV The moment I slid into Samuel''s car, I could feel his anger radiating off him like heat from a furnace. His jaw was clenched tight, knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. The atmosphere was so thick with tension I could barely breathe. "What''s wrong?" I asked, though I already had a pretty good idea of what was bothering him. I could sense his disappointment and frustration, the feeling of being overlooked practically seeping from his pores. Ama, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward. "Today is Saturday! Club night! If you''re feeling up to it," she said excitedly,pletely oblivious to the tension. Her green eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at me questioningly. I weighed my options in my mind. On one hand, I desperately needed to rx and forget about all the bullshit in my life. On the other hand, my ribs were still throbbing with a dull ache. "We''ll see how I feelter,¡± I replied. "You''re not seriously considering going out tonight?" Samuel demanded, his tone harsh enough to make me flinch. His attitude was starting to grate on my nerves. "I''ve gone dancing with a broken foot before. A few bruised ribs aren''t going to stop me," I shot back, my voice carrying a.defiant edge. He didn''t respond, just pressed harder on the gas pedal, speeding all the way back to the ? pack house. Ama nced between us repeatedly, but wisely kept her mouth shut. When we arrived, Samuel parked the car and stormed off immediately, mming the door hard enough to make the entire vehicle shake. Thankfully, Ama grabbed my dress bag, and we headed upstairs to my room together. "What''s up with Samuel?" she asked, carefully hanging up the dress on my closet door. I sighed, easing myself onto my bed, feeling the dull throb in my ribs. "Apparently he''s caught feelings and can''t handle the fact that we might not be mates. He wants me to revolve around him no matter what." As I said it, a wave ofplicated emotions washed over me-guilt, confusion, and a touch of irritation. "He actually said that?" Ama''s mouth dropped open in surprise. "Not in those exact words, but that was the gist of it. He told me he has feelings now. We agreed to stop if either of us started getting attached, but he never told me." I opened my sd container and started eating, hoping the food would distract me from my thoughts. "We all saw iting. How did you not notice?" Ama asked, perching on the edge of my desk. "Maybe I chose not to see it," I admitted, feeling a stab of shame. "Being with him was my way of forgetting about Martha. Honestly, I used him as a distraction, which makes me an asshole. My only defense is that he knew from the start. It was just making out, nothing more." Guilt washed over me-l never meant to hurt anyone. "What about Ryder?" Ama raised an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look. "Nothing. He''s just a yer who''s focused on his Alpha training," I replied, not wanting to tell her about the kiss. That unexpected, electric kiss that still made my heart race whenever I thought about it. "Ryder or Samuel?" She held up her hands as if asking me to choose. "In six days, the Moon God will choose for me," I evaded, though I couldn''t help wondering: what would it be like if fate paired me with Ryder? That damn guy. "de, Friday is your birthday party. Saturday is your fight. Then next Saturday is the dance," Ama reminded me, counting off on her fingers. "That dress I didn''t wear on my birthday, I''ll save it for the dance," I decided. "I think you should wear the red one. Let everyone see what they''re missing," she suggested with a mischievous smile. "Martha would ''love'' that..." I rolled my eyes. After finishing my sd, I waited for Ama to finish eating as well. "Ready to go?" I asked, standing up carefully. "Yes. I want to ride the motorcycle," she replied, bouncing on her toes. "Can you even ride with your ribs?" she asked, concern shing across her face. "Let''s find out." Ama jumped up excitedly while I stood slowly, feeling my mood lifting... Until we reached the foyer. Martha was screaming at some poor maid. From what I gathered, she''d missed a spot while vacuuming. SMACK! Martha pped the girl hard enough to send her sprawling to the floor. "Martha!" I couldn''t stop myself from calling out. At the same time, I reached out through our mind link: Logan, get to the foyer now. Martha just hit the maid. On my way, he responded immediately. "Well, look who it is. The pathetic daughter. Have you finished your chores?" Martha sneered, her eyes filled with malice as she slowly walked toward me. "Leave her alone, Martha." Logan, Leonard, and William rushed through the front door. Logan''s voice was dangerously low as he positioned himself in front of me. William grabbed Ama and pulled her back, while Leonard did the same with me. "This isn''t your business. This little bitch needs to be taught a lesson. She can''t keep interfering," Martha spat, each word dripping with venom meant to pierce my skin. "You know you can''t hit the staff," Logan said in that dangerous, calm voice that meant he was barely containing his anger. "Just wait. He won''t always be around to protect you," Martha narrowed her eyes at me before muttering something under her breath and walking away. "Is she always like this?" William asked, still holding Ama''s hand. "Only with me. I look too much like our mother," I exined as Leonard released his grip and stepped back. "Where are youdies headed?" Leonard asked, changing the subject. "I have a few appointments at the shop. Ama''s going to help me since my arm still hurts when I lift it," I said, looking at William. He nodded in understanding. "Okay. We''ve got a few things to finish up here," Logan said, his voice softening. "I want to go to the club tonight," Ama announced, looking up at William with fluttering eyshes. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 24 Xenas'' POV William nced at Logan, his brow furrowing slightly. "I''ll talk to Ryder, then let you know the results. The Rogues have been restlesstely, especially after what happened "We don''t need to dance... just sit down and have a few drinks. Rx, escape this ce for a while..." Ama waved her hand toward the door Martha had just exited through. This feeling of being trapped suffocates me. Even if we didn''t go, I was nning to go for a run at midnight. It didn''t really matter to me whether we went or not. I craved freedom, longed to run, to feel the wind through my hair and the moonlight on my skin. It was the instinct flowing through my blood, an impulse I couldn''t resist. "I''ll talk to Ryder," William repeated. "Do you need a ride?" Logan asked. "I want to ride my bike," I answered directly. Logan frowned but said nothing. "Thank you," I stepped forward and gave him a hug. "Anytime for you," he said softly. "Thanks, bro,¡± I appreciated that Logan always tried his best to give me maximum freedom. "Wear your helmet. I''lle see you," William told Ama, then kissed her goodbye. As he was about to leave, Ama grabbed his head and kissed him again. Logan and Leonard started hooting. The atmosphere immediately lightened. Half a minuteter, Ama released William, gave him a wink, and ran to catch up with me. "You know I love you!" She linked her arm with mine as we walked toward the garage together. Ama took our helmets from the special cab for motorcycle helmets. "Here you go." She helped me put on my helmet before I got on the bike. After she put on hers too, we started the engines and sped away. At first, my ribs protested with pain, but at that moment, I weed the difort. The feeling of the wind through the ends of my hair was so wonderful that I almost missed a turn. Twenty minutester, I could already see the sign for my shop. ¡°Are you feeling okay?" Ama asked as we pulled into the parking space. "I could go for a five-hour ride," my tone was sarcastic, but it wasn''t a joke. "That would be fun!" Unlocking the door, we walked in. I loved the smell of this ce. It was the scent of freedom, independence, and happiness. "I''ll get you the wrench and screwdriver," Ama called out. "Thanks!" I grabbed the other things and put them in the tool cart. I usually prepared everything thirty minutes before a customer arrived. "Why can''t peoplee earlier?" Ama asked. "It''s fine. I have some things to do. Actually, I have a list you can help meplete while. I work." "Oh?" Ama wasn''t my assistant, but asionally I''d force her into that role. "Yes. Simple things. Just call these people to confirm everything''s going ording to n. Email these people with the correct information, and bnce the prom ounts. These are the final receipts." "Girl..." Ama widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°Please?¡± I batted my eyshes at her. "I''ll let you..." "Oh, give me an IOU. I want to save it for when I need it." She said with a mischievous grin. "Fine. I''m going to regret this." My first customer-Otis-arrived, so I started working while Ama handled those emails. Since I could still feel the pain from my injuries, today''s work was all effortless- spray painting. I was excited to finish it. He wanted one of my drawings as a decal. It was a sword with a reflection of wolf eyes in it, with blood dripping from the de. The shading was very intricate work, but the effect looked stunning. Each of my pieces is abor of love that I immerse myself in. Those dripping drops of blood, that sharp de, those wolf eyes lurking in the shadows... they''re all projections of my inner world. An hourter, afterpleting the final process-spraying the clear coat-"There, I''ll get the camera. You can go take a look." I smiled, very satisfied with the result. "Wow, this is fucking awesome!" Otis leaned in to look, eximing with delight. This made Ama, who was sitting at the counter, look over and smile. Ryder and William walked in. "How''s it going, beautiful?" William leaned on the counter and said to Ama. She blushed immediately, which made me roll my eyes. The hormone game between them is always so obvious, sometimes it''s really unbearable. I picked up the camera to take photos. "Looks good," Ryder walked over to look at my work. "Thanks. Xena is an amazing artist," Otis chimed in excitedly. "Thanks, Otis. You know what to do. We''re done." Looking at the photos I''d taken, I was satisfied. "Come pick up your motorcycle tomorrow night at this time," I walked to the counter to put down the camera and wrote the appointment in my book. "Thanks, Xena! See you!" Otis walked out of my shop. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" I looked up at Ryder and sighed. Chapter 25 Xena''s POV "You didn''t reply to my text." Ryder''s voice broke the silence as he leaned against the counter of my shop. "No, I didn''t." I moved past him, organizing the tools in my cart, the metal nking as I put each one in its ce. "How are you feeling?" he pressed, his green eyes tracking my every movement. "Just fine." I kept my voice neutral, focusing on my task rather than the way his presence seemed to fill the entire space. "Damn it, Xena, can''t you just give me a straight answer?" His voice rose in frustration, causing William and Ama to pause their flirting and look over at us. I mmed a wrench down harder than necessary. "What do you want from me, Ryder? I''m fine. A few broken ribs isn''t anything new to me. As a warrior, I go through this kind of thing every other week. I''m not some fragile girl who''s going to fall apart or needs a man hovering over her. You disappeared after dropping me off at home. Maybe you''re the one who should be exining yourself." The words burst out of me with more force than I intended, my anger rising to the surface. Ryder fell silent, and I refused to look at him as I aggressively wiped down my work cart. In my fury, I twisted too quickly, sending a sharp pain radiating through my ribcage. I had to brace myself against the wall, breathing deeply until the stabbing sensation subsided. "Need some ice?" Ama''s voice was soft, uncertain. ¡°I''m fine.¡± Not wanting them to see the tears pricking at my eyes, I hurried to the bathroom. It was a mixture of pain and anger. The pressure of my uing birthday and finding my mate was making me irritable. The anxiety was like an invisible hand, squeezing my throat until I couldn''t breathe. I pulled open the drawer and found the Tylenol. Two 500mg pills would help. Eventually, the tears dried, and I fixed my face. Part of me hoped they would be gone when I returned, but they were all still there. "Maybe we skip the club and have a pic in the forest instead?" Ama suggested, her eyes full of concern. "With all the Rogue attacks?" I doubted the guys would agree to that. "I know a safe spot I could take you girls," William smiled, slipping his arm around Ama''s waist. "Why don''t you two go alone? Sounds like a couple thing." I said, thinking how some time alone would help clear my head. Theseplicated emotions were exhausting metely. "I don''t want to leave you," Ama frowned. "You''re not. I''m kicking you out," I replied with a small smile. "de..." Ama tilted her head, looking at me with those soft eyes. "Seriously, go. Enjoy your time together. I''ll finish up here." "I haven''t done much," Ama frowned. "More than I have. Really, go. It''s fine." "Take my car," Ryder said quietly, tossing his keys to William. His offer seemed to seal the deal, and William took Ama''s hand, both of them leaving with the excitement of kids in a candy store. I walked to the bathroom and tossed the rag into the sink. ¡°What work do you have to do?" Ryder asked, now standing in the bathroom doorway, his frame blocking most of the exit. "Just school stuff. Making sure everything''s in order. Bncing ounts. That sort of thing." I didn''t meet his eyes as I pushed past him, heading for the counter. "How much do you have left?" He followed close behind me. "Considering Ama types about three words per minute, pretty much all of it. But it''ll only take me an hour." I opened myptop, ready to finish what Ama had started. 7:23 pm Chapter 25 "Do you have any appointments?" Ryder checked his watch. "Two. Both just finishing touches. Won''t take long. You don''t have to stay." My irritation deepened, giving a harsh edge to my voice. "I told Logan I''d stay with you since the Rogues have gotten too close to town. I guess Samuel isn''t up for the job." Ryder seemed oblivious to my anger as he spoke. At the mention of Samuel''s name, my fingers paused over the keyboard for just a second, a reaction that didn''t escape Ryder''s notice. "I see." "You don''t know why he''s not here... do you?" I sighed, looking up at him. ¡°Just say what you want to say." I was tired of his probing. Each test felt like a shallow cut across my heart. "Is there something between you two?" His green eyes searched mine. "Why do you care?" "Answer my question first." "There''s nothing between us. We have an arrangement. No feelings, just kissing when we''re drunk. Nothing more. Mainly because I''m saving myself for my mate and I can''t control my emotions. Besides, getting emotionally attached to Samuel would be a terrible idea if he''s not my destined mate." The admission lifted some of the storm clouds from my mind. "Plus the fact you want to leave," Ryder added, cing both hands on the counter as he watched me. "Yup." I really popped the P as I started working again. "Sounds like he has real feelings and you don''t care.¡± Thatment reignited my anger. "Are you satisfied now? Have I fulfilled your curiosity about something that has nothing to do with you?" I snapped, my eyes shing with irritation. Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 26 Xena''s POV I was about to continue questioning Ryder when the door swung open and my next client walked in. "Hey!" "Hey, Penelope! This is the future Alpha, Ryder Nash. Penelope is a member of our pack." Penelope gave Ryder a nervous nce but still showed him the respect due to a future Alpha. Her caramel skin glowed under the shop lights as she tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Please make yourselffortable. Bathroom''s over there if you need it. Let me just finish sending this email, and I''ll be right with you," I said, fingers flying over my keyboard. "Sure, no problem." Penelope was a beauty. Long legs, golden hair, and those impossibly sharp red nails that I could never manage to maintain with my work. She had a model''s figure but the heart of a sweetheart, and she was one of my assistants. "Need any help? I''m free tonight," she offered, her smile bright. "That would be amazing. I''ll handle the books if you could take care of these?" I handed her a list of emails and calls that needed to be made. "No problem." She walked to the door, opened both sides, and wheeled in her Yamaha YZF-R3-that purple beauty with dual exhaust. "Thanks, you''re the best." I took her motorcycle and pushed it to the modification area. Ryder sat in my office chair while Penelope positioned herself behind the counter and started on my work. Today she wanted her rear suspension modified, recing the factory rear suspension linkage with a Vortex Racing one to lower it by about an inch. "Let''s do it," I said, slipping on my gloves and systematically removing the seat, side covers, and rear wheel. As I was setting the heavy rear wheel aside and loosening the lower mounting bolt on the rear shock, a screw went flying andnded right by Penelope''s foot. Ryder saw it too but made no move to get up. "I''ll get that for you," Penelope noticed and bent down to pick it up. The angle gave Ryder a clear view of her chest, but I watched as he immediately lowered his eyes back to his phone. The stark contrast between the intense, borderline aggressive guy who''d been questioning me and this respectful behavior improved my mood slightly. "Thank you," I gave Penelope a wide smile and continued working. About a minuteter, Ryder''s phone rang, and he stepped outside to take the call. He stayed on the phone for the entire time it took me to finish the rest of the job. Penelope and Ipleted our tasks almost simultaneously. When Ryder walked back in, I was photographing Penelope''s YZF-R3 while she was updating me on her progress. "...the flowers and decorations will be delivered on time. They didn''t have the blue you selected, so I switched to deep green. It''ll still look great with the ck and match the theme. We might need some adjustments, so I changed the ents to gold. As for the carnival, everything is on schedule. All vendors have confirmed, and their deposits have been processed." "You''re amazing," I said, trying to stand up but copsed back down as a sharp pain shot through me. Damn, I forgot about my ribs. "Xena!" Penelope was clearly rmed. "I''m fine." I held up a hand to signal her to wait. With my eyes closed, I could hear Ryder''s footsteps. When he reached my side, he gently wrapped his arm around me and carefully helped me to my feet. Why does his touch make me feel so safe? My heart is racing. Once he confirmed I was steady, he released me and stepped back. ¡°Broke a few ribs," I exined to a worried-looking Penelope. "Oh my god! I could have rescheduled!" "No, it only hurts when I twist. Besides, you''ve been a huge help!" I sat down to rest for a moment. "Alright. I''m heading out unless you need anything else?" Penelope said. "No, thank you for your help. It''s really appreciated." "Anytime! Bye!" She gave Ryder onest nce before leaving. "You trust her with all that work?" Ryder asked, studying me. "She''s one of my assistants, has been for a year now. Penelope''s great." "How many assistants do you have?" Ryder seemed to be back in interrogation mode. I figured he was used to this questioning tone. "Oh, three. They''re more like employees for the various events I organize. I pay them a small sry, but it looks great on college schrship applications. They''re all schrs headed to Ivy League schools." "How much influence do you have? This is far more than just being an Alpha''s daughter." Ryder raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "I''ll make you a deal. If we turn out to be mates, I''ll tell you everything. Until then, consider me a woman of mystery." "Pain in the ass is more like it," Ryder snorted. "That''s one of my many talents." I ignored his teasing, stood up, and started gathering my things, preparing for myst client of the day. "So, I answered your question. Will you answer mine?" I pressed. "You can add ''stubborn'' to your description," Ryder sighed. "Tell me why you care." Chapter Comments Chapter 27 Xena''s "For the sake of maintaining peace between Logan and the packs, we need to get along. And protecting you is part of the job." His words stung like a p across my face. "Protecting? Job?" I challenged, my voice sharp as a de. "Yes," Ryder replied, his expression unreadable. "Protecting me from what, exactly?" I could feel my pulse quickening, anger spreading through my veins like wildfire. "Any potential threats." "Like being ambushed in the women''s restroom?" I knew it was a low blow, but he''d pissed me off first. My insides churned with indignation and rage, hating the feeling of being treated like some helpless damsel. His green eyes narrowed. "Yeah." Thankfully, myst client of the day walked in just then. The guy was human, so we couldn''t continue our wolf pack discussion. Ryder left the shop with clear displeasure written across his face, choosing to wait outside. My final customer was Dorian, freshly eighteen, who wanted a cross with a sunset background painted on his bike tomemorate his sister who''d died in a car ident. The paint job was already done from our previous session; today was for the final polish. "This should be ourst meeting," I smiled at him as he walked his Honda CB650R into the modification area. "Great," he replied, his voice tinged with poorly disguised excitement. Because of my work, I had to deal with this human jock who thought he was God''s gift to women. I hated the feeling of being forced to be near a man with an inted ego. "Are you going to ept my date invitation now?" He ran his fingers through his golden hair, shing what he clearly thought was a charming bad-boy smile. "No, I won''t,¡± I answered coldly, sighing as I prepared myself for what would be a long two hours. I sprayed water on the side cover and fender, also wetting the sandpaper. To my surprise, Ryder walked back in. From his stance, something seemed off. We couldn''tmunicate through mind link, so I couldn''t ask what was wrong. Soon the first stage - wet sanding - wasplete, and I grabbed the polisher from my tool cart to begin rough polishing. "Come on, it''s just dinner!" Dorian leaned in closer. "Dorian, I said no." My patience was wearing dangerously thin as I struggled not to lose my temper. In my mind, I was calcting the fastest way to get this jerk to shut his mouth. "Careful, woman!" Dorian''s sudden shout snapped me back to reality. The polisher in my hand had created sparks, and I quickly pulled it away, checking if I''d damaged the side cover. Thankfully, there was no harm done. I couldn''t imagine continuing with Dorian chattering in my ear. ¡°I suggest you sit down, shut up, and let me finish my work, or you''ll be leaving with an unfinished bike." I continued polishing without looking at him, my tone deadly serious. He was clearly unhappy but managed to limit himself to grumbling under his breath, which I chose to ignore. Internally, I was restless, wanting to finish this quickly and return to my own space, away from these men and their arrogance. I worked rapidly, and soon the job was done. "I''ll take a photo, and then you can go." "Looks good," Dorian said, examining my work carefully. "Thanks." After taking the photo, I turned to leave, but Dorian grabbed my hand. "I''m taking you out. Let''s go." "I believe I said no. Now leave." I yanked my hand away and started walking. Dorian clearly wasn''t one to give up easily. "I''m not giving you a choice." He grabbed my arm again, his grip too tight. I saw Ryder heading toward us from inside the shop. I''d given him a chance-I thought I''d been merciful enough-but now he needed a lesson. I turned and punched him square in the face. Pain tore through my hand, intense enough to momentarily cken my vision. I fumbled for the counter to steady myself. I heard Ryder throw Dorian out and lock the door. Dorian pounded on the ss a few times, cursed, and eventually left. When I opened my eyes, Ryder had pulled down the blinds and turned off my neon "Open" sign. "Are you okay?" He gently touched me, taking my hand in his. His tenderness surprised me. My heart skipped a beat, unsure how to respond to this unexpected gentleness. "Fine." I withdrew my hand and walked to a chair, sitting down. I felt conflicted and confused. "Do you get guys like that often?" he asked. "Not many. My reputation usually keeps men away." I thought of the men who backed off after hearing about my temper. "I see." Standing up, I walked to my counter and began working on my ounts. Ryder moved toward the door, taking out his phone while watching me. "I''m almost done. I''ll drive you home," I said. "No rush." "Eager to finish your job?" I couldn''t help the bitterness in my voice. "Job?" "Didn''t you just tell me I''m only a job to you?" Ryder frowned. "You want more? Maybe an arrangement with me?" I felt anger explode within me, uncontroble like a volcano. I felt insulted to my core. "Fuck you." I mmed my ount book shut and threw it into the drawer, mming it closed with force. "How many men have you had these ''arrangements'' with?" "Are you fucking jealous? Don''t pretend you care about me." I grabbed my purse and keys, rushing out of the shop and locking up, not caring if Ryder followed. I quickly walked toward the parking lot. Unfortunately, he was fast and jumped into my car before I could start it. Neither of us spoke as I drove recklessly back home. Entering the main hall, I saw most of the pack was there. "What''s wrong, X?" Logan approached me, noting my dark expression before ncing at Ryder. "Nothing." I avoided all of them and headed straight for my bedroom. I mmed the door behind me and managed to make it to my bed before copsing. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 28 Xena''s POV A soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts before it opened and closed quickly. "X, what''s going on?" Logan asked, his voiceced with concern. I buried my face deeper into my pillow, trying to escape reality. My eighteenth birthday was approaching fast, and my mind was a storm of anxiety and fear. "Why does turning eighteen have toe with so much pressure? I don''t want a mate. Mates mean emotional entanglements, and men are basically overgrown babies,¡± I mumbled into the pillow, frustration evident in my voice. The mere thought of the mating ceremony at mying-of-age party made my chest tighten, like an invisible hand was squeezing the air from my lungs. Logan tried to hide the amusement in his voice. "Is this about Ryder? I saw how he looked at you. No wonder Samuel is so pissed." "Samuel knows our arrangement-no feelings involved. He''s the one who broke the rules. I''m just sticking to the n, so he has no right to be angry with me." The memory of Samuel''s disappointed eyes sent a pang through my chest, but it quickly transformed into irritation. "Ryder told me I was just a job to him. That stung. I''m not a fucking task to bepleted." "Who would''ve thought you''d have rtionship problems,¡± Logan chuckled, lying down beside me. "If it makes you feel any better, neither of them deserves you." "What do you think will happen?" I didn''t need to borate-he knew I was talking about our eighteenth birthday ceremony. "We''ll find our mates, and for you, it''ll go one of two ways." I gazed out the window, watching sunlight filter through the curtains, creating dappled patterns on the floor. Two possibilities-either I''d find my destined mate and start a new chapter, or no mate would appear and I''d continue facing this cruel world alone. "Are you going to break up with Keira before then?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "We''ve talked about it many times. I told her I''d be attending the party as a single man and see what happens from there." "I bet she''s not thrilled about that." "Yeah. We agreed she''d enter with her friends so it doesn''t look like I dumped her, since you and I will be walking in together." "Speaking of which, I have two dresses to choose between." "Oh?" "One ck, one deep red." "Please wear the red one. It''ll be like a p in the face to Martha," Logan said with a grin. I turned to look at him, finally allowing a small smile to form. "Looks like we''re on the same page." "Don''t tell her about it. Just say you bought the ck one." "Technically, I did buy the ck one. I''m saving it for prom." My mood lightened slightly- at least I had control over this one small thing. "So, ready to go downstairs for dinner?¡± Logan asked. "Do I have to?" The thought of facing Martha brought back my irritation. "Yes, you have no choice." Logan gave me his "don''t be difficult" look. "As much as I want to leave this ce, I''ll miss you," I admitted. "Let''s wait and see what happens, okay? Promise me you''ll talk to me before you decide to leave?" "I promise." I meant it. Logan deserved my honesty. The thought of leaving him made my heart clench. For years, he''d been my only support and anchor, the only warmth in this house that felt like a home. "Good. Now change ande down." "Fine." After Logan left my room, it took me a moment to drag myself off the bed. I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair didn''t look terrible, but it wasn''t perfect either. I applied minimal makeup and slipped into a pair of stylish shorts and a V-neck button-up shirt. Grabbing a pair of sandals, I made my way downstairs. "Finally decided to grace us with your presence," Martha''s shrill voice echoed off the walls. I instinctively tensed every muscle in my body, fighting the urge to snap back. "Martha!" Dad warned sternly, ncing at Alpha Benedict''s reaction. Ryder, William, and Ama were all here. Samuel sat next to Leonard, while Logan had saved me a seat between himself and Samuel. The seating arrangement made me ufortable. I pressed my lips together tightly as I sat down, waiting for the food to be served. "Pleasure to see you, Ms. Harris," Alpha Benedict smiled at me. Just as I was about to respond, Martha cut in: "Alpha Benedict, how have you beentely?" Anger red inside me, but I kept quiet as protocol dictated, clenching my jaw to prevent myself from saying something I shouldn''t. Logan gently rubbed my back to help me rx. Looking at him, I managed a half-smile. "Everything''s fine. Actually, I''d love to hear about the motorcycle shop," Alpha Benedict replied. My head snapped toward him, feeling a spark of hope and surprise. Someone interested in my work? That was almost unheard of in this house. The food began arriving. Looking at my father, he nodded at me to go ahead. "Thank you for asking, sir. Business is going well. I''ve always loved drawing and mechanics, and the shop really allows me to express my creativity," I answered carefully, controlling my voice to hide my excitement and eagerness for approval. "Yes! You used to draw all over the walls and spill paint on the carpets!" Marthaughed. Dad shook his head wearily. No oneughed except Martha herself. Chapter 29 Xena''s POV Thankfully, Alpha Benedict ignored her provocation. "I find it quite impressive. You should be proud of yourself. Ryder mentioned you also manage dances, spelling bees, and various activities while taking advanced courses," he said. I stole a nce at Ryder, whose expression remained impassive. My heart quickened involuntarily, wondering why he''d mentioned these things to his Alpha. "Yes, sir. I like keeping busy. I honestly wouldn''t know what to do with myself if I had too much free time," I offered him a polite smile. "I can think of a few things you could be doing..." Martha muttered under her breath. Everyone continued to ignore her, and I inwardly smirked. The woman was insufferable, but at least everyone had the sense to recognize her jealousy for what it was. The meal service had beenpleted. An open-faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes made my mouth water. Despite the tense atmosphere, my stomach honestly reminded me that I was hungry. "I heard you''re exceptionally intelligent. Is that true?" Ah, he was probing. "I appreciate your interest, but I''d prefer if you''d just ask what you really want to know... sir." I met his eyes, my tone even but firm. "Xena Harris! So disrespectful!" Martha stood up to scold me. Alpha Benedict just chuckled. "Calm yourself, Luna Martha. She''s not being disrespectful, just direct. Very well, I wish to know your IQ." My insides churned with difort and irritation. Always this question, always the number and not the person. "If you don''t mind, I''d rather not discuss this," Dad interjected. "I allow Xena to walk her own path. Yes, most rumors are true-she could have skipped to university, but she chose to attend normally to have the same experiences as her peers. I''ve granted her a certain degree of independence because she''s proven herself capable of handling it. That''s all I''m willing to share unless she ultimately mates with someone from your pack." The room quieted, and I continued taking small bites of the over-salted gravy. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. "I understand and respect that. I would protect her too, if she were mine," Alpha Benedict finally responded. The conversation gradually died down, and I was finally left alone. William and Ama were lost in their own little world. It was hard not to stare at their happiness. "I''m sorry," Samuel leaned in to whisper in my ear. "It''s fine," I gave him a small smile before turning back to my wine ss. This was dinner, and it was almost 9 PM now; going out did sound fun. "Hey, Ama," I said through our mental link. She hadn''t officially transferred packs yet, so we could stillmunicate. "What''s up?" "I want to dance." "Oh?" "Well, at least have a drink." Ama smiled at me, then whispered something in William''s ear. Whatever she said, he agreed with. William whispered in Ryder''s ear. "Do you kids have something to share?" Alpha Benedict caught on. "They want to go dancing," Ryder shrugged. "Try not to get into fights this time," Alpha Benedict shook his head. With the Alpha''s blessing, the mood instantly lightened. "Well, my children won''t be going," Martha''s sharp voice sliced through the jovial atmosphere as she stood up. "What?" Logan spoke first. "Since when are we your children?" Oh shit. My heart raced, feeling the tension building in the air. "Since I started raising you little brats!" Martha shot Logan a venomous look. "It''s fine. They can go," Dad didn''t even look up from his te. "No! She hasn''t been punished yet!" Martha pointed her finger at me. My heart sank, feeling a stab in my chest. Did she really hate me that much? Why did she always want to see me suffer? Logan pulled out my chair, helping me stand. He guided me toward the door. "I''ll look after her." Samuel stood up, and Leonard rose too. Ryder, William, and Ama followed closely behind. Their gesture gave me goosebumps, making me feel infinitely supported and warm. "No time to change. Get in the car," Logan opened the door, ushering all of us inside. "What a horrible stepmother," William muttered as Logan sped away. I sat in the back, forcing the guys to sit shoulder to shoulder. The pressure in my chest gradually dissipated, reced by a sense of relief and subtle excitement. Escaping that ce, getting away from Martha and her hostility, felt like freedom. "Did you say you own that club?" Ryder asked. "Technically, the club is owned in the pack''s name, but yes, we run it together," Logan nodded toward me. "It''s more his than mine. I''m just the brains that make it operate," I rified. Logan had the club, and I had my motorcycle shop. We each had our own territory, and it gave me a sense of aplishment. "Is there anything you two don''t do?" William shook his head in question. Turning, I gave him a genuine smile. "I can''t pee standing up...'' "Smart ass," William muttered as Ama burst intoughter. Chapter 30 Xena''s POV "Are we in a ce where I can joke without getting punched?" William asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I leaned back against the leather seat of the SUV, feeling the tension from earlier slowly melting away. "Sure, you''re fine. Ama is basically my sister, so by extension, you get to be my almost brother-inw." "Does that mean I can borrow your brains too?" William asked, half-joking but with a hint of seriousness. "Ha! In your dreams!" Iughed, the sound surprisingly genuine even to my own ears. Logan reached over and squeezed my shoulder gently. I took a deep breath, nodded at him, and smiled. This was our thing-our silentmunication that needed no words. A simple gesture was all it took for me to feel his support andfort. "You twins are something else. Like you have your ownnguage," Williammented, watching our interaction. "You have no idea how freaky it can be," Leonard chimed in for the first time. I turned to look at him, curiosity in my eyes. "What''s so freaky about it?" "The way you know what each other is thinking without the mind link. He just looks at you and knows, and vice versa." Leonard crossed his arms, his blue eyes narrowed slightly. I felt a swell of pride in my chest. My connection with Logan was one of the most precious gifts in my life. "Jealous that Logan and I have a better rtionship than you guys?" I asked with mock concern, my voice yful. Leonard looked ufortable. "Gross." We allughed as the SUV pulled up to the club. It was still early, so the ce wasn''t packed yet. The bouncer nodded to us, and we headed straight upstairs to the VIP section. A waitress named Jovie approached us to take our drink orders. "What can I get for you all tonight?" she asked. "Jack and Dr. Pepper," I said, my mouth watering at the thought. Just thinking about it made my nerves rx. I needed this tonight-needed to forget everything, even if just for a little while. "Miller, bottled," William said. "Vodka cranberry," Ama chirped enthusiastically. "I''ll take whiskey too," Logan added. "Make that two," Ryder said, though he was scanning the room, seeming distracted. ¡°Jim Beam and Sprite," Leonard ordered in a flirtatious tone, his hand brushing against Jovie''s fingers. I noticed Jovie''s cheeks turning pink. "Whatever you have on draft," Samuel mumbled. "Got it. Be right back," Jovie said before heading off to get our drinks. "Hey, Ryder. Why is Alpha Benedict so interested in de''s intelligence?" Leonard asked casually. I shifted ufortably, not liking being the center of discussion. Despite handling everything and everyone, I never enjoyed being the topic of conversation. "He was surprised she could handle so much, plus she openly challenged Helen. Not many girls in our pack care about that stuff," Ryder exined. "Yeah, we''ve got a bunch of girls who cry when they break a nail," William added with a look of disgust. "Can we not talk about me?" I snapped, my tone more irritated than I''d intended. "Sorry, de," Leonard said quietly. "It''s fine," I replied, trying to make my voice sound normal. "What''s our schedule looking like for the next few weeks?" Samuel asked, changing the subject. "Friday is our birthday party. Saturday is the challenge. Next Saturday is the dance, and the week after that is the carnival," Logan listed. "Tuesday after school is the spelling bee, but we don''t have to go to that," I added. "Did you turn in the words?" Samuel questioned. "Yes, all approved. We should be good. Penelope finished my to-do list, so I just have the checkbook to handle," I exined. "That''s all yours," Logan grinned at me. "Oh, thanks a lot!" I responded sarcastically, but still smiled back. "Here we go!" Jovie ced our drinks in front of us. I took a big gulp of whiskey, feeling it burn all the way down my throat. The burning sensation made me feel alive, helping me temporarily forget all the worries and responsibilities. "I''ll take another one of these," I said. "You got it!" Jovie walked away with a swing in her hips that had Leonard staring. "Leonard, you''re hopeless," Amaughed. "What can I say? I''m adies'' man!" Leonard cracked his knuckles like he was preparing for battle. More people started flowing into the club. The guys were talking about fighting stances, so I slid out of the booth and stood at the balcony. From there, I could see the entire club below. I leaned against the railing, feeling the vibrations of the music through the floor. From this height, I could observe the whole dance floor, watching people dance andugh without a care in the world. "Refill!" Jovie appeared out of nowhere just as my ss emptied. "Perfect, keep ''eming." Though it was hard for us to get drunk, we could maintain a pleasant buzz for a while. That''s exactly what I needed right now-to rx a bit and let the alcohol temporarily numb my never-stopping brain. "You okay, sis?" Ama joined me at the railing. "Oh, definitely. This stuff goes down smooth," I answered, feeling my shoulders finally release some tension. "It sure does!" Ama started swaying her hips to the music. "Logan thinks I should wear that red dress," she shouted as the music grew louder. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW < SHARE Chapter 31 Xena''s POV "That red dress looks damn good." Samuel walked over to join our conversation. He kept a respectful distance, but it felt good to be talking with him again. Apparently I hadn''t lost. a good friend after all. "Martha is going to lose her mind. I can''t wait to see her reaction," I said. "But there''s been a change with the dance decorations. They didn''t have the deep blue we needed, so they''re going with emerald green and gold instead of silver." "That makes your ck dress even more perfect," Ama said excitedly. "It does work well," I agreed. "You guys all have your suits ready?" I asked Samuel. "Yeah, we''re all set. We even rented a limo," Samuel told me. "Nice. Ama, are you getting ready at my ce or heading back to your pack?" I turned to ask Ama. "I have to get ready with you. You can''t handle your own hair and makeup. Whether it''s at my ce or yours, I''m not sure yet." "I could... try..." I made a face that had both Samuel and Amaughing. I could feel myself rxing, finally starting to enjoy the evening. "Want to dance?" Ama asked me. "I''m good. You go ahead." My ribs were much better, but I still didn''t feel like dancing. "No, I was just checking if you wanted to." This was clearly a lie, but I decided not to call her out on it. Ama was always like this, putting me first, sometimes even more than I did myself. "By the way, Samuel, our bikes need maintenance," I suddenly remembered. "I''ll take care of it," Samuel replied. He was always good with things like that. "Thanks!" "At this rate, I''m practically bing your personal server!" Jovie walked up to us again. "I''ll tip you well!" Iughed. "Well, hold that thought. We have a bartender who called in sick." She gave me an apologetic look. "Oh, I can fill in for tonight!" It actually sounded fun. I turned towards Logan and called out, "Bartender called in sick, I''m going to y for a bit." "Damn it, not another ''Ugly Coyote'' performance!" Logan shouted. Ama burst outughing. "Ugly Coyote?" William asked, confused. "She once danced on the bar..." "Hey, I made good money that night, okay?" I tried to defend myself, but it wasn''t very sessful. I followed Jovie toward the bar. "I''m really sorry!" Kade was our head bartender. "It''s fine!" To say I had fun would be an understatement. No one questioned me; they just greeted me and told me how good I looked. I made a series of rainbow shots. Kade and I worked seamlessly together. asionally I could see one of the guys watching me. Samuel, Ryder, and Logan took turns keeping an eye on me, like they were protecting me. Leonard was frequently distracted by some girl. If I didn''t like the girl, I would "identally" spill a drink on her. It wasn''t untilst call that I realized howte it had gotten. Kade handled the remaining customers while I finished cleaning up the bar. It seemed to be Ryder''s turn to watch me now. "Ryder!" I called out. "What''s up?" "Can you change out the beer keg? I can''t lift it right now." I pointed to my ribs. They were much better, but I didn''t want to risk it. And if I''m being honest, I liked watching him do things for me. Ryder quickly ran down from the booth and stepped behind the bar. He rolled up his shirt sleeves to his biceps, grabbed the keg, and twisted them to change them out. I had to admit, watching his muscles work gave me a certain satisfaction. Damn, he was sexy as hell. The strength in him reminded me of what it felt like to be held by him - safe, warm, and passionate all at once. "Thank you!" I smiled and reset the machine, trying to hide any blush that might have appeared on my face. "Need any more help?" he asked, standing a bit closer than necessary. "No, we''re about done." I hastily took a step back. As I stepped out from behind the bar, Kade was counting the money. "How was tonight?" Ryder stood behind me, making conversation with Kade. I almost wished his hand was on my hip. That intimate touch that once felt so natural was nowplicated by everything that had happened. "Tonight was great. It''s always great when you''re here," Kade shook his head. "You good to go?" I asked Kad¨¦. "I''m all set. Here''s your tips!" Kade slid over a stack of bills that had to be at least a few hundred dors. "No, split it evenly with everyone. You guys earned it." I pushed the money back. Kade frowned. "One of these days I''m going to force you to take your tips." "Good luck with that!" I smiled and waved goodbye, seeing Logan standing by the door waiting for me. Chapter 32 Xena''s POV We all piled into the SUV, Logan taking the driver''s seat. Leonard turned to me from the front passenger seat, his tinum blonde hair catching the evening light. "X, why did you have to crash my date with my girl?" heined, his blue eyes narrowing in mock offense. "Oh, I was just saving them from imminent danger," I shot back with a teasing grin, my lips curving into a bright smile. While everyone continued their loud conversations, I gazed out the window, watching the trees blur past as we drove along the winding road leading toward pack territory. "Xena! That drink you mixed was killer!" William called out from the back. I turned, about to respond, when something caught my eye through the window - a pair of yellow eyes glowing in the darkness, moving rapidly toward our vehicle. My heart clenched instantly, fear coursing through my body like an electric current. "Logan! ROGUE!" I screamed, but before the words had fully left my mouth, the feral werewolf mmed into our SUV with bone-crushing force. The impact was so powerful it sent our vehicle flipping onto its side. We skidded across the asphalt, metal screeching against concrete until we crashed into a tree with a sickening crunch. I felt ss shards embedding themselves into my skin, my ribs protesting the sudden assault. Warm liquid trickled down my face, but adrenaline was already flooding my system. I spotted a Rogue trying to tear through the shattered windshield. Instinctively, I kicked up with both feet, catching it squarely in the nose and forcing it backward. Fear and determination mingled inside me - this wasn''t the time to be afraid; it was time to fight. I tried desperately to call forth my wolf, but failed. The attacking Rogue edged closer again, baring razor-sharp fangs, drool dripping from its mouth, its eyes wild with madness. "LOGAN!" I shouted, hoping to draw his attention. Logan was battling two Rogues fiercely, his form moving swiftly between enemies. He seemed to hear my voice and tried to race toward me, but another Rogue blocked his path, preventing him from reaching me. A sh of desperation crossed my vision. There was no time to wait. I chose to run toward the forest at the roadside. Twigs snapped beneath my feet as I ran with everything I had, but my injuries slowed me down. The Rogue pursued relentlessly, its teeth nearly grazing my back, making me almost choke with fear. After several close calls with branches, I finally tripped over a low-hanging limb and crashed hard to the ground. I watched the Rogue approach step by step, its form growingrger, almost feeling the breath of death upon me. Reluctantly, I closed my eyes, waiting for the final moment. Then, I felt a powerful surge erupt from deep within me, my wolf nature finally awakening. With an intense transformation, my vision sharpened, my body no longer restricted by human limitations. Una''s power swept through me, the silver wolf appearing like lightning beside me. Her ws and deadly teeth struck at the Rogue''s vulnerable spots with a fury and determination I''d never felt before. Una dodged an attack before leaping onto the Rogue''s back, sinking her teeth into its shoulder and tearing away a chunk of flesh from the bone. Blood stained her mouth, and its agonized howls were like music to her ears. Just as she prepared to deliver the killing blow, a massive ck wolf approached and snapped the Rogue''s neck with one powerful bite. Una felt no gratitude, almost wanting to take a bite out of the ck wolf herself. But there was no time to keep staring. More Rogues appeared. Ama was fighting as fiercely as the boys, but Leonard''s date looked terrified. Una pushed her behind a tree, standing guard in front. Logan was still battling two Rogues but seemed to be handling it. Leonard''s wolf form was toying with his opponent, while Samuel had already killed his enemy and was looking for more targets. I guessed the stupid ck wolf was Ryder, his movements as precise as the man himself. Una found herself slightly entranced by his wolf form. As Samuel helped Logan kill the two Rogues, all enemies within my sight had been eliminated. It seemed we''d dealt with all of them. They shouldn''t have messed with us. Logan shifted back to human form and opened the SUV''s trunk. He grabbed a duffel bag, tossed me two shirts, and distributed shorts. Ama and I walked behind a tree to shift back to human form. The T-shirts wererge enough to cover the essential parts, but I still felt exposed. "Are you okay?" I asked the girl Leonard had brought. Her small frame was curled up as if trying to meld with the soil she was lying on. Two leaves covered her face. "I-I think so," she stuttered, looking like she might go into shock any second. "Come on." I helped her to her feet, and Ama and I guided her to sit by the SUV. "Damn, are you okay?" Leonard approached, all his usual polish gone, looking concerned. "She''s about to go into shock," I frowned, knowing there wasn''t much I could do for her here. "Shit." Leonard clutched his head and paced anxiously back and forth. "Anyone injured?" Logan called out. "X...you''re bleeding," Leonard suddenly noticed, staring at me in shock and pointing at my head. Instinctively, I touched my temple and felt the stickiness of blood. My heart rate elerated as I realized I might be hurt worse than I thought. "Damn, X, you''re covered in ss." Samuel came over to check on me. His hand gripped my shoulder, forcing me to.look up at him. "There are tweezers in the first aid kit," Logan said, rushing to the SUV''s trunk and violently rummaging through it before throwing the kit to Samuel. Sighing, Samuel guided me to sit on a fallen log, holding the first aid kit in one hand while supporting me with the other. "I don''t have a signal. I''m going to run ahead for help. Will you guys be alright?" Logan asked, looking concerned. "Logan, you can''t go alone." I pushed Samuel away, fear gripping me more than I cared to admit. I leaned forward to look at Logan, whose face was illuminated by his phone screen as he searched for signal. "I''ll go too," Samuel said, handing the first aid kit to William before following Logan into the darkness. I noticed his eyes twitching toward Ryder. "I''ve got this," Ryder obviously caught his hint and sighed. William looked back and forth between us, visibly relieved when Ryder said he would take over. Ama, whose ankle had been bitten, making it difficult for her to stand, was now sitting beside me. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 33 Xena''s POV Ama sat on the ground, rubbing her injured ankle in frustration. "Damn it," she muttered, clearly annoyed. William was still pacing back and forth, patrolling the area with watchful eyes. Leonard''s girl-Cindy-looked much better than before. She was now clinging to Leonard, sobbing into his chest as heforted her. Ryder and I straddled the fallen tree trunk. He gently tilted my chin up as I kept my hands at my sides to avoid shing anyone. His movements were incredibly gentle as he removed pieces of ss from my face one by one. "By tomorrow morning, most of these marks will be gone," I said, trying to make it sound like no big deal. "What about your ribs?" Hepletely ignored myment, his eyes flickering with concern I couldn''t ignore. "They don''t hurt that much, actually," I said, while mentally debating whether to tell him the truth-that each breath felt like a knife slicing through me. "Probably still the adrenaline working," Leonard mumbled. Looking up, I saw him watching Ryder''s "work" intently. "Hmm," Ryder hummed softly. He''d moved to my neck and corbone, even having to shift my T-shirt. "Anywhere else?" I pulled my shirt open with one hand to check. ¡°I don''t think so." Hell, whether there was or not, I wasn''t about to tell him. "Need help checking?" Leonard joked. His date immediately pped him on the arm. We allughed. ¡°What? It''s not like I''m getting lucky tonight anyway." "Leonard, you''re never getting lucky with me," I said with augh as I adjusted my position, no longer straddling the log but sitting with my legs crossed. 7:30 pm "Are you two mates? The chemistry between you is really good," Cindy asked, looking between Ryder and me. An awkward silence followed. I felt a little disappointed when Ryder remained silent, saying nothing. "I don''t turn eighteen until Friday," I told her, keeping my voice t despite the thoughts tumbling through my head. "Oh... so Ryder-" Cindy clearly wanted to continue probing. "How far to the pack house?" Ama suddenly interrupted. I appreciated her thoughtfulness and felt relieved. "About ten miles. We''ll need to wait a bit longer." William and Ryder were walking around like they were searching for danger. The hooting of an owl made me think the danger had passed. The longer we sat there, the more the adrenaline faded, and the soreness crept in. My back ached no matter what position I tried. After a few attempts, I gave up and justy down on the ground. The dirt wasn''t the mostfortable, but it was better than the tree trunk. I was at a slight downward angle and had to adjust a bit to make sure blood wouldn''t rush to my head. "Are you okay?" Opening my eyes, I found Ryder looking at me. His hand twitched like he wanted to touch me, but with so many eyes on us, he didn''t. "Just want to shower and sleep," I closed my eyes, letting my hearing amplify to sense the quiet of the night. At some point, Ama joined me, and we huddled together. The next thing I knew, headlights were shining on me. "Xena!" My father''s voice boomed, vibrating through the trees. "I''m fine!" I quickly sat up, waving at my father and calling back loudly, trying my best to reassure him. "Your head..." Dad rushed out of the car and ran to me, crouching down to examine my head up close. "It''s probably almost healed. Just some minor scrapes. Once I clean up, it''ll look good as new." I tried to stand, but I was still sore. "Here." Dad helped me up, steadying me, and then Ama supported me as we walked toward the vehicles. "Leonard, take the girls home. We''ll handle the rest here," Dad ordered. "Yes, Alpha." I cast onest nce at Ryder, who was staying behind, and caught him looking at me. Our eyes met, but I couldn''t make out his expression in the darkness. With Ama''s help, I painfully climbed into the back seat. Cindy sat in the passenger seat, while Ama and I quickly fell asleep in the back. "Ama, X, wake up." Leonard shook us after parking the car. Ama and I rubbed our eyes and supported each other as we walked upstairs to my bedroom. We showered together, turning the shower floor a brownish-red. It stung a little, but thankfully Ryder had done a good job removing all the ss fragments. I pulled two sets of silk pajamas from my closet, handed one to her, and put on the other. We both crawled under my covers. Our heads had barely touched the pillows before we fell asleep. I vaguely heard voices in my bedroom, then the sound of the door closing. I wasn''t even sure if Ama was still in my bed, but I couldn''t wake up enough to check what was happening. Chapter Comments Chapter 34 Xena''s POV My body felt like it was on fire. Sweat trickled down my forehead, soaking my skin. When I opened my eyes, I realized someone was pressed against me. After sitting up, I discovered that Ama had slept with mest night. "Good morning." I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sudden voice in my room. William was lying on my couch like some damn stalker. The nket and pillow there told me he''d spent the night. "What the fuck are you doing here, William?" My tone was sharp from the sudden shock. The bedroom door creaked open and Ryder poked his head in. "Coffee?" "What the hell are you two doing here?" My shouting woke Ama. I was acutely aware that my silk pajamas weren''t exactly conservative, which made me feel even more irritated and exposed. "William slept here because Ama wouldn''t budge, and he texted me to bring coffee. I slept in the other room," Ryder exined as he walked over and handed me a cup. Ama got up, grabbed her coffee, and casually sat next to William as if this happened every day. "She''s not a morning person. You have to give her time," Ama sighed. It was too early for me, and I wasn''t used to waking up like this, especially when my body needed more rest from the injuries. "I can see that," Ryder chuckled, sitting down in the armchair. "Why..." I wasn''t sure which question to address first. "After we got back home and dealt with everything, it was almost four in the morning. Alpha told us to just sleep here. I was going to move Ama to another room, but she wouldn''t budge. So I took the couch," William exined. 7:31 pm "Why didn''t you go to another room?" I was clearly annoyed as I stood up and headed for my closet. My ribs still hurt a bit, but overall I felt okay. "Didn''t want to leave Ama at night. When you have a mate, you''ll understand," William snorted, as if I was being dense. "Holy shit!" I walked into the closet and put on a sports bra and workout shorts that probably could have been an inch longer, ready to hit something. I grabbed socks, shoes, and a hair tie before walking out. "Not everyone is going to be attached at the hip with their mate," I shot back, still sharp. I felt Ryder''s eyes on me, assessing. His gaze irritated me right now. Was I wearing something strange? ? "Girl, you were just in a fight. Can''t you rest for one day?" Ama asked, sipping her coffee. "Says the daughter of a warrior?" I frowned, my mood not improving at all. Ama doesn''t understand that resting means giving up control for me. And control is the only thing I can rely on. Once my shoes were on, I stood up and tied my hair into a ponytail. "One day I''m going to teach you that proper rest is good for the soul too," Ama sighed. "Good luck with that!" I kissed her cheek and headed for the door. "When I get back, I expect you all to be gone," I directed at the two males. As I was about to close the door, I heard Ama say, "She''s really not a morning person." 1 shook my head. I had just reached the stairs when I heard someone call my name. "X?" Damn it. "Yes, Dad?" I turned to see him working in his office. "What are you doing?" "Some light training to work out the soreness." "Be careful, okay?" He went back to his paperwork. I had only taken three steps when her voice made my spine stiffen. "Put some clothes on, you little slut!" At the sound of her voice, I froze. Already irritated from waking up, her taunting was like pouring gasoline on a fire, and I wanted to fucking p her. I turned to look at her. Martha stood with her hands on her hips, her eyebrows nearly touching. "Hello, Martha," I greeted with restraint. She walked slowly toward me. "You didn''t turn in the ounting files yesterday." "The deadline is today. I''ll finish and submit them by 5 PM." I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm. Feeling her touch, my muscles immediately tensed, instinctively wanting to shake off the contact. I hated that she thought she had the right to touch me. "That''s not good enough. I want you to do it now!" I yanked my arm away. "No, it will be done by 5 PM." "What did you say? Who do you think you''re talking to? I am your mother..." "You are not my mother. You are nothing to me." I said through gritted teeth. The words shot out of my mouth like bullets, each one loaded with years of resentment and pain. Martha raised her arm to p me, but I was expecting it. I smoothly moved to the side, and she missed. This made her even angrier, and she lunged forward to grab my sports bra. But I was already at the door. "I wouldn''t do that if I were you." A dangerous voice came from behind me. It was Ryder. He stood on the staircase, looking down at us. "You have no authority here! I will be sure to tell your father how you treated a Luna!" Martha snarled in fury. Chapter 35 Xena''s POV "Go ahead," Ryder said as he walked past Martha to stand in front of me. I didn''t like this, so I shifted slightly to the side, choosing to face Martha directly. Martha red at me, then shot Ryder a withering look. We''d reached an impasse. She nced toward my father''s office, considering her options before quickly walking away, leaving Ryder and me standing there. Not wanting to see the pity in his eyes, I turned to leave. "Thank you," I said, despite the clich¨¦ hero-saves-damsel moment. He had helped me escape Martha, so I owed him that much. "Spend the day with me," Ryder suddenly said. I stopped walking but immediately regretted it. He was still wearing only the shorts fromst night, his bare chest seeming to call out for my touch. I felt heat rush through my body and quickly resumed walking. If I stood there too long, he might catch my scent and realize my desire. Werewolf senses were too damn sharp, and that was thest thing I wanted. "Spend the day with me," he repeated, his voice carrying a hint of something I couldn''t refuse. Ten minutester, I pushed open the door to the gym, relieved to find it empty. I headed straight for the treadmill to warm up, hoping the exercise would distract me and calm the restlessness inside me. "What did you have in mind? Why do you want to spend the day with me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice cold and disinterested. Ryder sat on a nearby bench, and I could feel his eyes roaming over me. "Just regr stuff. I want somepany, and a female perspective wouldn''t hurt." "Why not ask a girl from your pack? Take Ama with you. Isn''t she going to be your female Beta?" I countered. "Are you really going to pass up an opportunity to get away from the pack and breathe some fresh air? Plus, we could take the motorcycles. It''s a bit of a ride," he said, raising an eyebrow. That caught my interest. I nced at him, and he knew he''d hit the mark. "I''ll finish this first," I said, trying to steady my breathing as I increased the speed on the treadmill. He nodded slightly. Fifteen minutester, I stepped off the treadmill and put on boxing gloves, gesturing for him to hold the punching bag. "Some might think you''re interested in me," I said, delivering several punches hard enough to make Ryder step back. He''d underestimated me. I felt a small surge of satisfaction, I wasn''t far behind other warriors. "I''m not in the habit of caring what others think,¡± he replied, his voice slightly breathless as I continued my assault on the bag. I couldn''t help but smile. "So you''re inviting me purely as a good deed? Getting me away from here?" "Of course," Ryder leaned forward slightly. "Want a little adventure?" I didn''t answer, just kept punching until I was exhausted. If I was going to ride, leg workouts were out of the question. "Well?" Ryder stepped back as I began removing my gloves. My breathing was heavy, my chest rising and falling. Ryder struggled to keep his eyes on mine. More than once, I caught his gaze dropping lower. "I need to bnce my books first," I said. Ryder gave me a half-smile. Damn, I needed a cold shower. I could feel the heat in my body, and it wasn''t just from the workout. "And a shower. You stink!" he joked... at least I think he was joking. "Looks like you need more than just a shower..." My eyes nced down to make my point known. "I''ll shower ande back for you. We can have lunch first, then head out," Ryder said before leaving, seeming caught off guard by myeback. "Bring William too. Thest thing I need is him iming my room because he''s had Ama move all her stuff out!" I called after him. Ryder left the roomughing. I could finish my workout now. I needed to shower and get ready before he returned. Not sure how long he needed to prepare, but his pack was about 30 minutes away. That gave me roughly an hour and a half to shower and at least bnce my books. The world must have been on my side today, because I didn''t encounter anyone who might give me trouble as I headed upstairs. The only nerve-wracking thing was asking my father. "Dad?" I called out. "Hmm?" he responded. "Ryder asked..." "He already asked my permission to invite you. If you want to go, I have no objections," he said. I was stunned. "He asked you for permission?" "Yes. He knows protocol. Have fun, ride safe." My father waved me away, and I hesitantly turned to leave. What was happening? Walking to my room, I was d to find it empty. I headed straight for the shower and quickly rinsed off. After washing my hair and body, I felt a strange sensation as I turned off the water. I was excited, even looking forward to the day. So much so that I stood in front of my closet wondering what to wear. It would be hot today, but riding meant I needed some protection. I had a pair of lightweight ck pants designed for riding that allowed the wind to pass through. They were tight, so my chunky-heeled shoes paired perfectly with them. They weren''t riding boots, but they looked sexy. Finally, grabbing a white fitted tank top, I was satisfied. I tucked the tank into my pants. Chapter 36 Xena''s POV I was feeling exceptionally good today, which might exin why I decided to blow-dry my hair. Though Ama was always trying to teach me how to use a curling iron, I still preferred my curling rod. After setting it down, I applied a light touch of makeup, just a simple ck eyeliner-the only makeup I ever feltfortable wearing. ncing at my watch, I had about thirty minutes to prepare. I sat at my desk and started working, but even though the task wasn''tplex, I found it difficult to concentrate with my mindpletely upied by thoughts of the uing date. After making three mistakes, I finally finished reconciling the ounts. "Ryder is here," Dad informed me through our mental link. My heart rate instantly elerated, and my breathing quickened. Calm down, X, don''t look too eager, I told myself. But the excitement bubbling within me was impossible to suppress, making my fingers tremble slightly. "Give me a minute, I''ll be right down. Is my motorcycle out front?" I responded. "I pushed it out myself and checked it over." "Thanks, Dad!¡± I quickly sent the ount books and rushed to the bathroom to remove my curling rod. Looking at myself in the mirror, I silently thanked the Moon God for blessing me with a perfect hair day. My curls looked amazing, matching my excellent mood. Grabbing my lightweight riding jacket, I forced myself to walk out calmly, not wanting them to see how excited I actually was. Despite my efforts to hide it, I knew my eyes were probably sparkling with barely concealed excitement, and the corners of my mouth kept turning upward. Fortunately, Ryder''s styleplemented mine perfectly-he wore riding jeans and a T-shirt. His leather riding jacket rested on his motorcycle, and he already had his riding gloves on. "Here''s your helmet, gloves are inside," Dad said, handing me the helmet with a smile as I approached. "Where do you think you''re going?" Martha suddenly shrieked from the doorway. I mentally rolled my eyes. "Riding," I answered nonchntly while putting on my jacket. Ryder had already mounted his motorcycle. "She can go, leave her alone," Dad warned. "She hasn''t submitted the ount books yet," sheined to Dad, sounding pathetic. "Just sent them. Check your inbox." I swiftly straddled my motorcycle and started the engine. Dad handed me my helmet, which I put on after shaking out my hair. Ryder passed me an earpiece so we could talk during the ride. "Bye, Dad!" I decisively closed the transparent visor of my helmet, and we finally took off. I caught a glimpse of Leonard and Samuel watching us from the training grounds. Thankfully, they didn''t try to contact me through our mental link. "You look beautiful," Ryder said through the microphone. It felt good to be appreciated by such a handsome man. But I tried to stayposed, not wanting to act like a lovesick teenager. "Thanks. These are new riding pants I''m trying out. They breathe well," I replied, grateful he couldn''t see the smile hidden beneath my helmet. "They look perfect on you." There was a gentleness in his tone I''d never heard before. "How about lunch at The Salt Lick?" he suggested. My stomach growled in response. I absolutely loved BBQ. The choice seemed too coincidental-had he researched my preferences? "Sounds good," I replied, trying to control my tone to avoid sounding too excited. "Your dad mentioned it was your favorite ce," Ryder admitted. A terrible thought suddenly crossed my mind. "How did you manage that? Asking my dad to take me out today, and even about my favorite food?" "Something like that. I asked if I could take you riding, said I needed to check out some potential new locations. He was happy to let you get some fresh air and gave me some suggestions, i think he knows you needed a fun day, and I happened to be able to provide one My heart sank, feeling like I''d been doused with cold water. So that was it just a pity invitation. I suddenly felt foolish for thinking this might be some kind of date. "So this is a pity invitation? 1 asked, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice. "No! 1 genuinely wanted to spend the day with you. It just gave me an opportunity to ask. 1 figured you''d turn down a date invitation. Besides, your birthday is next week, so there''s no need to call it a date/ "Ah. That was wil 1 could manage in response, not knowing what else to say. His exnation left me confused yet hopeful. Was this a date or just a friendly ride? My thoughts were a jumbled mess, unable to sort through my feelings. We didn''t speak for the rest of the journey, though it wasn''t far. Since we were on motorcycles, we shared a parking space, kyder dismounted faster than I did, so when I removed my helmet, I found him watching me. I had just finished fixing my hair and taken off my gloves and jacket when I realized he''d been staring at me the entire time. His gaze made my skin burn like fire. It wasn''t just a casual look but a deep, appreciative stare that made my heart pound in my chest. "Need help wiping that drool? I joked, trying to ease the sudden tension. "You wish. He gave me a charming half-smile as I walked past him. I almost thought he might p my backside, but he didn''t. I wasn''t sure if I wanted the flirtation. The cool air conditioning, felt particrly refreshing as we entered the restaurant. Chapter 37 Xena''s POV "Miss Xena! It''s been forever!" The waitress eximed the moment I walked into the restaurant. "I know, right?" I smiled back at her. "Come on, I''ve got a table for you." "Thanks, Yara!" "Don''t mention it!" She waved as she walked away. I hated sitting with my back to the door, but it seemed Ryder''s Alpha status required him to take that position. I sighed and sat down. "Youe here often?" Ryder raised an eyebrow as he looked at me. "Sometimes." He tried to hand me a menu, but I shook my head. "I''m a creature of habit. I like what I like." "Alpha Ryder, sir, it''s so nice to see you again. How are you?" A waitress I''d never seen before ced her hand on his shoulder,pletely ignoring my existence. Another girl bedazzled by the Alpha aura. "Wren," Ryder''s tone was notably displeased. He moved her hand away and asked, "When did you start working here?" "I just turned 18, came to visit my grandmother. They''re making me go to some spoiled Alpha brat''s birthday party next Friday. Apparently, I need to find my mate." I raised my eyebrows at this. Decided to have a little fun. The mischievous part of me stirred, making me curious to see this girl''s face when she realized the truth. "Birthday party? I''ve heard about that. Do you know who they are?" I leaned back in my chair, feigning interest in the topic. Wren finally noticed my existence. She squeezed in next to Ryder, "No idea. I heard there are two of them, twins. A boy and a girl. Apparently, the girl is super smart but quite the bitch. The boy is supposedly hot and a total yer." That sounded pretty urate. I thought to myself. It seemed my reputation had spread, albeit somewhat distorted, but the general outline was correct. "A bitch?" I probed, suddenly interested in how others perceived me. "Yeah, I heard she beat up some girls in a bathroom. They caught her flirting with their man, and when they asked her to stop, she went ballistic. Total ticking time bomb. Though I heard she''s ugly as sin, so probably doesn''t matter. There was a challenge issued and the one girl said she ns on cheating to win." That surprised me. "How do you cheat in a challenge?" I asked, increasingly curious. Wren continued, "She''s being watched now." I nced at Ryder, noticing his demeanor had changed. But Wren waspletely oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. "What else have you heard? This is juicy stuff." I pretended to gossip. "That''s about it. Oh! I also heard she''s hooking up with the future Beta. Supposedly, he''s been sleeping around behind her back!" Wren made a face like this was some explosive news. "Interesting. Where did you get all this information?" I leaned forward, feigning interest. "I can''t reveal my sources!" Wren said with augh. Yara walked over, looking nervously at me. "Um, Wren?" "What do you want?" Her tone immediately turned rather nasty. "Do you know who she is?" Yara whispered, leaning in close. "Just some wannabe girl with no chance now that I''m back in town!" She fake- smiled at 1. me. I extended my hand, putting on my best bitchy expression. Inside, I wasughing coldly, finally waiting for this moment of revtion. "Hi, I''m Xena. The girl twin and the one with the birthday on Friday. I''m assuming you''re a member of Ryder''s pack, and I think he''ll agree with my request They''ll want to talk to you." report to Alpha Benedict''s office first thing tomorrow. Wren''s face drained of color. She hesitated before extending a trembling hand. "I... I''m really sorry..." "Save it. I honestly don''t care what you said. Not all of it was true, but I''d really like to order now." "I think I''ll take over," Yara said. Wren walked away with her head down. "Damn it," Ryder cursed under his breath." "I''m so sorry, Xena!" Yara looked nervous. "Don''t worry about it. She actually gave us some information," I reassured her. "The usual?" Her voice still carried tension. "Yes, thank you! But lemon tea today." "Alright, and you, Alpha Ryder?" "I''ll have the brisket special. Water is fine." He was trying to control his anger. "Coming right up." Yara walked toward someone I assumed was the manager. She had her hands on her hips, ring at Wren. "You have girls everywhere," I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest, my tone carrying a hint of jealousy I didn''t even recognize. Though I hated to admit it, seeing so many girls fawning over Ryder did bother me internally, even if I kept telling myself it shouldn''t matter. Chapter Comments Chapter 38 Xena''s POV "She was my girlfriend freshman year. She had some attitude problems, got into some trouble, so her parents took her away, Ryder exined, his green eyes locked on mine. "I can''t keep beating up your ex-girlfriends. Who else should I be looking out for? I tore at the napkin on the table, avoiding his intense gaze. "Why are you so calm about what she said?" I sighed. Wren''sments had stung, but they weren''t untrue. "Well, the rumors about Logan and me aren''t exactly false. Besides, she told us Helen wants to cheat. Now we can prepare," I said dismissively. "She''s in a cell. How can she cheat?" "Never underestimate a woman with a grudge." I smiled slightly, crumpling the napkin and tossing it into the trash can by Ryder''s feet. Yara approached with our drinks and a te of sausages. I brought you some appetizers to try. They''re new on the menu. Let me know what you think!" When the te arrived, I saw several thick, deep red sausages with a slight sheen, their cut surfaces revealing coarse ck pepper and red chili kes. Simple white bread and pickles apanied them. "Thanks!" I cut into the first piece, and juices immediately seeped out, releasing a rich smoky aroma. The first bite offered a slight resistance from the casing before it burst in my mouth with a "pop." The meat was coarse yet juicy, and the coarse grains of ck pepper and chili immediately exploded on my tongue, sending a wave of heat straight to my head. I reached for a napkin. "Damn, this is amazing, Ryder almost moaned as he finished his portion. "No way!" After swallowing that bite, I gulped down half my tea. Ryder watched me with amusement. I could feel my cheeks burning and my lips swelling. "Can''t handle spice?" he asked yfully. "Not at all. I''m such a baby. Even mild is too spicy for me!" My nose started running. Ryderughed as I had to blow my nose and fan my face. I felt embarrassed. "Seriously?" "Absolutely." "Are you okay?" Yara asked, looking at my face. I couldn''t answer, just drank water frantically. My tongue and cheeks remained in numbed state. Ryder pulled the napkin holder from the next table and ced it in front of me. "These are really great," he smiled at Yara. ¡°Wonderful!¡± Yara walked away, and Ryder grabbed another piece. I shook my head silently, wondering if his stomach was made of steel. "Where''s that property located?" I asked. "About an hour''s drive east." "That would make for a nice ride." I leaned forward, gazing through the window. Spring sunlight bathed the distant fields, suddenly brightening my mood. "Did you find a dress when you went shopping?" Ryder took a sip of water, his gaze fixed on me over the rim of his ss. "Actually, I found two. One for my birthday, one for the dance." I smirked. "What''s that look for?" "The birthday party is formal." "So...?" "I have two dresses. One''s ck, the other''s deep red," I was deliberately teasing him. "Let me guess, you''re nning to wear the red one for your birthday?" 215 "Even Logan approved. I''ll make one hell of a statement." "Good girl." The way he said it and the way he looked at me forced me to cross my legs. In that moment, a wave of heat spread from my chest throughout my body, and I could almost hear my heartbeat elerating. "Your food is here! Enjoy!" The aroma of food wafted toward us. I grabbed the regr barbecue sauce and spread it on the meat before eating. "No bread?" Ryder asked, looking at my te. "No, it''ll just fall out anyway." I shrugged, enjoying the delicious food. "Fair point." Ryder took a few bites. "This is delicious." "Absolutely the best!" Smiling, I finished my barbecue and fried okra. While eating, I secretly observed Ryder''s profile, finding even his focused eating attractive. "Need anything else?" Yara approached us. "Just the check, please!" I said. Ryder nodded, but his mouth was still full of food. "This one''s on the house!" "No way! Let me pay!" I quickly protested, not wanting to take advantage. "No way! Girl, youe here all the time. Enjoy your day!" She walked away before I could protest again. "Ready to go?" Ryder asked, pulling out his wallet. "Yes, but I can pay," I insisted. "No. This was my idea, I''m paying." Ryder left 50 dors on the table. "Shall we?" It was far more than a normal tip, even if they had charged us. The generous gesture was enough to warm my heart. "Thank you for doing that," I said as we walked out. "Even if they don''t charge us, working with Wren is headache enough. She deserves to be paid for that." Ryder put on his helmet. I also geared up and started my motorcycle. "Ready?" I asked. "Yes, ma''am," Ryder replied, and we set off. We rode along winding roads without talking. Ryder even chose the back roads to enjoy the scenery. Flowers bloomed, birds flew, and I felt incredibly free. My heart beat joyfully, and everything around me felt vibrant with life. I didn''t realize Ryder had slowed down and was riding beside me instead of in front. "Having fun?" he asked. "Very much. I love this feeling. The wind in my hair, the fresh air. I feel free and happy," I answered with a smile, my heart full of gratitude. In this moment, it was as if all my worries had been blown away by the wind. "Good." Ryder returned to the front position, but he kept checking on me through his rearview mirror. I noticed his gaze, feeling a sweet flutter in my chest. Ryder slowed his motorcycle and turned. Part of the road was gravel, but we only traveled a short distance before he drove into a field. After parking our motorcycles, I was able to appreciate the beautiful view before us. Once I removed my helmet, gloves, and jacket, I walked forward a few steps, wanting to take in the scenery from all angles. Sunlight bathed the distant hills, a gentle breeze caressed my, cheeks, and in this moment, I felt a profound sense of peace and contentment. The grassy field stretched out before us, dotted with wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. In the distance, rolling hills rose and fell like waves in a green ocean, with patches of forest creating darker shadows along their contours. The sky above was a brilliant blue with just a few wispy clouds. I closed my eyes, tilting my face toward the sun, letting its warmth seep into my skin. "Beautiful, isn''t it?" Ryder''s voice came from beside me. I hadn''t heard him approach. Chapter 39 Xena''s POV We stood at the top of the hill, overlooking the city we''d just left behind. The view took my breath away, and I knew it would only be more beautiful at night. "What do you think?" Ryder came to stand behind me. I only had to lean back slightly to feel his chest against my back. My heart immediately picked up speed, a strange sense of security enveloping me. "It''s beautiful," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite my heart hammering in my chest. "This view is unbelievable. How did you find this ce?" "My family has owned thisnd for generations. We haven''t used it in a while, though, and don''t have any particr need for it. We''ve been considering building some sort of venue here to generate some ie. But we haven''t checked on thend in years. My father asked me to see if it was feasible, take some soil samples to check for contamination." "Just how muchnd do you own?" I asked curiously, privately marveling at his family''s wealth. Ryder wrapped his arm loosely around my waist, turning me to face him. His touch sent a small shiver across my skin, and I forced myself to focus on his words rather than the warmth of his palm. "About fifteen feet from the bottom and stretching for a few miles in each direction." "How many miles is a few?" I pressed, trying to grasp the scale of it. "I think we have about five hundred acres." "Jesus." I took Ryder''s outstretched hand, and we began to walk together. Holding his hand felt both terrifying andforting at the same time. "There''s a forest over there, and if I remember correctly, there''s a waterfall," he said. "Really?" We walked hand in hand into the forest until the path narrowed. I followed behind Ryder as we walked about a mile down the trail until I could hear the sound of water. "Do you hear that?" Ryder asked. "Yeah." The breeze blew against my face, feelingfortable, and I wasn''t even sweating. We walked another hundred yards, and the forest opened up to reveal a gorgeous waterfall flowing into a stream below. "Wow, it''s beautiful," I said breathlessly, captivated by the sight before me. "Just like I remembered." Ryder walked over to a rock by the water and sat down. I followed and sat next to him, still with a bit of space between us, but close enough. "When was thest time you were here?" I asked. "Oh, it''s been years. I think I was in elementary school." "That long? Why?" "As we got older, we didn''t have much reason toe out here." "Ah. If I owned this ce, I''de every day. Actually, I''d build my own little cabin right here!" Iughed, imagining what it would be like to live in such a beautiful ce. "Well," Ryder smiled, "it''s not a beach or the tropics, but you''re wee to visit anytime." He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me toward him. My heart raced. I leaned my head against his shoulder, and we sat like that for a while. Until my curiosity got the better of me. "Ryder?" "Hmm?" I shifted back so I could face him, and he turned with a look of concern. I gathered my courage to ask the question that had been swirling in my mind. "William has some kind of feeling about Ama." "Yes, he says he just knew when he saw her." "Ama feels the same way. Do you think we can know who our mates are through that feeling before we turn eighteen?" Ryder sighed, looking out at the water. I waited nervously for his answer, my heart pounding in my chest. "Maybe. I''m not sure." "Do you have that feeling about anyone now?" I dared to ask, hoping he would say what I wanted to hear while simultaneously dreading an answer that might disappoint me. "Are you asking if I have that feeling about you?" Ryder called me out directly. "Yes, or anyone," I admitted, feeling my cheeks flush. "I haven''t brought anyone else out here. I brought you. As for your question, I don''t know. I don''t know exactly what William is feeling. All I know is that I can''t get you out of my head." His hand came up to my cheek, his thumb caressing it gently. "I''ve never felt this way before, and I''ve never wanted to do these things with anyone. If this is what a mate bond feels like, I don''t know." I didn''t know what to say. He was telling me the truth. My heart was pounding. "What I do know is that I look forward to seeing you every day. If you end up being my mate, I''ll be the luckiest guy in the world. If not, I''m going to be very disappointed." "That''s only because you can''tprehend my actual IQ," I joked, trying to mask my true feelings. "Do you do that a lot? Make jokes to avoid talking about your feelings?" Ryder asked. His hand dropped from my face, and I immediately missed his touch. Chapter Comments Chapter 40 Xena''s POV "Yeah. I just find it hard to open up," I finally said, breaking the silence between us. "I want to. I want you to hold me and kiss me and tell me everything will be okay. But what happens when Fridayes and you can''t give me that anymore because you''ve found your mate? Where does that leave me?" My voice trembled slightly despite my efforts to keep it steady. I''d never been this vulnerable with anyone before. It felt like I was cutting open my chest and showing him my heart, not knowing if he''d protect it or crush it in his hands. Ryder sighed, turning to face forward, hands resting on his knees. "I''m sorry." The rejection stung worse than I''d anticipated. I stood up, ready to leave, to run away from this suffocating feeling of worthlessness that threatened to consume me. But Ryder grabbed my hand before I could take a step. "Fuck it," I heard him mutter under his breath. Then he yanked me back, his movement so sudden it caught me off guard. One arm circled my waist, pulling me toward him; his other hand wrapped around my neck, fingers tangling in my hair, gently tugging my head back. And then his lips crashed against mine in the most passionate kiss I''d ever experienced. The moment his lips touched mine, I melted into him. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as I surrendered to his embrace. A soft moan escaped my throat, my eyelids fluttering at the intensity of sensations flooding through me. This reaction was something I''d never felt with Samuel. It sparked hope within me - hope that Ryder could be my destined mate. Deep inside, a certainty I''d never known before began to grow. Maybe this was fate''s guidance? Maybe he was the one? Ryder bent down, his hands encircling my thighs. He lifted me up, pressing me against a nearby tree. The rough bark against my back was a stark contrast to the softness of his lips as they moved from my mouth to my neck. "I-we-can''t go further," I managed to say, though everything in my body screamed for more. I grabbed his head, pulling him back up to my lips for another scorching kiss. The scent of my arousal filled the air between us, enticing him. I could feel his hardness. pressing against me, and it took every ounce of willpower not to grind against him. Our kiss gradually slowed, and Ryder lowered me to my feet. He braced one hand against the tree above my head, supporting himself, while his other hand remained on my waist. His touch was like electricity, making every inch of my skin sing. "I don''t regret it. I''ve never felt this way before," Ryder whispered. "Me neither. I really hope you turn out to be mine." The words rushed out of me with a sincerity that surprised even myself. Ryder didn''t respond verbally, but he gave me several gentle kisses, each one like a silent promise that made my heart flutter. "We should go," he finally said softly. "Okay," I agreed, but neither of us moved. I was stalling, not wanting to break this perfect moment, afraid that once we left this ce, the magic would disappear. I opened my eyes to find him staring intently at me. "You''re incredibly beautiful," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face, looking utterly lost. There was a depth in his gaze I couldn''t quite read, making me feel both exposed and treasured. "What is it?" I asked. "If you end up not being my mate, I''ll be shocked, and I''ll have to challenge whoever gets you." His words sent a thrill through me. I felt warmth spread through my chest at the thought that he would fight for me. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 41 A sound in the distance caught our attention, forcing us to start moving. We crept down the hill, following the stream. There was a second waterfall, and at the bottom was a group of about fifteen Rogues. They were just swimming, eating, basically rxing. My heartbeat elerated, the scent of danger making my wolf instincts alert. "We need to go," Ryder whispered in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. Nodding, we turned and started running back to our motorcycles. It was an unexpectedplication. Being only a mile from the clearing, we reached our bikes quickly. "Get on, let''s go!" Ryder urged. "Grab your samples first, quick!" The Rogues hadn''t spotted us yet, though Ryder looked nervous. He grabbed his equipment and ran about 75 yards into the field, beginning to twist a rod-like object into the ground. I started putting on my gloves and jacket. Just as Ryder finished, I began hearing rustling leaves. Ryder must have heard it too, because he sprinted toward me. I gestured for him to hurry up, putting on my helmet, anxiously waiting. The Rogues still didn''t seem to know we were here, but I didn''t want to stick around to find out. Fortunately, Ryder reached his motorcycle just as the first Rogue emerged from the trees. He stuffed the soil sample into his saddlebag and swung his leg over his bike. With no time to put on his jacket and gloves, just his helmet, we started our motorcycles right as they spotted us. The wind whipped at my face as our motorcycles roared down the hillside, tires kicking up dirt and gravel in our wake. The howls of the Rogues echoed behind us, getting closer with each passing second. My heart hammered against my ribcage, adrenaline pumping through my veins. "They''re gaining on us!" I shouted over the roar of our engines, ncing briefly at Ryder who rode beside me. "Just keep going!" he yelled back, his green eyes shing with intensity behind his visor. "We''re almost to the road!" I pushed my bike harder, feeling it struggle beneath me as we descended the steep slope. Suddenly, my front tire caught on a jutting rock, sending my motorcycle into a violent wobble. For a terrifying moment, I felt myself losing control, the bike tilting dangerously to one side. "Xena!" Ryder''s voice cut through my panic. Without slowing down, he maneuvered his Harley closer to mine, reaching out with one strong arm. His fingers wrapped around my handlebar, steadying my bike just as we hit the steepest part of the descent. "I''ve got you!" he shouted, his face tense with concentration. "Let go!" I yelled back. "You''ll crash too!" "Just hold on and straighten out!" I gripped my handlebars tighter, forcing my body to rx enough to regain control. With Ryder''s momentary support, I managed to right myself just as our tires hit the asphalt of the main road. "Go, go, go!" I screamed, opening the throttle fully as we both elerated onto the smooth surface. We sped down the highway, the distance between us and the Rogues growing with each passing minute. Eventually, we slowed down when we were sure we weren''t being followed anymore. Pulling over to the side of the road, we both removed our helmets, breathing heavily. "Oh my god. Are you okay?" I asked breathlessly. "Yeah, you?" Ryder replied, his hair disheveled from the helmet, somehow making him look even more attractive. "I''m fine. Wow, that was..." My heart was still pounding in my ears, but beyond the fear, I felt a strange exhration. Facing danger with Ryder had intensified the connection between us. Chapter 42 Xena''s POV We drove in silence. The scenery was beautiful, but I wasn''t sure if I was ready to go home yet. With our discovery, we needed to get back quickly. Maybe evenunch an attack before they could make a move on us first. Ryder had even chosen to take the main road home. asionally, he''d check if I was still behind him or ask how I was feeling, but that was it. My mind was racing though-why were those Rogues there? Did they already know about us? If they were nning to attack our territory, were we prepared? The unease washed over my nerves like a rushing stream. "This is my turn. Your father''s probably waiting at your pack to hear about the Rogues," I told him as my turn approached. "I''ll make sure you get home safe." "It''s really fine. You go home first. I''ll be fine." I could hear the hesitation in his voice. "You sure?" "I''m good. Thanks for today. See you at school!" I tried to make my voice sound light as I slowed down to make the turn. Ryder continued forward, and when I turned, I could hear his motorcycle suddenly elerate. Like he''d been holding back his speed for me all along. Home was only about 10 miles away, so I arrived quickly. Dad, where are you? I called through our mind link. Training grounds. Back already? Yeah, soon. I twisted the throttle, elerating again. Once I arrived home, I took off my jacket, gloves, and helmet, then half-ran to the training grounds, my heart pounding in my chest. "Dad!" "X, what''s wrong?" He stopped training, and everyone turned to look at me. "We found a group of Rogues in a heavily wooded area while checking out thatnd. They saw us. We got the soil samples and got out, but there were 15 to 20 Rogues!" I said breathlessly.. Logan and Samuel stepped forward, my father''s expression turning serious. "Damn, Dad, that''s not far from here. If they''re setting up camp...?" "That''s Alpha Benedict''s territory, it''s his call, but I''ll contact him to see if he needs help. Did Ryder go home to tell him?" "Yes, I told him not to follow me here. It would waste time. If they decide to attack in this direction because we saw them, and they saw us..." "I''m calling now." Dad pulled out his phone and dialed, walking toward the corner. I watched his serious expression as my heart continued to race. "You okay?" Logan patted my shoulder. "Just worried they''ll attack, I''m fine." I tried to calm down, but the anxiety came flooding in like a tide. If those Rogues knew our location, we could all be in danger. "Listen up!" Dad had finished his call and shouted. Everyone immediately became alert. "ck team, move out!" He turned to Samuel. "You''re in charge here." "Yes, sir!" Samuel replied very seriously. A group of 15 people followed Dad and Logan as they ran off, presumably to help Alpha Benedict. I stood there, feeling a strange sense of helplessness-I wanted to go with them, but I knew I wasn''t strong enough yet and would likely be more of a burden than help. "Anything else to add?" Samuel asked in a tone that clearly carried usation. "What exactly are you implying, Samuel?" I felt anger rising inside me. He was always like this, looking at me with those suspicious eyes. "Just asking a question." He narrowed his eyes at me. "I don''t like this." He didn''t need to exin what he meant; I understood. He thought I was a troublemaker. "That''s your problem," I said before turning to leave. Despite my concern about the Rogues, I still needed to take responsibility forpleting all the activity work. Focusing was difficult, but after a few hours, I finished all the remaining projects for the rest of the year. Luckily, I''dpleted other projects this week and had already done the financial budgeting, so I could focus on the remaining work. It wasn''t until I was getting ready for bed that I heard a knock on my door. Since I''d already locked it, and the entire pack house was soundproof, I had to go open it. "Who is it?" "Hey, just wanted to let you know, we sessfully stopped any attack. We caught up with Alpha Benedict just as the Rogues were reaching the edge of town." Dad stood there, covered in dirt. His sweat had dried, and his scent was strong. I breathed a sigh of relief, my shoulders finally rxing after hours of tension. "Was anyone hurt?" "A few minor injuries, nothing serious," Dad replied, leaning against the doorframe. "Logan''s fine too, before you ask." I nodded, studying my father''s face. The exhaustion etched into his features. "What about Ryder? And Alpha Benedict?" "They''re fine. The Rogues scattered once they saw ourbined force." He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging some dirt. "Benedict was grateful for the warning. He said to thank you." A warm feeling spread through my chest at those words. "I was just doing what anyone would do." Chapter 43 Xena''s POV "Heading to bed?" he asked. "Yeah, got school tomorrow." I leaned against my doorframe, feeling the exhaustion of the day settle into my bones. "Next week''s a big one," Dad said, his tone casual but probing. I could tell he was fishing for something. "Is there something you want to ask me, Dad?" I questioned directly, too tired for games. His hand unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck-a nervous habit he''d had for as long as I could remember. "Did you find a dress?" "Yes." I kept my answer short, watching his reaction carefully. "One that fits the theme?" Damn it...Logan couldn''t have sold me out. My mind raced through possibilities, calcting my response. "I bought two dresses," I said carefully. "One for my birthday and one for the dance." I wasn''t lying-notpletely anyway. I waited for his interrogation, but after a pause, he simply said, "Wear whichever one you like," before turning and walking away. That caught me off guard. "Weird," I muttered to myself as I closed my bedroom door. After turning off the lights and settling into bed, my phone buzzed. After a brief internal struggle, I decided to ignore it and go to sleep. Monday mornings are absolute hell, but this particr Monday felt like the fighter jet of all terrible Mondays. I hadn''t even gotten out of bed yet, and I could already feel the day imploding. Martha would be frantic with the birthday party and Saturday''s challenge match, which meant peopleing and going all week, tension in the air, and me bing her favorite stress-relief target. Not to mention the possibility of meeting my mate on Friday. If it turned out to be Samuel, I''d have nowhere to run. Part of me thought Samuel would be easy, uplicated. But since ourst heart-to-heart, he''d grown less attentive. Then there was Ryder. He was an unpredictable variable I wasn''t sure I could fully trust. The hottest guy I''d everid eyes on, with a kiss that left me breathless. But realistically, he seemed like a yer with girls constantly flocking around him. We always argued, our tempers shing like oil and water. I reached for my phone, feeling almost back to normal, but that feeling vanished when I saw two messages-one from Samuel, one from Ryder. Samuel: Happy birthday week! Hope your day is amazing. Sent at 6:03 AM. It was now 6:45. I texted back a quick thanks before checking Ryder''s message. Ryder: Everything''s been handled. Location is cleared and ready for construction. Thanks for your help. This message was sent before I went to sleep. I didn''t feel the need to respond. I got up and took a quick shower. I could skip today entirely, but that would mean facing more harassment from Martha, so school it was. I couldn''t be bothered with my hair, so I braided it to the side, applied light makeup, and, threw on basic shorts and a tee. This week was supposed to be scorching. Grabbing my phone, I almost contacted Ama before remembering she wasn''t here anymore. I''d be going to school alone. Frowning, I grabbed my bag and headed out of my room. "About time you woke up," Samuel was standing right outside my door. "Jesus Christ!" My heart leaped into my throat, startled by his presence but also secretly pleased to see him. "What are you doing here?" He held up a muffin and a bottle of water, smiling. "Ie bearing gifts." The scent of chocte wafted toward me. I snatched the muffin, ring at him with mock irritation while warmth spread through my chest. "What''s the special asion?" "Ama''s not here to keep youpany. Figured I''d fill in." He shrugged, something unreadable in his tone. "Thanks," I said, my voice probably colder than intended because he gave me an odd look. "Want a ride?" he asked, pushing open the garage door. "No, you have training, and I need to go to the shop." I sighed, walking toward my motorcycle. I could feel his eyes following me. "What''s going on, Samuel? You''ve never done this before," I stopped in front of my bike and confronted him directly. "Martha''s already on the warpath. Logan assigned one of us to escort you around the pack house until you find your mate," Samuel said, giving me the unvarnished truth as always- something I appreciated about him. "Ah." I put on my helmet, and we mounted our bikes. I tucked the rest of the muffin into my side storagepartment, and we took off. The wind whipped around me as I elerated, Samuel keeping pace beside me. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 44 Xena''s POV It was a peaceful morning, nothing special. The fresh morning breeze was already beginning to warm. We''d arrived at school early, so after parking our motorcycles, we sat at the pic table to finish breakfast. The sunlight fell gently on my face, feeling especially wonderful. "Thanks for the muffin," I said to Samuel. "Well, it wasn''t actually for you. I snatched it while the kitchen workers were busy scolding someone else for stealing food." Though the kitchen staff was strict, the food they made was truly amazing. I couldn''t help but smile slightly as I took a bite of the muffin. I thought to myself that breaking rules felt surprisingly good, this small act of rebellion bringing me a hint of pleasure, like finding a bit of freedom in an environment full of restrictions. "So, are you nning to wear that red dress?" Samuel asked, his eyes gleaming with some meaningful look. My heart suddenly tightened as I remembered trying on that dress a few days ago. The red dress was too eye-catching. "Speaking of which, did Logan say something to Dad?" I narrowed my eyes, feeling uneasy inside. "Why do you ask?" "Dad mentioned some things to me." "So you''ll wear the red dress." Samuel nodded, his gaze moving past me to look behind. Ama was walking over with Ryder and William. "You guys are here early!" Ama gave me a side hug but didn''t sit down. ¡°Because I didn''t have you holding me back," I teased. When I looked up at her, I had to squint against the sunlight. "Yeah, whatever. See you at lunch." Ama waved goodbye as they continued walking. I sighed, turning back to finish my muffin. Watching them leave, Ama holding William''s hand, made me feel a bit lost. Even though we were still friends, everything was subtly changing. "Are you okay?" Samuel asked, bringing my attention back to him. More and more students were arriving at school. I only had five minutes of free time left, but I still needed to grab my books and print some documents. "I''m fine. But I need to go to the library. See you at lunch!" I jumped up and headed for the door. The whole way, he followed right behind me until we reached the library. When I hit the print button, the bell rang. I wasn''t too worried because that teacher was part of the extracurricr activities team. I was actually turning in all the organizational arrangements, supply lists, and attendance statistics for each activity for the remainder of this school year and the next. Usually, I''d finish this work by summer vacation. Although I didn''t particrly enjoy college-level economics, it would be advantageous when applying to universities. Walking into the ssroom, Mr. Davis immediately put down his sses and looked at 1. me. "Ms. Harris,te again?" "Yes, but I have something for you." I smiled as I approached him, handing over the freshly printed documents. "Excellent, thank you. Please have a seat." Looking around, I discovered my usual seat had been taken by Helen''s followers, and the only empty spot was next to Ryder. Just great, I thought sarcastically. "Looks like I''m not the only one taking advanced courses," I muttered as I sat down. "These courses were designed to entice you to stay," he said. Hearing this, my body tensed. Though what he said wasn''tpletely wrong, it wasn''t entirely correct either. These courses had been under discussion before I arrived; my father had just given the final push. "Partially correct," I leaned back against my chair, crossing my arms, trying my best to ignore Ryder''s presence. This was all so awkward. We''d had that non-date, and that kiss, but now we were sitting here like strangers or enemies. Worse still, he seemed to appear in almost all my sses. The moment the bell rang, I immediately stood up and rushed out the door, not giving anyone a chance to stop me. I hadn''t had time to go to my locker earlier, so now I needed to get my books. When I turned the corner, I saw a group of girlsughing by my locker. My heart sank. Only one person would have the nerve to do something like this. My thoughts began to churn, wondering what made them so gleeful, while a familiar sense of dread crawled up my spine. "What''s wrong?" Logan walked up beside me. "Not sure yet." I sighed, trying to suppress the panic rising within me. "Let me handle this." Logan stepped forward, growling low at the girls. They immediately scattered. That''s when I saw what they wereughing at-photos of Samuel and me dancing, and pictures of Ryder and me. Above them were the words: "Slut Princess ying with Hearts." Seeing those photos and words, a wave of humiliation instantly swept over me. My heart raced, my cheeks burning hot, but I desperately maintained my outward calm. Thinking about how people around campus might have seen these, my stomach twisted into a painful knot. Being publicly humiliated like this felt like being forcibly stripped naked in front of everyone. Logan ripped the pictures from my locker, crumpling them in his fist. "I''m going to kill whoever did this," he growled, his eyes darkening dangerously. He spun around and stormed off. "Don''t," I said, my voice barely audible even to my own ears. "It''ll just make it worse." I reached for my locker, grateful that my fingers didn''t tremble as I spun thebination. Inside, a folded piece of paper fell out as soon as I opened the door. I caught it before it hit the floor, unfolding it with a growing sense of dread. The note was simple but effective: This is just the beginning. Stay away from Ryder. Anger rose to rece my humiliation, hot and fierce in my chest. I crumpled the note and shoved it into my pocket. Chapter Comments Chapter 45 Xena''s POV Anger rose to rece my humiliation, hot and fierce in my chest. I crumpled the note and shoved it into my pocket. "Logan!" My shout did nothing to stop him. I watched in dismay as he violently yanked open a door and charged inside. "RYDER! Get out here! NOW!" I had no idea how Logan knew Ryder was in there, but now wasn''t the time to wonder about it. As Logan strode away, Ryder soon emerged following behind him, his expression a mixture of anger and confusion. He nced at me, then back at Logan''s retreating form, his eyes clearly questioning what the hell was going on. I shook my head and followed in Logan''s wake. The tension was suffocating until we got outside, where I could finally breathe properly again. "Logan? Care to exin?" Ryder was making an effort to control his anger. Logan, on the other hand, wasn''t doing such a good job. "Exin this!" Logan mmed the poster against Ryder''s chest with enough force to make him step back. Ryder''s eyes turned pitch ck as he looked down at the poster. My heart raced, my chest tight with anxiety. I knew when Ryder''s eyes turned ck, things were about to get serious. It was a sign his wolf side was close to surfacing. I could feel the tension and fury filling the air, like the stillness before a storm, ready to break at any moment. "Where was this found?" Ryder asked, his voice a deep growl that seemed toe from the depths of his chest. "On her DAMN LOCKER!" Logan''s roar shook the windows. "Nobody is going to do anything," I said, looking between them both and trying to keep my voice steady, "X, listen..." Logan''s voice was still raised. "Watch your tone," I red at him. Something registered in his expression as he tried to calm himself. "I''ll handle this in the ring on Saturday," I said to Logan, my tone serious. "That might be best," Ryder said quietly. "Seriously?" Logan looked furious with Ryder. "Logan, this will only make things worse. Let me handle this my way," I said, patting his shoulder. "No, that''s the damn problem. You hold grudges. You''ll hit them where it hurts the most, and everything will go to shit," Logan rolled his eyes at me. "Really?" Ryder looked at me, eyebrows raised. A small smile yed at my lips. Logan knew my nature so well. "You think the name ''de'' came from nowhere? I don''t fight fair. I''m not someone you want to piss off. I inherited my father''s temper," I shrugged. It wasn''t a big deal to me... though others might disagree. "That could be interesting," Ryder smiled. "Don''t encourage her!" Logan looked like he was about to have a breakdown. "Look, I''ll take the high road, but if one more thing happens, I won''t be so forgiving." Looking at both of them, they nodded in agreement. "Alright, we''ve got 30 minutes until ss ends, then lunch," Ryder checked his watch. "I need to sign up for the SATs," I turned to walk back inside. "Yeah," Logan muttered, "me too." Ryder followed us into the office. The walk was short, but with the hallways empty, every sound echoed. Including the sound of girls giggling. I slipped off my shoes and tiptoed to the corner, peering around. Helen and her gang were putting up another poster. I felt Ryder move to my side. I immediately ced my hand on his chest to stop him. Shaking my head to indicate no, I crept silently behind them. My heart raced, not from fear, but from that familiar thrill before a hunt. Several possible responses shed through my mind, each one calcted to make them pay. My fingers tingled slightly, eager to take action. Just as I was about to m her head into the locker, something shiny caught my attention. Helen''s diary was peeking out of her bag. I grabbed it and hid it behind my shirt. "It''s a little crooked on the right, move it up a bit.¡± They all jumped, and the poster fell. A can of spray paint rolled to my feet. I picked it up, looking at them. "Well, if it isn''t the school whore," Helen quickly recovered, ncing at her friends on either side. With strength in numbers, she took a bold step forward. "The only reason you''re still breathing is because I don''t want to give you any excuse to miss Saturday. I''m going to enjoy teaching you a lesson." Taking the spray paint, I marked a dot on her stomach. "This is where my first punch willnd. Then here and here." My voice was eerily calm, even I could feel the icy rage burning inside me. I could feel my wolf howling within, wanting to break free. I knew my eyes were probably starting to change color, that ice-blue shade. "You bitch!" she shrieked. One of the girls on the right tried to lunge at me. I delivered a quick chop to her throat, and she went down. "Anyone else?" As shey on the ground, I sprayed two X''s over her eyes, like she was already dead. The two girls next to Helen immediately tried to rush me, but Helen held them back. "A- Alpha?" she stammered. I frowned and looked behind me. Logan and Ryder had appeared from around the corner. "She attacked us!" Helen immediately whined to Ryder. "Lying now too? My office after school." Ryder''s eyes were pitch ck, damn sexy. Helen gave him a half-smile. ¡°Just like old times." She looked him up and down, licking her lips. "Yes, Alpha." They helped their friend up and left. Logan was already starting to clean up the mess. Chapter 46 Xena''s POV "Why are you stopping me?" I asked, disappointment clear in my voice. Logan walked over and ced his hand on my shoulder. "X, don''t be like that." I gently moved his hand away and headed toward the cafeteria. "Fine, whatever. See you By the time I reached the cafeteria, it was already buzzing with activity. I tucked the diary back into my bag and stood in line, waiting. Logan walked in and took a seat next to Keira. She looked thrilled. Just as I grabbed my lunch, I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Hey gorgeous! Come sit with us!" Ama beamed, her smile bright as sunshine. I nced over at their table where Ryder had just sat down. Then I looked at our usual spot where Samuel was staring at me, his gray eyes intense. My heart twisted painfully, a strange anxiety washing over me. The emotional rollercoaster of the past few days was almost too much to bear, especially with all this unresolved tension. "Maybe tomorrow. I''m not really hungry anyway." I turned and dumped my food, practically fleeing the cafeteria and heading outside. The breeze made my hair dance against my cheeks as I kept walking. I expected Ama to follow, or maybe Samuel, but it was Logan who caught up to me, grabbing my shoulder and forcing me to face him. "What''s going on? You never let those girls get to you before." ¡°It''s not them, at least not directly. It''s everything. You know we turn eighteen in four days. For you, nothing changes; for me, everything will." I wanted to be honest with him, to let him see what was really bothering me. "Come sit down," Logan guided me to a nearby tree and we sat beneath it. He draped his arm around my shoulderfortingly. "Tell me what''s really bothering you." "Why did you-" I started. "Don''t change the subject. Tell me the truth." "Damn it. It''s.everything. What if Samuel is my mate? Then I''ll be stuck here. We''ve been telling ourselves this whole time not to have feelings, that if one of us did, we''d stop. He never told me, and now if we''re not mates, he''s going to be hurt." My voice trembled slightly, my emotions aplicated mess. "What about Ryder?" Logan asked. "What about him?" Logan heard my heart skip a beat. "Do you think he''s your mate?" That was the million-dor question. I lowered my head, my fingers unconsciously drawing circles in the dirt, my thoughts tangled like a ball of yarn. "It feels different. Samuel is like a protector, always has been, but Ryder feels like an equal. He doesn''t know me like all of you do, so he just... lets me be me." I tried to keep my voice even. "That''s not what I asked." "Ryder could provide a new ce to live, away from Martha." I dodged the real question. "X, stop thinking with your head and start feeling with your heart. Your brain won''t tell you who your mate is. You can''t control this. Only your heart has those answers." Logan''s words hit me like a bell ringing in my chest. "Yeah..." I replied weakly. "I see the way Ryder looks at you. If you leave your childhood friends for your mate, you shouldn''t feel guilty about it." "So you think Ryder is my mate?" I looked up at him, eyes wide. "I''m just saying if it''s not Samuel, you shouldn''t feel guilty." Logan gave me a half- smile. "Would you feel guilty if it''s not Keira?" I asked. pter 46 "In some ways, yes. She''s not Luna material, but I do have feelings for her. I guess I wouldn''t struggle to let go like you would." "I just want to hide at the beach," I said half-jokingly, fantasizing about the freedom of escaping all theseplicated rtionships. "Maybe as a graduation gift," Loganughed and stood up. "If I''d known that, I would have graduated four years ago." "Ha! See youter." Logan said as he got up, straightening his clothes. "You''re not making me go to ss?" I asked, looking toward the school. "No, take the afternoon off." A bright smile spread across my face. Logan leaned down and kissed my forehead. ¡°Just don''t make me regret it. Stay out of trouble." "I''m going straight to my shop," I promised. "Good." After separating from Logan, I ran straight to my locker to grab my things, then raced to the parking lot where I hopped on my motorcycle and sped off to my shop. Helen''s diary was the first step in my counterattack. Chapter 47 Xena''s POV I unlocked the shop door, flipped on the lights, and set my things down. I picked up the journal I''d found-nothing too explosive inside, but definitely enough to ckmail her. As I was making copies, the bell above the door jingled. Someone had walked in. "Hello? We''re not open yet!" I called out, a sudden uneasiness creeping up my spine. No response, but I could feel the presence of someone in the shop. My instincts screamed danger, and my body tensed. Logan, get the guys ande to my shop. Something''s wrong, I sent through our mental link. What''s happening? he asked. I kept the connection open but didn''t answer. "Can I help you with something?" I asked firmly, trying to keep my voice from shaking. Three men stood in my shop. Everything about them radiated authority and danger. Not the kind of danger Ryder exuded-these guys looked genuinely terrifying, like men who would hurt you just because they could. Man buns, tattoos covering their necks and faces, piercings everywhere... My instincts screamed at me to keep my distance. I was no match for these three giants. They were all over 6''5", with powerful builds. Not bodybuilder muscles, but that didn''t make them any less intimidating. "We heard this is the ce to go for the best motorcycle customization in town," one of them said, his voice sending ice through my veins. "I''m afraid I don''t know your name," I said, straightening my back despite the sweat breaking out on my palms. "Forgive my rudeness, beautiful. I''m Tatum. This is Vance and Ss. Perhaps you''ve heard of us?" Oh fuck, you''ve got to be kidding me, Logan cursed in my mind. I''ming right now! "Sorry, can''t say that I have," I replied, my tone sharp. Something flickered in his eyes before he smiled. "Let me introduce myself properly, Ms. Harris. I''m Tatum Maddox of the Darkthorn Pack. This is my future Beta," Vance nodded, "and my Gamma," Ss inclined his head. Holy shit, I thought to myself. These guys were bad news. "I''m guessing you''re here to discuss motorcycle customization?" I skipped the pleasantries, hoping to get this confrontation over with as quickly as possible. "Don''t be in such a rush! I wouldn''t want there to be any misunderstandings about your hospitality. My father, Alpha Wiley, would very much appreciate the courtesy from Alpha Hank''s daughter." Vance and Ss exchanged smiles, shifting their stance. My throat tightened, but I forced myself to remain calm. "I don''t think my father would appreciate uninvited guests on his territory. This shop is on hisnd, and I don''t recall anyone inviting you here," I said, using the only leverage I could think of that might make them back off. "You''re a feisty one." He took several steps toward me. His eyes never left mine as he closed the distance between us. Standing just inches away, he brushed the hair away from my neck, leaning down to whisper in my ear: "I like that about you." His breath on my ear sent chills down my spine-and not the good kind. I could smell his wild scent mixed with expensive cologne. The intimacy made me nauseous, but I didn''t dare move, didn''t dare push him away. I could only pray silently that Logan would arrive soon. "You''re fucking sexy," he murmured. Seeing no resistance from me, he smiled smugly, ready to push his luck further. I had already clenched my fist, preparing to punch him in the gut the second he touched me, and then make a run for it. Just as his hand was about to touch my face, my brother''s angry voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Get away from my sister." Logan''s voice was filled with authority, I exhaled in relief. Tatum just chuckled, lowering his hand and straightening up to face Logan. "I''m guessing you''re Logan." He was even taller than my brother, and I realized I''d underestimated their height. Logan ignored him, signaling Samuel to get me. Samuel quickly moved past Tatum''s group to my side, positioning himself protectively behind me as we walked to Logan. I noticed Tatum''s eyes roaming over me hungrily. Logan had brought everyone. Leonard wasn''t there, but Ryder and William were. They all looked furious. "You know you''re breaking protocol right now,¡± Logan said, restraining his anger, the threat in his voice unmistakable. "Rx. I was just introducing myself to this beautifuldy, hoping to secure her... services." The way he said it made it sound filthy. Almost suggestive, as evidenced by the gleam in his eyes. After seemingly counting the number of people present, he pulled up a chair facing Logan and sat down. Vance and Ss remained standing stoically behind him. "Her schedule is full," Logan continued. "No one told us you were back in town," Ryder interjected. "And you are...?" Tatum asked, lounging in the chair with one leg crossed over the other. "Ryder, son of Alpha Benedict of the Boneash Pack." "Wonderful, so nice to meet everyone. Since we''re sharing this city, I thought we should get together." Chapter Comments Chapter 48 Xena''s POV "Shouldn''t you still be abroad for another year?" Logan asked bluntly. "I''m back. Received a birthday party invitation." Tatum answered flippantly. I silently cursed Martha in my head. Why did she have to send them invitations? "Heard you''ve already found your mate," Ryder said. "Unfortunately, she didn''t qualify. I''m looking for a recement." His eyes raked over me like knives, sending chills down my spine. "That''s right." He licked his lips, looking me up and down, the possessiveness in his gaze making my stomach churn. "She''s not even 18 yet," Logan said. "Neither are you, at least not until Friday. I''ll be waiting to see who challenges me for her.¡± With that, he stood up, and the three men walked out of my shop. Ss deliberately bumped into William on his way out, and William immediately moved to hit him but was held back by Ryder. They climbed into their sports car and sped away. I stood frozen, his words echoing in my mind: "challenges me for her." Fear spread like ice from the soles of my feet through my entire body. What did his return mean? What would happen to my future? A suffocating sensation enveloped me, as if invisible ropes were tightening around me. "X!" Logan grabbed my shoulders and shook me, pulling me out of my daze. I finally looked up at him. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My tongue felt dry, my nerves taut, my strength seemingly drained. Logan simply pulled me into a hug. "When the fuck did hee back?" Leonard was furious. "This isn''t good," William agreed with a frown. "Can you guyse over for a meeting?¡± Logan asked Ryder. "Of course. We''ll be there in an hour." Ryder looked at me. "Are you okay?" I could only nod. That seemed to satisfy him, and then they left. My legs felt heavy as lead, and all I wanted was to escape this ce and return to the safety of my pack. "We need to go home. Cancel your appointments," Logan said. I grabbed my appointment book, clutching it tightly to my chest. "I''ll handle it at home." I''d never felt such an urgent need to return to the pack house. Logan nodded, picking up my bag and watching as I locked up. I got into Leonard''s car while Samuel rode my motorcycle back home. The whole process took about 40 minutes before we finally made it back. Dad was already waiting at the door. "X, go to my office and finish your work," Dad said seriously. I nodded and rushed off. On the way, my thoughts were in chaos. I realized that I had no means to protect myself when faced with danger, and I hated my weakness. Thinking about his lustful gaze, tears threatened to fall. "No, I''m not fucking crying," I growled at myself. I nced out the window and saw my father on the phone, his expression grave. I noticed the white strands in his hair at the temples, and I took a deep breath. I needed to focus on my own tasks first. Opening my appointment book, I dialed the first person''s number. "Hello?" "Aurora, this is Xena. I need to reschedule. Something''se up, and Dad wants me present." I tried to speak in a normal tone. "Damn, alright. Just let me know what time works." He was a pack member, so he couldn''t disobey Dad''s orders. "Thursday at 4?" "Sounds good. Thanks!" "Great, see you then." I hung up and called the next person. The situation was simr. Thest person was human, which would be more difficult to handle. "Hello?" He sounded angry. "This is Xena. I need to reschedule your appointment for today because something''se up, and I won''t be at the shop." My voice had regained itsposure. "This is ridiculous. I''ve already paid, and I want my customization done as soon as possible. I have a date this weekend." Dad and everyone else walked in, including Ryder, Benedict, William, and Ama. "I understand, and I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is unavoidable. Can you "I''ll have to call you back." He seemed to have an emergency and hung up abruptly. Frowning, I put down my phone. Everyone was watching me, waiting. My eyes swept across everyone in the room, their gazes making me feel suffocated. "Xena! Are you okay?" Ama sat beside me, looking extremely concerned. I just looked at her, unsure how to respond. All their concerned looks made me feel like fragile porcin, just a little girl who should stay at home. I fucking hated that feeling. Looking around the room, my eyesnded on Logan. Through that twin telepathy, signaled him to change the subject. "Dad, why did you send them invitations? They''re not allies!¡± Logan was angry. Ama tried to put her arm around me, but I pushed her away and stood up. If I let her "Martha,e in." Dad pressed the inte button, calling for Martha. No one spoke as we waited for her. I walked to the window and looked down. Whatever that man was nning, I would find a way to fight back. I wasn''t anyone''s prize, nor would I be used as a bargaining chip. "Darling- Martha walked in, thinking only Dad was there, but her brow furrowed when she saw everyone. "What''s happened?" Her tone changedpletely. Chapter 49 Xena''s POV "Have you invited the Darkthorn Pack to the children''s gathering?" Dad asked. "Of course I did. It''s the polite thing to do," Martha replied sweetly. "How could you be so stupid? His son threatened X!" Logan exploded. "Watch who you''re talking to!" Martha shrieked, edging closer to my father. "Martha!" Dad''s voice boomed through the room. "This is serious. He threatened to challenge anyone who mates with X. This is a huge problem!" She noticed Dad''s tone and moved to take his hand. "Who knows, maybe he''ll be her mate. Besides, she''s always wanted to leave, hasn''t she? She could go with him. I heard he travels frequently. And having a strong mate would be good for her-" SLAP! The room fell silent. Everyone stared in shock. I wasn''t entirely sure what happened. One second I was looking out the window, the next... I''d crossed to Martha, faced her, and pped her with all my strength. Arms immediately pulled me back. No one moved tofort Martha. Shey bleeding on the floor, but Logan stood between us. I didn''t fight against whoever was holding me, but my fangs and ws were fully extended, ready for battle. Rage filled me, a fury I''d never experienced before burning through my veins. How dare she speak about me like that? Like I was just an object to be disposed of, a wild animal that needed "taming." Every fiber of my being screamed for me to lunge at her, but the rational part knew this wasn''t the solution. "Martha, go to the hospital and get checked. Imand you not to tell anyone what happened," Dad sighed, still seated. Martha saw that Dad wouldn''t take her side and left the room crying, throwing me one me. 7:41 pm E He cupped my face with both hands, looking into my eyes. "Calm down. Deep breath." Dad nodded, and whoever was holding me loosened their grip. He guided me to Martha''s vacated seat. Looking back; I realized it was Samuel who''d restrained me. He stared at the ceiling, eyes narrowed to slits. My heart still raced in my chest. "There''s nothing we can do right now," Dad muttered. "This could trigger a war. We need to appear friendly. See what his next move is. They''re unpredictable," Alpha Benedict began. "We''re stronger than them!" William said, cracking his knuckles. "We don''t want war. We need to handle this correctly. So far, it''s just verbal threats. He vited the treaty by entering your shop. I''ll call Alpha Wiley and speak with him," Dad sighed. "What about X''s safety?" Logan asked anxiously. "She won''t go to school. Continue with what you''re doing. So far, aside from threatening to challenge her mate, he hasn''t directly threatened her,¡± Dad said. "Dad! No! She can''t go to school!" Logan persisted. "I can and I will." The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at me. My voice was calm, but inside I was boiling. They all treated me like a little girl who needed protection, and I was tired of feeling this way. Maybe I was afraid, but being afraid didn''t mean backing down. My wolf howled inside me, eager to prove her strength. "I ept your protection, but I won''t let him stop me from living my life. I''m not going to hide in my room like some frightened little girl. No, I am Alpha Hank''s daughter, an Alpha female, and I won''t be intimidated easily." My voice sounded more confident than I felt. "Xena, think about this," Samuel pleaded. "I have thought about it. None of you know what it''s like being a girl. Every day we''re gendered, belittled for not being strong enough. I''m not someone who just takes it. I won''t let him think he can disrespect me and get away with it. He won''t have that effect on me. I''d rather die than allow any man to think he''s better than me!" I mmed my fist down on Dad''s desk, cracking the edge. I could feel their displeasure, but I wasn''t giving them a choice. "If he threatens her safety, she stays home," Samuel stood up as if he had any say in this matter. ¡°I think her safety isn''t what we need to worry about. The issue is physical," Ryder spoke 1. up. Samuel puffed out his chest like this was some kind ofpetition. Ryder stood up too. "This has nothing to do with either of you. As far as I''m concerned, she''s still a member of this pack," Samuel dered. "For now," Ryder was taller, so Samuel had to look up at him. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW < SHARE Chapter 50 Xena''s POV "That''s enough, boys," Benedict stood up to separate them. "She needs a real alpha male to fight Tatum for her, not a beta," Ryder said with conviction. Samuel lookedpletely enraged. "You son of a bitch," he snarled, fist clenched and ready to strike Ryder. Logan quickly grabbed Samuel''s arm. "ACE!" my fathermanded, "Go cool down!" Samuel stormed out, mming the door behind him. Leonard followed him out, but Logan stayed behind. "That was out of line, man," Logan said to Ryder, his voice tight with disapproval. "I didn''t say anything wrong. To defeat an alpha, you need alpha bloodlines. I''m her best option," Ryder replied confidently. "Assuming you''re her mate," my father said, leaning back in his chair. "Yes, sir," Ryder said without hesitation. "You truly believe you are?" my father pressed. "I''ll know for certain as the week progresses, but for now, yes." Ryder didn''t even nce in my direction as he spoke. I mentally cursed. Damn, why is he making decisions for me? "The choice is yours, Hank. Mate or not, she''s your daughter," Benedict shrugged, looking at my father. "I''ll assign a warrior to protect her. Too many hormones involved if you boys do it," my father said firmly. Then he turned to me, ¡°If anything happens, you stay until Friday." "Fine," I reluctantly agreed. Some protection was better than none. "You kids can go. Benedict and I will contact Wiley," my father dismissed us. "X?" Ama asked softly, concern evident in her voice. "I''m fine, sister," I said, pulling her into a hug. We walked out arm in arm, with the boys trailing behind us. We settled on the porch swing while the boys either leaned against the wall or the railing. "Beautiful day today," Amamented, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "How have you been?" I asked, eager to shift the focus away from myself. "Everything''s good, but different. Being a future beta female means I have a ton of responsibilities to learn. I never realized how much there was to do!" she eximed. "You''ll do great. You were born for this kind of thing," I assured her. "Thanks. William''s mom has been amazing, but I really miss you," she said wistfully. "Aw, I miss you too." "Do you think I coulde over Friday to help you get ready?" she asked hopefully. "Absolutely! I still wasn''t sure who was going to help with my hair and makeup,¡± I said, relieved. If Ama hadn''t offered, I wouldn''t have asked. Everyone has their own responsibilities. "I know. William says it''s fine. He and Ryder will meet me here. I''lle early so I''ll be sitting with them when you and Logan make your entrance." "Not looking forward to that moment," I sighed. "Please tell me you''re wearing that red dress?" Ama asked excitedly. "I am. Especially after today, I absolutely will," I said with determination. That red dress had started as just a whim, but now it was my armor. If I had to face Tatum''s challenge, I''d make sure everyone saw my courage and determination. It was my way of showing Martha and everyone else that I wouldn''t cower. "Speak of the devil," Ryder muttered, nodding toward the driveway. Martha was being brought back. "Are you going to be in trouble?" Ryder asked me, concern evident in his voice. "No," Logan answered sharply. "Not ording to Dad, at least," I added, watching Martha get out of the car. The bruise on her jaw was bing more prominent, and there was even a cut on her lip. "You''ll pay for this, you little bitch..." Martha red at me as she walked inside. "Maybe X could stay with me?" Ama suggested, looking between William and Ryder. "That would definitely be fine, but it depends on what Logan and Alpha Hank think is best," Ryder answered diplomatically. "Maybe I could stay here Thursday night?" Ama looked at William hopefully. He frowned. I guessed he didn''t want to be apart from her for even one night. I had to stifle augh. "It''s okay. We''ll figure out a good time. Maybe after things calm down," I said to Ama with a smile. "Alright..." Ama conceded, swinging gently on the swing. "Remember when you made this dent?" Ama touched a dent under the swing. "Ha, yes!" Iughed. "So stupid," Logan sighed, shaking his head. "What happened?" William asked curiously. "She was wearing a dress like a princess. Martha forced her to wear it. It was an ugly dress, so we got out the sewing machine and altered it. But the dress was too long, and she tripped on it and fell, catching her chin," Ama exined. "It really was a terrible dress," I said, waving my hand dismissively with a grimace. The memory made me smile despite everything. Even under Martha''s torment, Ama, Logan and I still found ways to have fun. Life was simpler then, no mate ceremonies, no pack politics, no life-or-death challenges... how I wished we could go back to those times. The front door opened, and my father and Benedict walked out. "It''s not good," Benedict sighed heavily. "We all need to stay on high alert," Dad said, clearly struggling to contain his anger. "Martha''s back," Logan pointed out. "Yes, and she''s angry," Ama added. "Is X safe here? I mean, from Martha?" Logan asked. "Why do you ask?" Dad looked confused. "Maybe she should stay with Ama for the week. It might put a target on you, but at least she won''t face Martha''s retaliation," Benedict suggested, looking at Logan suddenly. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 51 Xena''s POV My jaw nearly hit the floor. "What-" "If Ryder is her mate, it will keep her by his side," Benedict stated with certainty. "Mate or not, I wouldy down my life for justice," Ryder swore solemnly. "X, please, stay with us?" Ama''s voice was soft as she pleaded with me. My heart raced, and I felt a tightness in my chest. "I won''t force you, but I do think it''s what''s best for you," Dad said, looking directly into my eyes. I could see the worry there, that deep protective instinct of a father for his daughter. "We would be happy to wee you," Benedict smiled at me. His smile seemed genuine, but I remained cautious inside. I wasn''t used to trusting outsiders, especially Alphas from other packs. No matter how kind Benedict appeared, he was still an Alpha, and Alphas always had their own agendas. "I''ll go pack then," I said with a slight edge to my voice as I rose and headed inside. I expected Ama to follow me, but it was Logan who apanied me. We walked in silence to my bedroom until he spoke. "I''m sorry I can''t protect you here," he said. "I know," I sighed, feeling conflicted. I understood Logan''s helplessness, but part of me felt abandoned. Since we were kids, Logan had been my protector, my solid support. Now, I had to leave this safety zone and face a strange environment alone. "Remember to be polite." "No shit, Logan," I rolled my eyes, pulling out my ck duffel bag and beginning to pack what I''d need for the week. My movements were rough, shoving clothes haphazardly into the bag. It was my way of dealing with anxiety-masking my unease with an appearance of carelessness. Going to Benedict''s house? With Ryder? And that awful Helen? This was the beginning of a disaster. "You can skip the formal wear. Dad scheduled your entire day," Logan said. "What about you?" I asked. "I have a schedule too, but apletely different kind of day," Logan leaned against the wall by the door, grinning smugly. His smile made me want tough, though I felt a pang of bitterness at the same time. "Do you think Ryder really is my mate?" I asked while selecting shoes, trying to keep my choices simple. "Looks that way," he replied. "What about Samuel?" The question felt heavy on my tongue. "Samuel needs to move on. What Ryder said about the fight was right. Even if it was a low blow." "I''ve been screwed by fate from the beginning. Maybe Leonard is my mate!" I joked half- heartedly. "God, don''t say that," Logan''s face scrunched up in disgust. "That man-whore is going to catch something one day," I added with distaste. "True. But seriously, Dorian is dangerous. He killed his own mate," Logan''s tone turned serious. (1 Logan''s words sent a chill down my spine. Killing your own mate? That vited the most basic werewolf instinct. If Dorian could do that to his own mate, what else was he capable of? "What if Ryder isn''t my mate?" I asked tentatively, part of me hoping for a negative answer. "Then at least you get a change of scenery for a week," Logan consoled me. He was trying to make things look better. I knew that, but it didn''tpletely erase the worry in my heart. "Maybe you can help Ama adjust. Ryder said things aren''t going as well as they''d hoped." "What?" That surprised me. I stopped packing and looked at him. Ama not adjusting well? That didn''t sound like her. Ama had always been the type who could find happiness in any environment. If even she was ufortable... "Yeah, she keeps forgetting things. Ryder thinks she''s homesick." "But it''s only been..." ¡°I know, but change isn''t always easy,¡± Logan walked over and ced his hands on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes. "I truly believe this is good for both you and Ama. Try to have a good weekend, okay?" His eyes were full of concern and hope. Logan was always like this, seeing the bright side even in the worst situations. "For you, I will," I promised, though my heart was still resistant. "Maybe something good will happen," Logan picked up my bag and pulled me toward the door. "You''ve always been the optimistic one." "I''m usually right," he countered. "Why aren''t you more worried about your mate?" The question suddenly burst from my lips. "I''m more worried about you. Of course I''m nervous, but I know my path in life." "Damn firstborn," I tried to joke. "I am better looking and have a better body," Logan''sment made me roll my eyes. He wiggled his hips as we walked outside. He handed my bag to Ryder, then pulled me into a big hug. "See you at school tomorrow, sis." 4:12 pm I hugged him back tightly, as if my life depended on it. "I love you," I said through our mental link. The three words tumbled through my mind. How many times had I wanted to say them out loud, only to be stopped by my own stubbornness and pride? "Can''t say it to my face?" Logan responded. "I have an image to maintain. Can''t let people know I''m soft inside," I replied as I gave my dad a hug. "Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked. "Yes, sir," Ryder had already put my bag in the trunk. With a final nce at my father and brother, Ama grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. I gave her a big smile. Ryder opened the car door for me. Ama sat in the middle with William on her other side. Ryder and Alpha Benedict sat in the front seats. Ryder drove, his rearview mirror angled toward me. I noticed him stealing nces at me through the mirror. "We usually have dinner as a family at seven. You''re invited to join us this week," Alpha Benedict turned to look at me. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it," I smiled politely. Inside, I wondered: Family dinner? It had been a long time since I''d experienced a normal family dinner. Since Mom left, dinner time at our house had be simple and silent. What would this feel like? "Ryder will show you around the house and tell you where you''ll be staying," he continued. Suddenly I realized Helen would be there too. "Th-thank you," I hesitated. The thought of being in the same space as Helen made me uneasy. She had always seen me as a thorn in her side, and I wasn''t the type to back down. This week might be more difficult than I imagined. "Is there a problem?" Alpha Benedict asked. My eyes met his, and I struggled to find the right words. "I have one principle, and that''s refusing to lie. Though my hesitationes from a childish reason, I don''t want to bother you with teenage drama." Chapter Comments POST COMMENT Visitor Tatum VIEW 1 COMMENT LIKE SHARE Chapter 52 Xena''s POV "You mean Helen, don''t you?" Ryder spoke up before his father Benedict could process the meaning behind my words. "Yes," I answered bluntly, catching Ryder''s eye in the rearview mirror. My gaze turned cold. Just mentioning Helen''s name stirred a wave of disgust inside me, but I didn''t want to bring this negative energy into their home. "I don''t want to cause trouble for your family." "Now this is interesting," Benedict chuckled. "In my pack, we believe in an eye for an eye. Fascinating." "Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, mentally filing that information away. "Of course, everything has its limits, but I''ll make sure Helen won''t be bothering you this week," Benedict turned back around. "It''s good to have you here." "Yeah, really d you coulde," Ama said. I recalled what Logan had just told me and took a closer look at Ama. Her eyes and cheeks appeared slightly sunken, and she seemed to have lost weight. Her usual vibrant energy was significantly diminished. A pang shot through my heart seeing the once lively girl reduced to this state, and I couldn''t stay silent. "I think we need to talk, Amara.'' DO She just nodded, looking down. William wrapped his arm around her, holding her close against him. "She''s been under a lot of stresstely," William exined. "That''s alright. Let me help you sort things out. We''ll stay home tomorrow and spend the whole day focusing on what you need, okay?" I suggested softly, sensing Ama needed someone to confide in rather than more pressure. "If I''d known that would get you to agree to stay home, I would have said that an hour ago," William muttered under his breath. "Seems like you still have a lot to learn about women," I teased him with a slight smile ying on my lips. "Damn," William tried to puff out his chest, putting on a tough act that made meugh internally. "Did you bring work with you? I can help with that too," Ama asked, her voice betraying her desperate need to feel useful. "I''ve finished everything." "All of it?" "Yes, literally all of it. Unless my assistants run into any issues, everything''s taken care of," I replied. "You have assistants?" Benedict asked, surprise evident in his tone. He nced at Ryder, who simply shrugged. Apparently, Ryder hadn''t shared everything I'' told him. I felt a small twinge of gratitude that he''d kept some of my secrets. "Yes, sir. I''m the main organizer for all school events. Well, at least until I graduate," I said. "All events? For the past four years?" He turned to look at me. "Yes," I answered calmly. "They never mentioned your name," Benedict pointed out. "No. That was one of my conditions for doing it. I didn''t want any recognition. I didn''t do it for fame,¡± I exined, remembering the loneliness I felt when I first took on these responsibilities. "Then why did you do it?" William asked. "To keep busy, to stay away from Mar..." I shrugged, not finishing the name. Mentioning her would only sour my mood further. "That p was satisfying to watch," Williamughed. "That reminds me, can I join warrior training this week?" I asked Benedict, feeling a spark of anticipation. Combat training had always been my outlet for stress, improving my fighting skills while giving me peace of mind. "X, they don''t allow females of status to fight," Ama told me. "What?" My jaw dropped as I turned to look at Ryder. Anger bubbled up inside me-this kind of gender discrimination still exists in the 21st century? "They need to help run the pack. Protecting them is our responsibility," William groaned. I stared at William, barely containing my fury. "She''s the daughter of a top warrior. She''s been trained since childhood. You''re telling me you''ve taken away one of the most important things in her life and then you wonder why she''s struggling to adapt to your pack?" "X, it''s fine," Ama tried to y peacemaker. "It''s not fine at all. Benedict said an eye for an eye. If you can''t make Ama submit, then she should have the right to train," I crossed my arms, looking William straight in the eye. "Ryder, a little help here?" William sought backup. "X has a point. Try making Ama submit," Ryder said. I nodded, appreciating his support. It brought a smile to my face. "Fine, we''ll spar," William rested his head against the window, sounding defeated. Ama''s face lit up with a smile she tried to hide. I squeezed Ama''s hand and looked out the window. We were driving toward the pack house with no one around. It seemed strange, but I didn''t ask questions. The guys didn''t seem concerned. The car soon stopped in the ground parking lot. William, Ama, and Benedict got out and headed inside, while Ryder picked up my bag. "Did I upset William?" I asked worriedly. Even though I''d won Ama her rights, I didn''t want to make enemies on my first day here. "Yes, but Dad and I have been trying to get him to agree to let her fight, or at least train. It''s not a pack rule-it''s William''s rule that he made to protect her after our car ident," Ryder exined. "Ama doesn''t need protection. I look forward to seeing him discover that. No wonder she''s been struggling," I said, feeling a pang of sympathy for Ama. Being deprived of something you love would make anyone miserable. Ryder opened the front door. "The dining room is at the end of that hallway. Since it''s already 6:30, I''ll show you to your room first, then we can take a tour before heading straight to dinner." "Is my outfit appropriate?" I nced down at my gray crop top and ck shorts, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Being new here, I didn''t want to make a bad impression. "We don''t have a dress code," Ryder said as we started up the stairs. Chapter Comments ? LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 53 Xena''s POV The pack house was massive in scale, yet it emanated an ancient charm. The entire structure was built from natural stone, appearing both raw and beautiful. I found myself drawn to it involuntarily, a strange sense of familiarity washing over me, as if the building itself was calling out to me. The old wooden floors had recently been refinished, and the smell became more noticeable the deeper we ventured into the house. Warm browns, creams, and whitesplemented each other perfectly, and not a single corner harbored cobwebs, telling me his staff was well-trained. In most ces, you''d find one or two, but this ce was surprisingly spotless. A massive chandelier hung over the entryway, but it was made of wooden beads cascading downward, blending seamlessly with the overall atmosphere. The entire ce gave off the impression: we have money, but we don''t unt it. This understated luxury made me appreciate Ryder even more in my heart,pletely different from what I''d imagined a werewolf leader''s residence would be like. "The top floor is reserved for the leadership family and specific guests. You''ll be staying there. My room is right here, and you''ll be across the hall. My parents'' room is at the end of the corridor, with a few guest rooms nearby," Ryder said as he opened the door to my room. The room was decorated in cream and gray, very neutral. Nice but basic. Just a guest room. Ryder ced my luggage on the bed. The room wasn''t huge, with a small seating area, but nothing that could be called a living room. "The second floor is for the Beta and Gamma families, while the ground floor is specifically for guests. No one else lives in the pack house." "Why do I have to stay upstairs?" I asked, though I already had a guess. "So I can ensure your safety," Ryder''s voice carried an undeniable firmness. "Maybe we should fight too, see who can make who submit," I muttered as I walked past him. I didn''t actually want to challenge him, just wanted to see his reaction, to test the strange tension between us. Ryden grabbed my hand, pulling me against his chest. Feeling his baby heat, my lips instantly went dry. His hand encircled my waist, and I could feel my heart racing. His scent enveloped me, making me both nervous and excited. "When I make you submit, there won''t be an audience," his voice was low, tinged with dangerous charm. "I think you''ve got it wrong. I''ll be the one on top," I deliberatedly left the double meanin hanging, watching as it registered in his mind. His gaze deepened, and I took a step back might as a knock came at the door. I continued backing away, watching Ryder struggle to control his expression, secretly pleased with myself.. "Hey." It was William and Ama. "We wanted to join you guys." Ama looked between Ryder and me, sensing the atmosphere. "Are we... interrupting something?" "No, Ryder was just getting to know some things about me. Continue the tour," I said casually, though my heart was still pounding from that moment of intimacy. William wa trying hard not tough, and Ryder gave him a fiiiendly punch on the shoulder. Ama linked her arm through mine as we continued forward. "Wait," Ryder said softly. We stopped in front off an elegant door. "This is my personal library. You''re wee to use it." Ryder opened the door, and my jaw dropped in surprise. It was beautiful. Bookshelves extended from floor to ceiling. Only one wall remained empty. "I''m still collecting," Ryder said,, and II moticed a hint of pride in his voice. A balcony face the empty wall, with twofortable dhuiirs ced on it. "This is amazing," I began browsing the shelves. I''d read most of them, some I hadn''t ha the chance to read yet, and othens Id never heard of. Looking at these books, I felt a strong connection, as if I''d finally found a ce where I could feel at ease in this unfamiliar environment.. "Let''s continue, or we''ll never finish," Ama said softly. She knew that if it were up to me. I''d never leave. She pulled me forward. "Fine..." I reluctantly tore my gaze away, following them downstairs. "Down this right corridor, beneath the stairs, there''s a game room, gym, and office spaces, they opened each door, giving me the opportunity to see everything inside. "The teenagers like toe here to y and eat together before heading home in the evenings. It''s a ce to rx after training or just in general," William exined. ¡°Sounds fun,¡± I responded, imagining the lively scene. "It can be fun, or it can be a headache if we have to break up fights," Ryder crossed his arms over his chest, his tone carrying a mix of exasperation and fondness. "The changing rooms are by the training room," Ama added. "We should check out the kitchen," Ryder nced at his phone. The dining room had massive double doors. Inside were severalrge tables that filled the entire room. "There''s a more private dining area, but tonight we''ll be in there." I followed Ryder as he pushed open another door. A lively atmosphere greeted us, the room already filled with people. Ryder guided me to my seat. "This is my mother, Luna Kestrel. William''s father Ulysses, who is my dad''s Beta, and William''s mother Ophelia. Then there''s Gamma Tom and his mate Saffron. I''m not sure if you''ve met my gamma Mike and his sister Catherine," Ryder introduced each person. I smiled and nodded at each of them in greeting. "This is Xena Harris, Alpha Hank''s daughter. She''ll be staying with us this week," Ryder announced. "It''s nice to meet you, Xena," Luna Kestrel was the first to speak, looking dignified, elegant, and kind. "She''s the one I told you about, ''de''," Ryder leaned close to his mother as he spoke. 3/ Chapter 54 Xena''s POV "Whatever you want to call me is fine. Nice to meet you. Your house is beautiful,¡± I said politely, though my nerves were on fire. Being surrounded by an unfamiliar wolf pack felt more oppressive than I''d imagined. Even with their surface-level warmth, I could feel their scrutinizing gazes. "Thank you for thepliment. I hear you''re quite the busy girl, organizing many activities?" Luna Kestrel continued as the food was being served. "Yes, ma''am. I''m in charge of all the events organized by the school. Only until graduation, of course," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "Why haven''t I seen your name on any of the lists?" she probed. "Anonymity was part of our agreement. I do it to help the teachers, to help students who need the extra credit for college applications, and because I like keeping busy," I exined, fighting the urge to fidget under her stare. "All that, plus a motorcycle shop?" Beta Ophelia asked, her eyebrow slightly raised. "I n to continue my business after graduation. It''s more than just a hobby for me." "I think that''s wonderful," Luna Kestrel said with a smile, patting my shoulder and effectively ending the interrogation. "You turn eighteen this Friday. I''m looking forward to your birthday party!" Gamma Saffron said, offering me a warm smile. "It''s going to be a memorable day for sure," I replied politely. Ryder raised an eyebrow at that. He bit into a green bean, and the conversation gradually died down, finally allowing me to attempt eating in peace. The food tasted amazing. Some kind of Asian-inspired meatballs with rice and roasted green beans. There was also a spicy sauce on top that I was curious about. However, my appetite was practically non-existent. I tried to eat as much as I could out of politeness, but I only managed about half. When the server came to clear our tes, I noticed Ryder frowning at mine, but thankfully he didn''tment. The tension in the air had my stomach tied in knots, making it impossible to eat. "Dad, if you don''t mind, I think we''ll skip the nightcap and have Ama show Xena where she''ll be staying," Ryder said respectfully to Benedict. "No problem." I was relieved he agreed. Mike, William, Amara, Ryder, and I all stood up. "Thank you very much for dinner and for allowing me to stay here this week. If there''s anything I can help with, please let me know," I offered before saying goodbye. "We''re delighted to have you, dear," Luna Kestrel smiled at me before we turned to leave. "Kiss-ass," Mike whispered to me once we were out the door. I yfully punched him in the arm, feeling the tension drain from my body as I finally rxed a bit. "Maybe you should learn some manners?" I smirked as he rubbed his arm. It was so much easier dealing with younger wolves; they had fewer protocols and rules. "Don''t piss off the princess, she''ll knock you t!" William joined in the teasing. "So I''ve heard. I''m more curious about what you have nned for Helen," Mike said, racing ahead of us up the stairs. "Oh! Me too!" Amara squealed. "Nothing now. Since I''m staying here, I won''t disrespect any member of the pack," I said as we walked into Ryder''s room, which was muchrger than I''d imagined, decorated in reds and cks, very masculine and very much Ryder''s style. I watched as everyone found ces on the couch or armchairs, leaving another chair for me. "Come on. An eye for an eye. Alpha Benedict won''t be mad," William urged. He waspletely rxed, cuddled up with Amara wrapped around him. "Fine. At this point, I won''t make a move unless she does first," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Movie?" Mike asked, remote in hand as he flipped through Ryder''s collection. "Yes!" Amara cheered. "Action or horror," I suggested. "Whatever thedy wants, thedy gets," Mike selected Silent Hill. Amara threw me a nket before grabbing one for herself. "What is it with women and nkets?" Mike asked. "I''m guessing you don''t have a mate?" I raised an eyebrow at him. Mike looked almost offended. "So?" "Only single men ask such stupid questions," William sighed. "Exactly," I smirked, turning my head to find Ryder watching me. He was the quiet type, just observing. When our eyes met, he didn''t look away, but his intense green gaze made me feel flustered enough to turn my head as I wrapped the nket around myself and curled up on my side. Chapter Comments Chapter 55 Xena''s POV The movie started, filling the room with eerie sounds and dimmed lighting. I think Isted maybe five minutes before my eyes closed. "Is she asleep already?" I heard William ask. Ryder walked over and nudged me gently. "Xena?" he said softly. When I didn''t respond, he tucked the nket around me more securely. ¡°It''s been a rough day for her," he said in a low voice. "Amara''s out too," William whispered. "What exactly are you nning to do here? This isn''t just some girl you brought home," William turned to Ryder, his voice usatory. "I know that. I''m certain she''s my mate. I couldn''t leave her there," Ryder responded. "So you brought the danger here instead? I''ve heard about Tatum. The guy is brutal, and once she turns eighteen, he''ll mark her against her will." "I know!" Ryder hissed. "Logan and I have been talking. He''s extremely protective of her. Though he won''t tell me exactly why, she''s been on the radar of the pack Alphas for years." "Amara says it''s because she''s too smart. She can see patterns that no one else can¡ª makes her a deadly threat to any enemy. How do you think her father climbed to where he is now? Sure, he''s ruthless and kills without mercy, but she''s his secret weapon." "That''s not why we''re protecting her. No matter how smart she is, she''s our ally and we''ll honor our agreement," Ryder said firmly. "Not because you want to sleep with her," William muttered. "She''s just business." The words hit me like a punch to the gut, my stomach rolling in response. "That''s a lie and you know it. I''ve seen how you look at her. If you truly believe she''s your destined mate, then this is personal, William called him out. "I''m trying to keep my distance in case I''m wrong." ¡°Regardless, even without considering her brain, she''d be your perfect match. She has all the qualities of a Luna," William said, raising his voice slightly. My heart raced at that. Luna qualities? Did they really think I could be the mate of a pack Alpha? I''d always been trained as a warrior, not an Alpha''s mate. "Shh. I know. I''d be proud to show her off to everyone. But once we confirm our connection, Tatum will challenge me," Ryder said. "At least it won''t be to the death, but it''s still serious as hell," William said quietly. "I know. I''ll spend the week preparing, just in case. William, you need to make sure she''s ready for the fight with Helen on Saturday." "Can''t you train her?" William asked. "I''ll observe, but I don''t think I can do everything that''s needed." "You''re already treating her like your mate, aren''t you?" William asked. There was silence then. A silence that made my thoughts race even more. "Go to bed. I''ll see you tomorrow. I''ll stay home with the girls tomorrow," Ryder dismissed them. "Need help taking care of her?" William asked. "Get out," Ryder said. I heard William pick up Amara, and the three of them left. I expected to feel Ryder pick me up, but after cursing under his breath, he walked into the bathroom and closed the door. When I heard the shower start running, I quietly got up and went back to my own room. I had just pulled on my silk shorts and tank top when my bedroom door flew open. "You could have told me you were awake," Ryder said. "Just business, right?" I asked, moving my things to the chair. His body went rigid as he realized I''d heard everything. I hated being seen as weak or as a pawn. I''d been raised to be a warrior, not a princess to be manipted. "Listen," I said, walking toward him, "care about me or don''t, but don''t fucking pity me. I''m capable of defeating Tatum on my own. The only person who''s ever beaten me is my father. Not even Logan has. I''m not a princess-I''m a sharp-tongued girl who was raised like a man but with manners. I don''t need to be coddled or treated like I''m helpless. I don''t want a mate who tries to stop me from being who I am. I''m not Amara. I won''t lie down and let people control me. I¡ª¡± And then Ryder grabbed me. Chapter 56 Xena''s POV Ryder''s lips crashed into mine within seconds, a hungry edge to the kiss as he pushed me back against the wall. His body pinned me there, solid and unyielding, and I could feel the hard press of his dick against me, sending a rush of heat straight through my core. My panties were soaked in an instant, the raw, electric tension between us sparking like wildfire. His hands were on me-rough, possessive, kneading my breasts with a mix of pain and pleasure that made my breath hitch. Our tongues fought for control, a messy, desperate dance, and he ground himself against me, stoking the ache deep inside. I wanted this just as much as he did, maybe more. Every touch chipped away at the walls I''d built, my body screaming for him even as my mind wrestled with the idea of him as my mate. A moan slipped from my lips, low and needy, and Ryder didn''t hesitate-he tore my shirt open, buttons scattering across the floor like tiny explosions. His mouth was on my nipple before I could process it, sucking hard, and I arched into him, overwhelmed. I''d never gone this far before. Anxiety wed at me, mixing with a sharp spike of self-consciousness, but Ryder didn''t slow down. He was relentless, iming me like I was his battlefield. "You''re so fucking sexy," he growled against my skin, his voice rough and low. Words failed me. All I could do was watch him-watch his lips tease and bite, his hands cupping my breasts like they were made for him, filling his palms perfectly. My brain screamed at me to stop, to pull back, but my heart and body were traitors. They craved more-no, needed more. Ryder lifted his head, his eyes locking onto mine, dark and intense. "I promise I won''t take you all the way tonight," he said, his voice softer now, "but let me make you feel good." My body trembled beneath him, a shaky mess of nerves and want. "You''ve never done this before, have you?" he asked, his tone gentle but edged with something primal. I shook my head, unable to speak, my throat tight. A low growl rumbled from his chest, and in one fluid motion, he scooped me up into hi arms and carried me to the bed. Heid me down, his body hovering over mine, and my breathing turned ragged as his lips found my neck. "You''re shaking," he murmured against my skin, his brentth hot. He pulled back just enough to look at me, his hand cupping my face with a tendernes that caught me off guaril. "Do you want me to stop?" Yes... no... what dy II even want? My mind was a warzone, torn between fear and longing He shifted slightly, and the hard length of him brushed against the sensitive spot betw my thighs,, sending a jj?lt through me. "No," I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it. "If you want me to stop, I will," he said, his voice steady despite the heat in his eyes. ") say it.. im not taking your first time tonight-I''ll wait until we mark each other?'' The promise sent a shiver racing down my spine, a mix of relief and something deeper, something wild. "Feel how your body reacts to me," he continued,, his game dropping to where goosebumps prickled across my skin. "That''s why I know we''re meant to be. You'' like a ding to me.'' His month returned to my nipple, and my back arched off the bed, a helpless reaction t the heat of him. My hands found his shoulders, fingers digging into the taut muscles thenee. There wasn''t an ounce of softness on this man-every inch off him was carved, powerful wolf-like in its strength. He kissed me again, deep and consuming, then pulled back jus enough to give me space. My legs instinctively pressed together, but his hand slid between them, gently parting them again. He didn''t stop kissing me as his fingers brushed assitte my shorts, his palm pressing against my soaked panties. When he finally broke the kiss, his forehead rested against mine, his breath mingling w my own. "So wet for me," he whispered, his voice thick with awe. Chapter 56 He pulled back to meet my eyes, and then one finger slipped past the fabric, sliding inside me. My breath hitched, my pulse racing as he teased me, his fingertip brushing that sensitive spot that made my vision blur. It was too much, too new, and my eyes nearly rolled back. 7 "Look at me," he said, his voice soft butmanding. I obeyed, forcing my gaze to his, and what I saw there stole my breath-passion, yes, but also care, a fierce kind of want that went beyond the physical. "Tell me to stop," he said, pausing with his finger poised at my entrance. A beat passed, and then my hands were on his face, pulling him closer, my breasts pressing against his chest as his finger slid deeper. My body clenched around him, tight and unyielding, and he moved slowly at first, testing me. Then a second finger joined the first, stretching me, and he cursed under his breath. "So fucking tight." I could tell he was holding back, his movements careful, deliberate-but I didn''t want careful. I needed more. "Oh, Ryder," I moaned, the sound spilling out unbidden. His eyes snapped to mine. "Faster," I begged, my voice cracking. He didn''t need to be told twice. His fingers moved like a machine, relentless and precise, driving me higher. My back bowed off the bed, pressure building inside me, a coiled spring ready to snap. "Oh, God," I gasped, my voice trembling. "Say my name," he demanded, his mouth descending on my breast again, sucking hard. "Ryder!" I screamed as the wave crashed over me, my body seizing around him. Pleasure ripped through me, sharp and blinding, and I felt him shudder against me, caught in the echo of my release. When the aftershocks finally faded, Ryder eased his fingers out, his breathing as unsteady as mine. One arm slid beneath my neck, rolling me toward him, and he hooked my leg between his, pulling me close. I felt the damp spot on his shorts where he''d pressed against me, and a flush crept up my neck. His hand stroked my hair, gentle now, and I buried my face in his chest, letting his heartbeat ground me. We stayed like that, tangled together, the air thick with the scent of sweat. My mind was still spinning, caught between the lingering high and the quiet questions creeping in. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 57 Xena''s POV "Are you okay?" he asked me. "Yeah," I answered softly, my body giving one final shudder before settling down. My breathing gradually steadied, and my eyes slowly drifted closed. "Sleep," he said, his hand continuing to stroke my back gently as I quickly fell asleep. It was the most peaceful night I''d ever experienced. The next morning, I woke up alone. It was still dark outside, but I felt a chill. The clock read 6:21 AM. I decided to work out, so I got up. Not wanting to smell like sweat, I took a quick shower and tied my hair in a messy bun. Dressed in a sports bra, tank top, and shorts, I was pretty much ready. There were no messages on my phone. I tucked it into the running belt at my waist, put on my headphones, and slipped on my shoes. The hallway was pitch ck and silent as I made my way to the training room. Fortunately, the training room was empty. I climbed onto a treadmill, put on my I noticed headphones, and started a slow jog to warm up. Halfway through my run, movement beside me. I nced over to see a muscr guy nod at me before getting on the treadmill next to mine and starting to run. Soon enough, the ce began to fill up gradually. I got off the treadmill and picked up two 30-pound dumbbells to start my shoulder workout. "You sure you can handle that weight?" A cocky-looking guy approached me. He looked about 18, the typical yer type. Great, another know-it-all, I thought to myself. "I think I''ll manage," I said, removing one earbud so I could hear him clearly. "Need someone to spot you?" he asked. Is he serious? Such a clich¨¦ pickup line. Iughed internally. "Spot what? I don''t think you''d be much help," I said coldly. Everyone in the training room stopped what they were doing to watch the exchange between the new girl and this random guy. "I''m Magnus. What''s your name, beautiful?" Well, at least he introduced himself politely, but that condescending attitude is infuriating. "Xena," I forced out, continuing with my workout. "Maybe you should try something lighter. Like this. I can train you for free." He picked up a ten-pound dumbbell and held it out to me. "This would suit you better. Though it seems your legs need more work than your arms," I taunted. "Looks like the new girl needs to learn her ce!" His eyes shed with anger, his previously flirtatious demeanor now serious. I could use a good fight. "Let''s see if you can take me down, pretty boy." I put down the dumbbells and stood up. I removed my headphones, set down my phone, and walked toward the mat. Everyone gathered around to watch. His stance was wrong, too tense-I could immediately tell he was an inexperienced fighter. He made the first move, and I crouched low, sweeping his feet out from under him. To his credit, he caught himself in time and quickly got back up. Then he charged low, and I deliberately let him grab me so I could elbow him in the kidney. His body lost control momentarily, and I seized the opportunity. Wrapping my legs around his neck, I locked his arm in a submission hold. The cheering around us was so loud I barely heard Ryder''s voice. "What the fuck is going on here?" He stood at the front. "Xena, let him go." Everyone immediately backed away, watching the scene. Magnus gasped, struggling to get 1. up. "Hey!" I said with a smile. I promptly released Magnus, giving him a small kick to roll him aside. "Can someone tell me what happened?" Ryder crossed his arms. "Magnus startelliit. He was flirting as usual and disrespected Xena, saying she should use ten-pound weights instead of thirty. So, she made fun of his chicken legs, and then this happened," a girl stepped forward, exining briefly. "Il see,, is ttinut right, Magnus?" Ryder asked. "I was just jjoking," Magnus mumbled. "Did you not see the memo?" Ryder sighed. "Wo.... Alipha," Magnus replied. Clearly not, or you would have known this is Xena Harris. Daughter of Alpha Hank from the Nightcedar Pack." Magnus''s eyes widened as he looked at me. The shock on his face is priceless. He''s definitely regretting it now. Nice to meet you. Your fighting stance needs a lot of work," I stepped forward, extending my hand first with a smile. Magnus still stood frozen, about to reach out when Ryder''s sternmand came down. "Magnus, you''re assigned to night duty. Twentyps, now. Everyone else, back to training. Xena,e with me." I grabbed my phone and headphones and hurried after Ryder. Chapter Comments Chapter 58 Xena''s POV "Why are you'' so moody this morning?" I couldn''t help asking as we turned the corner. Ryder nced around to make sure we were alone before pushing me against the wall. "No one gets to touch your body but me," he growled in my ear, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist. Images fromst night shed through my mind, making my body heat up involuntarily. My heart raced, but I refused to show weakness in front of him. "I''m not going to stop sparring. That wasn''t flirting, it was normalbat training. Though he definitely needs to learn some manners." Footsteps echoed from down the hallway, and Ryder immediately stepped back. "Let''s go," he growled, just as Ama and William rounded the corner. "What''s going on here?" Ama asked curiously. "Apparently Ryder woke up on the wrong side of the bed today," I said sarcastically, though I was nervous about how intimate we''d just been, hoping the others hadn''t noticed my flushed cheeks. Ryder rolled his eyes, clearly understanding my implication. "Okay..." William gave Ryder a strange look. "Come on! I need a shower, and then we''re getting breakfast, and I''m all yours today!" I grabbed Ama''s hand and pulled her up the stairs, trying to change the subject. "Who''s in such a good mood this morning?" Amaughed as she sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. "Slept well!" I called out as I walked into the bathroom. My thighs were a bit sore, overall I felt great. Memories ofst night came flooding back. but After my shower, I threw on some athletic shorts and a t-shirt, nothing too fancy, but I still took the time to blow-dry and style my hair. After applying some light makeup, I was ready. "Wow, all dressall up for me today?" Ama joked, standing up when she saw my carefully put-togettium appearance. "Just feeling especially good today," I answered. "This waniliin''t have anything to do with a certain someone, would it??" "Mance like the change of scenery," I lied. Wee hended to the kitchen, where only William and Ryder had arrived before us. I sat ne to Rytter, while Ama took a seat beside William. The food wassid out buffet-style on t ssite. Help yourselves,dies," William nodded toward the food. Awesome!" Ama said excitedly, and I followed behind her. The spread was impressive- sausages, bacon, waffles, pancakes, and even biscuitss and gravy. I poured myself coffee, adding some milk and sugar, feeling content.. Find what you wanted?" Ama approached me.. "I did-" As I turned around, I saw that a group off gifts had already seated themselves next to the guys. Disappointment washed over me,, but I tried to hide it, just shrugging and moving to the end of the table with Ama following. Il ffelt an unexpected wave of jealousy and loss, especially after being so intimate with Ryderst night, only to watch other girls surround him today. "I could have made them leave..." Ama whisperedl. "If you want to sit next to William, you should," I shrugged, pretending to be unbothere Ama nced at them, sighed, andi satt aurs from nie. "Are you really going to help me! Ama asked quietly. "Of course. I want you to seed;; yanive theen good to me. I don''t know why you''re having trouble here," I said sincerely, putting my own emotions aside for the moment. "William wants things done his way, nut how I think they should be done. We''re always butting heads." "It''s hard letting someone else take over and do things their way," I said, taking a bite of my cereal. "How can you eat that stuff?" Ama looked at my choice with disgust. "Because it''s delicious," Iughed, feeling a bit lighter. "Are you sure about the red dress?" "Absolutely!!" I said with augh, giving Ama a wink. Ama cheered, and we both startedughing. "I can''t wait to see her face; it''s going to be epic," I said, taking a sip of my coffee. "Me too! Let me put some decorations in your hair!" Ama was still excited, her voice unintentionally getting louder, drawing curious nces from the girls nearby. "Deal!" "Yes!!" She excitedly waved her arms. "But not likest time. I looked like a damn rhinestoned frog." I grumbled under my breath. Ama burst outughing. By the time the guys walked over to us, we were both crying withughter. "What''s so funny?" William asked. "Ama''s ability to decorate frogs. Done with your conversation?" I asked, wiping my eyes. "Why didn''t youe back and sit with us?" William''s tone actually sounded a bit hurt. "You were surrounded by girls and didn''t even notice where we were. Must have been important,¡± I said, with more bitterness in my voice than I''d intended. Chapter 59 Xena''s POV "Aren''t you jealous?" William asked Ama. "I don''t really like it, but you''re a beta, you need to manage the pack. That responsibility includes talking to girls. I know if I say something, you''ll make space for me," Ama replied, looking into William''s eyes with sincerity. William pulled Ama close, nting a kiss on her forehead. The tenderness in that simple gesture made my heart ache a little. "I have to get to school now. Come say goodbye to me," William said, tickling Ama before yfully smacking her butt as she got up. "I''ll walk you out," Ama said, following him. I watched them rush off together, an involuntary smile spreading across my face despite the twinge of longing in my chest. "I''m d she''s happy here," Ryder suddenly said, his deep voice pulling me from my thoughts. "She''s never smiled like that before," I replied, standing up to stack our dishes and silverware together. "Really?" His green eyes studied me with curiosity. "Yeah." I gathered our trays and utensils, taking them to the return window. "I can tell you why." "Why?" he asked, following me with his own tray. "William needs to let her do things her way, not his mother''s way. She''s talented, and all he does is diminish her abilities. She feels like her voice isn''t being heard," I exined, the words flowing naturally as I thought about my best friend. "She told you that?" Ryder asked as we walked together toward his office. "I can see it in her," I answered simply, not borating on the years of friendship that had taught me to read Ama like an open book. He opened his office door for me. I sat at one end of the couch while he took the other. The distance between us felt like an uncrossable chasm, though we were only feet apar Aren''t you jealous?" he asked suddenly, his green eyes fixed am me with an intensity th made my skin tingle. II took a deep breath, my heart racing unexpectedly. Was he reilly asking me this? mixture of irritation and hurt surged through me. First of all, you haven''t actually approached me. Secil, were mot mates yet, so I''m ju a regr girl sitting next to you. This isn''t good. Peunite will think we''re a couple. You s I''m just a business transaction," I replied, keeping my voice level despite the emotions churning inside me. Ryder red at me. "You should know it''s not actually like that." "Well, then I''ll just wait for you to parade me around, I said sarcastically, crossing my arms over my chest. "The Ice Princess wants a parade?" Ryder chucked, the mickname stinging more than I wanted to admit. "No, just to be epted and needed," I said softly, a rare moment of vulnerability slippi through my carefully constructed defenses. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 60 Xena''s POV A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in!" Ryder called. The door swung open, revealing Ama''s smiling face. "I''m here to make a confession, X." I turned to look at Ryder, who was about to speak. "Girl''s talk," I said with a frown. Ryder could only shrug helplessly as he stood to leave. Ama quickly stopped him. "No need. Ryder is my Alpha now. He can stay." "Fine. Sit here, sis," I patted the spot next to me. Ama happily walked over and leaned against my shoulder. "I think William is being too protective of me," she said softly, ncing at Ryder. "My father and mother are both warriors. I''ve been trained by them since I was little. I don''t think I''m any worse than William." Her voice was low, uncertain. I noticed her tone and stroked her hair gently. "I''m d you think that way, Ama." "Really?" She looked at me with wide eyes. "I''m serious," I said, I told her a story about an eastern werewolf tribe-the ckw Pack -where the Beta female sacrificed herself for the pack. My dad had told me the story at least five times. "That''s so dramatic," Ama sighed. "This isn''t some drama, Ama," I said seriously. "If that information had fallen into the wrong hands, they could have organized attacks against the pack, leading to casualties. As a Beta female, your duty is to protect the pack at all costs. This is what it means to be a ranking wolf." ''Did you always know you''d have to sacrifice your life for pack members?" Ama asked, surprise in her eyes. "Your father did too. He''s a top warrior. Yes, we''ve all been trained, but we''ve never really experienced battle. Now that you''re a high-ranking wolf, you have to take it all seriously." I looked into Ama''s eyes firmly. "Wow, now I understand why you want to travel!" she eximed. "Ama, that''s not why I want to travel," I shook my head, feeling a sharp pain inside. Those dark memories flooded back in an instant. "I just want to escape Martha, escape that life of constant vignce, that walking-on-eggshells feeling. But I absolutely love being a high-ranking wolf. I can help people. Logan and I opened that club to provide jobs for pack members. When someonees to thank you for helping them, that''s the most fulfilling thing." I looked at Ama, hoping she''d understand the satisfaction behind this responsibility. "You''ll find something you like here, a direction you want to help in. Once you find where your passion lies, it will all be worth it." "Thank you. I feel much better now." Tears glistened in Ama''s eyes. I could feel her anxiety slowly dissipating. "I know you''ll be an excellent Beta female. You have a heart of gold, and when you find what you want to focus on, it will all be worth it." "You''re right. I just need to keep moving forward." Ama gathered her things. "I''ll talk to William again. It''s training time." "Bye," I pped Ama''s butt yfully. She left with augh, and I started packing up my things, my thoughts drifting elsewhere. This feeling of guiding others was strange-I had a pile of my own problems, yet I was naturallyforting Ama. I shook my head, forcing myself not to overthink. "You have a gift," Rydermented from the side. "It''s one of my many talents," I shrugged. I picked up my phone and checked the messages from the motorcycle shop. I only had one appointment today, a modification that would take three hours toplete. But the customer had canceled because his grandmother died. Chapter 60 "What''s wrong?" Ryder noticed my change in mood. "A pack member canceled his appointment because his grandmother died. I wish I could send him something. Maybe I can get Logan to do it.¡± "I can take you, and then you can finish the modifications on my Harley," Ryder suggested. He loaded his motorcycle onto his pickup truck. Forty minutester, we were back at my pack house. Chapter Comments Chapter 61 Xena''s POV "What''s wrong?" Logan asked as I got out of the car. "Barnaby canceled his appointment because of his grandmother. I wanted to drop off a sympathy basket." "I figured, so I brought one for you." Logan handed me the basket. "Ryder." Logan extended his hand to Ryder, who shook it firmly. "Martha''s busy with something, so as much as I''d love to chat, you should probably get going." Logan''s hand was already on my shoulder, gently pushing me forward. I nodded and got back in the car. "Thanks, Logan!" Ryder called out as he returned to the driver''s seat, rolling down his window to wave at my brother. I gave Ryder directions, and we easily found Barnaby''s ce. There were already several people inside. My heart suddenly raced, a mix of grief and nervousness washing over me. Even though Barnaby and I were on good terms, I always felt ufortable showing up for asions like this, especially with Ryder in tow. I didn''t want him to feel dragged into this situation. "If you don''t want to go in, I understand," I told Ryder as I stepped out of the car. "I''ll wait for you out here," Ryder replied, leaning against his car as I walked toward the house. "Xena! You didn''t have toe! I''m so sorry." Barnaby looked a mess. "Don''t apologize." I ced the basket on the table with the cards and was quickly pulled into a conversation. Every time I attended something like this, I never knew what to say. Death caught everyone off guard, and words offort always seemed inadequate. But I knew that being present was what mattered most, even if I just stood silently. It took me fifteen minutes to break free. When I walked outside, I saw Ryder checking his watch. "X?" A small voice called from behind me. It was Barnaby''s daughter, only three years old. I crouched down as she ran toward me with all her might, throwing her little arms around 1. me. Seeing the tears in Vesper''s eyes made my heart clench painfully. Children often had a harder time understanding the concept of death than adults did. She must be so confused about why her grandmother was suddenly gone. "Oh, Vesper. You''ll see her again," I tried tofort her. Barnaby''s mate Mary came out to collect her. "Mommy!" Vesper cried out. "I''m sorry, she''s been upset," Mary said. "Are you nting flowers?" I asked. "Yes." "Vesper, maybe you can help mommy and daddy pick out a flower for grandma?" I suggested, crouching down to her level and speaking softly. Vesper nodded through her tears. "Okay." Children''s minds were easily redirected. Giving her a task, something she could do for her grandmother, would make her feel like she was helping rather than just experiencing the helpless loss. "Thank you," Mary said, and I waved goodbye as she took her child back inside. Ryder opened the car door for me, and I slid in. In an instant, he was in the car too. "Sorry that took longer than I expected." "It''s fine." This time, I was the one who reached for his hand. He took it without hesitation, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach. We drove in silence. I watched storm clouds gathering in the distance, the wind picking up, tossing leaves and branches. I rolled down my window and stuck my hand out, feeling the wind rush between my fingers and through my hair. It felt amazing. "Are we going to get rain today?" I asked. "Not this early, I think," Ryder murmured, ncing up at the sky. When we reached the parking lot, I got out, unlocked the door, and tossed my keys on the counter. I set down my bag and phone and started gathering all the tools we''d need. Outside, Ryder unloaded his Harley from his pickup and wheeled it into the shop. After he entered, I closed the door, flipping the sign to "CLOSED." "We can finish the rest of the modifications tonight." "Good." Ryder pushed the bike to the customization area. I took out a set of ?hlins ck and gold shock absorbers from the tool cart and ced them nearby. Carefully, I began removing the original shocks. Outside, the wind howled and a light rain began to fall. Inside the dimly lit shop, the only sounds were the crisp clinking of wrenches against metal and Ryder''s asional breathing. "The suspension system is like a person''s spine," I exined as I installed the new shock absorbers. "It not only bears weight but also transmits sensation. This system will let you feel every inch of terrain on a rugged mountain road without sending the vibrations straight to your bones." "I didn''t expect you to be so eloquent," Ryder said, handing me a wrench. I rolled my eyes at him. He chuckled softly. "Any good wheel hub brands you''d rmend? I''m thinking of upgrading. Arlen Ness 10-Gauge?" I suggested. It was a West Coast brand with strong visual impact, though not really my taste. "That''s too shy," he replied, making me smile involuntarily. Good boy, same as me. "Performance Machine Luxe? It''s understated but track-tested," I rmended my personal favorite. "Sounds good," he nodded. "That''ll take about three weeks to order. Payment method same as before." "Are you going to charge me for what you''re doing?" he asked after a moment of silence, suddenly bending down close to my ear. His question surprised me, but the dim atmosphere was making my heart race. DAMN, this was perfect for flirting. ¡°Maybe... but not with money.¡± I pushed him away. "What does the princess want, then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm, any suggestions?" "I don''t know what you want. A date? A back massage?" "I was thinking of something more... thrilling." "Oh? Like what?" "Midnight motorcycle ride." "I think I can handle that. Let me arrange it." Ryder agreed more easily than I''d expected. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. I''d thought he might refuse or make excuses, but his quick agreement excited me. A midnight ride was something I''d always wanted to try but never found the right person to do it with. Sharing this first with Ryder seemed both dangerous and perfect. "Really? That''s great." "Did you think I''d say no?" he asked, his green eyes twinkling with amusement in the dim light. Chapter 63 Xena''s POV "No, I think you''d consider it a trivial matter. An Alpha heir can easily ride a motorcycle down the highway at midnight without a second thought," I finally replied after a moment of silence. "Oh?" Ryder raised an eyebrow, those intense green eyes fixed on me. I ran my fingers along the cold metal of the wrench, feeling the weight of my thoughts. "Women always face more rules and restrictions... I have so many hopes and dreams, and even though I try to be a good person, will they evere true?" I gave a bitter smile, unable to meet his gaze. "What hopes and dreams do you have?" His voice dropped lower, the curiosity genuine. "Ask me again on Friday." I deliberately changed the subject, not ready to reveal those vulnerable parts of myself. "What are you nning to wear?" "ck suit, probably with a blue tie." I silently approved, imagining how striking he would look in a tailored ck suit, his light blonde hair a perfect contrast. "Good choice." "The instation isplete. Now I need to adjust the new suspension." I pulled out my notebook first, recording the initial data. "Weight?" "176." "Do you wantfort or sport tuning?" "What do you think?" Ryder chuckled softly, looking at me with that devastatingly charming smile. Damn that charm, I cursed internally. "Preload adjustment first," I murmured to myself, my custom C-wrench fitting perfectly into the adjustment slot at the top of the shock absorber. I had Ryder sit on the bike to measure the ride sag-54 millimeters, about 35% of the total travel, slightly on the soft side. "Two more turns tighter.'' I rotated the adjuster clockwise, each click distinct and clear, like a mechanical heartbeat. "Ryder?" "Hmm...?" "Why were you sulking this morning?" I gathered my courage to ask, my hand pausing momentarily on the tool. "I spent the night with you, then saw your legs wrapped around another man''s head. How do you think I felt?" His voice carried unmistakable jealousy. My heart raced, but I pretended indifference. "So you don''t regretst night?" Ryder looked at me, his gaze unwavering. "Stop questioning that. I will never regret the time we spent together." Irritation shed in his eyes that I would even ask such a question. "Okay," I responded quietly, returning to my work. Without warning, Ryder ced his hand on my thigh, his thumb gently rubbing the inside. I felt a current run through my entire body but fought to maintain myposure. "I didn''t realize you were so sensitive," he said softly. "I''m not sensitive," I replied, slightly annoyed. "You are. You''re just good at hiding it." "If I hide it so well, how would you know?" "The vulnerability you showedst night, plus the details that slip through when you speak-these aren''t things you easily reveal. The truth is, you can''t even tell Ama you love her." He''d hit a nerve, and I could only deflect. "Yeah... well... you came in your shorts." What a weak, childisheback. "There''s a first time for everything," Ryder sighed. "When did you leave my bed for your own?" I changed the subject. "Around 4:50 AM. I wanted to go for a run, and I''d just gotten back when I heard the cheering outside." "Ah." "How did you sleep?" he asked. "Exceptionally well. Best night''s sleep I''ve ever had." "You''re wee," Ryder murmured. I teased him deliberately: "Must have been the mattress." A low groam escaped from deep within him. "Is that so?" "Seems you''ll have to try harder next time." A mischievous smile yed on my lips as I met Ryder''s gaze. His hand moved to my inner thigh, his fingers slipping inside my underwear. At the sam time, his other hand adjusted my chair, pulling me closer to him for better ess. All he could do was tease my sensitive spot. "Continue your work," Ryder pressed down gently,, making me shiver involuntarily. Following his request, I tried to focus, but it was nearly impossible. His fingers moved fa then slow, making my breathingbored. Completing the next adjustment took over two hours, twice the usual time, because whenever I approached dimax, he skillfully slowed his pace, eliciting soft whimpers from me. "Okay, it''s all done," I said in a trembling voice.. Just then, Ryder''s phone rang. He answered with one hand, keeping his other arm around my waist. "Hello?" I tried to wriggle free, butt Ryder refused to let go. "She''s finishing the modifications on my motorcycle. We''ll be there soon." He hung up. "I''m finished," I repeated, my heartbeat stilll ematic.. "Don''t you want to test it?" I manage to say. "Let''s go," Ryder stood up without removing his hand. Somehow, he switched hands, the other one moving into my shorts. He stood up, bringing me with him, and waited us toward the mirron. When my legs weakened, he supported me against him. Ryden positioned my legs while three fingers slid inside me, as I stood there, craving his troudi "Oh!" I couldn''t help crying out when he found that spot, his hand squeezing my breast could feel him hard work against my back. Chapter CamUMENT LIKE Xena''s POV The air in my motorcycle shop was thick with the scent of oil and steel. The dim light cast shadows across his chiseled jaw, and those piercing eyes of his locked onto mine, daring me to make a move. A spark ignited deep in my chest, wild and reckless, and I couldn''t shake the words echoing in my head: If you can y, so can I. I stepped closer, my boots scuffing against the concrete floor, and before I could overthink it, my hand darted out. My fingers slipped beneath the waistband of his shorts, brushing against the heat of his skin. I wrapped my hand around him, stroking slowly, deliberately, feeling him harden under my touch. My heart mmed against my ribcage like a drum, each beat urging me on. This was a risk, a challenge-he''d pushed me before, and now it was my turn to push back. "Xena," Ryder growled, his voice low and rough, a warningced with heat. "You''re ying with fire." I tilted my chin up, meeting his gaze with a defiant smirk. "Good thing I''m ready to burn." For a heartbeat, we stood there, the tension crackling between us like a live wire. Then, with a sound that was half-growl, half-snarl, Ryder yanked my hand away. Before I could catch my breath, his hands were on me, tugging my shorts down in one swift motion until they pooled at my ankles. My mind nked, a rush of shock and raw need flooding through me. My skin prickled as the cool air hit me, but the heat in his eyes burned hotter than anything I''d ever felt. I barely registered what was happening before he stripped off my shirt and bra, leaving me bare in front of him. My breath hitched, my chest heaving as embarrassment warred with desire. Then he lifted me, strong arms hoisting me onto the counter. Papers, tools, even the old rotary phone ttered to the floor as he cleared the space with a sweep of his arm. He parted my legs, spreading them wide, and my eyes widened as I realized how exposed I was-how much I wanted this. "Watch me," hemanded, his voice a dark rumble that vibrated through me. "Watch what I do to you." My gaze locked onto his hands, those rough, capable fingers that knew exactly where to touch. They moved over me with a precision that stole my breath, teasing, stroking, igniting every nerve in my body. I gripped the edge of his shorts, my nails digging in a fought to amuthor myself against the tidal wave of sensation. My heart was a runaway train, pmuntiing so hard I thought it might burst. Shame flickered at the caliges of my mind, but it was swallowed whole by the pleasure crashing through me. "Oh-oh-oh!" The sounds tore from my throat, desperate and brotem, as I teetered on the entire of release. But just as I was about to fall, Ryder pulled his hand back, leaving dangling in agonizing emptiness. I meaty sobbed, my body trembling with unmet need. "What the hell?" II gasped, my fa flushing hot as I red at him. Fle smirked, that infuriating, sexy smirk that made me want to p him and kiss him a at once. "What''s that, huh?" "Please," I begged, the word spilling out before I could stop it. Pride be damned-l nee him to finish what he''d started. Ryder didn''t hesitate. He flipped me over, my stomach pressing against the cold counte as he buried his face between my thighs. My hips joitten, a cry escaping me as his mout took over, hot and relentless. I rode the waves off his tongue, one hand fisting in his ha to keep him there, the other wing at the counter. Thought melted away, drowned by the flood of ecstasy building inside me. My nuilts suraped against him, my voice reduced shattered moans. Don''t stop, don''t stop,, I screamed in my head, but all that came out w "Oh, Ryder, please!" His fingers joined in, pressing and circling as he sucked harder, and finally- finally-he me go. The release hit me like a storm, shattering me into a million pieces. I felt weightless, floating, my body trembling as the aftershocks rippled through me. Ryder shuddered too, his breath ragged against my skin as he pulled back, leaving me sprawle across the counter, legs syed,piterally umiione. Chapter Comments Chapter 64 He climbed up beside me, his weight pressing against the counter as he hovered over me. ¡°You okay, little one?" His voice was softer now, tender in a way that caught me off guard. Little one? No one had ever called me that before, and damn if it didn''t make my chest ache. "Yeah," I panted, my words stumbling over each other. "Completely... fine." "Good." He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle. "You should shower before we head out." ¡°Uh-huh,¡± I mumbled, but my limbs felt like jelly, refusing to move. "Come on, William''s waiting for you to train." He smirked again, that yful edge returning. I groaned, propping myself up on shaky elbows. "You drain me dry and expect me to go train? Seriously?" Ryderughed, a deep, rich sound that warmed me from the inside out. "Damn right I do." He hauled me to my feet, steering me toward the bathroom with a nudge. "I''ll clean up here. You go wash off." "This is all your mess," I grumbled, but he just shut the door behind me with a grin. The hot water hit my skin, and as it streamed over me, I couldn''t stop reying every second of what had just happened. His kisses, his hands, the way he''d taken control and then softened-it swirled in my mind, leaving me dizzy with want. I scrubbed myself clean, knowing I''d just get sweaty again during training, but it didn''t matter. I was still buzzing, alive in a way I hadn''t been before. When I stepped out, dressed in fresh clothes, the shop was spotless. Ryder had even run the disinfectant machine, the faint hum lingering in the air. "How''d you-?" "Watched you do it once," he said with a shrug, flicking off the lights. "Let''s go." I reached for the door, but he grabbed my arm, spinning me back to face him. His lips brushed mine, soft and sweet, a contrast to the fire from earlier. "Good luck with training," he murmured. I grimeti, a mischievous spark ring in me. ¡°If this is the warm-up, I might need more training sessions. "Damit tempt me," he said, rolling his eyes with that fond, exasperated look I was starti tto love We stepped outside, the cool night air hitting my face-just ass a screech of tires split th silence. "Get down!" Ryder roared, tackling me to the ground. Bullets peppered his car, sharp ping-ping-ping ringing in my ears. My brain froze,, fearing through my veins as shielded me. The attackers peeled away, their taillights vanishing into the dark, leaving ma haze of dust and adrenaline. My legs shook as I pushed myself up, forcing the panice down. "You okay?" I asked, my voice tight as I stared at the bullet-riddled can "I''m fine," Ryder said, pulling me to my feet.. "We need to move." We scrambled into the car-miraculously, it still started-and Ryder floored it, tires squealing as we sped off. "Call your dad," he said, his tone shifting, darker, urgent. "Tell him to meet us at my pack." I fumbled for my phone, my hands trembling as II dialed. "Dad, it''s me. Ryder and I just got shot at-get Logan and meet uss att Alphim Benedict''s!" "Are you hurt?" Dad''s voice cracked with womy. "No, Ryder saved me." I nced att him, and my stomach dropped. His face was pale, to pale. "Ryder, are you hit?" His eyes fluttered, the car swerving. "Dad!!" I screamed as we veered off the road, crashi into a tree with a bone-jarring thudi. he impact flung me out,nding me hard on the grass. I gasped, checking myself-nothing broken, thank God-and stumbled to my feet. Ryder was slumped over the airbag, blood seeping from his side. "Ryder!" I yelled. Chapter 65 Xena''s POV "Ryder!" I screamed, my voice tearing through my throat as pain ripped through my body. The car had mmed into a tree, and since I hadn''t been wearing my seatbelt, I''d been thrown through the windshield onto the hood. When I slid down, excruciating pain shot through my legs, but I couldn''t focus on that now. Whoever had shot at us could return any minute, and I needed to get Ryder out of here. Night had fallen, and the wind howled around us, raindrops starting to fall. The only light came from the car''s headlights, which cast eerie shadows across the wreckage. My heart hammered against my ribs, fear and worry tangling inside me, but I forced myself to stay calm. Ryder was about to be my mate-I had to save him. I forced myself to stand, pausing as agony tore through my legs and lower back. I took several deep breaths, steadying myself before limping toward Ryder. It took three attempts before I finally wrenched the door open. Blood streamed down his arm, the vivid red making my throat tighten. I quickly stripped off my top and used it as a makeshift tourniquet, tying it above his wound. I hobbled to the roadside, found a sturdy branch, and used it to twist the tourniquet tighter, securing it with a hair tie. My hands trembled as I searched his pockets for his phone. I had to tilt his head back to make the facial recognition work. Thank the Moon Goddess it unlocked, and I immediately called his father. "Ryder." Benedict''s urgent voice came through the speaker. "It''s X," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady despite the rage and terror boiling inside me. "We just left the shop and someone drove by shooting at us. Ryder took a bullet to the shoulder. We tried to get away, but he passed out and we crashed. We''re just past the iron bridge. Hurry, I don''t know if they''reing back." "I''m on my way!" "My dad was heading to your ce-I was on the phone with him when we crashed. Call him; I can''t find my phone." "Got it. What else do you need?" *Ryder needs a doctor, or he''ll lose his arm." My heart felt like it was being sliced open at the thought of Ryder losing his arm. Suddenly, I heard a car approaching at high speed, my heart nearly stopping. ''Shit, I think they''re back. Hurry!" I hung up and tucked his phone into my bra. I draped Ryder''s arm over my shoulder and dragged him from the car, adjusting my grip before hiding him in the bushes by the roadside. I myself retreated into the forest. I knew I couldn''t carry him far, but at least this would buy us time. Deep inside, a desperate courage burned-I wouldn''t let anyone hurt him, even if it cost me my life. I heard the car stop, followed by the sound of two or three people getting out, mming their doors shut. "Come out and y, pretty girl!" A gun cocked. I moved deeper into the forest, taking shelter behind a massive tree to observe. Two muscr men with buzzcuts and a slender man in a suit emerged. The buzzcut men approached Ryder''s car with weapons raised, searching for several minutes before noticing blood leading to the bushes. They cautiously moved toward where Ryder was hidden. "Damn it," I cursed silently. I had to act. Moving as quietly as possible through the forest, I circled around to their car, approaching the suited man from behind. As I got closer, I caught their stench-Rogues. But this clearly wasn''t random; they were targeting us specifically. I crept up silently, then lunged, shing his throat with my ws. Blood sprayed everywhere as I grabbed his gun and aimed it at the Rogues ahead. "Stop right there, miss!" The two buzzcut Rogues had turned, their guns pointed at me. "No." I aimed at the first one. "No?" The second man, with a long scar across his face, nudged the bushes with his foot. "Your friend''s in here, right?" My stomach twisted into knots, my heart racing wildly, but I needed to stall. "If I''m going down, I''m taking one of you with me," I growled. "What do you want?" "You." The second man said. "Put the gun down, and I''ll let your friend go." He kicked Ryder hard. I forced myself not to react. Ignoring his demand, I continued stalling. "For who?" "Cut the crap, bitch. Come with us and you''ll find out." The first man impatiently pulled a knife from his waistband, raising it above Ryder. "Counting down. Three... two..." His hand lifted higher. "NO!" My peripheral vision tracked the knife''s movement. I couldn''t risk it. Slowly, I dropped the gun, kicking it aside and raising my hands. "Hmph, stupid whore." The first man sneered and drove the knife down toward Ryder. "NO! You son of a bitch!" I screamed, my raised hands shaking. Tears welled in my eyes, threatening to spill over. The second man seemed uninterested in his partner''s sick game and maintained his expressionless face as he moved toward me, circling to get behind me. My body trembled as I fought to contain my grief, my mind still calcting every possible escape route, though options were dwindling fast. "I don''t think so." A familiar roar echoed through the forest. Samuel! That meant my father had arrived. The Rogue beside me immediately raised his gun toward Samuel''s voice, but he was toote. A bullet tore through his skull, brain matter and blood sttering across my face and clothes. I instinctively bent to retrieve the gun nearby. But everything happened too fast. Two more gunshots rang out. I felt a massive impact in my chest and was knocked to the ground. Time seemed to freeze as a ringing filled my ears, followed by wolves howling and the sounds of flesh being torn. I struggled to push myself up, opening my eyes to see Logan''s face appear before me. "Ryder..." I weakly raised my hand, pointing toward the bushes, but my body was being dragged away. "Get her to the hospital!" Logan shouted, his voice shaking as he carefully examined my wound. His words jolted me awake. "No! Ryder!" I screamed with every ounce of strength I had left. "Where''s my son?" Benedict ran to my side. William and Ulysses followed, along with two others. "I hid him... he was stabbed... hurry," I could no longer hold back my tears, sobbing loudly. "In... in the bushes over there..." Benedict ran to check. My strength failing, I couldn''t lift my head or hands anymore. I leaned against Logan as Philip dragged a lifeless body into the light. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart. Tears streamed down my face onto Logan''s shoulder. William angrily punched a tree. The pain in my body gradually became more real and specific-my chest hurt terribly. Looking down, I saw I was covered in blood. "Logan?" "Don''t move, X. You''ve been shot." Logan''s trembling voice said. Chapter Comments Chapter 66 Xena''s POV I pulled down my bra and retrieved Ryder''s phone. The bullet was embedded in the device, and a horrifying purple bruise had already formed on my chest. "I''m fine," I said, leaning against Logan, my eyes fixed on Samuel''s lifeless body. Pain and regret churned inside me, my throat feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. "He saved me." Why? I gave up on him. I don''t deserve this. I don''t deserve his life in exchange for mine... "He loved you," Logan whispered, wrapping his arms around me. Silent tears slid down my cheeks. I could feel the warmth of Logan''s body, but inside I was ice cold. "Idiot! We had a n!" Leonard was as devastated as William. Their voices echoed around me, but I could barely hear them as my breathing became rapid and shallow. The scene before me started spinning, everything bing distant and blurry until darkness took over. "Ma''am, it''s your turn." An unfamiliar male voice reached my ears as the sound of an ambnce cut through the silent night. Two paramedics lifted the stretcher I was lying on into the vehicle. "We''ll be there soon," Logan said, stroking my head before looking back at Samuel''s body, his eyes shimmering with grief. "William, need a ride to the hospital?" "Yes." He jumped into the ambnce and grabbed my hand. "Thank you for saving Ryder." As the doors closed, his eyes were filled with tears, and the ambnce started moving. I felt numb. Samuel had lost his life, and Ryder''s was hanging by a thread. All because they were trying to capture me. This is all my fault. If it weren''t for me, they would all be safe. What did I do to deserve this punishment? Why does everyone who loves me have to pay such a heavy price? The paramedics started an IV and injected a dose of antibiotics. They checked my head, making sure the injury wasn''t too severe. "Looks okay," one said. "Yeah, the culprit is still alive," I replied bitterly, my voice filled with self-loathing and anger. "How long until we reach the hospital?" William asked. "Thirty seconds." Just as he finished speaking, the ambnce stopped, and the doors opened. As they wheeled me in, I locked eyes with Benedict. He ran to my side. "Is she okay?" "For now," William answered respectfully. "After the call ended, I put Ryder''s phone in my bra. Here." I handed the phone back to Benedict. His fingers touched the bullet embedded in it. "Maybe you can fix it." Benedict was silent for a moment, then straightened his posture. "You saved Ryder. I owe you a debt that can never be repaid. I heard you lost someone tonight." "Samuel, yes." More tears fell as my heart felt like it was being torn apart. "We need to take her in now," the paramedic urged, and Benedict stepped back as they wheeled me away. Two hourster, they had removed all the ss fragments and stitched up my forehead. Miraculously, nothing was broken-just hematomas and deep bone contusions. Logan came in pushing a wheelchair. "Ready?" he asked. "I''m not leaving," I said stubbornly, despite the pain coursing through my entire body. "I know. We''re going to see Ryder." "Is he okay?" My heart leaped into my throat, afraid of hearing the worst. "He''s awake. Come on, he''s threatening to get up himself if he doesn''t see you.¡± I nodded and sat in the wheelchair. Since they had cut off my bra, Logan had given me his shirt to wear. I was still in my shorts. We navigated through several corridors until we heard shouting. "Ryder, calm down or they''re going to sedate you!" I heard Benedict''s voice. "Where is she?" Ryder yelled. "I''m here," I said softly. Everyone turned to look at me. "You''re alive!" Ryder tried to get out of bed, but three pairs of hands held him down. I tapped Logan''s hand on my wheelchair, wanting to stand. Logan helped me walk to Ryder''s bedside. Ryder shifted to make room for me to sit. His arm encircled me. "Are you okay?" Ryder asked anxiously, looking me up and down. "I''m fine. Where did the knife get you?" I asked. "What knife?" Ryder seemed confused. Benedict suddenly spoke up, "When I rescued Ryder, there was a dagger next to his head." He sighed deeply. "Moon God bless you. Your phone saved me," I said, a rush ofplex emotions washing over me-gratitude, guilt, sorrow, all interwoven. "What?" Ryder asked. "Here." Benedict handed Ryder''s phone back to me. Ryder stared at the bullet hole in it. "What happened?" Ryder asked. "X!" I heard my father''s emotional voice and turned to see him at the doorway. He strode over and embraced me, kissing my forehead. "Dad!" "I heard the crash. I was so scared," Dad wiped away tears. "We all heard it," Logan said. "You were on speakerphone. Leonard and S- Samuel." "Barnaby was supposed to have an appointment tonight, but his grandmother passed away, so Ryder wanted to finish his Harley customization. We went to the shop. After we finished, William was supposed to train me for Saturday. We heard tires screeching..." I closed my eyes, tears sliding down. The memory of that moment brought back the fear and helplessness. Seeing that car driving towards us, hearing the gunshots, that feeling of death approaching... In that moment, I thought we were all going to die. I saw the fear in Ryder''s eyes, but also his determination to protect me at all costs. Ryder took my hand, giving me the courage to continue. "They shot at us." "Ryder threw himself on top of me to protect me. I didn''t know you were shot!" More tears fell as my voice began to shake. "Then we drove away, Ryder lost consciousness and crashed into a tree. I was thrown onto the hood. I lost my phone, but managed to open Ryder''s door, and his phone was there. After putting a tourniquet on him, I called you." I looked at Benedict, each second of the memory vivid. "I heard their car, so I carried Ryder and hid. He wasn''t responding, too much blood..." "Anyway, I heard their car doors and knew there were at least three people. I couldn''t take on three alone, so I snuck around. I managed to kill one and take his gun, but they heard me. When we three were in a standoff... I thought one of them had stabbed Ryder..." I couldn''t continue, breaking down. Ryder pulled me toward him, and I sobbed in his arms. Chapter Comments Chapter 67 Xena''s POV "Samuel disobeyed orders," my father exined, his voice hollow. "He was supposed to remain on the nk because I knew he was emotionallypromised. When he charged forward, they panicked and fired. He took a bullet, and your phone stopped another one." Dad''s eyes met mine, haunted. "Right over your heart. It saved your life." I ran my fingers over the cracked screen of my phone, still stained with my blood. My lifeline in more ways than one today. "Did they say what they wanted?" Benedict asked, his authoritative presence filling the small hospital room. Ryder sat beside me on the bed, his body tense, hand gripping mine so tightly it almost hurt. "They wanted me," I said softly. My heart rate elerated suddenly as the fear rushed back l€" their cold eyes still fixed on me in my memory. "You?" Benedict seemed incredulous, seeking confirmation. "They didn''t say why. Just that they came for me." My voice trembled. "I thought about going with them, if it meant they would leave Ryder alone..." "Never put yourself in danger for me, do you understand? Never!" Ryder''s hands cupped my face, forcing me to look into his eyes. They burned with anger and fear intertwined. "Benedict, where do we stand now?" My father asked, his Alpha demeanor firmly in ce despite the exhaustion lining his face. "Xena saved my son''s life, then used her body to shield him. If my son is right, she''s as good as my daughter, as she is yours," Benedict replied, his voice resolute. "We hunt them together," my father extended his hand. "Kill everyst one of them," Benedict grasped it firmly, sealing their alliance. "And I must express my sincere condolences for the loss of your future Beta. Needless to say, anything you need is yours." "Thank you," Dad said, turning to look at me. "I need to go notify his parents." "I''m staying here," I said immediately. The thought of leaving Ryder, even for a second, made panic rise in my throat. The fear of losing him still clung to me like a shadow, while Samuel''s death sat like a boulder on my chest. I needed to ensure Ryder was safe before I could begin to process this brutal reality. "I''ll stay with her," Logan assured our father. "We''re not going anywhere," Benedict settled into a chair. 0 Dad kissed my forehead, his eyes lingering on my face. "I love you, kiddo." "I love you too, Dad," I answered, fighting to keep my voice steady. Dad and Leonard walked out of the room. Logan sighed heavily and sat down on the other side of the room. "What did they say about your injuries?" I asked Ryder, my eyes tracing over the bandages visible beneath his hospital gown. "Mostly tissue damage. Should heal quickly, but it did nick an artery. You really did save my life." His green eyes held mine with an intensity that made my heart stutter. I nodded, looking down at the floor. Silence filled the room as we all processed what had happened, struggling to find words. The heaviness in the air was suffocating. Ryder pulled me gently back to him, letting me rest against his side. Suddenly, a sh of light caught my attention, irritating me. "What the hell, Logan?" I growled. "How did you know it was me?" he chuckled softly. "You''re the only one either stupid enough or brave enough to take pictures right now." My tone conveyed annoyance, but inside, I felt a spark of warmth. Even in moments like this, Logan was still Logan l€" trying to make things seem less awful. "Ama''s been blowing up my phone wanting to talk to you. I told her you were sleeping, but she doesn''t believe me." "Let William pick her up and bring her," I said quietly. "I think he''s already on his way to get her. She''s not taking no for an answer, and now that William knows Ryder''s okay..." "Fine." I opened my eyes and looked at Logan. "Logan, tell me the truth." "It''s not good. It''s going to take time." His face was solemn, no trace of his usual mischief. I nodded, closing my eyes again. Samuel''s smile shed in my mind T€" all those times we''d spent together, his protectiveness, his care. Now all those memories were stained with pain. I tried to control my breathing, fighting back tears while my heart felt like it was being torn apart. "You didn''t even ask him anything?" Benedict looked confused by our brief exchange. "They have this twinnguage thing. You''ll get used to it," Ryder murmured. Ten minutester, we heard Ama''s voice echoing down the hallway. "Where is she?!" "I''m her Alpha, and she''s worried about you," Ryder sighed. "Get used to it," I replied, just as Ama burst through the door. She looked briefly surprised at the position Ryder and I were in, then moved toward me. "I''m fine,¡± I said, sitting up as she wrapped her arms around me. Tears slid down both our faces. I felt her body trembling, and I couldn''t control my own grief either. In that moment, we needed no words, only each other''s presence to share this unbearable pain. "I was so worried. Samuel is dead! He was like... our brother! He loved you, he truly did," she sobbed. "I know, Ama, I know." My voice broke, filled with regret and guilt. He had died protecting me, and that fact cut through my heart like a de, over and over again. Ama grabbed tissues and wiped my tears, hugging me tightly once more. "Are you okay?" she asked Ryder. "I''m fine," he replied, his tone clearly unhappy. I patted Ama''s shoulder, and William seemed to catch my hint. "Ama, give her some space to breathe," William said, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her back slightly. "Ryder?" William questioned, concern evident in his voice. "I''m fine, brother," Ryder assured him. "What exactly happened?" "Ama, would you mind going to the cafeteria and getting me something light to eat?" I asked, wanting to give us some privacy to exin. "Of course!" Ama rushed out of the room. "We were on our way back when someone drove by and started shooting. I took a bullet to the shoulder. We tried to drive away but I lost consciousness and crashed into a tree. Xena was thrown from the car. She bandaged me to stop the bleeding, then called her dad. Then she hid me and killed one of them. Samuel saved her, took a bullet meant for her, and she took one to the heart too." Ryder tossed his phone to William. "Your anger is misced. Don''t be mad at her." Chapter Comments ? LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 68 Xena''s POV "You''re angry at me? You actually me me?" I red at William, my voice tight with barely controlled rage. William''s face shed with shame, but he didn''t back down. I could feel my wolf stirring beneath my skin, responding to the challenge in his posture. Ryder ced his hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. ¡°de, calm down. Everyone''s on edge right now. He almost lost his Alpha." de? That was the first time Ryder had called me that, but it did nothing to soothe the fire of anger and hurt burning inside me. "He almost lost? But he fucking didn''t, did he? Because I saved you! It''s not your pack that lost someone! If you need a goddamn tampon to control your emotions, you can dig through my bag, but you''d better get out of my sight!" I turned my head away, refusing to look at William any longer. William seemed infuriated by my words and was about to retaliate when Logan stood up. "William, you should leave now." Ryder red at William, then turned his attention back to me. "X, baby, look at me." He tried to draw my focus away from William. I didn''t respond, still keeping my back to them. I heard Benedict rise and push William out. Ryder wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. His touch felt like a soothing current, seemingly calming the storm raging inside me. But that was only on the surface. "That''s the fastest I''ve ever seen her wolf settle," Logan muttered. Ryder asked with a hint of pride in his voice, "Still doubt we''re mates?" "Not anymore." Logan sat down in front of me, apparently seeing the mncholy in my eyes. "X." "What?" I answered listlessly. "Look at me." My emotions were att allow point, my mind consumed by self-me. "He''s right. This is my fault. They wanted me. Ryder got hurt because they were trying to kidnap me." Il fielt my throat tighten,, my hennt aching as if squeezed by an invisible hand. "No, X. This isn''t your fault, and Ryder would agree with me." "He''s right. None of this is your fault," Ryder said softly, his hand rubbing gentile airdies my back.. "You just need to rest. Come on, lie down on the couch." Logan helped me to the sofa, cing a pillow under my head before covering me with a nket. "Close your eyes and get some sleep." I didn''t ressisst, jjust numblyplied. Logan stroked my hair untill Il dirited off to sleep. Ryder''s POW I was in too deep. I had already fallen for this girl. Watching her brother lull her to sleep irritated me. That shoulle myjjob. I didn''t need to wait until Friday to know she was destined to be mine.. Everything I did was for her. William had told me whatthe feilt for Amara, and it matche what I was feeling now. Damn William, he''d made her angrier than Id ever seen. Her ey had actually changed color! "This isn''t her fault," Logan whispered to me. "I never thought it was." His protectiveness toward he was intense, but I understood. S was special. I just didn''t like it. "Keep your people in check, or she''ll do it herself. Ifter wolfis ancient and bloodthirsty." The revtion shocked me. "I''m learning thatt. Anything else II should know?" "My wolf is her twin. This isn''t a threat, but we dionilt surrender, we don''t stop until we ! our enemy''s corpse. I''ve always been able to control her, but if this is real, if you''re her mate, then that''s your job now. You need to find a way to soothe her." Chapter 68 "How has she not game aff Martha?" "Two reasons. One iss me-stopped her. Two, killing Martha would be like killing our father. He''s already lustame mate." "So she enduress it." "X has the kindesst smul. It bnces the blood she''s spilled. She''s upset about Samuel''s death. Ittssler caring that keeps her sane." "Does see love him too?" Chanter Comments LIKE Chapter 69 Ryder''s POV "Not like that," Logan said, leaning against the hospital wall. "Samuel''s always been like a big brother to her. Sure, they hook up asionally, but it never goes beyond that." His voice dropped lower. "I ordered Samuel never to take it further. She doesn''t know about that part. But when Martha is at her worst, she does use him to relieve the stress. Samuel knows this, but he fell for her anyway." I felt my wolf stir at the thought of another man touching Xena, but I pushed the jealousy aside. "Good to know." "Do you love her?" Logan asked bluntly. "Yes." I answered without hesitation. Logan nodded, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Good. She needs a strong man to take care of her. I know I can''t y that role forever." He ran a hand through his hair. "I''ll try to stay out of the way, but damn it, I''ll always be there for her. After the Rogue attack, seeing her injured like that-I''ll never forget it." I stared at the ceiling, recalling the aftermath of the fight. "I was hoping to make it back to the pack before I passed out. Honestly, I didn''t even feel the pain at first. All I could think about was getting her home, making sure she was safe." The memory still sent chills through me. "She won''t be going to school tomorrow-it''s Wednesday." Logan shifted his weight. "Truth is, she could have tested out of high school back in eighth grade.¡± "I''m guessing you''ll increase security on Friday?" I asked, thinking ahead to the uing pack event. "Yes." "I''ll send my men too." "We''d appreciate that." "Anything for her," I said quietly. "Same here." Logan''s voice matched my intensity. I cleared my throat. "Listen, about Samuel... I''m sorry. Really. Losing yourbestfriend Beta must be tough." Logan looked over at Xena sleeping peacefully, then nodded. Withhaasiigh, he extended hand to me. "I should go. I''ll get you both new phones tomorrow.Ittaketthis one for analysis." "Thanks, man." Logan''s face suddenly went nk. "Get William in here." I didn''t know what Logan had nned, but I reached out through our mind link. "Com here," I called to William. Within moments, William rushed in from outside, approaching us. Without warning, Logan delivered a perfect right hook that sentt Williamoralingttotthe floor. William curled up in pain, clutching his stomach ass Logamoronotizeddown and grabbed his shir yanking him close. "You''d better watch what you say around mysister,ontthere''ll be more blood next time Logan released him and stepped over hissbodyyasshitewalked out. "Damn," William groaned, struggling to his feett. "You deserved that," I said, ring atthim. "Yeah, I know." William rubbed his jaw. "Iltfiought you were dead, man. You were cover in blood,pletely lifeless." "Need one of my girl''s tampons?" I smirkoll "Your girl, huh?" "I believe so." "She''ll make one hell of a Luna." "She will. Maybe you''ll live to seeitt. William leaned against the wall. "When can you leave this ce?" "I''m getting out tomorrow no matter what. I''m only staying because she''s sleeping." "Ama''s pissed at me." I sighed. "We need to talk about her." "Damn it." "You need to let her do things her way, not your mother''s way. Let her try new projects, figure things out for herself. Stop constraining her." "Is that your idea or the Luna-to-be''s over there?" "Both." "Fine. I''ll ease up," William sighed. "I''m on guard duty. That''s my punishment. Benedict took Ama home after she tore me a new one." "Good. Go stand guard and let me sleep." I wasn''t tired, but I didn''t want to talk anymore. William was about to leave when he paused, looking back at me. "I''m d you''re okay. I''m sorry for how I acted." "I''m not the one who needs your apology," I said, though his loyalty warmed me despite my cold exterior. William nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. Iy back on the bed, closing my eyes and quickly drifting into sleep. Nightmares of Xena being killed by Rogues jolted me awake, only to find that Xena had climbed into my bed. I wrapped my arm around her and finally slept peacefully. Xena''s POV Voices pulled me from my sleep. Ryder was still sleeping quietly, but angry murmurs from outside had awakened me. When I tried to get out of bed, my muscles reminded me of being thrown from the motorcycle. I carefully made my way to the door and pressed my ear against it. "You can''t go in there!" William growled in a harsh whisper. "I fucking will!" That was Leonard''s voice. I pulled open the door and stepped out. Both boys froze, realizing they were in trouble. "What the fuck is going on here?" I demanded, crossing my arms despite the pain that shot through my ribs. Chapter Comments Chapter 70 Xena''s POV "Xena, it''s Samuel''s father. Hepletely broke down and the doctors had to sedate him. He mes you, says you chose Ryder instead of his son." Leonard blurted it all out in one breath. "That doesn''t need to be shared right now! It could have waited. What do you think she can do about it now?" To my surprise, William was taking my side. The pain crashed over me in waves. I turned away, steadying myself against the wall. "I don''t know. Everything''s a mess. My brother is dead. I just..." Leonard lookedpletely lost. I listened to Leonard''s anguished voice. I knew his personality well enough to know I needed to stabilize him first, prevent him from doing something reckless. "Sit down," I told him. He looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then followed my instruction, burying his head in his hands. I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. Despite my heart screaming and crying inside, I had to stay calm. "I don''t me him for reacting that way. He just lost his son, his only son. I''d be surprised if he could ept it. Samuel died a hero, and we''ll honor him as one. I understand your pain; he was my brother too. He was part of us, and always will be. If we fall apart because of this and don''t seek out his killers, that would be the real dishonor to his memory. We''ll find the truth and avenge him, but you need to stay clear-headed. We can''t lose you too." Every word felt like it was being squeezed from the depths of my soul, each sentence making my heart ache even more. "I know you''re right, but damn, it''s hard," Leonard remained immersed in his grief. "I understand. My eyes are dry and painful because I''ve run out of tears. But we''ll keep him in our hearts forever." I gazed down the hallway and saw Logan running toward us, sighing when he realized he was toote. "X, why aren''t you in bed resting?" he asked. "Tim sorry, Il snoutun Laygan. Have You cane to me anytime. Leonard, for Samuellss saite, we need to stay strong and move forward," Logan nodded. Leonard didn''t answer, just nodded slightly. He gave Logan albow and walked away dejectedly. "Are you okay?" Logan asked me. "It hurts, but I''m fine." Logan nodded and left to follow Leonard!. I had just opened the door whem William spoke up." "Xena, I''m sorry." "Don''t say anything. I''m not in the mood to hear it." I noticed the bruise on his cheek a felt aplex mixture of emotions. Even in this moment, I couldn''t fully forgive him, deep down, I knew everyone was dealing with pain in their own way. "Was that Logan''s doing?" "Yes." "You''re lucky that''s all he did," I said, returning to my room. "What happened?" Ryden asked!. "Leonard said Samuel''s father mulled to be sedated," I said softly, feeling fatigue seepii from my bones. "Come here," Ryder opened his arms to me. I slowly moved over and crawled beside him His warmth provided agiinmer offort. "How do you want to honor Samuel?" he asked. "What do you mean?!" Hiis question caught me off guard. I hadn''t thought about it wor mind was still stuckkontthe moment of Samuel''s death, unable to look forwartil "Do you want to nt a special tree? Or hold some kind of ceremony? ¡°Oh, um, I''m not sure." I truly didn''t know what I wanted. I leaned against his shoulder, Ryder''s hand resting gently on my thigh. "Tell me what you want, and we''ll make it happen," Ryder kissed the top of my head. "Why have you changed? Why are you acting this way now? Last night when Amara said Samuel loved me, you were angry," I asked. "Logan and I talked." "Oh." Damn Logan. "What else did you talk about?¡± "Nothing special." "That''s a lie, but whatever. I just want to go home and take a shower," I said wearily. "Which home? Mine or your Pack''s?" My first instinct was to be with Ryder, but his question was valid. "I guess your home isn''t mine," I said. "But it is," he insisted firmly. "Maybe on Friday it was, but now, I''m just a guest," I said softly, not wanting to argue about it now. "You''reing home with me. This isn''t up for debate," Ryder''s tone left no room for argument. "I''m not objecting," I slid off the bed, and Ryder pressed the call button. He took out the clothes his father had brought and put on sweatpants, maintaining the bandage on his shoulder. "Do you need any help?" a nurse asked as she entered. "We''re leaving," Ryder said briefly. "Could you wait a few more hours?" the nurse suggested. "No," Ryder said, removing his hospital gown. "Alright, you''ll need to sign some papers." Ten minutester, the nurse returned with documents. "Sign these,¡± the nurse handed him some papers. Ryder signed them quickly. "Call if you need anything," she sighed as she left. "What''s going on?" Leonard must have seen the nurse leaving as he poked his head in to ask. "We''re leaving," Ryder pushed a wheelchair in front of me. "Sit down." I was in too much pain to argue. After sitting down, William took over pushing the wheelchair, and we left the hospital. It was still early morning, and the car wasn''t parked far away. We got in smoothly. Ryder sat with me in the back seat, and William drove. Leaning against Ryder, I felt extremely drowsy, but my mind was still active. I felt my eyelids getting heavier until they closedpletely. My thoughts remained on Samuel. His smile, his voice, and all the times we spent together. Why do good people always leave first? Why must we endure such pain? These questions had no answers, but I knew one thing: I would avenge Samuel, no matter the cost. "She''s asleep," William said quietly. "Good," Ryder sighed. "I told her I was sorry, but she didn''t want to hear it." Chapter Comments ? LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 71 Xena''s POV "Are you angry?" he asked. "No, I just hope she forgives me," I replied, my mind still reying the events of the night. "Maybe she''ll feel better after she showers and rests," Ryder said, his hand resting on my hip. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, I heard the car door opening. "We''re home," Ryder said softly. He got out and helped me down from the car. "Howe you don''t seem to be in pain?" I asked, feeling the ache throughout my entire body. "I cked out, so my muscles didn''t get strained like yours did when you were thrown from the car," he exined. I frowned, considering his exnation. It made sense, but I was still surprised at how quickly he''d recovered. Every muscle in my body was screaming in protest, yet he seemedpletely fine. "How''s your arm feeling?" I asked. The sun was rising, but thankfully we hadn''t encountered anyone. Ryder led me straight to his room. "Stay here," he muttered, walking to his closet. He pulled out one of his T-shirts. "Do you want to take a shower?" "Yes, thank you," I answered, hoping the hot water would ease my pain. Ryder walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I followed him and saw that he had set out female soap and various bath products, everything I could need. "Whose are these?" I asked, feeling slightly irritated. Does he bring girls back here regrly? Ryder grinned smugly. "I had them bought for you. I didn''t know what you liked, So..." My chest instantly lightened, the jealousy vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "You didn''t just ask Ama?" I questioned. "Didn''t think of it." "Thank you," I said, grabbing some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and cing them in the shower. "Do you need help?" he asked. "No, I''m fine, thanks." Ryder looked conflicted. I could see he wanted to stay but was respecting my space. "Ryder, get out." He smiled and then leaned down to give me a gentle kiss before leaving. Stripping off my clothes, I stepped into the shower. The hot water stung at first, but after a minute, it felt amazing. I washed my hair and body, then just stood there, letting the water massage my muscles. They should be better by tomorrow. After getting out, I applied lotion and put on Ryder''s T-shirt. He hadn''t given me any underwear, so I guessed I''d be sleeping without them. After brushing my hair and teeth, I walked out. "Still alive?" Ryder asked. "Barely. That felt really good." He was lying on the bed, reading a book. "Take those," he said, pointing to two white pills on the nightstand. "What are they?" I asked. Though I trusted he wouldn''t harm me, caution was always best. "Tylenol." "What are you reading?" I asked as I took the pills and climbed into bed next to him. "The Tempest." "Ah, William Shakespeare," I said. "You know it?" He seemed surprised by my literary knowledge. "Read it a few years ago. Not my favorite of his works, but it''s good." Ryder put the book down and turned off the light. The blinds were drawn, making the roompletely dark. I fell asleep almost instantly. When I woke up, I was alone. Looking around, I saw the bathroom light was on with steaming out. Testing my muscles, I was still sore, but feeling much better. My stomach growled. The clock showed 2:31 PM. Damn, I''d slept a long time. Standing up, I was about to head out when I noticed my suitcase by the closet. I pulled out a pair of underwear, loose shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top, and changed into them. I had just tied my hair into a messy bun when Ryder emerged from the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist. My breath caught, my heart racing. His hair was damp, falling casually across his forehead,plemented by a light beard that gave him a mature sexiness. The towel covered only the essentials, revealing his perfect chest and muscr arms. His body was wless-well-defined muscles, broad shoulders, and his back bore several new cuts and scrapes. I hesitated, then spoke. "Do you want me to put some medicine on that?" "I''d be honored," he said, giving me his signature smile. "Where''s the first aid kit?" Ryder pointed toward the closet, and I went over to grab a tube of Neosporin. "Your walking is much better," hemented. "Yeah, the shower, meds, and sleep all helped. Now I need food," I said as I applied the medicine to his back. My fingers traced over his muscles, feeling the warmth and smoothness of his skin, my heart once again beating wildly against my will. "On the plus side, you''re my Wednesday appointment, so I don''t have to cancel anyone," I said, making small talk to distract myself. "True enough." "All done,¡± I said, patting his shoulder. Ryder nodded and went to the closet to grab a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. "Ready?" Ryder asked. "As ready as I''ll be today," I replied, following him out the door. "It''s Wednesday, and you haven''t trained yet." "I''ve been busy." As we descended the stairs, I held onto the railing, moving slowly. Ryder walked ahead of me, his arm not in a sling but wrapped with bandages. "Oh, Alpha! I was so worried about you!" Several affected voices suddenly appeared. I looked up to see a group of girls rushing toward him. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 72 Xena''s POV Ryder grabbed my hand. "We are okay. Please excuse us." The girls stared at us in shock as we walked away. As soon as we reached the kitchen, an older kitchen worker approached us. "Alpha Ryder, Ms. Harris! Would you like me to prepare something for you to eat?" "Yes, thank you," I answered after sitting down. "What would you like?" she asked. Ryder looked at me. I shrugged. "Anything simple would be fine. I''m just hungry." "Of course, dear." The worker smiled and headed to the refrigerator to gather ingredients. We watched as she prepared cold cut sandwiches for us. She also put together a bowl of fruit and a side of pasta for each of us. "Thank you," we both said as we took our food and stic forks and left. "This way," Ryder said, heading toward the front door. "Oh?" I was surprised, having assumed we''d eat inside. "The sunshine will do you good." We walked a short distance to a pic area. It was like a small park, with children too young for school running around ying. "This feels nice,¡± I said, taking a deep breath and feeling the warmth of the sunlight instantly brightening my mood. "I like toe out here to eat when the weather''s good," he said. I looked at his profile, suddenly wanting to know more about this man. "What else do you like?" I asked sincerely. "Well, I don''t know. I like watching you work." 4:12 pm t Here we go again with the deflection. He always turns the conversation back to me, I''m the only one worth discussing. "Come on, I''ve told you plenty about myself," I pressed. "Fine. I like reading, stargazing, Sunday drives, hanging out with friends.¡± "Those are all basic things," I frowned. Ryder paused for a moment, seeming to genuinely think about it. "I''m a movie buff." "What type of movies?" "All types. From ck and white ssics to modern Disney." "Disney? Not a Rambo kind of guy?" "Zootopia''s pretty good too." That made meugh out loud. "I just can''t picture it." "I also collect books." like "That I know. I''ll have to see what you''ve got. I have a few at home I think you''d like." "You can put your books in the free section of the library when you move in on Saturday." "You''re awfully confident, aren''t you?" I raised an eyebrow, my heart quickening despite myself. "Yes, 99.9% sure." "Why''s that?" "Logan said my wolf calms yours very quickly. Faster than he can. Plus your body''s reaction to my touch." "Logan told you about our wolves?" For some reason, this irritated me. That''s my personal business. How could he just discuss this with someone else? Even if it is Ryder. "Yes. I think he wanted to see if I''d run.". "And would you?" ¡°Not a chance. If I thought you''d agree, I''d tell the whole pack you''re my girl today." I frowned at this. "Does my stuff scare you?" "I''m not sure ''scared'' is the right word. Maybe nervous or anxious, but the answer is still 1. no. You fascinate me. I find you intriguing, sexy, warm." Once again, he sees beyond my surface. Most people just see my brain or my body, never the rest. "Not smart?" "Obviously you''re smart, but that''s not your only quality. Your heart is incredibly big." His words caught me off guard, and I blinked several times. "Thank you." I needed a moment to process what he''d said, so I took another bite of my food. "No one''s told you that before?" Ryder asked, pulling me from my thoughts. "No one important," I answered softly. "Hmm-" Ryder suddenly stiffened, and I guessed he was receiving a message through the pack link. "Are you finished eating?" "Yeah, what''s up?" "They just brought my car back." Well shit. Time to put on my big girl panties and get this going. "Alright, let''s go." Ryder took our containers and tossed them in the trash. We started walking toward the garage. The sunshine felt amazing on my skin, almost like I''d beencking the essential vitamin D it provided. "Logan''s here." "Just in time." As we rounded the corner, everyone was outside, and the tow truck driver was lowering the car. He unhooked it and drove away. "Hey, X. How are you feeling today?" Logan came over and gave me a hug. Ryder continued walking toward his father. "Much better. The bath and sleep helped a lot." "Should be back to normal by Friday," Logan nodded. "Hopefully," I smiled. We walked toward the car. "Hey, kiddo. You okay?" Dad asked, but didn''t move closer to me. "Yeah, Dad. I''m good." Everyone just stared at the car, but I started walking around it. The vehicle was riddled with bullet holes, but what surprised me was the one that had hit Ryder. From the blood on the car when we''d ducked down, I could tell it was a bullet that had gone through the car. The hole was bigger. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 73 Xena''s POV "What did you see, X?" Logan asked. I examined the car carefully, my heart racing while my brain remained eerily calm, analyzing everything before me. "The bullet that hit Ryder came through the car body, and it was from a different gun. The hole is bigger." My voice was steady, but inside I was churning, a terrible theory gradually taking shape. "Almost like they wanted to kill Ryder first, then it would be easier to get me. Ryder and I could have easily handled three Rogues. This seems like their n B, and not a very thorough one. They could have attacked me in the shop for better results." I walked toward the windshield, shes of memory from my body hitting the ss reying in my mind. "Looking at this angle, the gun that hit Ryder was fired from the rooftop. I bet they knew he would protect me, so he became an easy target. This attack was to get him into position." The thought made me sick, my stomach twisting into knots. Why would someone want me? There was nothing special about me. I couldn''t shoot fire from my hands orsers from my eyes. I couldn''t fly or freeze water. I was just an ordinary person with above-average intelligence. Why? What was my value? "Then I guess we''re lucky they only fired once," Benedict said, crossing his arms. Logan''s phone rang. He walked away to answer it. "He could have killed us when we were walking out," Ryder said quietly. My brain worked quickly, analyzing possibilities. "Those windows are tinted, so you can''t see inside. I''m guessing he wasn''t ready, and that was his only option." My eyes returned to the car hood. There were smudges of blood on it. "Xena." Logan''s tone plus his use of my full name worried me. "What is it?" I nced at Ryder. His expression was unreadable. "It''s... it''s the shop. Someone broke in and trashed it. Police are there now." My jaw dropped. I sighed, what wasing had finally arrived. Even though the shop was my heart and soul, my everything, after losing Samuel, I seemed to have be numb. "X?" Logan asked worriedly. I took a deep breath. "Take me there," I demanded, my voice low. Logan looked at Ryder with concern. "Maybe it''s best if-" "If you don''t finish that sentence, either you drive me there or I''ll drive myself," I said angrily. Logan sighed. ¡°Let''s go.¡± I followed Logan, with Rydering along, walking beside me. On the way to the shop, I remained silent. Ryder tried to hold my hand, but I pushed him away. It wasn''t that I didn''t want hisfort, but if anyone touched me, I would lose myposure. My emotions were like a ticking time bomb-the slightest contact could trigger an explosion. When we arrived, police had already surrounded it. It was marked with yellow caution tape. "This is a bad idea," Ryder whispered to Logan. "I know. She''s barely keeping it together, and yes, there''s a threat to her life." I heard them talking, but my thoughts had already drifted. The shop was my pride, proof of my achievements, something I had created. Every customized bike had a piece of my soul in it. And now... All the ss in the shop was shattered, broken pieces covering the sidewalk, the door in tatters, and inside looked like aplete mess. I thought I would take it in stride, but seeing it in person, I couldn''t control the anger inside me. Walking forward, a police officer tried to stop me. "You can''t pass this point!" "That''s my business! That''s my shop!" I could feel my anger growing, like an uncontroble me inside me. "Pleasee in. Be careful." "They''re with. me," I said, letting Ryder and Logan enter with me. I walked to the shop entrance, looking at the building across the street, calcting the angle of the shot, my brain automatically going into analysis mode. "Logan, the shooter was on that building," I pointed to the medium-sized structure, my voice still lifeless. "Are you sure?" "Are you doubting me?" I asked, a sharp edge to my voice. "No." "What''s going on?" Ryder asked as he approached us. "The shooter was from that building over there," Logan said quietly. "She figured that out?¡± "Yes," Logan answered. Again, I ignored them, walking into the shop. Everything was destroyed. The wall had messy ck spray paint, my chairs, my tool cart were broken, countless parts scattered on the floor. I walked to the customization area, the floor had holes, all the lights were shattered on the ground, the motorcycle stands were reduced to scrap metal, and the Brembo brake pads I had ordered four months ago were in pieces. I walked to the counter and saw fragments of my portfolios. The tears I had been holding back finally spilled over, and I bent down to pick up the scraps of paper, tears falling one by one onto the fragments as I struggled to contain the sound of my sobs echoing through the shop. I didn''t even notice Ryder bending down to help me collect the pieces until I touched his fingers. This was my blood and sweat, my dreams and future. Every item held a story, every corner contained a memory. Seeing it all destroyed felt like a part of me had died too. "Xena Harris?" A deep male voice appeared. I wiped away my tears and looked up. It was a strong middle-aged man in a police uniform. "Yes," my voice sounded strange, as if it wasn''t my own. "I have a few questions. When was thest time you were here?" "Yesterday afternoon." Chapter Comments ? LIKE Chapter 74 Xena''s POV "When did you leave?" the detective asked. "I''m not sure. It waste," I answered, my mind racing through the sequence of events. "Was anyone with you at the time?" "I was with her," Ryder stepped forward, "She''d just finished customizing my Harley." "Do you know who would do something like this?" the detective asked. "No." I responded automatically, but in that instant, the truth hit me. The ck spray paint on the wall that I hadn''t paid attention to earlier - like ck thorns slowly wrapping around my entire shop, like the veins of night spreading across silent ruins. Darkthorn pack. Tatum Maddox. "No way..." I took a step back in shock, my heart suddenly racing, my stomach churning. How could it be him? Just because I rejected his date? This was insane! "What is it?" the detective pressed. Logan, it''s the Darkthorn pack. Look at the ck spray paint. That''s not random vandalism-that''s their mark. I connected with Logan through our mental link. He looked and frowned deeply. "Miss?" The detective touched my shoulder, making me jump. The reaction only made me more aware of how on edge I was. "Nothing," I forced myself to appear calm. Suddenly, a pair of hands rested on my shoulders. I nced up to find Ryder''s deep green eyes looking at me with concern. "I''d like to leave now. I''ll stay in touch and provide a list of damaged items for insurance purposes,¡± I said hurriedly, wanting to end this conversation as quickly as possible. The detective handed me his card. "My private business, nothing to do with the police department." Ryder took it for me. "Thank you," he answered on my behalf. Once inside the car, I pulled out my phone and searched for that pack. When I held up my phone to show Logan, the pattern matched perfectly. "Damn it," Logan took the phone and showed it to Ryder. "They painted their mark on my wall," I told Ryder, my voice trembling slightly with anger. Was this some kind of territorial im? Or a tant threat? "Fuck," Ryder cursed under his breath. I leaned back in my seat, letting the fury simmer inside me. This was such bullshit. Because I refused to date him or chose someone over him? And now he wanted to destroy my life? A cold fear crept up my spine, recing some of the anger. If they could break into my shop, what else might they be capable of? "We need to have a meeting," Logan told Ryder. "Agreed. I''ll call Leonard," Logan elerated the car. When we reached the pack house, I found myself lingering behind. I wasn''t sure what I wanted. To join this meeting or to be alone for a while? I needed space to sort through my thoughts. Logan and Ryder walked ahead with purpose. Ryder seemed to want to approach me, but Logan stopped him. Logan understood I needed some time. Ryder looked conflicted, but eventually, whatever Logan said to him made him turn and go inside. The wind tugged at my hair, and I felt its freedom as if it were mocking my constraints. My legs started moving of their own ord, walking aimlessly. A small yground with swings caught my attention, and I sat down, rocking back and forth slowly. The images shed back in session: Samuel lying there, the feeling of my body going through ss, my head hitting the hood, Ryder passing out from blood loss. The ordeal we''d already been through had left me exhausted, and this was just after a single encounter with Tatum. The sun began to set, and fireflies appeared. I wasn''t sure how long I''d been sitting there, but my ass had gone numb. Where are you, X? Logan''s voice echoed in my mind. At some small yground on the swings, I answered, weariness evident in my tone. Okay, stay put. I''ve been right here, my ass is numb. Jesus. Logan probably rolled his eyes, but momentster they came into view. The relief on their faces was clear. Ryder sat down next to me while Logan remained standing. "We need to close the club," I said, my voice filled with determination. Despite it being my pride and joy, safety came first. I couldn''t risk the staff''s safety. "Yes, probably," Logan agreed. "Make sure everyone gets paid for the next two weeks. We don''t know how long we''ll need to close, but that should help them get by until they find new jobs." I dragged my foot through the sand as I spoke, creating patterns. Guilt washed over me. These people depended on this job, and now they were all affected because of my personal issues. "Alright. I''m heading home," Logan said. "Drive safe," I looked at him. "Ryder has your phone. I''ve set up the program for you. Ryder needs to set up his." "Thank you," I said gratefully, knowing Logan always took care of all the details. "Take care," Logan said before turning to leave. "I''ll never understand the connection between you twins," Rydermented. "Many have tried," I smiled slightly, feeling that wordless understanding that existed between Logan and me. "If you want to stay in a different room, that''s fine," Ryder said with a nk expression. This confused me, and my heart sank. "You don''t want me to stay with you?" I asked, uncertainty creeping into my voice. Chapter 75 Xena''s POV "I would stay with you, but you seem like you need space. Logan said to give you space." Ryder''s voice carried uncertainty as he stood a few feet away. I bit my lip, emotions churning inside me. What I needed wasn''t distance, but understanding. ¡°Not that kind of space. Just... physically be near me, but wait for me to reach out forfort when I''m ready." "Oh." I caught the sh of hurt in his eyes and immediately felt guilty. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to make you feel bad." "I''m just learning how to help you. Really know you. Don''t apologize," he said, his green eyes sincere as he carefully sat beside me, leaving enough room between us. I gave him a small smile. "You''re doing fine." We sat infortable silence for a few minutes, the gentle evening breeze rustling through the trees surrounding the training field. "How''s your arm feeling?" he broke the silence. "Hurts a bit, but it''s okay." Ryder sighed, interrupting my thoughts. "A birthday party on Friday seems inappropriate given everything." I forced myself back to reality. "It''ll give people something to look forward to after Samuel''s funeral." Even saying it made my heart ache. Life and death, joy and grief, alling so suddenly. "I didn''t send flowers," I frowned, the realization hitting me suddenly. "Logan took care of it. I asked," Ryder replied. He always thought of things I missed. "Thank you." "The funeral''s tomorrow at 10 AM," Ryder sighed. "Yeah..." "Ama got you.a dress." "Of course she did." I let out a smallugh, thinking about how Ama always took care of these details. "We should arrive separately. Ama will pick you up early, you can sit together as a group. William and I will be in the back if you need us." "Thanks for understanding." I genuinely appreciated that he wasn''t insisting on staying by my side. "Just make sure youe back to me after," Ryder sighed, his possessiveness starting to show through. "Okay," I agreed softly. "Come on, you need to eat something before bed." Ryder stood up but didn''t reach for my hand, respecting my boundaries. "I''m not hungry." The thought of food made my stomach turn. Grief seemed to swallow my appetite. "Try? Please?" His eyes were full of concern. "Fine." I sighed and stood up. We walked together, stars beginning to appear in the night sky. When we entered the pack house, Ryder led me straight to the private dining room where two tes of pasta were waiting. I managed about a quarter of mine before setting my fork down and leaning back in my chair. "I''m done." "Okay." Surprisingly, Ryder didn''t argue, just stood up. We went directly to the bedroom, where he started looking for a movie. I grabbed a set of silk pajamas and changed in the bathroom. When I came out, Ryder had chosen a film and was wearing only shorts. We climbed into bed. The TV had been moved to the foot of the bed. Ryder adjusted the pillows so he was half-reclined. He held out his arm and I curled up beside him, my head resting on his chest as he pulled me close before pressing y. I was asleep before the title appeared. The next morning, I woke to the sound of text messages on Ryder''s phone. He rolled over to respond. "Who is it?" I mumbled groggily. "Dad." "What time is it?" "S:10." I tried to wake myself up, feeling the heaviness of the uing funeral settling in my chest. "I should get up and shower. When is Amaing?" "In thirty minutes," Ryder yawned. As Ryder put his phone down, I started to get up, but he caught me and pulled me back to him. "Not so fast." "Oh?" I looked at him questioningly. "How are you feeling? I wish we hadpleted the mate bond already so I wouldn''t have to ask." I took a moment to assess my emotions, finding them tooplicated to sort through. "I''m not sure. Sad... confused. Maybe guilty too." Each emotion ebbed and flowed like waves, making it impossible to settle on just one. "This isn''t your fault,¡± Ryder cupped my face, looking directly into my eyes. "Mm." I avoided his gaze, guilt still clinging to me. "I mean it. Head up today. I''m here if you need me." His voice was firm but gentle. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling a small warmth in my chest. Ryder gave me a soft kiss, leaving my lips tingling. "Feel that?" he asked, watching me touch my lips. "Yes, what is that?" A strange sensation spread from my lips throughout my body. "The mate bond. I''ve been feeling it since yesterday." "My eighteenth birthday isn''t until tomorrow," I said, surprised yet hopeful. "William said he felt a milder version of the bond the day before Ama turned eighteen." "Oh..." My mood brightened slightly, finally having some rity. Amid all the chaos, the certainty about our bond provided a smallfort. "Oh?" Ryder raised an eyebrow. "I thought the bond would hit full force the moment of my birthday. I didn''t realize there was a gradual process." "I didn''t either. William said he knew Ama was his mate the moment he saw her. Remember how obsessed he was?" "Yes, I remember." It had happened in my shop. The memory felt nostalgic, as if it had been ages ago. "Are you uneasy?" he asked. "About what?" I questioned. "About being my mate?" His voice held a hint of uncertainty. "No." I shifted so my forehead was pressed against his. "I''m just processing everything. If I had doubts, I wouldn''t have given myself to you." 11 Chapter 76 Xena''s POV "Your body is perfect," he whispered against my neck, his lips trailing a path of fire down my skin. The sensation sent shivers through me, but my mind was already miles away. Thoughts of the uing funeral, of our lost friend, filled me with a bitterness that made it impossible to lose myself in pleasure. Not now. "No, I need to shower," I pushed him away and quickly got up from the bed before he could pull me back down. Ama would be here any minute, and I needed to be ready. Since I couldn''t find a robe and Ryder wasn''t around, I grabbed one of his shirts and slipped it 1. on. I had just managed to put on my underwear when there was a knock at the door. "Hey," I greeted Ama as I opened the door. "Good, you''ve already showered," she said, her eyes taking in my appearance. "Yes, ma''am," I gave her a small smile. "About your shop... I''m sorry," Ama set down the things she''d brought, her voice wavering slightly. "Me too." The words felt like a stab to my heart. I sat down in the chair, watching as she unpacked her makeup. "So, you and Ryder..." "Yeah, looks like it," I answered quietly. "Can I call you Luna now?" she asked, a hint of lightness breaking through her somber tone. "Wait until tomorrow." She nodded and turned her attention to my hair, her hands gentle but sure. "I always knew you were destined to be Luna," Ama said softly, and in the mirror, I could see tears shimmering in her eyes alongside a sh of pride. "I''m d we''ll be living together again," I said, meeting her eyes in the reflection. "Me too. I''ve really missed our friendship. I squeezed her hand. "I hope you brought waterproof makeup," I half-joked, knowing we''d both be crying today. "Bought it yesterday," Ama smiled, though sadness lingered in her expression. Ama worked in silence, and I just stared at my reflection. None of this felt real. I never thought we''d be attending his funeral before we even turned eighteen. Life is fragile, and fate is cruel-lessons we were learning in the harshest way possible. Ama was curling thest strand of my hair and finishing my makeup when the boys walked in, just as she was handing me my dress. "How''s it going?" Ryder entered, pausing when he saw me in his shirt. William went straight to Ama, so our interaction went unnoticed. "Just about to change," I said, noting how Ryder''s eyebrow raised slightly, his eyes darkening with desire I couldn''t ignore. ¡°Good, we need to get going. You girls should arrive early to greet people," Ryder said, his intense eyes still fixed on me. I nodded and walked into the bathroom, closing the door. Getting out of Ryder''s shirt and into the dress was easy. It was a simple ck dress, sleeveless and well-fitted. It hung a bit loose but still showed off my figure, falling just below my thighs. Perfect for a funeral. Ama came in to change as well. "Here are your shoes." "Thanks," I said as I slipped them on. Ama changed into a simr dress and put on her shoes. She had already done her hair and makeup beforeing over. There was a knock! "Ready?" William asked gently. "No," I said weakly, and Ama opened the door. She leaned into William''s embrace, breaking down a little as tears slipped down her cheeks. I felt too numb to cry, just walking out. Ryder stood waiting. Both boys were dressed all in ck, with the sleeves of their ck shirts rolled up. Hair fixed with gel, beards neatly trimmed. "You okay?" he asked. "I think so," I said, grabbing my phone and wallet. "Let''s go," William said, and he and Ama walked out. Ryder waited for me, giving me a quick kiss before I followed them. The kiss contained so much that couldn''t be said¨Dfort, support, promise, and deep love. "You girls take this car," William opened the door for me to drive. Ama wasn''t emotionally fit to drive. "Warriors are stationed all along the way to make sure you arrive safely. We''ll leave in ten minutes," Ryder said as I got in and started the engine. Ama waved goodbye, and I exchanged a silent farewell with Ryder. The entire journey, we maintained silence. I could asionally glimpse warriors along the roadside. Logan and Leonard were waiting for us when we arrived. "X..." Ama''s voice broke as we pulled to a stop. "I know." We could see the ck tents and smoke in the background. Funeral preparations had begun, all for our mutual friend. I took her hand and squeezed it gently, trying to give her some strength. Though I was on the verge of breaking down myself, I knew I had to stay strong. Logan and Leonard opened our doors, helping us out. The four of us walked toward the tent with our arms around each other. Chapter Gomments LIKE Chapter 77 Xena''s POV We walked toward the entrance together, greeting each guest as they entered the tent. Pack members arrived one by one. Samuel''s bodyy at the front, and I deliberately kept my focus on the back of the tent. Only after everyone was seated did we see Ryder and the high-ranking members of his pack enter. William walked straight to Ama. She copsed into his arms, breaking down in tears once again. Ryder came to my side, cing his hand on the small of my back. "Are you okay?" he asked in a low voice. "Barely holding on," I answered truthfully. Ryder shook hands with Leonard and Logan, and the others followed suit. When Ama finally released William, he joined the line of those offering condolences. My body instantly stiffened when my father and Martha approached with Samuel''s father. My heart raced, my throat tightened, and a sense of foreboding spread through me. Samuel''s father stopped in his tracks when he saw me. His face was expressionless, his ck eyes like bottomless pits. My father whispered something in his ear, and he lowered his head, walking straight past me toward the front. But I wasn''t lucky enough to escape Martha. "You have some nerve showing up here," Martha hissed, hands on her hips, eyes filled with hostility. A sharp pain shot through my chest, shame and anger rising simultaneously. I knew in their eyes, I should be held responsible for Samuel''s death. Perhaps they were right-the thought had taken root in my mind, making it almost impossible to breathe. "Enough, Martha," Logan stepped in front of me. "Watch yourself. He won''t always be around to protect you," Martha red at me before walking away. In truth, I weed Martha''s humiliation as punishment I deserved, epted willingly. "Maybe I should stay in the back," I whispered to Logan, my voice filled with uncertainty. I didn''t want to cause more conflict, didn''t want to make Samuel''s funeral any more tense because of my presence. "No, you''re sitting with us in the front row," Logan looked furious. ¡°Logan.....¡± I hesitated, feeling incredibly vulnerable. "Xena, no, you need to be there," Ryder put his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him, his furrowed brow and the determination in his eyes making it impossible to refuse. I gripped Logan''s hand for support as we walked down the aisle. I forced myself to keep my head high, though it took every ounce of strength I possessed. Each step felt like a battle, fighting both the fear inside and the pressure from outside. My father, Martha, and Samuel''s father sat on the left side, while we sat on the right. After we were seated, my father stood up. "Today, we gather to remember one of our own. He left us too soon, but he died a hero. Samuel was a son, brother, and friend to many of us. Samuel touched many lives, and the courage he disyed will continue to inspire us. Samuel''s sacrifice has earned him our highest level of respect, and we will nt a white ash tree in his honor." Everyone stood, apuding enthusiastically. My eyes stung, tears threatening to spill over. "The family has decided to open the microphone for those who wish to say a few words." Logan stood, adjusted his suit, and approached the microphone. He cleared his throat and began to speak. "Samuel was like a brother to me. We grew up together, learned to throw a football together, learned how to talk to girls, how to be men. He stood not only by my side but by my sister''s side as well. The three of us were inseparable. Then Ama joined us, and after that, Leonard. The five of us became more than just friends. We were family." As I listened to Logan''s words, my mind drifted back to those carefree days. Theughter, the shared secrets, thete-night talks-all of it came flooding back with crystal rity. Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 78 Xena''s POV The same intense apuse erupted throughout the tent. A violin rendition of Schubert''s melody began to y softly as Logan, Leonard, and two other members of my pack approached Samuel''s casket. They lifted it slowly and carried it with measured steps toward the grassy area outside the tent, gently cing it on the wooden pyre that had been prepared. My father handed the already-lit torch to Leonard, who shook his head in refusal. Logan, his eyes filled with unwavering determination, stepped forward and took it. I gripped Ama''s hand tightly, as if it were my lifeline. After a moment''s hesitation, Logan ced the torch beneath the wooden pyre supporting Samuel''s body. The mes surged upward instantly, and I instinctively flinched. Logan returned to sit beside us. As the gentle, soothing music drifted through the air, we watched Samuel''s body slowly turn to ash. My heart felt like it was being torn in two. Each leap of the mes was like fire searing through my soul. Dad sat there for about ten minutes before standing and walking to the front. "Food and drinks are prepared in the backyard of the pack house. The family invites everyone to continue honoring Samuel''s memory there." People began to rise, gradually making their way toward the backyard. A few lingered, but most descended. Looking around, only Samuel''s father remained, his gaze fixed on the mes. I took a deep breath, preparing to do something either extremely brave or extremely foolish. My heart pounded in my chest, my legs felt weak, but I knew I had to do this. For Samuel, for myself, and for the father who had lost his son. "Excuse me, sir," I approached him, my entire body trembling. I could feel countless eyes watching me. "What is it?" The hatred in his eyes was almost tangible. So it was extreme foolishness, then. Iughed bitterly in my mind. "I wanted to tell you how truly sorry I am. Samuel was like a brother to me. I admired him deeply and loved him. I know my pain is nothingpared to yours, but I want you to know that I feel guilty, and this guilt will follow me for the rest of my life." I paused, looking directly into his eyes. "I also know that because of who I am, you might not have had the chance to express your emotions as you needed to. I''m giving you that opportunity. You can yell at me, curse me, say anything you want. This is your chance." The shock on his face was unmistakable. I waited, watching him rise to his feet. I swear no one around me seemed to be breathing; everyone was waiting to see what would happen next. My palms were sweating, but I straightened my back. Whatever he had to say, I could take 1. it. This was what I owed Samuel, what I owed his father. "Youngdy, I''ve watched you grow up. I know what kind of person you are. I''ve been wanting to do exactly what you just described. My son was miserable recently, just training and studying obsessively. I''ve never seen him like that. I don''t know if it had to do with you, but I watched him close himself off. I was worried about him. I tried talking to him, asked your father, but nothing helped. I just watched him sink deeper into that swamp. He loved you, and it killed him. You poisoned his mind, shattered his heart, and took his life. I know you''ll carry this burden forever. Maybe one day I''ll forgive you, but today is not that day." He turned and walked away. Tears silently streamed down my face as I watched his retreating figure, his shoulders more hunched than before. "Just like your mother, bringing misfortune to everything around you," Martha''s mocking voice appeared abruptly. Though not loud, it was enough to draw attention. I didn''t want to cause a scene at Samuel''s funeral. I didn''t even look at her as I walked toward the backyard. "Don''t you think you''re shameful? Being the root cause yet pretending to be the victim. Your mother died years ago-how did you learn this trick from her?" Martha''s voice grew louder. She was clearly enjoying this moment of my weakness, my refusal to fight back. Damn it! I know I shouldn''t respond to her, but my instincts made me stop in my tracks. I turned, my gaze cold as I looked at her. This seemed to be exactly what she expected, exciting her even more. "There you are, you haven''t changed at all." Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Samuel''s father came to me earlier, begging to know what happened between his son and you! I told him you dumped him! That you''re with another pack''s Alpha''s son now! Hahaha!" I walked toward her step by step. But the closer I got, the more excited and frenzied she became. Her voice had escted to a scream, spittle flying from her mouth. "You little slut, this is all your fault!!" I knew my eyes had turned ck. Rage boiled within me like magma. I could barely control my transformation. In an instant, my rationality was consumed by wildness, leaving only one thought: tear this woman apart. "Xena! Samuel is watching you!" Samuel''s father''s voice suddenly broke through. My hand, poised to p Martha, froze in mid-air. In that moment, an overwhelming sense of shame crashed over me. I was still the same as before, just as Martha had said. I slowly lowered my hand, closing my eyes in anguish. SLAP! A sharp pain exploded across my left cheek, sending me staggering backward and falling to the ground. "Damn it, Martha!" Dad roared. I opened my eyes to see Dad gripping Martha''s arm tightly. She shed me an evil smile. I felt something running down my chin-probably blood. "The bitch deserved it," she spat at me. "Tomorrow, when we''re equals and I''m no longer a member of this pack, we-" I snarled furiously. "Ryder, get her out of here!" I heard Logan shout as my ws began to extend. "I order you to the cells!" Dadmanded Martha sternly. "Take her to the cells, Logan." Ryder tried to move me, but it wasn''t happening. That bitch had to pay. Eventually, Ryder hoisted me over his shoulder. Fortunately, I had a clear view of Martha being kicked and dragged screaming to the cells. Leonard was helping, and Ryder''s pack followed us toward the car. "Xena!" Ryder shouted harshly in my face. My attention shifted from Martha to him. "Baby, breathe. Rx your body." Ryder pressed me against the car. His hands rubbed up and down my arms. My heartbeat was still racing, but Ryder''s scent gradually calmed the frenzy inside me. His touch was like a spell, helping me regain a semnce of rationality. "I''m going to kill her," I whispered, my voice trembling with anger. "It''s okay." "You said you wouldn''t let her hit me." "I know. I''m sorry. I was too far away to stop it in time." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 79 Xena''s POV I felt my eyes return to normal, my body gradually rxing as the tension drained away. The wolf inside me retreated, leaving me feeling hollow but calm. "Hmm," I hummed softly, running my tongue over my split lip. "Ready to head home?" Ryder asked, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. "Yes." The single word was all I could manage right now. My ribs ached with every breath, a constant reminder of the fight with Helen and her friends. Ryder produced a tissue from somewhere and gently dabbed at my lips. His touch was surprisingly tender for someone who exuded such dangerous energy. "It''s fine. The cut isn''t deep, nothing to worry about," I said quietly, trying not to notice how his green eyes darkened with concern. "RYDER! Wait up!" Logan shouted. He and Leonard were running toward us, their faces etched with worry. "I''m sorry, X." Logan skidded to a stop in front of us, breathing hard. Ryder stepped back, allowing my twin to examine my face. I could feel the worry and guilt radiating from Logan through our bond. "Damn it!" Leonard roared, looking like he might punch something-or someone-at any moment. "I''m fine," I insisted, grabbing Leonard''s arm to calm him down. I could feel the tension in his muscles, his entire body coiled like a spring ready to snap. "That bitch Martha, and Samuel''s dad... the way he spoke to you was out of line. I''m going to-" "You''re not going to do anything!" I cut him off firmly. "That man just lost his son. He has every right to express his feelings. Samuel took a bullet for me. If venting helps him process his grief, I can take it." "de..." Leonard began, using my nickname. ¡°I let him speak to me that way because he''s in pain, and I''m a grown woman. My heart will heal. We need to stick together and move forward. Find a new normal. Who knows, any of you could find your mates tomorrow. You have the entire pack to think about. Put your pain aside and be the leaders they need you to be. Grieve at night, but right now, they need to see that you haven''t been broken. The pack needs to know you can protect them, provide for them, and still make sound judgments. You need to go back there with your heads held high. You''re the future of this pack. Ama and I are leaving. Even if Ryder weren''t my mate, I''d be packing my bags and nevering back. You can''t ask me to return. Everything you need is right here." I ced my hand over their hearts. As these words left my mouth, a strange emotion welled up inside me. I was never one to express my feelings easily, but in this moment, facing our imminent separation, I found myself unable to maintain my cold exterior. These boys had be an irreceable part of my life. Leaving them felt like tearing away a piece of my soul. Both of them looked up at the sky during my speech, trying to hide their emotions. "I hope whoever bes my mate has half your ability to be a Luna," Logan said, wrapping his arms around me in a hug that was both warm and secure. "Ah, Xena. So you do have a heart after all," Leonard joked, and I gave him a hug too. I could feel Ryder shifting impatiently behind me. "Don''t tell anyone," I tried to frown but ended up smiling instead. "I won''t be too far away. Close enough toe kick your ass if=" "I have no doubt you will," Leonard interrupted, giving me a grin. "Logan, I love you." The words surprised even me as they left my mouth. Expressing affection had never been my strong suit, but perhaps, facing the changes ahead, I''d finally learned to say the things that mattered. "Wow, X, you said it first without me having to force it out of you?" Heughed, hugging me again. "Don''t get used to it," I rolled my eyes without hiding the smile that tugged at my lips. "What about tomorrow?" Logan asked, his voice growing serious. "I''ll pick up my dress and take it to Ryder''s. We can get ready there and then together," I said, trying to sound practical. "Damn, so I won''t be there when you finally confirm it?" Logan frowned. "I''ll spend the entire day avoiding you just so you can''t witness that magical moment when we kiss tonight," I said sarcastically. "It is a magical moment..." Logan teased. "I hope whoever bes your mate will put you in your ce," I retorted. I could only shake my head, though my heart felt warm. Despite my reluctance to admit it, I would miss these daily jokes and moments of closeness. "I doubt it." Turning to Ryder, I said, "I''ll be right back. I''m going to get my dress." "Okay, need any help?" he offered. "I''ll go with her. I need to get my dress too," Ama chimed in. "I''ll apany you both. Even though she''s locked in a cell, safety first," William grumbled. Logan frowned but didn''t say anything. Ryder''s POV "How is she really?" I was annoyed that I had to ask this question. Damn bond needs to form already. "I don''t know how she''s holding it together," Logan said, his voice hollow. "Has she asked about the meeting?" I asked, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "No. She hasn''t asked, and I haven''t volunteered the information. She''ll probably ask this afternoon," Logan replied. "Do you want to be there when we tell her?" I asked. epting their strange connection was easier said than done. It wasn''t about jealousy, but about the fact that he could read her while I struggled. I wanted that ability too. "Up to you, man. If you feel like you need me there, I''ll be there; if not, I trust you can handle whatever reaction she has," he answered. I appreciated his response. "If things get out of control, I''ll call you." "Good, I''ll keep my phone handy. If I may suggest, I know it''s not the safest situation right now, but taking her somewhere quiet to look at the stars might be a good way to help her rx from all this and prepare for tomorrow. Or do whatever works." Was he really telling me how to calm her so I could fuck her when the bond snaps in? It was both impressive and slightly irritating. He didn''t know we''d already done it twice. The second time, she''d been noticeably more rxed. "Thanks, man. I''ll keep that in mind." Just as we shook hands, the girls emerged. They were both smiling, while William was shaking his head. William took their dresses and ced them in the trunk, then helped Ama and Xena into the car. Ama and William sat in the back seat. Xena took the passenger seat, her bodynguage telling me not to touch her. She leaned toward the window, her chin resting on her hand as she stared outside. Though I wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, I focused on driving instead. Rationally, I knew she still had reservations about us being mates, but emotionally, it stung. Maybe Logan was right. I should make tonight special. I picked up my phone and started making ns. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 80 Xena''s POV Sitting in Ryder''s car, I could feel myself leaving that world behind with each mile marker we passed. A new chapter was beginning, and the first order of business was getting out of this damn dress and into something that actually felt like me. The second I stepped through his front door, I made a beeline for his bedroom to change. I could sense him following me, his footsteps quiet but purposeful behind mine, but I was too focused on my mission to care. Though I did leave the door open for him. That was intentional. As I rummaged through my bag for the clothes I wanted, he brushed past me and started unbuttoning his shirt, his fingers working methodically down the row of buttons. Then came his pants. I tried not to look I really did - but my traitorous eyes couldn''t help stealing nces at the sculpted muscles of his back, the way they flexed and shifted beneath his skin as he moved. Shit. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid. I ducked into the bathroom, locking the door behind me with trembling fingers. When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me. Her lips were cracked, with healing cuts at the corners. Dark shadows hung beneath her eyes, and her skin looked dull, lifeless. I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the sink. Get it together, Xena. This isn''t you. You''re stronger than this. I stripped off the dress, relieved to be free of the fabric that felt like it belonged to someone else''s life, and pulled on a pair of shorts and a sports bra top. My muscles protested with every movement, still sore and healing, but I ignored the pain. Today was a working day, and I wasn''t about to let a few bruises stop me. And I sure as hell wasn''t going to let Ryder tell me I couldn''t. Time to face him. When I emerged from the bathroom, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, already changed into basketball shorts and a tank top that did nothing to hide the definition in his arms and chest. "What''s your n for today?" I asked, setting my bag down beside the door. 4:16 pm L Ryder leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, green eyes locked on mine. "Cleared my schedule. I''m all yours. Whatever you want to do." "I want to go clean up my shop," I stated, waiting for the argument I was sure would follow. "Alright, let''s go." I blinked, caught off guard by his easy agreement. "Really?" "Really." He nodded once, decisive. "Just like that?" My inner rm bells were ringing. This felt like a trap. "What were you expecting? That I''d lock you in here?" He stood up and walked toward me, each step deliberate, predatory. "Well, I thought you''d at least try," I admitted, suddenly very aware of how little space separated us. This isn''t like him. The Ryder I know would have a hundred reasons why I should stay put, or he''d simplymand it. This new version is... unpredictable. He leaned down until his lips brushed against my ear, his warm breath sending shivers racing down my spine. "When I do lock you in here, you won''t beining." His voice dropped an octave lower. "You''ll be moaning my name until sunrise." Just like that, my body betrayed me. Heat pooled between my thighs, my underwear suddenly damp. I watched him straighten up with that satisfied smirk on his face as he strode toward the door. Damn him. How does he do that? How can he make me want him with just a few words? It''s infuriating. And incredibly hot. "Coming?" he asked, one hand on the doorknob. "Not yet, but in more ways than one," I muttered as I brushed past him. His chest rumbled withughter, and hended a yful smack on my ass that made me jump. I tried to re at him, but that only seemed to amuse him more. We walked to his car in silence, and as we settled into our seats, curiosity got the better of me. "Why are you so chill about going to clean that ce up? I was preparing for a full-blown fight." Ryder started the engine before answering. "Because I know how much it means to you." He nced at me, then back at the road. "And I''ve already arranged for a dumpster to be delivered and a crew to help us clear things out. Plus, there are quite a few volunteers ready to help dismantle your big toys." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 81 "You arranged all that?" My jaw literally dropped. Ryder reached over, one finger gently pushing my chin up to close my mouth. "I''ll have those lips parted againter. But I can only take partial credit. Logan had to handle the rest." "What do you mean by ''dismantle''?" A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. "I''m sorry, but there''s not much left to salvage. You''re going to need aplete overhaul. Look at it as an opportunity to change theyout or anything else you''ve been wanting to modify." "Ryder, I don''t have that kind of money. My father won''t pay for it, and you can''t just-" "Wait until we get there. See how you feel." His tone was gentle, indulgent even, like he was enjoying keeping me in suspense. It was infuriating and endearing all at once. If it really needs aplete rebuild, that''s going to cost a fortune. I don''t want to owe anyone, especially not Ryder. If he pays to rebuild my shop, I''ll give him my travel savings. Travel isn''t that important anyway... shit. When we pulled up to the shop, the yellow caution tape had already been removed. People were streaming in and out, carrying debris to arge dumpster parked outside. "What the hell is happening?¡± I murmured, more to myself than to Ryder. So many people... what are they doing here? Why would all these peoplee to help? "Xena! Hey!" Penelope came running toward me, a light sheen of sweat on her upper lip. Her curls bounced with each step. "I''m so d you''re here. We have a surprise for you!" "We?" I looked back at Ryder, who was leaning against his car, watching as Penelope tugged me along. My heart was racing, a mix of anxiety and anticipation flooding my system. What were they up to? There were so many people inside, clearing ss, vacuuming, tearing out damaged drywall, and dismantling what was left of the bathroom. "These are..." "That''s right. Every single person here is someone you''ve hired before, or helped in some way. Here, take this." Penelope handed me a folded piece of paper. I opened it to find a bank ount statement. The bnce read $7,156. "What is this?" My fingers trembled slightly as I stared at the numbers. It was a substantial amount to me. "It''s your money. All those times you helped at the club and wouldn''t take tips, all the work you did for the school and never got paid for. They''ve been giving it to me to hold. We all knew about your situation, knew how much you wanted to travel. I thought this would be better used here." I looked at the money, then at all the people who hade to help, and found myself speechless. Each person who came over to greet me, to ask how I was doing, warmed something inside me that I hadn''t realized had grown cold. All these people remember me. Every person I helped, they remembered. I always thought I was alone, unappreciated, but now... they''re all here for me. The feeling of being loved, of being cared for, was almost suffocating. I nearly jumped out of my skin when Ryder ced his hand on the small of my back. "Go inside and look," he said softly, giving me a gentle push forward. Dust hung in the air, mixed with the sharp scent of sweat and determination. The damaged walls had been stripped down to the studs, the bathroom waspletely gutted, and the floor was being prepared for recement. "It should all be done in a few hours," Penelope beamed. "What do you think?" "...I don''t know what to say..." It all felt so surreal, like a dream. Yesterday I was worried my shop was destroyed forever, and now, all these people were helping rebuild it. Chapter "Say thank you," Ryder whispered close to my ear. My vision blurred for a moment, tears threatening to spill before I blinked them away. This was my new beginning, one I never dared to imagine. "Thank you all! Penelope! Noelle! Dorian! Jovie! Kade! Thank you, everyone!" I bowed deeply to each of them, my heart overflowing. "Where do you want me to help?" I turned to Penelope eagerly. "This way." Penelope led me back outside toward her car. "Take these home with you. These are samples for flooring, wall colors, cabs, everything. I need you to decide what you want so I can ce the orders. Do you want to change theyout at all?" Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 82 Xena''s POV "Yes, I''ve been thinking about it for a long time," I said, trying to mask the vulnerability in my voice. "That''s fantastic! Show me the designs as soon as you can. No rush though- whenever you finish is fine." Penelope pped her hands together, shing me that bright smile that could light up a room. I couldn''t help but feel a surge of warmth spread through my chest. "You''re literally the best person in the world, you know that?" "Anything for you. I owe you so much-this is nothing." The sincerity in Penelope''s eyes made something inside me soften, a rare urrence these days. "Are you sure you don''t need my help?" I asked, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. The words felt strange leaving my mouth. I wasn''t used to offering help-I was used to doing everything myself. "Nope, you just tell us the design you want," Penelope insisted. Ryder nodded, turning toward his car. His casual confidence both irritated and attracted me in equal measure. "Fine, call me if you need anything," I replied reluctantly. The idea of handing over control to someone else-of standing by while others worked-felt like wearing shoes on the wrong feet. Ufortable. Unnatural. "Will do." Penelope waved goodbye, and I walked toward Ryder''s car, each step feeling heavier than thest. Inside Ryder''s car, I stared absently out the window, watching the familiar buildings of my town blur together. I''d spent my entire life being the one who fixed things, who handled problems, who never relied on anyone. Now, suddenly being asked to step back felt like having the ground shift beneath my feet. "Xena, look at me." I dragged my gaze away from the window, reluctantly meeting his eyes. Those intense green eyes that seemed to see right through every wall I''d carefully constructed. My heartbeat quickened traitorously. ¡°Let them handle this. There''s nothing wrong with letting people take care of you sometimes." "It feels weird," I admitted, hating the vulnerability in my voice. "You''ll get used to it," he said, a note of displeasure coloring his tone. I crossed my arms defensively. "Why should I get used to it?" My voice came out deliberately difficult. This was familiar territory-pushing back, being stubborn. It felt safer than the alternative. "Because I said so," he replied simply. "You said so?" I looked at him, one eyebrow raised in challenge. "For this, yes." "We''ll see about that," I shot back, my tonecking any real threat, almost bordering on yful. Ryder looked like he wanted to say something but just shook his head instead. I shifted in my seat, desperate to change the subject. "Have you and Tatum Maddox discussed what happened with my shop?" Ryder''s body visibly tensed, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Nothing''s been done yet. Given that both your birthday celebration and school events will be public, we''re holding off on any major actions for now." I merely nodded, turning back to the window. I could feel his surprise at my reaction. The old me would have been raging, demanding immediate retaliation, insisting on eye-for- an-eye justice. "What I mean is, we''re nning payback. They have a garage in the next city over. We''re going to pay them a visit. That garage is their pack''s main source of ie-pretty massive operation. More like a car dealership, really." I turned to him in surprise. "Why didn''t I know they owned that ce?" My brow furrowed in confusion. "It''s not somewhere we usually go-it''s in another city and operates under a different name. We discovered it by ident years ago while working on something else. We''ve kept it as our ace in the hole, waiting for the right moment. Now with Tatum''s attack targeted directly at you, this retaliation might spark a war." "I don''t want to cause a war," I said quietly. "Toote, princess. This isn''t just about you anymore. It''s about his disrespect toward your father''s pack and mine." "How did he disrespect your pack?" I asked, confusion evident in my voice. "Because even though you won''t officially ept our mate bond until tomorrow, we''re still destined mates. That makes you the future Luna of my pack. We don''t tolerate disrespect toward our Luna." I felt a strange flutter in my chest at his words, but pushed it down. "It seems more like an intimidation tactic. He wants me, so he''s demonstrating his dominance. Like a ''see what happens'' kind of warning." "Good thing we don''t scare easily," Ryder''s tone hardened slightly. I turned to face him fully. "You need to understand that having me as a mate means I''ll question you when I don''t like what I hear. I won''t be ignored, and my voice will be heard." "Oh, I''ve known that since the moment I met you," he replied, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "When did you start thinking we were mates?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. "After I kissed you at the club." Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 83 Xena''s POV The gravel crunched beneath the tires as we pulled up to Ryder''s pack house. The massive stone and wood structure stood imposing against the afternoon sky, windows gleaming in the sunlight. Members of his pack moved around the property like they always did-some training in the yard, others carrying supplies or talking in small groups. A cluster of men, including Magnus, were standing near the entrance, stuffing their faces with donuts. Their eyes followed us as we got out of the car, Ryder carrying the samples I''d brought to show him. "Don''t want to break a nail, Ms. Harris?" Magnus called out with a sneer, his eyes raking over me with undisguised contempt. I met his gaze directly, feeling that familiar fire building in my chest. "I''m not the one who should worry about breaking nails. Last I remember, you son of a bitch were the one who couldn''t¡ª" "Magnus, go run someps," Ryder interrupted, his voice carrying the unmistakablemand of an Alpha. "Yes, Alpha," Magnus muttered, shooting me onest re before jogging away. We continued walking toward the main entrance, Ryder''s hand brushing against the small of my back in a way that sent unwee tingles up my spine. "Since you''re so good at motivating young people now..." Ryder sighed as we entered his office, a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest beyond. "Technically, I''m still young myself. Just connecting with my peers," I shrugged, dropping into one of the chairs in front of his desk. I crossed my legs, tapping my fingers against the armrest impatiently. Ryderughed softly, the sound doing strange things to my insides that I refused to acknowledge. "Let''s start with theyout," he said, pulling out a piece of draft paper. He drew a rectangle and marked the existingyout of the space. "What do you want to change?" I leaned forward, focusing on the task at hand rather than the way his scent-pine and something wilder-seemed to fill the room. "I want to add a private office behind the reception area. Keeping the bathroom in its current position would save money, but it needs to be slightly bigger. I need a separate room for imported goods, but it doesn''t have to be huge. The customization area needs to berger than before." Ryder''s green eyes studied me intently before shifting back to the paper. "What about adding another customization station so you can hire someone else to work? Expand your business?" I''d never considered that before. The idea rolled around in my mind, unexpectedly appealing. "I suppose so. The west wall would only need another bracket, and we could paint lines for a work area." Ryder''s phone kept buzzing with iing messages. He responded to some and ignored others. My curiosity burned, but it wasn''t my business. Still, I couldn''t help wondering who was so desperate to reach him. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Ryder pressed a button, and the door buzzed before swinging open. "Damn, that''s cool," I said, genuinely impressed by the setup. "Lunch, Alpha," a kitchen staff member entered, carrying trays of food. "Thank we''d be eating. you. Please set it on the coffee table." I stood and walked over to see what As the kitchen staff turned to leave, another figure stepped into the doorway. "Oh good, the bitch isn''t here. Now we can continue what we were doing earlier." Helen walked in wearing nothing but a trench coat, her voice sickeningly sweet. The kitchen staff''s eyes widened, gaze darting between me and Helen. I casually plucked a few blueberries from the lunch tray and popped them into my mouth, watching with morbid fascination as her little performance began to unfold. Ryder leaned back in his chair, an amused smirk ying on his lips. "What are you doing here?" I asked calmly, the ice in my voice barely concealing my disgust. "You told me toe to your office. But every morning you''re either not here or too busy, so I finally caught you." Shepletely ignored me, her voice taking on a whiny quality as she addressed Ryder. "Do you like what you see?" She opened her trench coat slightly, shing Ryder a glimpse of stockings andce. "I can''t see clearly. Turn around," I suddenlymanded, my voice sharp as a de. Helen jumped, her act faltering. She quickly closed her coat, ring at me with naked hatred. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her lip curling in disgust. ¡°Taking measurements, seeing where my desk will go when I be your Luna tomorrow." I let the lie hang in the air between us, enjoying the way her face contorted with rage. "Now, I want to see what you''re wearing." I released a burst of my aura, letting it envelop her. Ryder simply watched, saying nothing as I calmly ate another blueberry. Helen was forced to open her coat, revealing the lingerie she''d chosen specifically to please Ryder. Another fucking woman desperate to please a man. "Looks a bit big for you. Doesn''t seem to fill out the top," I remarked, popping another blueberry into my mouth. "Ryder liked it just finest time," she shot back, her voice trembling slightly. "Hmm, let''s see what others think." I moved toward her in a sh, grabbing a fistful of her hair. The burst of strength I released made it impossible for her to break free. I dragged her like one would drag a disobedient dog, straight through the pack house and out to the group of men standing near the entrance. I threw her forward, and she stumbled, falling to her knees. "What''s going on, Ms. Harris? Need any help?" they asked, eyeing Helen with confusion. "Indeed I do. She seems to think she looks good in this lingerie. Good enough to sh Alpha Ryder in his office. What do you think?" The crowd immediately erupted in whispers. "What a disgrace," one boy said. "I pity whoever might be mated to you," another added. "Nobody wants a slut for a mate." I felt Ryder''s arm slide around my waist, his heat seeping through my clothes as he pressed against my back. "Had enough, Helen?" he asked, his voice booming across the yard for everyone to hear. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW < SHARE Chapter 84 Xena''s POV "Yes, Alpha," Helen said, her head bowed low, voice trembling as she responded. "Put your clothes on and go clean the cells," Rydermanded, his voice cold and unforgiving as it echoed through the room. Helen ran past me with tears streaming down her face. The sight should have satisfied me, but something about her desperation just made me feel hollow instead. "Thank you, boys," I said, turning back toward the office with Ryder following close behind me. This time, he locked the office door. "Where were we?" I walked toward the desk, ready to continue working on the shop designs. Ryder grabbed my arm, pushing me against the wall, his body pressing roughly against mine. His lips crashed onto mine with an intensity that made me feel weak. I felt a faint spark race across my skin. Ryder pinned my hands above my head as he kissed me hungrily. His body trembled slightly against mine, and when he finally broke away from my lips, he whispered, "Good thing we have work to do today." "Why so hungry?" I teased, looking straight into his eyes. Deliberately, I bit the corner of my lower lip, then slowly licked my lips. Seeing his eyes fixed on my mouth, feeling the tremor that ran through his body, I smiled with satisfaction. "That''s damn sexy," he growled. "What is? Helen''s body? You got a pretty good look, didn''t you?" The words tumbled out before I realized how inappropriate they were. His gaze sharpened instantly, his fist mming into the wall beside my head. "Don''t ever say that again. You''re my girl. She''s just trash." I didn''t look away, watching the fire burning in his eyes. I ced my hand on his chest, my body leaning toward his. I leaned forward, whispering in his ear, "Yes, Alpha,¡± then gently licked his earlobe. "Damn it, woman!" Ryder pushed me away, ring at me. "I''m trying my hardest not to touch you, and you do this?" "So you can push me up against a wall and have your way with me, but I can''t do the same?" I challenged, hands firmly nted on my hips. Inwardly, I wasughing. "Exactly. Sit down, let''s continue." His voice was strained. Despite my efforts, I couldn''t hide my smile. "Don''t you want to eat something first?" I deliberately left the double entendre hanging. "Fine, we can have lunch." Ryder strode over to the couch and sat down. He arranged our food with more force than necessary. Not wanting to push him too far, I simply sat down and started eating. Soon, my thoughts drifted back to the project. This whole development felt like a dream. I''d thought about expanding my business but never actually took steps toward it! "What are you thinking about?" Ryder asked. He was studying me, and my attention snapped back to him. "Will you really let me continue my business after I be your Luna?" I asked. "Xena, being a Luna isn''t a death sentence. It''s a job, a lifestyle. Think of it as a career. You can still have your hobbies. And you mentioned you like being busy. Do you know how much power you''ll have here? If you want a teen art studio, you can make it happen. If you want a big library, you just need to say the word. The entire pack will look to you to enhance their way of life. All those projects you do for the school and kids, you can continue on arger scale. You can keep helping people." Well, when he put it like that, I couldn''t stop the corners of my mouth from turning up, but I just answered with a short, "Oh." "Is that why you''ve been resisting all this?" Ryder asked. "I''ve always dreamed of traveling. Seeing what the world is like outside. Anywhere would be better than my father''s pack, though. I just wanted to be able to make my own decisions." Saying these words, I felt a vulnerability I''d never allowed myself before. "Would you choose traveling over me?" His question was direct, his eyes intense. "No. Let me exin, and I hope you understand. I''ve never told anyone except Logan about this. I''ve shared bits and pieces, yes, but never everything." I set down my fork and looked Ryder in the eyes. "Growing up in that environment... I just wanted to escape. Staying wasn''t an option, for obvious reasons. As we grew up, everyone always said Samuel might be my most likely mate. I was told this from the time I was eleven. So being with him became natural. As we got older, my situation got worse... There was only so much Logan and Samuel could do. By the time I was fourteen, things became unbearable. My arm was broken. I could have graduated early, but that meant taking college courses online and spending more time with Martha. So, I chose to stay in high school. Every time Samuel or Logan failed to protect me, my dream of traveling grew. I started saving money and opened the shop. At some point, I began seriously questioning if I truly wanted to be Samuel''s mate. If I were with him, I would leave him to travel. No question. Being his mate meant staying and living with Martha." I paused, feeling a surge of emotion wash over me. This was the first time I''d ever expressed my fears and hopes so openly. "After meeting you, I realized I might have a life where I don''t need to stay there. It doesn''t mean my dream of traveling vanished, but being able to live somewhere I don''t have to constantly watch my back is what I''ve wanted. You offer that here. I think I could be happy here as long as I can still be myself, still continue my business, but I still want to travel and see the world." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 85 Xena''s POV "So I''m your safe choice," Ryder''s voice carried a wounded tone, his green eyes dimming with hurt. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, unable to meet his gaze directly. The intensity between us was suffocating in the close confines of his bedroom. Everything about this space screamed Ryder-the faint pine scent, the leather jacket tossed casually over a chair, sketches of motorcycle designs pinned to a corkboard. "Yes and no," I finally responded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, you make me feel safe. I''mfortable here, I like it here." I gestured vaguely around us before dropping my hand. "But you yourself aren''t a safe choice. You mean vulnerability. You have the capacity to hurt me-emotionally, mentally, even physically. I''m afraid of being your mate because then you''d feel all my insecurities, my weaknesses, my fears. You''re an unknown variable to me, and my brain is screaming at me to run, but my heart wants to stay. Giving you that power and trusting you not to abuse it... it''s terrifying." My chest constricted painfully with each confession. The walls I''d built over years were crumbling, and I felt exposed in a way I never had before, not even with Samuel. The thought of Samuel sent a fresh wave of pain through me. So much loss, so much heartache. "You''re afraid of being loved," Ryder said softly. His words cut through me like a de, finding the most tender part of my heart with terrifying uracy. Yes, I was afraid of being loved, because love meant the possibility of loss. I knew it was irrational, but the fear was embedded in my marrow, impossible to shake off easily. "Sometimes, love isn''t enough," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. I hated how vulnerable I sounded. "Dad loves me, but it''s not enough. Logan loves me, but it''s not enough. Samuel loved me, and now he''s dead." The words caught in my throat. "What if one day you love me too, and then you die because of it? I''m not worth that sacrifice." Ryder remained silent for a long minute, his green eyes never leaving my face. Then he stood up, moving with that predatory grace that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. Before I could react, he''d scooped me up and sat me on hisp, trapping my feet with his calves so I couldn''t escape. My first instinct was to struggle, to break free from this cage of warm flesh, but something in his steady heartbeat against my back made me gradually rx. "You are absolutely worth being loved," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I wish you could see how beautiful your heart is. I know I can''t convince you of anything right now, but after tomorrow, I''ll spend the rest of my life making you understand how loved you are." Ryder cupped my face in his hands and ced the gentlest kiss on my lips, then pulled me into a tight embrace. I fit perfectly against his chest, melting into his arms with an ease that frightened me. The feeling was so foreign-being cherished, protected, not for my value or capabilities but simply because I was me. My heart trembled, wanting to believe him yet afraid to trust him. "Should we continue with the designs?" he asked after a while. ¡°Sure,¡± I agreed, though I didn''t really want to move. When he released my feet, I stood up reluctantly. Ryder brought over the books andid them on the coffee table so we could browse while finishing our food. "What kind of flooring do you want?" he asked. I considered what I truly wanted my space to look like, envisioning my perfect motorcycle shop now that I had the chance to rebuild it after everything that had happened. "Hmm, I want light olive or sage green walls. The flooring shouldn''t be too dark, but maybe more gray than brown?" "Like this?" Ryder pulled out a sample that was close to what I had in mind. I studied the sample carefully, thinking about practical considerations. "Too bright. I don''t want something that will show dust or scratches easily." 4:17 pm "What about this?" He produced another sample that was very gray with hints of brown. It had built-in subtle texturing that would hide any scrapes. "I like this one. How much per square foot?" I asked, my business sense kicking in automatically. "Don''t worry about the price. Everything here is within your budget. Even if you picked the most expensive options, it would all be covered. Penelope is truly talented-no wonder she''s your assistant." "I have a gift for selecting the right people," I said with a slight smile. We continued discussing the designs for the bathroom and customization area when there was a knock on the door. "Xena?" It was Ama''s voice. I walked over to open the door. "How''s it going?" Ama asked, her blonde curls bouncing as she practically skipped into the room. "Just finished designing my shop!" I said with a genuine smile. "That''s great! Let''s go sunbathe by the pool," she suggested excitedly. "Perfect. You girls go ahead. I''ll send this to Penelope. William and I have some work to handle, and then we''ll join you for dinner," Ryder said. "Do you have Penelope''s contact information?" I asked Ryder, suddenly realizing I hadn''t given it to him. "I gave it to him," Ama quickly interjected. Something in their expressions made me immediately suspicious. "Want to tell me what you''re hiding?" I asked, crossing my arms. "Don''t be like that! I want to go swimming!" Ama actually stomped her foot like a child. "Calm down. I didn''t bring a swimsuit," I pointed out. "I brought one for you!" She held up a bag triumphantly. I eyed her suspiciously. She rolled her eyes and grabbed my arm. "Come on!" "Have fun!" William called after us. "Help me!" I pretended to be kidnapped, but Ryder just smirked. "Come on! It''ll be fun!" Ama insisted. We went to her bedroom to change. "This is yours..." She tossed me what looked like an extremely revealing swimsuit. Once I put it on, I realized my concerns were justified- while it supported my chest well, it left my cleavagepletely exposed. My backside was barely covered too, though I supposed that was the style these days. Ama wore a basic string bikini, hers in neon yellow while mine was ck. "William approved of you wearing this?" I asked, not particrly bothered by the revealing nature of the suit myself, but feeling a little ufortable in this specific context. "Uh, no, but I get what I want eventually," she said with a grin. "Nice. Got towels?" I asked, ready to move on. "Right here! Let''s go!" She handed me an oversized t-shirt as a cover-up along with some flip-flops, then headed out. "Where''s the pool?" "Just down the road. It''s amunity pool." "Terrific," I said sarcastically as we climbed into a golf cart. Ama drove like a maniac, making me hold onto the seat for dear life. "I''m driving on the way back," I muttered as I nearly fell out of the cart when we stopped. "Don''t be so dramatic!" Ama rolled her eyes and sighed. "If you keep this up, William won''t let me drive anymore." Chapter 86 Xena''s POV The public pool at Ryder''s pack territory wasn''t anything special, but at least it was free. An elderly caretaker sat at the entrance, barely ncing up as we walked in. We stored our belongings in the lockers before heading toward the water. The pool wasn''t particrlyrge, but fortunately, it wasn''t crowded today. A group of girls clustered in one corner, sshing andughing among themselves. At the edge of the pool sat a dark-skinned boy with a makeshift folding table in front of him. The table disyed neat rows of homemade lemonade and simple handcrafted bracelets. He wore a faded T-shirt and jean shorts that were slightly too small, with worn- out sneakers on his feet. I was curious why they allowed him to set up a stand by the pool. Before I could ask, Ama''s voice answered my unspoken question. "Two years ago, his father was killed in a Rogue attack. His mother died many years before that, so now he''s in the pack''s foster care system." Something about his story resonated with me-perhaps the early loss of his mother, mirroring my own experience. I couldn''t help but whisper, "Poor kid. Maybe I could give him a job." "Nn''s really good at drawing. You should see his work," Ama suggested. "I''ll consider it," I replied, my eyes still on the boy. Ama and I slid into the pool, and I noticed several girls ncing our way, but none approached. A small pang of disappointment hit me. In my father''s pack, people always came to greet me. Were they afraid? Nervous? Or did the Luna here forbid them from interacting with strangers? I would never be that kind of Luna. "Why don''t we buy some lemonade?" I suggested after swimming for a while. "I get what you''re doing," Ama winked, climbing out of the pool and walking toward Nn''s stand. A momentter, she returned with two cups of lemonade, a smile brightening her face. ¡°Look!¡± She set the drinks on the poolside table and held up her right wrist to show me a shell bracelet. "Good job," I gave her a thumbs up, climbing out to join her on the lounge chairs. I took a sip of the lemonade, letting the tart sweetness wash over my tongue. "Ama... do you think... Ryder might be my mate?" The question left my lips before I could stop it. Ama saw through my worry immediately. She turned to face me, her eyes locking with mine. "Girl, look at me." I met her gaze, watching as her usually yful expression transformed into something determined and serious. "This isn''t like you. You''re never this indecisive. You''ve always been brave and confident. Trust your instincts and what you feel." I didn''t answer, just gave a slight nod. "Let''s make a bet. Loser gives fifty bucks," she proposed. "Ama... this is pointless..." I murmured. "Fifty dors!" she insisted. Knowing how stubborn Ama could be, I let out a resignedugh. "Fine." Ama shed me a satisfied smile, then nced at her phone. "Oh, shit, we need to go!" "Aren''t the guysing here?" I asked. "No, we''re going to meet them... sort of." "Sort of?" I raised an eyebrow, confusion evident in my voice. "We need to shower and change first. They''ve arranged a date for us." "Ah, so this was all to get me out of the house so they could prepare," I realized, suddenly feeling surrounded by a carefully nned surprise that made me both nervous and excited. "Don''t act so shocked. You figured it out ages ago." "True," I admitted. Weughed as we got into the car. "Drive slowly," I warned Ama. "Yeah, yeah," she rolled her eyes but did drive more carefully and steadily. Soon we spotted the pack house, with William standing at the entrance waiting for us. Chapter Comments Chapter 87 "Ready, X?" Ama suddenly eximed, her excitement palpable. "What?!" 0 Ama executed a drift, stopping perfectly in front of William. The car suddenly elerated, and I had to grip the handle tightly. "Ama, slow down!" "Trust me, X!" Amapletely ignored my warning, fully immersed in her stunt. The car continued gaining speed, William''s face bing clearer, panic and confusion spreading across his features. Just as he started to dodge left and right, Ama quickly turned the steering wheel. The car tilted nearly 30 degrees toplete a clean drift, stopping perfectly in front of William. William and I both let out long sighs of relief. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Amaughed heartily as she got out, tossing her backpack to William. "How was her driving?" William asked me with a pained smile. "My lunch is still safely in my stomach!" I joked. Curious about what Ryder had prepared, I quickly got out of the car and ran into the house without even saying goodbye to Ama. "Traitor!" she called after me. I blew her a kiss before disappearing through the door. I ran all the way to the bedroom, where I found Ryder just putting on his shirt. "Hey!" I said, closing the door behind me. "Why the rush?" he asked. "Trying to escape Ama. I ratted her out to William. Her driving is terrible!" Iughed as I walked toward my luggage bag. But it was empty. "Where are my clothes?" I asked, confused. "In the closet, where they belong," Ryder shrugged as if it wasn''t a big deal. 4:18 pm f I stood up and walked to the closet, discovering all my clothes had been arranged inside his wardrobe. "What''s going on?" I said softly, a sudden, rush ofplicated emotions swelling within 1. me. "Logan did it. He had people move all your stuff over so you wouldn''t have to keep going back there. I had a maid organize everything." "Oh." It was all I could manage, not knowing what else to say. "You don''t like it?" Ryder asked, concern flickering in his eyes. "...No, I mean, yes, it''s just, this might be..." I stammered, unable to formplete sentences. "Yes, thank you." "This overwhelms you," Ryder concluded. "Yes." "You must not be confident about us being mates, but I am." Ryder''s disappointment was evident as he turned and walked out of the bedroom. My heart sank, regret filling my chest. I felt terrible. I''d genuinely hurt him, though that wasn''t my intention. Everything was moving so quickly, and I needed time to adjust, but I never meant to reject or hurt him. I grabbed my clothes and went to the bathroom to shower. The hot water scalded my skin red. My thoughts were a jumble. Ryder was my destined mate-deep down I acknowledged this, could feel the connection. But epting a whole new life, a new identity, none of it was easy. I feared losing myself, being swallowed by this new world. Simultaneously, I craved the love, the sense of belonging. What did I want? Even I couldn''t articte it clearly. After my shower, I quickly dressed. I chose a pretty dress and took time with my hair and makeup. Nothing too fancy, but I wanted to look nice for Ryder. It was my way of apologizing, of showing I cared. Slipping on sandals, I went to find him. He wasn''t in the office or the hall. I went to Ama and William''s room and knocked. "Looking good!" Amaplimented when she opened the door. "Is Ryder here?" I asked. "No, isn''t he with you?" Ama''s face showed concern. "No. Can you locate him through the mind link?" "Of course. What happened?" William asked. "He moved all my clothes into his closet." "Ah, yeah, that probably didn''t go well," Ama frowned at me. "What? Why?" William looked confused. Chapter Comments LIKE ¡ø POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 88 Xena''s POV "He''s at the swing set in the west corner of the yground," William said, looking at me with concerned eyes. "Thanks," I replied, giving Ama and William a small wave before walking out of the room and heading toward the yground. The wind had picked up outside, whipping my hair around my face as I spotted Ryder sitting alone on a swing, staring off into the distance. His broad shoulders were hunched slightly, his light blonde hair ruffled by the breeze. My heart clenched at the sight of him. "Ryder..." I called softly. He stopped swinging, only turning his head slightly to nce at me, his expression unreadable. Those green eyes that usually looked at me with such intensity now seemed distant, guarded. "I''m sorry," I said, walking up to stand in front of him. I reached out, cupping his face between my hands. "You did something really sweet for me, and I didn''t respond the right way. I truly appreciate everything you''ve done." Ryder remained motionless, saying nothing. The silence built between us like a wall, thick and imprable. My heart raced in my chest, each beat painful against my ribs. "Ryder, please?" I whispered, my voice catching. The fear of his rejection cut deeper than any physical wound ever could. I felt like I couldn''t breathe, each second of waiting draining what little courage I had left. "I really am sorry." He sighed, finally standing up from the swing. Fear washed over me like a tidal wave, my heart gripped tight in an invisible fist. Once again, I''d messed up a rtionship. Once again, I''d disappointed someone who cared about me. I rose on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before turning to leave, my chest aching with each breath. A strong gust of wind swept through the yground, blowing my hair across my face and hiding the tears that had started rolling down my cheeks. Just then, Ama and William came running over. "X?" Ama asked, her voice filled with concern. "You guys have fun. I''m going for a walk," I said, heading down the steps, desperate to escape the suffocating scene. "What the hell, Ryder?" I could still hear William''s angry question behind me. "Ryder, are you serious right now? She''s given you more than she''s given anyone, and you''re letting tonight go to waste over this?" Ama''s usatory voice carried on the wind. I deserved this. Opening up was so damn hard for me, and now I was destroying every good thing in my life. I just kept walking as the sun began to set. Most people were inside having dinner, so I was alone. A small park seemed to beckon me. I sat down on a bench, letting the warm breeze gently push against me. I''d been nning to move out tomorrow anyway, just not like this. Footsteps slowly approached, and when I looked up to see Ama instead of Rydering to find me, my heart sank even further. In that moment, the spark of hope died, reced by a profound sense of loss. "Hey, girl," she said softly. "I really messed up this time," I gave her a sad smile as she sat down and reached for my hand. ¡°I know it''s hard for you, but he''s been trying.¡± "I know. I''m trying too. My voice was barely audible as I struggled to make her understand I wasn''t unwilling to change, just unsure how to break years of habit. "No one knows that better than me." "He wouldn''t hear my apology," I sighed, the weight of disappointment heavy on my chest. "He heard it, he''s just not ready to make up yet." "On the bright side, this birthday won''t be worse than the others," I said with a bitter cold stare and harsh criticism. "Give him some time. He''lle around." "Before or after tomorrow?" I looked at her, the uncertainty evident in my eyes. I was afraid of losing him, more afraid than I wanted to admit. "I think before," Ama smiled, then looked over my shoulder. I followed her gaze to see Ryder walking toward us. Ama stood up and gave me a hug. "Thank you," I whispered. "Let him in. He loves you," her words lingered in my ear as she smiled and walked away. Ryder sat down on the other end of the bench, the distance between us feeling like a river. He didn''t speak. I felt like a damn child waiting for my father to start yelling at me. "If you want to hear me say sorry again, I will," I finally broke the silence, my voice small but steady. "Come here," Ryder nudged my arm with his fingertips. I stood up nervously and walked over to him. Ryder spread his legs, making room for me to sit on hisp. I wrapped my arms around his neck, resting my head against his shoulder, findingfort in his warmth and scent. "I''m sorry," I whispered again, feeling the walls inside me starting to crack. "What are you afraid of?" he asked, his voice rumbling through his chest. "You have a lot of power over me," I admitted, the first time I''d been so blunt about my fears. "Hmm." "You''ve only shown me kindness, just shown how much you care about me. I know I haven''t given you everything you want, but I have let you in. It might not seem like much to you, but you''re breaking down my defenses. You have this power over me. You''re constantly in my head. My body craves you. If I''m not giving enough, I''m sorry." "Don''t say that. The issue isn''t that you''re not giving enough. The issue is that youck faith in us being mates." "That''s not true. In fact, I''ve bet on us," I replied, shifting slightly to look at him. "What?" His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "This afternoon, I made a bet with Ama. If we turn out to be mates, she owes me fifty bucks." "Really?" A hint of a smile yed at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah." "Betting vites pack rules," he said, his voice taking on a mock-serious tone. "Are you going to punish me?" I asked yfully, feeling some of the tension dissolve between us. "Get up," Ryder joked, pushing me away gently, but he stood and grabbed my hand. "Where are we going?" Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 89 Xena''s POV "I''m not telling," Ryder said with that mysterious half-smile that made my stomach flutter. "Fine," I replied softly, trying to sound indifferent despite the curiosity burning inside me. We walked side by side in silence, our shoulders asionally brushing. I had no idea what was going through Ryder''s mind-his expression was always so difficult to read-but I could feel the tension crackling in the air between us. The golf cart that had brought us here was parked in front of the pack house. We climbed in, and Ryder drove us past several houses toward the outskirts. My heart raced with each passing second, unsure of where we were heading but unable to deny the thrill of being alone with him. As we crested a small hill, a cluster of lights appeared ahead. Fireflies danced in the darkness, seemingly guiding our path. When the cart finally stopped, I saw a nket spread on the ground, adorned with pillows and a tray of food. "This looks nice," I said, genuinely surprised by the effort he''d put into this. "Just be yourself," he said quietly, his green eyes reflecting the moonlight. "You got angry when I was being myself earlier tonight," I mumbled as I climbed out of the cart. Ryder paused for a moment, then walked over and ced a gentle kiss on my forehead. My heart jolted like it had been struck by lightning, and the dark cloud that had been hanging over my head dissipated. He pulled me toward the nkets. "Hope you like cold pasta." "I''m sure it''ll be fine. Thanks for do this." We sat down, and Ryder served us each a te. The chicken alfredo wasn''t the best I''d ever had, but I wasn''t about toin. Truthfully, even the most unappetizing food would have tasted like a gourmet meal shared with him in this moment. "I couldn''t take you on a tropical getaway for your birthday, or to the mountains. This was the best I coulde up with," he said, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "It''s perfect," I said sincerely, "I don''t need anything fancy or expensive. I just need something thates from the heart. This is really perfect." I felt my voice quiver slightly and hoped he didn''t notice the tears glistening in my eyes. The atmosphere was still a bit awkward, but it was slowly improving. We each only ate half our food before setting our tes aside. ¡°Where did William and Amara go?" I asked as wey down. Ryder positioned his arm beneath my head, letting me rest against his chest. Though the temperature was warm enough not to need a nket, I grabbed one anyway and draped it over my legs. His heartbeat was steady against my ear, making me feel safer than I ever had before. "He arranged a date for himself and Amara. She thought it was going to be a double date, So..." "Well, I wouldn''t want to ruin their evening anyway," I said softly, thinking to myself: But I''m d to have you all to myself. Ryder ced his fingers under my chin, lifting my face to his. "I''m sorry too." I gave him a gentle kiss before settling back against his chest. I could feel his warmth through the thin fabric of his shirt, heating my entire body. In this moment, our earlier arguments and misunderstandings seemed insignificant. "When do we have to go back?" I asked, not wanting this perfect moment to end. "We don''t have to go back," Ryder said. He gazed up at the stars. "That''s the Big Dipper." "It''s a full moon tonight," I replied,pletely rxed now. I sneaked a nce at his phone. The time showed 11:24 pm. Thirty-six minutes until my birthday, I thought, but didn''t say it aloud. "Will you wear that red dress tomorrow?" he suddenly asked. "Yes, I will." "Good." Ryder turned so that I was lying beneath him, his body covering mine. His hand caressed my cheek, his eyes speaking volumes though his lips remained silent. Instead, he ced a soft kiss on my lips. Gradually, the kiss deepened, and I could feel his cock pressing against me. My heart was pounding so fast I thought it might burst through my chest, an instinctual attraction making it impossible to resist him. "If you don''t want this, we can stop now," Ryder said, breaking the kiss to look directly into my eyes. "Touch me," I practically begged. He crashed his lips against mine. His hands pushed my dress upward, quickly removing it from my body. Ryder stared at me, my matching whitece bra and panties eliciting a deep growl from his chest before his mouth captured my nipple. "Oh!" I moaned as he yed with the other one. God, I wanted this so badly. I grabbed his shirt, making sure to remove it as he continued sucking on my breast. I needed to feel his skin against mine. Ryder''s hungry movements slowed as he moved back up. "Damn, I want you so badly," he whispered in my ear. "Then have me," I whispered back. "Once the bond isplete, I''ll possess you entirely," he promised, his hand covering my most intimate ce. "Open your legs for me." As if my body had a will of its own, my legs parted. He moved my panties aside and slipped a finger inside. His thumb yed with my most sensitive spot, making me writhe involuntarily. "Oh, Ryder!" I moaned, my nails digging deep into the nket. In this moment, I waspletely his, and he waspletely mine. Chapter Comments 30 LIKE Chapter 90 Xena''s POV "Babe?" Ryder''s voice was a low, velvet growl in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I barely had time to catch my breath before his lips found my most sensitive spot, igniting a fire that spread through me like wildfire. His touch was deliberate, teasing, as he slid my panties down with a mix of urgency and restraint. The cool night air brushed against my skin, but it was his tongue, warm and skilled, that sent electric shocks through my core. Each flick, each gentle suck, was a spark that built into an inferno. "Ryder!" I cried out, my voice echoing into the night as my body arched under his touch. The pleasure was overwhelming, a tidal wave that crashed over me without mercy. His fingers joined the assault, curling inside me, and his tongue never faltered, drawing out every ounce of sensation. My body clenched around him, shuddering as the first orgasm hit me like a storm. But he didn''t stop. Another wave built almost instantly, and I was helpless against it, my cries of "Oh! Oh!" mingling with the rustle of leaves in the breeze. My limbs trembled, my entire being surrendered to his control. Ryder moved up my body, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that tasted of me, of us. The intimacy of it sent a new kind of heat through me, a need to give him as much as he''d given me. With a surge of boldness, I pushed him onto his back, straddling his hips. The moonlight carved his muscles into sharp relief, each line of his chest and abs a work of art I''d been dying to explore. My fingers traced the hard nes of his body, memorizing every dip and curve. I''d fantasized about this moment, and now it was real. My lips started at his neck, savoring the salt of his skin. When I found that spot just behind his ear, his body tensed beneath me, a low groan rumbling in his chest. His fingers dug into my hips, not hard enough to hurt but enough to send a thrill through me. My long hair fell across my face, obscuring my view, but Ryder gathered it in his hand, wrapping it around his fist with a gentle tug that made my pulse race. I moved lower, my lips brushing over his chest, his abs, until I reached the waistband of his shorts. His hips bucked, a silent plea, and the bulge beneath the fabric was impossible to ignore. With a slow, deliberate motion, I tugged his shorts down, freeing him. The sight of his nine-inch length made my breath catch, a mix of nerves and desire swirling in my chest. But I wanted this-wanted him. Locking eyes with him, I let my tongue glide from the base to the tip, slow and teasing. His eyes rolled back, his body shuddering as a deep, primal groan escaped him. The sound was pure wolf, raw and untamed, and it spurred me 1. on. I took him into my mouth, inch by inch, myck of a gag reflex allowing me to take all of him. The weight of him, the heat, was intoxicating. "Holy hell!" Ryder growled, his hands guiding my head in a rhythm that matched his ragged breaths. I remembered a scene from a movie I''d watched, where a woman had driven her partner wild by touching him elsewhere. Curious, I cupped his balls, massaging them gently. The effect was immediate-his body went rigid, his groans turning desperate I quickened my pace, feeling him tense beneath me, and then he was unraveling, his release hot and sudden in my throat. I didn''t stop, not until his grip on my hair loosened and his body went ck, spent. Sitting up, I let my hair fall to one side, messy and. wild. With a slow, deliberate motion, I wiped my lips with a finger, then brought it to, my mouth, licking it clean while holding his gaze. Ryder''s jaw dropped, his eyes dark with awe and hunger. Emboldened, I reached behind me and unhooked my bra, letting it fall to the nket. I bit my lip, a coy gesture that felt both vulnerable and powerful. His gaze raked over me, and I could see his desire reigniting, his body already responding. I crawled toward him, and his lips crashed against mine, hungry and fierce. "You''re gonna kill me, woman," he muttered, his voice rough with need. In one swift motion, he flipped me onto my side, then onto my stomach, the nket soft beneath me. His lips found the back of my neck, trailing kisses down my spine that sent sparks exploding across my skin. My body arched instinctively, my hips pressing against him, drawing a deeper growl from his throat. His fingers, tipped with the faintest hint of ws, grazed my sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake. When his teeth nipped yfully at my waist, I gasped, the sensation both ticklish and electric. His hands gripped my hips, firm and possessive, and the mate bond between us red, overwhelming my senses. "Ryder!" I gasped, my voice trembling as I nced at my phone. The screen glowed with the time: 12:04 a.m. My birthday. The sparks of our bond, the intensity of his touch, confirmed what I''d always suspected-he was my mate, my forever. "Turn over," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. I rolled onto my back, my eyes squeezed shut, my heart pounding like a drum. He settled over me, his weightforting as my legs wrapped around his waist. My hands were pinned above my head, his grip gentle but unyielding. "Open your eyes, beautiful." "You sure?" My voice shook, a mix of anticipation and fear. "Absolutely," he said, his tone steady and sure. I opened my eyes, and the moment our gazes locked, the mate bond snapped into ce, a golden thread tying our souls together. The air left my lungs, and then he was inside me, filling mepletely. The initial pain was sharp, making me tense, but he paused, giving me time to adjust. My fingers dug into his shoulders, anchoring me to him. "I''m sorry," he murmured, kissing away the tear that slipped down my cheek. His tenderness broke something open inside me, and I clung to him, overwhelmed by the depth of our connection. ¡°Just rx. It''ll feel good soon,¡± he promised, his voice a soothing balm. The pain began to fade as he moved, slow and careful, pulling out and easing back in. "God, you''re so tight," he groaned, his restraint evident in the tension of his jaw. He was holding back, making sure I was okay. Chapter Comments ? LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 91 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "Y-Yes... yes..." My voice quivered, words stumbling over themselves as the sharp edge of pain melted into a rush of pleasure. Each sensation was a wave, pulling me deeper into Ryder''s orbit. I could el his awareness of my body''s shift, the moment I rxed beneath him. He quickened his pace, but there was still a careful restraint in his movements, like he was holding back a storm just for me. "I can''t hold on much longer," Ryder rasped, his voice strained with the effort of control. His rhythm intensified, each thrust steady but faster, coaxing my body to meet him. The moonlight bathed us, sting shadows across the pic nket spread beneath us, the night alive with the hum of our connection. "Oh!" A moan escaped me as that familiar pressure began to build again, coiling tight in my core. Ryder''s lips found my neck, trailing fire across my skin until they lingered on my corbone, that sensitive spot that made my entire body shudder. "Ryder!" His name was a plea, a confession of how desperately I needed him, howpletely he consumed me. "Just a little longer," he murmured, his breath hot against my skin. My legs tightened around his waist, anchoring me to him. In one fluid motion, he lifted me, repositioning us so I was straddling hisp. My hips moved instinctively, rocking against him with a force that outpaced his own thrusts. His hands gripped my hips, firm and guiding, syncing our rhythms until we were one. A primal urge surged within me, raw and undeniable-the need to mark him, to im him as mine. My fangs descended, a flicker of hesitation in my eyes as I wrestled with the weight of what it meant. Ryder saw it, his gaze steady and warm, filled with unspoken encouragement. "Do it," he said softly, his voice a lifeline. I met his eyes, and he gently pulled me closer, his strength a quiet support. My lips brushed the curve of his neck, and his body trembled beneath me. Then, with a breath, I sank my fangs into his skin, piercing deep until I felt bone. A guttural growl rumbled from his chest, his arms wrapping around me in a fierce embrace. His breathing was ragged, but he kept us moving, our bodies still locked in their dance. Slowly, I retracted my fangs, my tongue gliding over the wound, tasting the metallic tang of his blood mingled with his scent. It sent my heart racing, the intimacy of the act binding us closer. Ryder pulled my head back, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that was all fire and passion. It was as if our souls touched, the mate bond thrumming between us. "I''m about to lose it," he warned, his voice thick with need. "Take me hard," I whispered against his ear, my words barely a breath but heavy with intent. Ryder paused, his eyes searching mine for any trace of pain or doubt. Finding none, heid me back on the nket and unleashed himself. The sound of skin against skin echoed through the quiet valley, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge. ¡°Ryder!¡± I moaned, my body trembling under the intensity, my breasts bouncing with his relentless rhythm. He was merciless, and I wanted every second of it. His fangs gleamed in the moonlight, sharp and wild, as he brushed my hair aside to expose my neck. My nerves sparked, my pulse thundering in my ears. He leaned closer, his body pressed against mine, his voiceced with concern. "Xena..." The way he said my name, full of care, made my heart ache. "Do it! Please!" I begged, the pressure inside me teetering on the brink, desperate for release. "Look at me,¡± he said, his voice low and almost pained. I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze as it flickered between my face and my neck, torn between desire and fear of hurting me. "I love you," he whispered, and then his fangs sank into my neck, piercing deep. My scream shattered the night, scattering birds from the trees as our climaxes collided, a torrent of ecstasy that consumed us both. A deep growl vibrated through Ryder''s chest, the final piece of our mate bond locking into ce, sealing us as one. He released my neck, his tongue gently cleaning the wound with a tenderness that made my chest tighten. My body felt weightless, drained, as darkness crept into the edges of my vision, "Don''t fight it. Sleep, love. I''ll be here when you wake. I love you," he murmured, his voice a soft anchor in the haze. "Love you..." I managed, my words fading as the world slipped away. The first thing I heard was the cheerful chirping of birds, their songs weaving through the morning air. Then came the sparks, a tingling warmth that danced cross my skin,forting and electric It was the mate bond, alive and humming, wrapping me in its embrace. "You awake?" Ryder''s voice was a gentle whisper, like the rest light of dawn. "Nope," I mumbled, rolling over to bury my face in his chest. Ifis warmth, his scent, was home. I wanted to stay here forever, Cocooned in this moment. "Happy birthday," he said, his hand stroking my back in slow, soothing circles, like he was calming a skittish wolf. "Thanks," I replied, my voice thick with sleep, a smile tugging at my lips. "We should head back. There''s a birthday breakfast waiting for you," he said, his fingers still tracingzy patterns on my skin. I peeked through myshes, catching the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the trees. "It''s too early for breakfast," I grumbled, not ready to leave the safety of his arms. "Your dad and brother areing. You want them smelling... us?" His teasing tone snapped me awake, a flush creeping up my neck. I bolted upright, scanning the nket for my clothes. "Where''s my stuff?" "Right here." Ryder handed me a neat pile of folded garments, his eyes glinting with amusement. I hesitated, suddenly self-conscious about dressing in front of him in the daylight. But this was my mate, the man I''d bared my soul to. Swallowing my nerves, I slipped on my bra, then my panties, and finally my dress, trying to act like it was no big deal. "We should take this stuff back," I said, gesturing to the scattered pic remnants and the nket beneath us. "Nah. When you girls start getting ready for tonight, William and I wille clean up," he said, his tone casual, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "That feels wrong," I said, frowning. Leaving a mess for someone else didn''t sit right with me. "I did the same for him and Amara," Ryder said with a grin. Chapter Comments Chapter 92 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "Did William do all of this for Ama too?" I asked, gesturing at the beautiful starlit pic setup as we gathered our things from the nket. ¡°No, he did his own thing. I just helped clean up the site. If anyone helped me n this, it was Logan, Ryder admitted, folding the nket with practiced efficiency. "Oh... that''s unexpected,'' I murmured, surprised that my brother had a hand in creating this perfect moment. Ryder packed away everything we needed, and we climbed back into the golf cart for the drive back to the pack house. His eyes lingered on me as he started the engine. "Your hair looks beautiful right now," he said, his voice low and appreciative. "That''s entirely your fault. Who told you to wrap your fingers in it?ined, though I still tried to smooth it down. I knew I probably looked like a madwoman who''d just crawled out of bed afterst night''s passion. "Ah, yes, but it was absolutely worth it." The wolfish grin spreading across his face sent tingles down my spine. "Was it really?" I asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of insecurity. "Why are you anxious aboutst night?" Ryder asked immediately. My jaw dropped in surprise. I''d forgotten he could feel my emotions now, just as I could feel his. A wave of amusement washed over me, but I realized it wasn''t my emotion-it was Ryder''s. This bond was both intimate and unnerving-every feeling I had was now "That was my first time," I admitted, crossing my arms and turning my head away from him. Ryder reached out and pulled me closer to him. His hand rested on my inner thigh, warm and possessive. I wrapped my arm around his, resting my head against his shoulder. "We have brunch, then Ama has arranged some activities for you girls, and then the ball. We need to be there around 5:30," Ryder exined, outlining the day''s schedule. Disappointed that he hadn''t acknowledged my confession, I decided to let it go. "Sounds good." "Why do you feel disappointed?" he asked, his voice gentle. "I''m really going to start hating this emotion-sharing thing," I sighed Ryder smiled and ced a kiss on my forehead. "So?" "You didn''tment on what I said about it being my first time. Obviously, you''ve had experience." The words came out more vulnerable than I intended. Ryder mmed on the brakes. If not for his hand on me, I would have been thrown forward. ¡°Listen.¡± He lifted me up and ced me so I was straddling hisp. Our eyes locked, and his burned with an intensity I''d never seen before. "I have never felt more alive than I do now. Last night was the best night of my life. I love you, Xena. I''ve never felt this way about anyone. You are my life, my world. Never doubt that." Ryder kissed me passionately, and I could feel all the love pouring from him through our bond, so intense it nearly overwhelmed me. "I love you too, I whispered. Those three words had always terrified bie, made me feel vulnerable and exposed, but in this moment, they flowed from my lips as naturally as breathing. "Hmm, I heard that''s difficult for you to say..." "It is," 1 admitted. Ryder kissed me tenderly, then helped me slide back to sit beside him. His hand returned to my thigh as we drove back to the pack house. Thankfully, no one was around to witness my "walk of shame The cart came to a smooth stop in front of the house. Ryder got out and deliberately moved slowly while I ran ahead. Unfortunately, I didn''t have the code to unlock the door. "0725," Ryder''s voice echoed in my mind. His voice was even sexier in my head, the deep timbre sending electricity down my spine. "Do you want to shower first or should I?" I asked as we entered. "Don''t want to shower together?" Ryder teased as we walked inside. He closed the door behind us and locked it. ¡°That''s an interesting proposition..." I was still sore fromst night, but I told myself to push past the awkwardness. This meant showering with your mate. "Hope you like scalding hot water." Thankfully, Ryder didn''tment on my internal struggle. "Does it have to be that hot?" I walked straight to the bathroom while Ryder went to get towels. I turned on the shower before he entered. Since he wasn''t in the bathroom yet, I quickly stripped off my clothes. Fortunately, the water was hot. "Seriously?" Ryder asked as he entered, his eyes immediately drawn to my naked form. "What? It feels good." I stood there,pletely bare, with my eyes closed. The water cascaded over my head, running down my body. I tried to focus on the soothing sensation of the water washing over me, attempting to rx and not feel self-conscious about my nudity, but in the bright light, I still felt a flicker of unease and shyness. "I know what feels even better." His hands gripped my hips firmly, pulling me toward him. The cool air made my nipples harden, and I could feel his hardness pressing against me. A familiar heat spread through my body, and I knew that no matter how many times we were together, every touch would intoxicate me. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 93 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV In an instant, my eyes flew open. Ryder leaned down to kiss me, but instinctively turned my head away. "Whoa!" I eximed, my attentionpletely diverted. "What''s wrong?" Ryder''s expression fell, a sh of hurt crossing his features. "Your mark! I mean, our mark. It looks so cool." I knew Ryder was watching me as my fingers gently traced over the mark. It was aplete wolf bone, with what appeared to be unique designs in the center. Ryder''s arms encircled my waist, holding me tightly against him while I studied the mark with fascination. It truly was unique. In the center of Ryder''s mark was what looked like an abstract letter R. Mine resembled more of an X. "Have you ever-* I looked up at Ryder, the words dying in my throat. His eyes had turned pitch ck, a sign his wolf was surfacing. "Hey," I said softly. Ryder closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they had returned to normal. Without a word, he grabbed my shampoo and began massaging it into my hair. My eyes rolled back slightly, my head tilting backward. It felt incredible. I had to wrap my arms around his waist just to steady myself. I could feel the desire radiating from Ryder. He found this sexy. Wanting to tease him, I added a moan. "Mmm, that feels so good." My n worked, and I felt his body tremble, but he didn''t stop Instead, he positioned me under the water to rinse away the suds. Next came the conditioner. My nails lightly scraped down his back. When I bit my lip and let out a soft moan, it was his breaking point. He pushed me against the wall, and my eyes flew open. "Like teasing me?" His voice was low and husky. "Not teasing. Just fuck me, Ryder." My hand slid between us, starting to stroke him. My entire being screamed with want, every inch of my skin calling for his touch. I wanted him, more intensely than ever before. "My little vixen." His fingers began working my sensitive spot, and my legs wrapped around his waist. I was already soaking wet, ready for him. The need was so strong that I simply pushed his hand away, grabbed his ass, and guided his cock toward me. "Please?" That was enough for Ryder to slide his dick into me. "Ah, fuck!" Ryder growled deeply. "Ah!" My body clenched tightly around him, but the pain didn''tst long. Just a few seconds and the pleasure started building. "Harder!" I ced my hands on his shoulders, my hips meeting his thrusts. I felt each of his entries like electricity coursing through my entire body, the feeling of beingpletely possessed in mind and body intoxicating. "Fuck, woman. Ryder growled, watching my breasts bounce with each movement. "Oh! My climax hit at the same time as his, leaving us both breathless. ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, patting his shoulder. "Thanks?" ¡°Thanks for giving me what I wanted. I like it a bit rough. Grabbing the soap, I washed my body while Ryder cleaned himself. I noticed a bit of blood on his dick. ''I see that.'' "You don''t like it?" I asked. "Oh, I like it. Very much," he whispered in my ear. I stepped out of the shower, and he smacked my ass as I left. Good, After drying off, I walked to the closet to find something to wear. Pulling out a cotton dress and sneakers, I was braiding my hair when Ryder walked into the closet.. "You dressed quickly," he observed. "I''m actually looking forward to today!" Excitement and anticipation filled me. "Why?" Ryder smiled as he dressed. "It''s going to be an amazing birthday. I can feel it." My eyes sparkled with joy. "Good. I''m d you''re happy." "Very happy," I affirmed. "Can you grab something for me from that dresser?" Ryder looked at the one behind me. "Sure, what do you need?" I walked over to the dresser. There was a small rectangr box on top with a card that read Happy Birthday! Picking it up, I looked at Ryder, my heart starting to race. Had he gotten me a birthday gift? "Open it," he urged. I was stillpletely shocked. Opening the card, it read: ''Xena, you captured my heart long before you became mine. Your beauty goes far beyond your pretty face. Please wear this as a symbol of it all. Opening the box, I found a small diamond solitaire set in a halo. The delicate chain positioned the pendant to rest at the base of my neck, between my corbones. "It''s beautiful,¡± I breathed, feeling a warm emotion rise within me. "I didn''t get help from anyone else," Ryder said,ing over to help me put it on. "Do you like it?" My eyes grew moist, my heart filling with gratitude and love. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 94 Xena''s POV "I really appreciate it," I said, turning to give him a tight hug. He held me close for a few seconds before releasing me. "We''d better get going. Your brunch starts in five minutes," Ryder sald, his green eyes taking in my appearance with appreciation. "Okay. We walked toward the door and then down the stairs to the kitchen As we entered the dining room, everyone shouted, "Happy birthday!" "Thank you!" I said to everyone, but made a beeline straight for Logan, wrapping him in a big hug. "Happy for you, sis," he whispered in my ear. "Thanks. Did you find your mate?" I asked, silently hoping my brother could be as happy as I was. "No, but it''s not Keira. I saw her earlier and she ran off crying," Logan said, releasing me, then shaking hands with Ryder. Dad walked over and hugged me, then also shook hands with Ryder. Even Ryder''s parents were present. "Wee to our family," Alpha Benedict said to me while sping Ryder''s hand. "Thank you! I''m happy to be part of this pack," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Let me see!" Ama squealed. I pulled the side of my dress aside slightly to show them my mark. "Nice!" Logan said. "Fifty dors for you," Amaughed, looking at me. I shook my head and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Ama." Ama''s eyes instantly welled with tears. "You look so beautiful today!" she said, her voice excited and trembling as she pulled me to the table. "I''m starving. Can we start eating?" "Of course!" Everyone sat around the table. It was covered with various foods that actually made my appetitee alive. I grabbed a te of Caesar chicken sd and a ss of water. "How''s the renovation going?" I asked Dad. "I had to call Penelope to help since you weren''t there. She arranged everything perfectly," Logan answered instead of Dad. Ah, she is amazing, agreed. "I''ll check on the progress after we eat," Dad added. "I see someone helped clear out your shop, Alpha Benedict said to me. "Ryder and Logan organized in yes, they got the shop cleaned up. We selected the design yesterday." "It should be ready in about a week, Ryder nodded. "Sounds great!" Alpha Benedict said, his tone seeming overly cheerfu Looking around, everyone appeared too happy. Their smiles seemed a bit too wide. My intuition sharpened, sensing something was off-something wasn''t right. I looked questioningly at Ryder, who immediately refused to meet my eyes. "Damn it, Ryder muttered. "What the hell is going on here?" I asked everyone. "What do you mean?" Logan asked. My eyes fixed directly on him. "Cut the bullshit. What happened?" Logan sighed. "Told you, man," he said Ryder. "I know." Ryder exhaled the breath he''d been holding and turned to face me. "Tatum and his high-ranking wolves... they''reing to the party tonight. He''s requested a dance with you." My heart sank to my stomach. Tatum, thest person I wanted to see, the enemy who had tried to harm us. The thought of dancing with him made me sick. What made me angrier was that everyone had chosen to hide this from me. "So you all nned to keep this from me?" I looked at each of them, feeling betrayed. "Just until after lunch. I was going to tell you before your massage, Ama looked ashamed. "Do I have to do this?" I looked at Ryder, hoping for a negative answer. "No, you don''t have to," he nced at his father, then answered firmly. That made me feel somewhat better, but my stomach still felt uneasy. I knew I couldn''t refuse-this was about the safety of the entire pack and our ns. "We''re trying to maintain peace on the surface..." Dad began to exin. I understood what that meant. Pretend to be friendly until we strike back. epting the reality, I forked more sd into my mouth. Deep inside, I was struggling between my disgust for Tatum and my responsibility to my family and pack. "Xena..." Ryder reached out and began gently stroking my back. Strangely, it actually helped calm me down. "It''s fine, I''ll do it," Ipromised, though my heart was still filled with resistance. "X, you-" Logan started to say. "I said it''s fine. Drop it," I snapped, cutting him off. But I immediately felt guilty for my attitude. I knew they all meant well, for me, for the n, for the pack. My temper was really awful sometimes. I''m sorry," I stood up and quickly walked out of the kitchen into the hallway bathroom. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady my nerves. I needed a moment alone, needed to collect my thoughts. "Xena?" Ryder was at the door. "Come in." My hands were braced on the sink as I stared at myself the mirror. The new Luna, the once solitary %. Ryder opened the door but didn''t approach me. Instead, he leaned against the wall. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his eyes full of concern. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 95 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "No, Ryder, I''m not okay," I said wearily, leaning against the bathroom counter. "I don''t like this situation either. I could have-" "No, Ryder," 1 cut him off, my voice sharp. "I''m not okay because everyone seems to think they need to keep things from me. I''m a fucking adult now, and the Luna of this pack. Mates shouldn''t have secrets. You had no right to hide that from me. We''re supposed to be equals! I expected this from them, but not from you." Ryder took my reprimand with appropriate shame spreading across his features. "You''re right. I''m sorry." I didn''t answer. My reflection stared back at me, anger still evident the tightness around my eyes, the slight downward pull of my lips. Ryder moved closer, his hands gently running up and down my arms. He stood behind me, meeting my gaze in the mirror, his eyes filled with apology. "I just wanted to protect,you." "Some things, you can''t protect me from," I replied, feeling my anger begin to recede. Deep down, I understood his intentions, but that didn''t make his actions right. "I know. I''ll remember that." Iturned to face him, and Ryder pulled me into his embrace. "I''m still mad at you," I muttered against his chest, though I could already feel my anger dissipating like morning mist. "I know," Ryder said, tilting my face up and cing a gentle kiss on my lips. That kiss felt like a promise, an assurance that he would be honest from now on. "Ready to go back to brunch?" he asked. "Yeah." Ryder closed the door behind us. We walked hand in hand back to the dining room. Thankfully, they had moved on to a different topic and were discussing future arrangements. I silently breathed a sigh of relief. "Have you found a new beta yet?" Alpha Benedict asked. "Probably going to promote Leonard, but we need to have a conversation about it," Logan sighed, "He needs to adjust his approach a bit." "Hope you find your mate tonight," Dad said with a sigh. It wasn''t unheard of to be Alpha without a mate, but having one made you stronger. "Hope so," Logan gave me a look. That "now all the pressure is on me look. I returned it with a smug smile. "Are youing to clear out your room?" Logan asked. ''I should. There''s not much to take, but there are things I want," I said, thinking of the few items that had apanied me through my childhood, the small treasures that held my memories. "Just letting you know now, Martha is determined to turn it into a guest room as quickly as possible, so anything left behind is getting trashed," Logan warned. The mention of Martha sent a wave of distaste through me. She had never hidden her desire to see me gone. "Do we have time to go over after we finish eating?" I asked Ryder, already mentally cataloging what I needed to take. "Of course. We can''t spend too long there, but it''s your birthday, so whatever you want." I could feel Ryder''s reluctance to go there, but he also didn''t want me to lose my belongings. "I''ll go with you guys. That way I can keep anything you don''t want to take but don''t want Martha to throw away, Logan said. Ryder''s phone began to vibrate. He nced at it, then stood and walked out of the room to take the call. My eyes followed him, a flicker of doubt crossing my mind. I hoped there wasn''t more trouble brewing. "Does Ryder mind if Ie?" Logan asked. "He''s fine with it. He just doesn''t like Martha," I shrugged. "Nobody likes her," Ama mumbled, then looked shocked at her ownment. "I''m so sorry! That just slipped out." Benedict shook his head, but the rest of usughed. "What''s so funny?" Ryder asked as he walked back in. "Ama," I answered, taking another bite of food. "Penelope is going to meet us at your pack house. She says we missed something she needs." "What thing?" I asked. "Shop stuff." "Why is she handling the shop and the party at the same time?" I was shocked. "Because that woman is talented," Ryder nodded. "Incredibly talented Wish we had her help all the time." "Penelope has been working under you, learning from you for almost four years now," Loganmented. "Yeah, she just needs some guidance," I agreed, feeling proud of how far Penelope hade. "Doesn''t it make you jealous when Ryderpliments Penelope like that?" Ama asked. The food I was about to put in my mouth stopped midway. "No?" I looked to Ryder for answers, suddenly realizing I''d never considered this question. "You''re really not the jealous type," Logan answered. "I guess he hasn''t given me reason to be jealous? I don''t know. I think I''ve never really thought about it." "Don''t start now," Ryder said, and we allughed. "Why?" I asked Ama. Ama opened and closed her mouth several times. "She gets jealous over the smallest things, like if I discuss the menu with a pack member," William said, gently rubbing Ama''s back. Chapter 96 Xena''s POV "Werewolves having territorial instincts ispletely normal. We''re naturally possessive about our territory. I''d be more concerned if she wasn''t showing any jealousy at all," Benedict interjected, leaning forward in his chair. I nodded in agreement, turning my attention to William. "William just needs to make you feel included. Like when he''s talking with other pack members, pull you into the conversation or ask for your opinion." William seemed to consider this, his eyes darting briefly to Ama who was watching him with a small smile ying on her lips. "You could also be a bit more jealous," Ryder joked, nudging Williard with his elbow. "In your dreams," I rolled my eyes, having already finished my food. The room filled withughter at my reaction, and we all leaned back in our chairs, rxed. Logan nced at his watch, his expression bing more serious. "Ready to go get your things? I''ve got stuff to do today." ¡°What stuff? It''s your birthday too," I said, raising an eyebrow at my win. "Yeah, but I''m a man and the future Alpha. I don''t get to enjoy a day off and be pampered like you do," he replied with a hint of sarcasm, though there was no real resentment in his voice. "Sometimes it''s good to be a girl," Ama whispered, holding out her fist. I bumped it with mine, sharing a conspiratorial smile with her. ¡°Let''s go,¡± Ryder said, standing up. Following his lead, we walked toward the parking lot. "Should I prepare the truck?" Ryder asked, fishing his keys from his pocket. "No need. I don''t have that much stuff," I replied, mentally cataloging the few belongings I wanted to bring with me to my new life. Ryder''s lips curved into a smug smile as he unlocked a cherry-red Corvette convertible. "Let''s take the convertible." "Awesome!" I jumped into the passenger seat, ready to enjoy the moment. Ryder started the engine, and I positioned myself against the seat back. He mmed on the gas, taking the lead as we pulled out. The feeling of the wind rushing through my hair was exhrating, freeing in a way I hadn''t felt in a long time. By the time we reached our destination, my hair was a wild, tangled mess. "That looks like a bird''s nest!" Logan teased as he pulled up beside us. "Yeah, I''ll fix itter," I attempted to check my hair in the side mirror, but it seemed beyond salvation at this point My heart filled with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. Although it had been less than a week, returning to what had once been my home felt strange-both familiar and foreign at the same time. As we entered the house, Ryder''s posture became noticeably tense. He kept his arm firmly around my waist until we climbed the stairs. Only when we entered my room did he finally rx. "So what do you want to take?" Logan asked, leaning against the doorframe. "My sketchbooks, my jewelry box." I removed two photos from the wall, clutching them tightly. One showed my mother holding me as a baby before she passed away, the other was of Dad, Logan, and me at the park. Dad was hugging us tight, all three of us wearing bright smiles. I ced the photos on the coffee table and walked into the bathroom, partly to fix my half and partly y to gather my toiletries Thankfully, I had a bagrge enough to fit everything. A wave of mncholy washed over me. These photos were my only connection to the past, especially the one with my mother-I had almost no memories of her, just that loving smile in the photograph reminding me that she had once existed, Just then, a knock sounded at the door. "Come in," I called out. The door opened slowly, and Penelope walked in, her gazending directly on Logan. They almost simultaneously whispered "mate," and then Penelope dropped everything she was holding and flung herself into Logan''s arms. Ryder smiled, but when he saw my expression, he moved to my side What''s wrong?" he asked through our mind link. "People usually find mates within their rank or close to it," I responded silently. "Yeah?" "Penelope was an orphan when I hired her." Ryder finally understood my meaning as we watched them passionately embrace. My heart filled withplicated emotions. On one hand, I was genuinely happy that Logan had found his soulmate; on the other hand, as a member of the family, I couldn''t help but consider the political implications of such a union. A girl matching Ryder''s status couldn''t possibly be an orphan without a story behind it. Finally, they broke apart. Tears glistened in Penelope''s eyes. "Xena?" I snapped back to the present, smiling as I walked over to give her a hug. ¡°I''m so happy for you both! You''ll make an amazing Luna!" "Thank you. I never thought this would happen," Penelope smiled at Logan, her face radiant with joy. "Could you show Ryder that issue you mentioned earlier? I need to ask Logan which photos he wants, and which ones I''m taking," I said, creating an excuse for privacy. "Of course!" Penelope and Ryder walked toward the door, while Logan followed me into the empty closet. "X?¡± Logan asked, well aware that I pulled him aside when I wanted to discuss something serious. "First of all, I''m truly happy for you. Penelope really will make an excellent Luna,¡± I began, choosing my words carefully. "But..." Logan prompted, knowing me too well. "You need to find out about her background. When I hired her, she was an orphan. People usually find mates within their own rank, Logan. What kind of pack would abandon a high-ranking werewolf''s daughter?" "Are you saying I shouldn''t mate with her?" Logan''s voice hardened slightly, his protective instincts ring. "Quite the opposite. You need to mark her as soon as possible. Before tonight. That way we can protect her fully. She should be treated like a queen." "Maybe you''re right; Logan conceded, his expression thoughtful. "I can''t imagine anyone more suited to be your mate. You two will make an incredible pair. If you bond with her before anyone discovers, they can''t do anything about it. They can''t take her away from you." Chapter 97 Xena''s POV "Logan?" Penelope''s voice floated through the open doorway, Logan cooped up the photo album filled with memories and stepped outside to meet her. I lingered behind, watching their interaction from my bedroom. Penelope''s forehead was creased with concern as she asked, "What''s wrong? You look worried." "Just thinking about tonight''s party," Logan replied, his voice carrying a casual tone that didn''t quite mask his anxiety. "Everything''sing along perfectly!" Penelope''s face lit up with enthusiasm. "I have no doubt. You''re always excellent at whatever you do." The warmth in Logan''s voice as he spoke to her made my heart swell. I left them to their conversation, returning to gather the remaining items I wanted to take with me. Logan had ced a cardboard box in front of my bookshelf earlier. I methodically transferred my books into it until it was stuffed to capacity, feeling the weight of each memory as I packed away pieces of my life. Without a word, Ryder moved the box to the doorway, his movements fluid and natural. "Anything else you want to bring?" he asked, those intense green eyes scanning the room. think that''s it," I said, surveying what remained. There wasn''t much left. I''d always known I would leave someday, so I''d never umted many possessions. The realization left a bitter taste in my mouth. Over eighteeen years of life, and everything I truly valued could be carried away in a few trips. What did that say about my existence here? Ryder gently cupped my face between his hands. "Are you okay?" His ability to sense my emotions was uncanny, but he respected my boundaries, never pushing too deep without permission. "Yeah, I''m fine. It''s just... I suddenly realized I never really put down roots here. I always knew this was temporary, and everything own can be carried in one arm." "We''ll build our life together," Ryder said softly, cing a gentle kiss on my lips. That kiss spread warmth through my body, kindling hope for our future. Maybe, just maybe, home wasn''t a ce but a person-and with Ryder, I might finally find where I belonged. "You two are so sweet." I turned to see Logan with his arm around Penelope, both of them watching our moment with knowing smiles. "Anyway," I said as Ryder dropped his hands. "We should go. Did you answer her questions?" "Yes," Ryder replied, moving toward the box of books. "See you tonight, X," Logan said, pulling me into a quick hug before opening the door. Ryder picked up the box but insisted I walk ahead of him. Logan followed with Penelope''s hand sped firmly in his. As we reached the hallway, an anguished wail pierced the air. "Her? You chose her over me?" Keira stood there, her face streaked with tears, looking like she''d been crying for hours. My heart sank. I knew this confrontation was inevitable, but that didn''t make it any easier. The tension in the air was palpable, and I felt a sh of concern for Penelope. Keira''s desperation and anger were razor-sharp, and I worried what she might do in her emotional state. "She''s my destined mate, so yes," Logan stated firmly. Keira''s bloodshot eyes flickered from Logan to Penelope, her re venomous before she ran off sobbing. Penelope''s face crumpled with sympathy. "Why are you upset?'' Logan turned Penelope to face him, concern etched on his features. "Because her heart is broken. You were together for so long. This must be so hard for her. Penelope gazed down the hallway where Keira had disappeared. "Maybe I should talk to her." "Absolutely not!" I interjected, my tone perhaps sharper than intended. The thought of what Keira might do in retaliation sent my protective instincts into overdrive. I couldn''t let sweet Penelope walk into potential danger. ''Maybe after you''vepleted the bond," I added more gently. "Okay..." Penelope didn''t look entirely convinced. "We should go," Ryder said through our mind link. "I don''t want to run into that bitch." I nodded and turned toward the car. Ryder ced my books in the trunk, and I added my remaining belongings. "See you tonight!" I called, waving to Logan and Penelope as we got in the car. Ryder immediately pressed down on the elerator. As we drove away, I silently prayed for Penelope. She was too kind for this world, which didn''t always reward kindness. I hoped Logan would protect her from Keira''s resentment. Ryder squeezed my thigh reassuringly. "Everything will be fine." "Are you okay?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his and snuggling closer. "Yeah, just wondering where she came from." "I don''t know. I always assumed she wasn''t a high-ranking wolf. Who would abandon their daughter?" "We''ll worry about that tomorrow. Today is your day." Ryder leaned over to kiss me at a stoplight. "I''m ready for that massage now." "I''ll give you something better tonight," Ryder smirked, his eyes darkening with promise. We were still ten miles from home when a thought crossed my mind. I gave him a look that he immediately understood, then leaned down to free his cock. "Fuck," he growled, gripping my ass as I took his cock in my mouth. I wasn''t entirely sure what I was doing, but judging by his reactions, desire was coursing through him. His hand guided my head, helping me maintain rhythm until I swallowed everything at the end. I licked my lips and sat up, leaning against the car door as watched him adjust himself. We were approaching pack territory. The car stopped at the main gate. "Alpha... Luna..." the guard acknowledged with a respectful nod. I awkwardly nodded back, still getting used to my new title. Chapter 98 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "You''re going to be the death of me," Ryderughed, shaking his head as we pulled up to the pack house. "As long as you die happy," I shrugged, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest when he smiled at me like that. As we stopped the car, could see Dad and Benedict still standing outside, deep in conversation. "Hey kids. Everything go smoothly?" Dad asked, his eyes quickly assessing the small amount of belongings I''d brought "That''s a question you should ask Logan," I replied with a smirk, grabbing my things while Ryder lifted the box containing the rest of my possessions. Benedict''s eyes narrowed slightly. "That''s all of it?" "Yeah, I travel light," I said matter-of-factly. Together we headed upstairs to our room-our room, not just his anymore-and I set everything down on the coffee table, suddenly feeling oddly vulnerable with my meager belongings on disy. "I need to take care of these things," Ryder said, his green eyes studying my face. "You going to be okay?" "Yeah, Ama and I will be in her room for the rest of the day," I answered, staring at the small pile representing my entire life. Alright. This is your room now too," Ryder said, his gaze sweeping across the space. "Think about what changes you want to make. I want you to feelfortable here." I picked up two framed photographs and my jewelry box, walked to what would now be my side of the bed, and ced them carefully on the nightstand. Setting the jewelry box in front of the photos, I smiled faintly. "All done!" I gave Ryder a slightly sad smile, noticing he was flipping through my sketches. "Those are private," I said, feeling exposed. ¡°These are amazing," Ryder continued browsing, undeterred. He paused at a sketch of Samuel, his finger tracing the edge of the paper. "Can I borrow this one?" "Why?" I asked, feeling a protective reluctance rise in my chest. "Trust me, okay?" His eyes held mine, filled with something I couldn''t quite read. I wanted to say no, but looking at his expectant expression, I found it hard to refuse. Maybe sharing a piece of myself with him wasn''t such a terrible thing. "Fine." Ryder leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I won''t damage it. Let''s go to Ama''s room." "Okay." After knocking once, Ama yanked the door open. ¡°Finally!¡± She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside with surprising strength for someone her size. "The massage therapists are already here. Your spot is ready!" She was practically bouncing with excitement. "Bye! I called out as Ama mmed the door in an amused Ryder''s face. Did I make him angry?" Ama asked, dragging me toward the massage table. Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "You''re going to be the death of me, Ryderughed, shaking his head as we pulled up to the pack house. "As long as you die happy," I shrugged, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest when he smiled at me like that. As we stopped the car, I could see Dad and Benedict still standing outside, deep in conversation. "Hey kids. Everything go smoothly?" Dad asked, his eyes quickly assessing the small amount of belongings I''d brought. "That''s a question you should ask Logan," I replied with a smirk, grabbing my things while Ryder lifted the box containing the rest of my possessions. Benedict''s eyes narrowed slightly. "That''s all of it?" "Yeah, I travel light," I said matter-of-factly. Together we headed upstairs to our room-our room, not just his anymore-and I set everything down on the coffee table, suddenly feeling oddly vulnerable with my meager belongings on disy. "I need to take care of these things," Ryder said, his green eyes studying my face. "You going to be okay?" "Yeah, Ama and I will be in her room for the rest of the day," I answered, staring at the small pile representing my entire life. Alright. This is your room now too," Ryder said, his gaze sweeping across the space. "Think about what changes you want to make. I want you to feelfortable here." I picked up two framed photographs and my jewelry box, walked to what would now be my side of the bed, and ced them carefully on the nightstand. Setting the jewelry box in front of the photos, I smiled faintly. "All done!" I gave Ryder a slightly sad smile, noticing he was flipping through my sketches. "Those are private," I said, feeling exposed. "These are amazing," Ryder continued browsing, undeterred. He paused at a sketch of Samuel, his finger tracing the edge of the paper. "Can I borrow this one?" "Why?" I asked, feeling a protective reluctance rise in my chest. "Trust me, okay?" His eyes held mine, filled with something I couldn''t quite read. I wanted to say no, but looking at his expectant expression, I found it hard to refuse. Maybe sharing a piece of myself with him wasn''t such a terrible thing. "Fine." Ryder leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I won''t damage it. Let''s go to Ama''s room." "Okay." After knocking once, Ama yanked the door open. "Finally!" She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside with surprising strength for someone her size. "The massage therapists are already here. Your spot is ready!" She was practically bouncing with excitement. "Bye!" I called out as Ama mmed the door in an amused Ryder''s face. Did I make him angry?" Ama asked, dragging me toward the massage table. "No, he just thinks you''re funny. I reassured her. ''Great. Now strip and lie down. The massage therapist turned her bark while I removed my clothes and ced them on a chair. Once i was lying down, I covered myself with the sheet. I closed my eyes and exhaled deeply, feeling the therapist''s skilled hands pressing into my shoulders. Each movement seemed to find exactly where tension had been building in my body, slowly bring it down. The warm scent of essential oils filled the air, hints ofvender and Bergamot helping my mind drift into a peaceful state. My thoughts wandered to what I wanted to do with our bedroom. Obviously, it would still need to have elements of Ryder in it. The room was primarily red and ck. I''d just bought a red dress and a ck dress. Maybe nothing needed to change. Maybe he''d already decorated it exactly how I would have wanted. "Ah!" A sharp pain shot through my back, snapping me back to reality. I clenched my jaw, trying not to flinch. "Breathe, the therapist reminded me softly, and I realized I''d been holding my breath. As she maintained pressure, the pain transformed from sharp to dull, like electricity ruhning through stiff muscles. I could feel the long-tense fibers resisting, then gradually surrendering to her expert technique. The pain was excruciating yet oddly satisfying. Thirty minutester, the love-hate massage ended. "Thank you!" Ama said to the women as they left the room. If my hair hadn''t been a mess before, it certainly was now. That scalp massage had been incredible. "Should I be worried about how good you feel right now?" Ryder joked in my mind. "I''ll let you know how youpare after you show me what you can do tonight," I teased back. "Challenge epted," Ryder murmured, his voice dropping to that deep tone that always sent shivers down my spine. "Hello? Earth to Xena!¡± Ama snapped her fingers in front of my face. "Sorry!" I smiled at her. "You can shower first!" she announced. "Yes, ma''am!" I jumped up and ran naked into the bathroom to prepare for my shower. I couldn''t help myself. The mental link with Ryder was still open. "OH, Ryder," I moaned as I caressed myself. There was something strangely satisfying about teasing him this way "What are you doing?! Stop that!" He was wrestling with desire; I could feel it. "What? I''m just showering. My body is all wet. The soap is running down my-" "Unless you want me toe up there and take you in front of Ama, I suggest you stop," he warned. "Doesn''t sound like such a bad idea." "Woman..." Ryder sounded exhausted. "Sorry, am I wearing you out already?" I taunted. And I thought my my drive was strong. Ryder sighed "Can you keep up? 1 finished my shoert, dried off, and truly save Chapter Comments LIKE POST COL "And I thought my sex drive was strong, Ryder sighed. "Can you keep up? 1 finished my shower, dried off. and truly the savored moment. Chapter Comments Chapter 99 Xena''s POV "Are you doing okay?" Ama pulled out a tissue, then dug into her bag and produced a white silky loose-fitting shirt with matching shorts. The back of the shirt had "Luna" emzoned across it in elegant script. "I have a matching set too, but mine doesn''t say Luna! Ama held up her version, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I love it," I whispered, feeling a rush of warmth spreading through my chest. It wasn''t just the gift itself, but how Ama always seemed to know exactly what would resonate with me. Being Luna was still a new identity I was adjusting to, and this gift felt like an affirmation of that transition. "Great! Now I''m going to shower, and we''ll open the rest of the gifts when I get back!" She dashed out of the room before I could respond. I grabbed the lotion and started moisturizing, slipping into the soft pajamas while my skin was still damp I was blow-drying my hair when Ama returned, her skin flushed from the hot water. "Oh good, you''ve started already," she "You wouldn''t let me open presents," I replied, feeling a childlike anticipation bubbling inside me while simultaneously enjoying the suspense. "Actually, we can wait until everyone''s here." "Fine." I smiled, knowing that gift-giving was Ama''s lovenguage, and I didn''t want to ruin her excitement. "Sit here." Ama pointed to the chair. I finished drying my hair and sat down. She started curling my hair, her fingers working with practiced precision. A knock on the door interrupted us. Ama ran to answer it. A kitchen staff member stood there with a tray of fruit and vegetables. "Alpha Ryder asked me to bring youdies some snacks," she said, her voice respectful. "Thank you," I replied. "You''re wee, Luna Xena. If you need anything else, please let me know." Though it wasn''t the first time I''d been called Luna, I still felt goosebumps rise on my skin. "I will. What''s your name? "Odessa." "Thank You, Odessa." I smiled at her as she left. "Ryder''s so thoughtful," Ama said, popping a strawberry into her mouth. After she finished with my hair, she started working on her own. "Ama, are you happy here?" The question emerged from somewhere deep inside me. "That''s a deep question. What''s wrong?" Ama looked at me through the mirror, concern etching lines between her brows. Nothing''s wrong. It''s just that everything happened so quickly, and. My voice trailed off, uncertain how to articte theplex emotions swirling inside me. "Xena, I''ve known you since we were kids. Your fear ofmitment showing again. I thought you were happy with Ryder. He treats you like a princess." Amak words hit the vulnerable spot in my heart with unerring uracy. I love Ryder. And I like it here. It''s just... everything is to new. I twisted the hem of my new shirt between my fingers. "Have you told him you love him? Her eyes met mine in the mirror "Of course," I answered defensively. "I mean really told him? Not just ''I love you tho in response." I just frowned. Had 1? I searched my memory, and in every instance, he had said it first, and I had simply echoed the sentiment. i had never initiated that expression of my deepest feelings. The realization made me feel a twist of guilt. "Home is wherever Ryder is. What do you need to make this ce fee like home?" Ama''s question pierced straight to my core. "Logan," I sighed. The thought of being separated from him left an ache I couldn''t quite describe. "Logan is always just a phone call away. Your twin brother isn''t going to disappear. It''ll be a change, but it''ll be a good change."Ama finished curling her hair. "Come sit down. Let me do your makeup." "Fine." While she worked on my makeup, I couldn''t talk, so we sat infortable silence. She gave me a smoky eye with perfect winged liner. My red lips would match my dress perfectly. ck earringspleted the look. Ama took down my curls, leaving a few strands to frame my face, and styled the rest into a low chignon that looked elegant and sophisticated. "Go sit over there and don''t mess up my artwork," Ama joked, then started doing her own makeup. I grabbed some watermelon and sat down to watch her work. She left most of her hair down, only pulling the front sections back. Just as she finished her makeup, the door opened. The boys walked in. "You look beautiful," Ryder said as he walked over to me. My heart raced-every time he looked at me like that, I felt like the most special person in the world. "Don''t mess up her makeup!" Ama shouted as Ryder leaned in to kiss me. "I''m her doll," Iughed, but Ryder kissed me anyway. His kiss made me forget all my worries, making me want to stay in this moment of happiness forever. "You girls are cutting it close," William nced at his watch. "X, now you can open your presents," Ama said. "Can we call you X too?" William joked, settling into an armchair. "Only if you can guess my IQ," I smiled as I sat down to open the gifts. 120?" he asked. "Wrong." I opened the first gift, from my father. It was an borate tennis bracelet. Ryder helped me put it on. "Higher or lower?" William pondered. "What a rude question!" I feigned offense. 1257 William guessed again. The second gift was from Logan, a set of expensive painting supplic "You''re insulting me now," I continued to tease him. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COM Chapter 100 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV Ryder shrugged, his expression deliberately casual as he leaned against the doorframe. I picked Italy." "What?" My heart skipped a beat as I at him, not daring to belleve what I''d just heard, Ryder said, a smile ying at the corners of his mouth as he watched my reaction. "We''re going to Italy for our honey "Thank you!" I couldn''t contain my excitement, throwing myself at n with such force that he had to take a step back to catch me. Pure joy bubbled up inside me like a geyser. This was literally the ce I''d been dreaming about! Ever since I''d seen pictures of those ancient cities and breathtaking coastlines, I''d wanted to witness them with my own eyes. "Don''t mess up my masterpiece!" Ama shouted from behind me. Ryder caught me easily, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he pressed his lips to mine. The smug satisfaction radiating from him was impossible to miss, but I couldn''t bring myself to care "Now open our gifts," William sighed, shaking his head at our public disy of affection, but I could see the fondness in his eyes. "You still haven''t guessed my IQ correctly," I reminded them, trying to keep a straight face. I caught Ama shing four fingers to William. "Hey! That''s cheating! I called out, secretly amused by her antics. "147?" William asked hesitantly. "Nope." I picked up the envelope they''d handed me earlier and carefully opened it. Inside was a gift card with "Italian Shopping Extravaganza" written in elegant script. "Thank you guys! But Ama, is this a gift for me or for yourself?" Iughed, tears of gratitude glistening in my eyes. "It''s obviously for both of us," she replied with a mischievous grin. "You can''t possibly wear anything you currently own to Italy. But I''m going to enjoy picking out clothes for you. Now, go change." She shooed me toward the walk-in closet. "144?" William called out as I disappeared into the closet. I peeked my head back around the corner and gave him a thumbs up. "Holy shit," I whispered as I slipped into my dress, augh escaping my lips. The crimson gown hugged every curve of my body, making me look both elegant and seductive. The fabric felt smooth against my skin, the cut leaving little to the imagination while- still maintaining a touch of ss. "Guess What?" I said to Ryder through our mental link. "Hmm?" His response was brief, but I could feel hisplete attention focused on me. When I emerged from the closet, only Ryder remained in the room. He''d changed into a sleek ck suit with a crimson tie that perfectly matched my dress. His broad shoulders filled out the suit impably, making him look powerful andmanding. His blonde hair wasbed back neatly, not a single strand out of ce. God, he was one sexy man! I noticed Ryder''s gaze traveling slowly up and down my body, taking in every detail. I deliberately slowed my steps, enjoying the heat in his eyes. "I''m not wearing anything underneath," I teased, my voice dropping to a seductive whisper. His eyes darkened instantly, meeting mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. I could feel his wolf stirring, that primal Chapter 100. desire threatening to spill over.. Ryder remained seated, his face expressionless. He''d closed off our emotional link. "You don''t like it?" I asked through our mental connection, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice. Finally, he stood and embraced me. His body heat prated the this fabric of my dress, making me shiver with anticipation. "I''m trying very hard not to rip that dress off you and fuck you right here. Every man who looks at you tonight is going to have his eyes gouged out by me. This evening better end quickly so I can take you back and make sure you can''t walk tomorrow," he growled in my ear, his voice thick with possessiveness., My heart raced. "So you like it?" I asked yfully, already knowing the answer. "It fits your body like a glove. Fucking sexy." His hands slid from my hips upward, then back down again. Each touch sent electricity shooting through my body, igniting a fire deep within me. "Thank you," I said softly, reveling in the feel of his fingertips against my skin. "Damn, girl, you look amazing. Martha is going to lose her mind." Ama emerged from the closet, admiration clear in her voice. She wore a strapless pearl-white evening gown that suited her perfectly. "That''s what I''m hoping for," Iughed, imagining Martha''s face when she saw me. William opened the door and walked in, dressed in a royal blue suit. Ama, you look fucking gorgeous!" he eximed, rushing to embrace her. Ryder released me, but his eyes never left my body, watching me as if I were the most precious thing in the world. "We should go," he said. Ryder took my hand, and we walked out of the room together. I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world, arm in arm with the sexiest man. The feeling was both foreign and exhrating. "Oh, one more thing..." When we reached the front hall, Ryder paused. He looked toward a group of children who were watching everyone leave for the ball. My Luna mark was fully visible, and I smiled at them confidently. "Hey, Nn!" I called out to the skinny boy standing at the back of the group. The children all turned to look behind them, shock evident on each face. Nn approached cautiously, his expression questioning. I ruffled his hair gently. "Tomorrow afternoon, I want to see you in our office with all your artwork. I hear you''re talented and I. want to see for myself." Nn''s mouth fell open in surprise. "But why? I''m not good at it," he said, confusion and a hint of hope in his voice. "Because I said so. Have fun!" I told him. Nn''s lips curved into a small smile as he nodded and ran back to his friends. Ryder held my hand as we continued toward the parking lot. He opened the passenger door for me, and I slid in. William and Ama settled in the back seat. "Why do you want to see his artwork?" William asked, curiosity evident in his tone. "To help him if I can. I think he might be an employee at my shop," I replied. "You''re going to be a good Lia," William remarked. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 101 Xena''s POV William wrapped his arm around Ama''s shoulder, pulling her closer, they were lost in their own little world,pletely oblivious to our existence. I couldn''t help but smile at their obvious happiness. Ryder kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other restingfortably on my thigh. I traced my fingers over his palm, a small smile ying on my lips. The feeling of contentment in this moment was so real, so tangible that it felt like the entire world had brightened. "What are you thinking about?" Ryder asked through our mind link. "Just how happy I am," I answered through the connection, still amazed at how naturally we couldmunicate this way. "Good. One simple words, yet they melted my heartpletely. The car rolled to a stop in front of my pack house. We spotted Logan and Penelope standing outside, waiting for us. "What?" Ama shouted, clearly shocked by the unexpected pairing. I jumped out of the car and ran toward them, excitement bubbling inside me. "I''m so happy for you guys!" I threw my arms around Logan in a tight embrace. Ama came up behind me and hugged Penelope. Both of them had fresh marks-mating marks-on their necks. They hadpleted the ceremony and were officially mates. My heart swelled with genuine joy seeing their happiness. "X?" Dad''s voice called from inside the house. I was about to run in when Logan grabbed my arm. Looking at him, he shook his head slightly, then handed my arm to Ryder. "Watch her," Logan said in a low voice. Ryder pulled me firmly against him just as Dad walked out. An uneasy feeling crept up my spine. "X! You look beautiful!" Dad came over and gave me a hug, then shook Ryder''s hand. That''s when Martha emerged from the house. "What are you wearing? I have strict dress codes!" Martha trembled with anger. My heart sank. Here we go again-always finding something to criticize about me. Both Logan and Ryder moved closer to me, instinctively protective. "Martha, don''t. She looks beautiful. It''s her birthday, after all," Dad said. His voice carried a hint of weariness. Martha ignored him and walked toward me. I held my head high, determined not to appear weak or intimidated, but Ryder decided she was close enough and stepped forward, blocking her path. A warmth spread through my chest at his protective gesture. "Move aside, boy!" Martha shrieked. "No. That''s far enough." Ryder''s tone was dangerously calm. His stance was unwavering, his eyes shing a warning. "Let''s go, Dad said as Leonard walked out. After surveying the situation, Leonard calmly moved to stand behind me. Dad grabbed Martha''s arm and pulled her away. Logan led Penelope, following Leonard. Ryder and I were right behind them, with Ama and William bringing up the rear, We all got into our respective golf carts and headed toward themunity center. The carts formed a line as people filed into the Chapter 101. building. Outside, a massive banner read "Happy Birthday, Logan and Xenat "Wow," I said as we got out. Part of me was surprised by the grandness of it all, while another part felt ufortable with all the attention. Ryder kept his arm around me as we walked in. Turning right, we had to wait to be announced. Leonard went in first, taking seats with Ama and William. Now, only Logan, Penelope, Dad, Martha, Ryder, and I remained in the small room. The tension in the air was suffocating. My heart raced, and I took deep breaths to stay calm. "Why can''t you be a good daughter for once in your life!" Martha snapped at me. I ignored her. Ryder''s face darkened, his arm tightening around me. "Martha, I don''t want to fight! It''s her birthday-either don''t talk to her or fucking leave." Dad''s face turned red with anger. "You always take her side!" Martha pretended to dry. I mentally rolled my eyes. After all these years, her act hadn''t changed-still as fake and dramatic as ever. "Because you always act like a bitch! Honestly, if I had known it would be like this, I wouldn''t have mated with you, but now that Logan has a mate, I don''t fucking care anymore." Dad''s words shocked me slightly-it was the first time I''d heard his true feelings. "After everything I did to prepare for tonight, this is the thanks I get?" Martha''s previous facade of innocence vanished instantly. Her eyes widened, her hair seemed to stand on end, and her face contorted with rage. She red at my father, about to continue her tirade. "Are you ready? They''re about to start," a staff member with a headset peeked in. "Yes, we''re ready," Dad said firmly. He turned to re at Martha one more time. "Great, please line up." The staff member instructed. Dad cared most about ceremony and appearances, and Martha knew it. Despite her twisted expression, sheplied with the staff''s direction. Dad and Martha stood at the front. Logan was next, then me. "Please wee, Alpha Hank and Luna Martha!" the announcer proimed. Everyone cheered as Dad and Martha walked down the red carpet to their seats. "Future Alpha Logan and his mate Penelope!" The cheers grew louder as they made their exit. "I hate this part," I whispered to Ryder. "I don''t like being the center of attention." Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 102 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "I know, babe." Ryder gently stroked my back, his touch both tender and soothing. "How many terms of endearment are you going to try?" I asked, the corner of my mouth lifting slightly. ¡°None of them feel quite right for you," Ryder. murmured, his eyes shining with concentration. "Finally, let''s wee Xena and her mate, the future Alpha of the Boneash Pack, Ryder Nash! At the announcer''s introduction, Ryder and I stepped out to the loudest cheers of the evening. Blinding lights illuminated us as we waved and walked down the red carpet. I could clearly hear the whispers about my dress rippling through the crowd. "That dress!" "So beautiful!" "Oh my god! I love her gown!" "It''s a fuck you'' work of art." Thestment made meugh internally. Yes, that was exactly the effect I''d wanted. I''d chosen to make a statement on this important night, letting them all see a confident, powerful future Luna. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, a mix of nerves and excitement. We continued down the red carpet, with Dad and Martha seated in the middle, Logan and Penelope moving to the left, while Ryder and I moved to the right. Finally, I could see the entire room. Other ranked wolves sat in the front rows. Far on the right side was Tatum with his high-ranking wolves. His gaze pierced me like a dagger, and when our eyes met, a chill ran down my spine. I quickly looked away, focusing on the announcer''s instruction. "Dinner will now be served. Please enjoy." At themand, everyone sat down, and servers emerged with food. Ryder helped me into my seat before sitting down himself. Thank God my father was seated next to me; his presence provided somefort. "What would you like to drink, Luna Xena?" I recognized him as member of my father''s pack. "Dr. Pepper with whiskey, please." "And for you, Alpha Ryder?" "Whiskey on the rocks." "Thank you," I said, watching as he turned to my father. The server ced down a te of smoked turkey, roasted asparagus, and a generous heap of creamy mashed potatoes. The aroma of all the food wafted up, making my mouth water. "Looks good, Ryder said quietly to me. It really does," I agreed, taking a bite of turkey. The rich juices flowed down my throat, making me hum with satisfaction. "Please don''t make those moahing sounds or I''ll lose control," Ryder whispered in my ear, his voice so low no one else could hear. "I''ll save it forter," I shot back, taking another bite. "You''re such a-" Ryder was about to say when our drinks arrived. "Thank you." I took a sip, feeling the alcohol slide smoothly down my throat. Way too easy to drink. A photographer came by to take pictures of us as a couple, then moved on. Throughout, people kepting up either wishing me happy birthday or congratting us on our mating. By the time my te was half empty, I was just pushing food around. Next came the cake cutting and first dance, but what I really looked forward to was the party afterward, when the DJ would really turn it up. Ryder leaned back in his chair, draping his arm over mine and crossing his ankle over his knee. When I leaned back too, he pulled my chair closer. "What would help you rx?" Ryder asked through our mind link. I grabbed the whiskey and took arge swig, the heat of the alcohol helping me unwind slightly. "Not sitting here would be good." "Youngdy! Sit up straight at the dinner table and show some manners!" Martha hissed across my father, her controlling nature making me mentally roll my eyes. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, it''s time to cut the cake!" Logan stood up announcing. He gave Martha a smile that infuriated her even more, then came around to me. I let Ryder hold my drink as I epted Logan''s outstretched hand. We walked over to the cake table. Logan picked up the knife and handed it to me. I shook my head, so he began cutting. He cut a small piece. But when he pulled out the cake, I saw it was lemon vored. I absolutely hate lemon cake. Taking a deep breath, I decided not to make a scene. Logan frowned, looking toward Dad. Following his gaze, I saw Martha sporting a bright smile. This was clearly her little trick to create a small disappointment on my birthday. "I almost forgot!" Dad suddenly said loudly. He held up a finger and ran off the stage. Logan and I were both confused until Dad came back with a smaller all- chocte cake with big digits representing my age. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 103 "This is myst chance to spoil my little girl! Dad joked, and the whole tentughed. Martha wore a half-smile, but her eyes were filled with rage. My heart warmed at Dad''s gesture. He still remembered my preferences, how much I loved chocte and hated lemon. This is what family means, isn''t it? I snuck a nce at Ryder, whose small smile old me hepletely understood what this moment meant to 1. me. Under Martha''s re, I felt a sense of triumph. "Enjoy," Dad kissed my forehead and gave me a hug. Logan cut me a piece and handed it over. We each took a bite, and the room erupted in apuse. Everyone returned to their conversations, and a Logan was about to lead me to the dance floor, someone intercepted us. "Happy birthday!" Tatum''s voice made me instinctively step back. Logan immediately pulled me close. "Ryder!" I called through our mind link. He didn''t respond, but I could feel his anger. I took a deep breath, trying to remainposed. What wasing was inevitable. "Thank you. We appreciate your attendance tonight," Logan said with forced friendliness. It''s my pleasure. I was hoping to share a dance with you, Ms. Harris. I felt Ryder''s arm circle my waist. His touch instantly calmed me. "Thank you for the offer. I''ll be having my first dance with my mate, Alpha Ryder, but I''m sure we''ll have a chance to speakter,¡± I said, taking Ryder''s hand. "Hmm, yes.¡± Tatum didn''t seem angry; he dismissed it easily. His gaze lingered on my mark, but as the music started, we walked away. In the center of the dance floor, Ryder held me tight against him, my arms wrapped around him. "I''m going to kill him," Ryder muttered, his eyes scanning the room. I pulled his head down to mine, resting our foreheads together. "We y this smart. This is our territory. Now, let''s dance." I don''t want anyone to ruin this night, especially someone like Tatum. Tonight belongs to us, only us. My heart beat in rhythm with the music and Ryder''s breathing. "Anything for you," Ryder hummed contentedly as my thumb stroked his neck. "You look damn good tonight," I said, fingers twirling his tie to pull him closer. "You look quite delicious yourself." "This dress needs to survive the night. I want to wear it again." "No promises." Ryder''s hand rested lightly on my hip. "Ryder?" Butterflies danced in my stomach. Remembering my conversation with Ama, I decided to make a change. "Yes?" Chapter 103. Looking into his eyes, "I love you," I said as sincerely as possible. Three simple words, yet they carried all my feelings. I never thought I''d be so dependent on someone, need someone''s presence so much. This feeling came suddenly, yet it felt like destiny. His eyes searched mine. His surprise quickly transformed into happiness. "You have no idea how much I love you," Ryder ced the sweetest kiss on my lips. Suddenly, someone forcefully tapped Ryder''s shoulder. We broke the kiss and turned, Martha stood there with Tatum beside her. I felt anger building in my chest, but I forced myself to remain calm "I told Tatum he could have the first dance with you," Martha stated, "That wasn''t your promise to make," I said bluntly. "I''ll dance with himter." "You selfish slut, why do you only think about yourself? Think about the pack, think about your father!" Martha''s angry voice came through the mind link. "This isn''t your business, I''ll handle it," I snapped back, not bothering to use the mind link. "How dare you!" Martha grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from Ryder. Before I could react, Ryder pped Martha''s hand away and pulled me behind him. "I suggest you walk away, or you won''t like what happens next," Ryder threatened openly. "Martha, you''re making a scene," my father growled, approaching us. "I''m sick of this bitch acting like she can do whatever she wants!" Martha''s tone was sharp, her voice rising. The music stopped, and everyone''s attention turned to us, some faces even wearing amused smiles. I knew my birthday was ruined again. Enough! I''m fucking done with this bitch! It''s my fucking birthday, and who does this bitch think she is? She ruins every important asion in my life again and again! I''m really fucking done! I''m not sure what took control of me. I just exploded. Red clouded my vision, and I started speaking loudly: "I am no longer a member of my father''s pack, and therefore not under your control. I am the Luna of the Boneash Pack! Either ept that and show me the respect I deserve, or get the fuck out of my party, I will not dance with Tatum. Any promises you made to them are hollow and unfounded. You have no authority over me. You''d better back off, or I''ll put you in your ce." Ryder gripped my hand tighter than before. Logan and everyone I could see had "oh my god" expressions. After a few seconds of silence, Ama started pping. Chapter 104 Xena''s POV "Martha, if you don''t listen to me right now, I will remove you from his pack. That''s a promise! Dad''s voice was low but carried enough authority to make my skin tingle. His eyes were colder than rage. ever seen them, his jaw clenched tight with barely controlled Martha''s expression crumbled instantly, tears welling in her eyes. "Hank, I''m only doing this for you, for the entire pack- "Enough! Get out of here! Now!" Dad cut off her trembling excuses with brutal efficiency. Martha nodded vigorously, and for once, she didn''t throw me a hateful re before leaving. She just kept her head down, wiping tears from her eyes as she hurried out of the hall. "Perhaps this isn''t the right time. I''lle backter to invite Ms. Harris for a dance," Tatum said with that infuriating smile of his. He walked away with casual confidence that made my blood boil. Dad watched Tatum leave, forcing a tight smile. "X, enjoy your night, he said before heading toward the exit. I nodded, watching his retreating figure. He seemed older somehow, shoulders slightly more hunched than I remembered. "That was epic!" Ama rushed over, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug. "I''m not even sure what just happened." I was genuinely shocked by my own disy. The feeling was both foreign and familiar, like something dormant inside me had suddenly awakened. "That''s your inner Luna blood showing," William said approvingly as he pulled Ama back to his side. "Your authority was challenged, and your wolf doesn''t like that." Ryder immediately wrapped his arm around my waist, and we followed William to his table. Leonard was holding some girl I didn''t recognize, Mike was doing the same, and Logan had just arrived. "Penelope! Congrattions!" Ama embraced Penelope warmly. "I still can''t believe it!" Penelope couldn''t stop smiling. Ryder handed me a drink just as the music changed. The younger crowd started dancing like they were in a nightclub. ¡°Now this feels like a party!¡± Leonard took a sip of his drink, his eyes meeting mine. There was something shadowy in his gaze, something that made my stomach twist ufortably. Leonard was usually so carefree, but tonight he seemed unusually somber. I guessed he was thinking about Samuel, and the thought made my own mood darken. "I have surprise for you," Ryder whispered in my ear. He led me out of the hall to a tent set up near the yground, where a beautiful arrangement of flowers sat on a separate table next to arge portrait of Samuel "Thank you," I said, wrapping my arm around his waist as I gazed at the photo. In that moment, I felt a sharp wave of grief and longing wash over me, followed by a warmth I couldn''t quite exin Ryder always seemed to understand my deepest needs, even ones I hadn''t acknowledged myself. I still can''t believe he''s gone," Leonard said,ing up behind us. "I know. I keep expecting him to walk through the door," I replied, my voice catching slightly. "You did good, man," Leonard extended his hand to Ryder. I can''t imagine what you''re an going through. If there''s anything I can do, just say the word. Ryder gripped Leonard''s hand firmly. "Thanks, just take care of our girl. She''s like a sister to me." "She is special," Ryder agreed, his eyes filled with tenderness and protectiveness that made my heart skip. Ten minutester, we were back in the hall. Ryder sat in his chair with me perched on hisp. "That dress is amazing," Penelopeplimented me. "Thanks! It felt right,¡± I said, taking a sip of my drink and shifting slightly. "Let''s dance!" Ama said as Kendrick''s ¡°Not Like Us" started ying. I grabbed her hand and jumped up, letting the music take over as I moved my body, temporarily leaving all my worries behind. Ryder''s POV After the girls went to dance, I turned to the guys at the table. "I want Tatum out of here tonight." Logan, William, Leonard, and Mike all leaned in. Leonard had sent his date to dance so we could talk. "What''s the n?" William asked. "I don''t fucking care. Xena can''t see him again." My voice was low and threatening. "I''ll handle it," Leonard stood up and walked into the crowd. Logan watched him go "Your brother good?" I tried to mask just how fucking furious I was. "He''ll manage," Logan said confidently. "There''s been enough drama already," I finished my drink. I needed another. "Bring me one too," Logan drained his ss as well. but didn''t stop him. I knew my expression wasn''t friendly. I only realized how bad it was when everyone started clearing a path for me. "A-Alpha Ryder? What can I get you, sir?" the bartender stammered. ns "Two whiskeys on the rocks and one whiskey with Dr. Pepper." He nodded and started making them. "Lovely evening, isn''t it?" Tatum''s yful voice sounded right next to me. My fists clenched. "What the fuck do you want, Tatum?¡± Just one dance." He handed his ss to another bartender. "Over my dead body, I said coldly. "I''m sorry, Alpha Tatum, we''re out of Jameson. Can I offer you some im Beam instead?" the bartender asked respectfully. ''Fucking bar. Fine." Tatum mmed his hand on the counter, drawing attention from everyone around the bar. The bottle was already open, though I noticed an unopened bottle of Jameson sitting in the corner of the counter on my side. The bartender poured him a ss and handed it over. "Good evening, sir, the bartender said as he gave me my drinks, nodding before walking away. "Careful. People might think we''re enemies," Tatum took arge gulp of his Jim Beam. "We''re certainly not friends," I had to restrain my anger. "I have a feeling we''ll be spending more time together, Tatum had barely finished speaking when his stomach started to rumble. "Sounds like you need the bathroom," I smirked inwardly. Punching him would have been too obvious, and poison would have started a war, butxatives would keep him in the bathroom. "What did you do to me?" His eyes widened, and sweat began to bead on his forehead. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 105 Ryder''s POV "Me? What did I do?" Iughed, catching him off guard before driving my fist straight into his gut. His pants betrayed him, a stream of liquid running down his leg as he stumbled away. The sight of him half-running, half walking out of the room was absolutely priceless. I pulled out my wallet and tossed the bartender fifty bucks Thanks," I said, returning to the table just as the girls arrived. I pushed Logan''s drink toward him, and Leonard rejoined us. "Got the drinks?" Logan asked. "Yeah, went smooth as shit," Leonard smirked as Logan epted his ss with a nod. "What did you two do?" Xena eyed us suspiciously, taking a sip of her drink. I was secretly pleased with myself but kept my expression neutral. Xena''s eyes could always see right through me, but i didn''t want her worrying about petty things tonight. "Nothing. Just getting more drinks," I defended myself. "Enjoy your night," Logan said, taking a swig. "It''s your birthday too," Xena pointed out. She nced around before whispering something in Logan''s ear. His body tensed slightly but otherwise remained natural. "Hey, X, ready for tomorrow?" Ama asked. Excitement washed over Xena''s face. "Absolutely! It''s going to be fun. I took a sip of my drink, remembering her challenge. I hadn''t been happy when I first heard about her issuing it, and I still didn''t like the idea. It wasn''t that I doubted her abilities, but I didn''t want her to have to fight. Now that she was Luna, the whole thing seemed pointless. What did she need to prove by fighting? My instinct was to protect her from any danger. Even knowing she was more than capable of handling herself, that worry still lingered deep inside me. "We''re definitely having a barbecue to celebrate after tomorrow!" Ama was treating it like a major event. ¡°Alpha, situation out back," a warrior contacted me through the mind link. "Excuse me,dies," I said, gesturing for Logan to join me. William and Leonard turned to watch the girls. They were so focused on making ns, though, I doubted they even noticed us leaving. Logan didn''t ask any questions, just followed me out the front door and down the sidewalk. Three men were lying on the ground with four others standing over them who I assumed were warriors from Logan''s pack. "What happened?" I asked. That''s when I heard the sobbing. I turned to see a girl huddled against the wall. Her dress was torn, her nose bleeding. "It''s obvious, Alpha. We heard screaming and got here in time," one of my warriors said, blood on his knuckles. ~Pick them up," I said, shrugging off my jacket and rolling up my sleeves. Logan was already doing the same. "Move them to the woods," I ordered. Two short haired men were unconscious, tossed into the woods like orpses, but the curly-haired one still seemed ready to fight. "She asked for it!" he shouted. I didn''t even respond, just drove my fist straight into his jaw. I knew I''d broken it. We moved deeper into the woods, my warriors holding them in ce "Mom, there''s a girl outside who needs your help," I told her through the mind link. "Which pack are you from?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. "Fuck you," he spat blood at me. Logannded a heavy punch to his stomach. He doubled over in pain curling up on his side. "You think it''s okay to touch what doesn''t belong to you?" I didn''t let him answer beforending another purich to his gut. "God, please, no," his pleas became garbled as he clutched his stomach, writhing on the ground. I threw another punch, breaking his nose. Logan wasn''t idle either, stomping on the cocks of the two unconscious short- haired men. They immediately let out agonized howls until Logan signaled nearby warriors to cover their mouths before continuing his assault. The guy I was dealing with moaned on the ground. After stomping on his cock, I grabbed his shirt and yanked him up. "Touch a girl like that again, and I''ll kill you." I delivered one final punch that knocked him out cold. Thank god I was wearing an all-ck shirt. ¡°Take care of them," Imanded. Logan and I walked out of the woods. Mom was kneeling on the ground talking to the girl. They both looked up as we approached. "Are you okay?" Logan asked. "Could be worse," Mom frowned. "Which pack are you from?" "Darkthorn Pack," the girl answered, trembling. "Does this happen often there?" I asked. "Y-yes, she didn''t want to answer me but told the truth anyway. "Please let me go. If there are consequences for this, it will be worse for me." "How old are you?" "Neen." "Do you have a mate? Logan asked. "N-no," she shook her head. I reached out my hand to help her stand. Some of the blood on me transferred to her. Chapter 106 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. Chapter 107 Ryder''s Pov Dance with me once, and I''ll behave." I narrowed my eyes at Xena, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the rage building inside 1. me. ''Fine, let''s go." Tatum extended his arm toward her, a smug smile ying on his lips. Xena avoided my gaze as she took his arm. Something dark and primal twisted in my chest, wing to get out. Just then, I felt a hand on my arm. "You''d better let go," I said, my voice dangerously low. "Stay here. I''ll handle this, Logan insisted, his grip tightening. ''I''m fine." I yanked my arm away, just in time to see the music change to a tango¡ª the most fucking sensual dance possible. My fury threatened to burst through my skin as Tatum''s hand settled dangerously close to Xena''s hips. As they moved across the floor, Tatum leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Even from across the room, I could see Xena''s face harden, but Tatum didn''t seem to care. His thumb kept stroking the back of her hand in slow, deliberate circles. I could feel the crowd''s judgment washing over me, their whispers suggesting I was some fucking failure who couldn''t protect his own mate. When Xena spun in a circle, Tatum caught my eye and shot me a challenging look. The wolf inside me howled, demanding I tear him apart, limb by limb. "Ryder..." William and Ama approached cautiously. "You''d better keep your distance," I growled, snatching William''s drink and downing it in one gulp. William guided Ama away, but Logan remained stubbornly at my side. "I don''t need a fucking babysitter." "Wherever you go, I go," he replied, his voice as strained as mine. But he couldn''t feel what I felt-the waves of disgust and revulsion rolling off Xena. I could sense her emotions as clearly as if they were my own. "We''re leaving as soon as this dance ends," I said through clenched teeth. "So are we," Logan agreed. As the music faded, Tatum dipped Xena low. I set my ss down and strode toward them, my vision tunneling. He was kissing her hand when I reached them. "Just thanking her for the dance," Tatum said with a smirk. I pulled her to my side, my arm locking around her waist. "Vi will ride back with Leonard," I stated firmly. "Deal." Tatum shed Xena another smile. I turned and led Xena away, pausing only briefly at our table. "We''re leaving. Now." Then I continued walking without looking back. Xena didn''t protest, just matched my pace step for step. The car was already waiting outside-William''s doing, I assumed, though I couldn''t care less at that moment, I yanked open the driver''s side door. "Out," Imanded. I needed to drive. A quick nce confirmed everyone was in their respective vehicles. William and Ama sat silently in the back seat. I mmed the door and floored the elerator, "Fuck!" I half-shouted, half- growled, pping the steering wheel. Xena ced her hand on my thigh. I gripped the wheel tighter, the car speeding down the highway. As the distance grew, my emotions began to simmer down, but I was still fucking furious. "Open the damn gate," Imanded through the mind link. The gate had barely cracked open wide enough when I sped through. Gravel sprayed as I mmed on the brakes. I didn''t waste a second-there was only one thing on my mind now Xena didn''t wait for me, running straight inside. I took the stairs two at a time until we reached the bedroom door. After punching in the code, I had barely closed the door before pushing Xena again the wall. My lips crashed into hers, but her hands were already working to remove my clothes. I hitched up her dress while she unbuttoned my pants. Stepping out of them, I slid my fingers, inside her. "Ah!" Xena''s eyes rolled back as she clutched me tightly. I couldn''t wait any longer. She was already wet, and I needed her. My cock thrust inside her, my hands supporting her ass as her legs wrapped around my back. She pressed against me, matching my rhythm perfectly. "I''ll make it up to you," I groaned. "Harder, Ryder!" she demanded. "Say my name," Imanded. "Ryder!" she moaned. "Again!" "Ryder!" She gasped. "Again!" "RYDER!" she cried out. "That''s right, you''re fucking mine!" I growled, her moans driving me wild as I pounded into her harder. When she came, she bit down hard on my mark, and I emptied myself inside her. "RYDER!" she screamed, her body shuddering as I felt a sharp sting in my shoulder. I gentlyid her on the bed. My desire had subsided somewhat, but the night was far from over. Xena''s POV I woke up sore all over my body. Still, it had been the best night of my life. Ryder''s arm was wrapped tightly around me, making me feel secure and protected. "You''re awake," Ryder whispered, not a question but a statement. Lying in his strong arms, I reflected on everything that had happenedst night, my emotions aplicated mix. While dancing with Tatum, I''d been filled with disgust-every touch making my skin crawl. I could feel Ryder''s burning gaze on us, knew he was watching, his anger nearly setting the ballroom ame. Chapter 107. Yet there was something strangely satisfying about seeing him jealous, seeing him angry for me. It was in that moment I truly understood that to him, I wasn''t just a mate-I was an essential part of his soul. When he forcefully led me away, I didn''t resist because I knew we both needed this confirmation of our connection In the car, as his anger still burned, my touch seemed to be the only thing that could soothe him. And when we finally reached the bedroom, that desperate need, that primal possessiveness, consumed mepletely. When he demanded 1 call his name, I shouted it with all my heart, as if it was the only word I could remember. "Mmm, yes, I am," I replied softly, nestling deeper into his embrace Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 108 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "Time to get up for breakfast," Ryder''s voice was a gentle murmur against my ear, his breath warm against my skin. ¡°No,¡± I grumbled, pressing my ass against him, feeling his chest rumble with quietughter. I could feel the heat of his body against mine, tempting me to stay wrapped in this cocoon of warmth. "You need to get up and eat a good breakfast. You''ve got a fight to win today," he said, his fingers tracing light patterns on my bare shoulder. That got my attention. "I''m looking forward to it!" My voice carried an undeniable edge of excitement. Ryder''s arms tightened around me, his tone more serious than I''d expected. "You need to focus. Winning this fight will show everyone else not to challenge you so easily." I rolled over to face him, studying the concern etched into his features. "Who else would dare challenge me? Besides, I''m the one who issued this challenge." I sighed and pulled myself up from the bed, suddenly very aware of my nakedness in front of Ryder. Strangely, it felt more natural with each passing day. The vulnerability that once made me ufortable was fading, reced by something that felt oddly like belonging. I didn''t actually need a shower, but I wanted one anyway. I needed to wash away his scent from my skin before the fight. It was strategic-I couldn''t afford to let my opponent catch any trace of distraction or weakness in my scent. Just as I ducked my head under the hot spray of water, the bathroom door opened. "They may not have issued challenges yet, but the possibility is there," Ryder muttered as he stepped into the shower behind me. I almost rolled my eyes at his persistent worrying. "Are you afraid someone might defeat me?" I asked, working shampoo through my hair while Ryder washed his body. It struck me as strange-intimate yet not sexual-just two people sharing a shower and a conversation. We''d reached a level offort I never thought possible. I''d always assumed shared showers were inherently erotic, but this felt different. Domestic, almost. "No, I mean... I haven''t seen you fight yet, but I''d rather not see it at all," Ryder replied, his displeasure evident in both his voice and the tense line of his shoulders. I changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood. "Is Loganing today?* "He should be." We switched positions so I could rinse the shampoo from my hair. "I still can''t believe he and Penelope became mates. Wonder how Keira feels about that." ''Is Keira a warrior?" Ryder asked. My body stiffened instantly at his question, my heart rate elerating as unease washed over me. Was he worried Keira might challenge Penelope? Yes, Aut Penelope isn''t. She''s a schr, like me." "Yet you still fight," Ryder sighed. "Only because I forced my dad to teach me. After a final rinse, Ryde turned off the shower and handed me a towel. We walked into the closet together. I have some things to take care of today," Ryder said coolly, his back to me as he dressed. His sudden detachment irritated me. "That''s fine. I can find my way downstairs. I hadn''t done anything wrong-he''d known about this fight for over a week, and I''d issued the challenge before we''d even be mates. "Fine" Ryder walked out, closing the bedroom door with more force than necessary. "Looks like someone needs a tampon today..." I muttered to myself, picking up my phone to call Penelope. "Hello?" Penelope''s voice sounded slightly breathless. "Hey, girl! How are you?" I immediately realized-1-might have interrupted something, mentally kicking myself for not considering the timing. "I''m good. Actually, we''re about to head over to your pack. Logan has some business to handle with Ryder. Penelope sounded like she was catching her breath, restraining something in her voice. "Great! I just wanted to check on the shop updates. It feels weird not doing anything," I said, trying to keep my tone casual. "Sure, I''ll bring everything with me." Penelope''s voice sounded distant, as if she''d moved the phone away. Her tone suggested she wasn''t fully engaged in our conversation. "Okay, well, thanks. See you soon." "Yeah, see you!" Penelope quickly ended the call. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 109 Don''t Poke the Luna. Xena''s POV Looking down at my outfit, I felt a hint of disappointment wash over me. I was wearing a sports bra and a fitted athletic tank, both white, paired with ck and white shorts. They weren''t skin-tight, but they still hugged my thighs. I hesitated, wondering if the ensemble was too eye-catching, but then I thought about today''s fight. I needed something light andfortable. After slipping on my tennis shoes, I decided to grab breakfast first. Stepping out of our bedroom, the pack house was already buzzing with energy. Laughter and footsteps echoed from downstairs bouncing off the marble floors. It was Saturday morning, summer almost upon us, and the time was 7:30 AM, so I guessed the morning training had already finished. My wolf was vibrant with the energy of this pack. The dining hall doors were wide open, probably blown apart by the noiseing from inside. Rows of tables filled the room, with everyone discussing today''s events. My gazended on Ama and William sitting at a table near the front. I smiled as I made my way toward them. "Hey, you guys!" I said cheerfully, pulling out a chair across from them. "Hey, girl! Didn''t expect to see you here!" Ama turned her face toward me, temporarily ignoring William. William leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "Why''s that?" I asked, feigning confusion. "Afterst night, I figured Ryder would have you locked in your room Ama''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Damn, he was pissed this morning. Honestly, I don''t even know where he is right now." I rolled my eyes and leaned back in my chair. "What did you do now?" Amaughed. "I didn''t do anything! He''s just mad about the challenge I''m participating in today." I leaned forward, lowering my voice to avoid being overheard, "I think it''s that time of month for him." Ama burst intoughter while William tried to hide his smile. Men can be more sensitive than women sometimes, especially possessive Alphas like Ryder. "Logan will be here soon with Penelope. I think Leonard will being with Vi too." That caught my attention. "Really?" I leaned forward, cing my hands on the table. "Yes. There''s going to be an important meeting after the challenge. Ryder... didn''t tell you?" My eyes narrowed at this information. That bastard! "No, he didn''t." I stood up, "Excuse me, looks like I need to have a word with my mate." I said through gritted teeth. "This is going to be good, I heard William murmur as I turned to leave. I could hear Ama and William following behind me. My angry footsteps echoed all the way up the stairs to Ryder''s office door. I didn''t even knock, just pushed the door open. Ryder was sitting in his chair with Helen standing in front of him. She looked freshly showered and had changed into a sports bra and booty shorts for today''s challenge. My wolf immediately bristled with rage. I knew my eyes had changed color, and Ryder closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A tidal wave rose inside me Tealousy, anger, insecurity instantly filling every cell of my body. Seeing Helen standing there, my instincts nearly burst through to tear her apart. Why was she here? Why would Ryder allow her to be alone with him? Questions and unease switled in my mind, but I forced myself to maintain a calm erior. "How cozy," I said as I walked in. William and Ama slipped in behind me, closing the door. They quietly moved to the couch and sat down, as if settling in for a show. "This meeting doesn''t concern you," Helen narrowed her eyes at me "Doesn''t it?" I walked around Helen, deliberately bumping my shoulder against hers as I made my way to Ryder. I pushed his chair back and sat on hisp with attitude. 1 heard him grunt a little and knew I''d hurt him slightly, but I didn''t care. I crossed my legs and arms, ring at Helen. "Just to be clear, this is also my office because I''m the future Luna te. Whatever you need to discuss with my mate, you can say it in front of me." Ryder didn''t even try to move me. Instead, he seemed rather amused by the whole thing. I could feel his hand resting lightly on my waist. "Helen requested a meeting before the challenge," he said aloud. "Great. What do you want to talk about? You can''t possibly be asking to stop the challenge, because only I can make that decision. So please exin why you needed to speak with Ryder?" This challenge was arranged before you two were bonded, so it''spletely Ryder''s business," Helen crossed her arms over her chest. Her breasts spilled from her bra, and I swear her entire ass was hanging out. "Wrong. If you want to go by that logic, I was still a member of my father''s pack then. That means the choice to stop this would be his, not Ryder''s. Hell, it might even be Alpha Benedict''s choice. Whether you like it or not, this shit is definitely happening." "I just wanted to spare you the embarrassment of losing. Besides, I know what Ryder likes in bed. I''d be a better mate for him." Helen gave me a fuck-you smile. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 110 Xena''s POV As rage rocketed through my body, everything around me blurred. Ihot to my feet, my wolf taking over, and stormed toward Helen. My hand closed around her throat, lifting her before mming her hard against the floor. My wolf turned to Ryder, eyes zing. "Start the DAMN Challenge. NOW!" Without waiting for his response, my wolf dragged Helen straight out of the office, across the entire pack hall. Everyone who witnessed the scene followed, whispers and exmations echoing behind us-Oh my god," "That''s right"-but my wolf paid no attention, hauling her straight to the challenge arena that was always ready. My wolf wasn''t about to wait a second longer and tossed Helen into the ring. Shended on all fours, pathetic and disoriented. I took several steps back, never taking my eyes off her. "Xena..." Ryder''s voice came from behind me. "Back off, Ryder," I snarled through our mind link. Despite my fury, I maintained enough control not to create a scene by arguing in front of everyone. "You had meetings with Helen behind my back! You held important meetings without me! Am I supposed to be your equal partner, and this is how our rtionship works? You constantly hiding things from me? I will not live like this!" I turned to face him, letting him see the raw hurt in my eyes. He took a step toward me, but I stepped back, refusing hisfort. Ryder''s expression hardened, and he turned toward Alpha Benedict who stood with his arms crossed, ring at his son. Just then, my family arrived. "What''s going on with X?" Logan asked. Ryder shook his head and walked past him. Logan opened his palms as he approached me. ¡°X?" "I''m going to kill her," I growled through clenched teeth. Logan positioned himself in front of me, cing his hands on my shoulders. "Deep breath." He inhaled deeply, motioning for me to follow. "X... don''t do this." I saw William intercepting Ryder as he tried to approach. I shifted my focus back to Logan and finally relented. With each deep breath, my wolf retreated, letting me regain control. "I''m fine now," I said after a moment. "What happened?" "Ryder didn''t tell me about the meeting with Helen! He just wants to keep me in the dark about everything. Then I walk into his office and find him in a private meeting with that bitch. She also told me she knows what Ryder likes in bed. All my hurt spilled out at once, the pain raw in my chest. Logan nodded. His detached reaction suggested he didn''t think this was a big deal. "You know he has to have meetings with different people..." "Not her!" I red at him. Chapter 110. Then you need to talk to him about it, tell him how you feel, ande to an understanding. X, I don''t know Ryder that well, but I know he loves you. He wouldn''t hurt you Intentionally." "Whose side are you on? You should be punching him in the face for me! My voice rose with usation. Xena, listen to me. Every now mated pair, especially those with status, needs time to adjust. Did you honestly think everything would be perfect the moment you came here? Logan''s words struck ke lightning, bringing me back to reality. My gaze drifted to Ryder. He stood with his arms crossed, staring intently at me. I looked toward the distant trees. After a moment, I sighed deeply. es... Martha that I didn''t think about any of this." William and Alpha Benedict blocked his path. ho... I don''t know. I was so focused on getting away from "You''re the smartest person I know, but when ites to rtionships, you''re as clueless as the rest of us." I didn''t answer, still looking into the distance. Logan turned me to face him, meeting my eyes. worth losing yourself over." "You''ve always been brave, but you can''t let anger control you, Xena. Helen isn''t "She knew we were together and still acted like that," I said, my tone still heated. Logan raised an eyebrow, a slight smile on his lips. "Of course she wants to see you fall apart. The more you lose control, the more she wins. You need to stay cool and show her who''s boss." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 111 1 tilted my head, giving him an exasperated look. "Are you giving me psychology lesson?" "Maybe." He shrugged, his eyes teasing. "But it''s working, isn''t it?" I didn''t respond, just exhaled softly. Logan patted my shoulder, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Though I have to say... that throw was badass. Total alpha move. Even if you looked like a crazy woman ready to murder someone.* "Rude!" I yfully punched his shoulder. Loganughed and pulled me into a hug. "You need to focus. Helen asbat training, and you can''t fight like a jealous girlfriend. You can beat her easily, but only if you keep your head clear." "Fine... fine." I said reluctantly. "How are you so good at this? You just found your mate yesterday too?" "I''ve talked to Dad about this stuff more than you have. You''ve been busy with your shop, never had time to discuss mate dynamics. Plus, we weren''t sure who your mate would be." Logan hesitated at the end. "Fighters, take your positions!" Alpha Benedict''s voice boomed. My attention snapped back to the present. The stands were filled with spectators, and someone was demonstrating moves to Helen. My eyes found my father, standing proudly beside Penelope. "You''ve got this, X." Logan gave me onest hug before stepping aside. Facing that bitch, I started stretching my limbs. Adrenaline began pumping through my veins, excitement building once more. Una prowled within me, baring her fangs. She was thirsty for blood. Helen gave me a stupid smirk, then nced at Ryder, smiling at him. Following her gaze, I saw Ryder''s eyes fixed only on me. I felt him trying to connect with my mind, but I shut that door firmly. I needed to concentrate, and nothing he could say would help now. This fight was for me. Anyone who dared ambush me on my territory wouldn''t leave unscathed. "Begin!" My father''s voice rang out, and Helen lunged at me. I crouched, preparing myself. If I remembered correctly, Helen favored her right hand. My memory served me well-she feinted left but attacked from the right. I raised my forearm to block, countering with my left fist. She blocked too, but didn''t anticipate my kneeing up fast, connecting solidly with her stomach. "Ugh..." she gasped, but recovered quickly. She used her momentum to drop down, sweeping my legs out from under me. "Damn," I cursed under my breath as I fell backward, but twisted my body in time tond on my hands and knees. Helen immediately pounced,nding a punch to my kidney. We''d practiced this move countless times, and my response was instinctive. I wrapped my arm around her neck and flipped her off me. We rolled together, and shended a hard punch to the back of my head. I pinned her down and delivered a precise blow to her nose. It broke instantly, blood spraying. Not wanting to end the fight so quickly, I stood up and stepped back. "Get up, bitch," I called out loudly. I wanted everyone to know I wasn''t done. Helen rolled over and sat up, wobbling as she got to her feet. "Is that all you''ve got?" I taunted. Chapter 111. She charged again, but her movements were slow and weak. After caly blocking her right hand, I delivered an uppercut that sent her flying backward. Una clearly wasn''t satisfied yet. I walked forward, grabbed her by the cor, and lifted her up before kicking her square in the chest. Helen flew backward, hit the ropes, and fell to her knees. Then she copsedpletely. She tried to stand but fell forward instead. I walked over and flipped her onto her back. Helen''s face was swollen badly. I stood over her, and she looked up at me through her one eye that could still open. "Stay away from my man." With those final words, I delivered a knockout punch. The crowd erupted in deafening cheers as my hands on her clothes. I''d barely broken a sweat during the entire fight. Chapter Comments ? LIKE POST COMMENT NOW IN Chapter 112 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 LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 113 Xena''s POV "Wow!" Ryder dodged my punch with surprising agility. He grabbed my wrist in one swift motion, pinning me against the wall and kicking the door shut behind us. "That''s not very friendly, he murmured, his lips hovering dangerously close to mine, his breath hot on my face, making my heart race. uncontrobly. His body pressed firmly against mine-damn it, my body was betraying me, the electric currents from our soul bond making my knees weak, stirring a longing deep inside nie that I couldn''t exin way. "Fuck you," I whispered breathlessly, trying to push him away but finding my body responding to his touch, bing weaker by the second. "Mmm, I''d be honored." I felt the change in his body, that distinctly male part of him hardening against me. Using every ounce of strength I had, I finally managed to push him away-though my wolf instincts protested loudly at the action. "I can''t believe you!" My voice trembled, anger and betrayal mingling together in a toxic cocktail. "First, I find out you''ve been having meetings about Vi behind my back, then I walk in on you having a private meeting with Helen! Your father opened the challenge to everyone, but you stormed off this morning without saying a word to me! Did I miss anything else?" By the end, I was practically snarling at him. Ryder just stood there, infuriatingly sexy, arms crossed over his chest, eyes slightly narrowed as he watched me continue my tirade. His calmness only infuriated me more-why could he stay soposed while I was falling apart like a madwoman? ¡°Hmm.¡± He merely hummed, which stoked my anger even more. "What gives you the right to keep things from me?" My voice shook. I thought we were equal partners! We''ve only been marked for one day, and you''re already treating me like a subordinate!" I started pacing the room, trying to expel the fury building inside me, but with each step, I could feel his eyes tracking me. "I told you from the beginning I''d rather be single than treated as less than! Just because I don''t regret initiating the challenge, you think you have the right to be angry and walk away? You should be supporting me! I¡ª¡± Ryder suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me to him. His lips crashed against mine, effectively silencing me. At first, I tried to push him away, but it waspletely futile. One hand pressed against my waist, the other cupping my face. His thumb moved slightly, as if threatening to grip my throat, and the gesture sent heat coursing through my body. My resistance was rapidly fading. "Are you..." he ced a kiss on my neck. He continued speaking between these sweet tortures. "Ready... to listen... now? His hands had moved to my ass. Moving lower, he lifted my leg to wrap around his waist. "No.." I moaned as he licked over my mark, the soul bond sensation nearly driving me insane. He picked up my other leg, rrying me toward the couch. Setting me down, he trapped me between the sofa and himself. Even if I wanted to escape, there was nowhere to go. He grabbed my hands and held them above my head. "Let me go," I sighed. "Not until you hear my exnation." Ryder waited until I met his gaze. "Fine, then please try to exin the betrayal I felt today." I used my most sarcastic tone. "First, you''ve known from the beginning I hated this challenge," his voice was low and serious. Yeah, because Helen was your girlfriend and you just want to protect her," I spat out. "Wrong." He said firmly. He kept one hand gripping my wrists while the other cupped my face. His thumb stroked my cheek gently, the tender gesture almost making me forget my anger. "I broke up with her the day she disrespected you at the pizza ce. I was never that invested in her. The moment I kissed you at the club, I knew you were my destined mate. I love you, Xena. I''m concerned about your safety. I''ve never seen you fight, only seen you get hurt over and over again. Every day, you experience physical or emotional pain. I just want one day where you don''t get hurt." I couldn''t argue-he was right. "What about hiding the meeting?" I pressed. 1 Ryder rolled his eyes, but I could see the guilt in them. "I was going to tell you after the challenge was over. I wanted you to focus on the challenge, not be distracted by the meeting. William will pay for that." "And the meeting with Helen?" I asked through gritted teeth. "Honestly, I went to the office to cool down before your match so I could better support you. She walked in just a minute before you entered. I didn''t even have time to speak. She came in demanding 1ncel the challenge." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Lna 114 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "Okay,st one. Why did your father suddenly initiate a challenge against me?" I looked directly into his eyes, my mindpletely clear now. "A challenge?" His own eyes shed with anger. "I swear I had no idea he would do that. Trust me, I''ll be having a serious conversation with him." I didn''t answer immediately, still stating into those green eyes of his He didn''t flinch or look away. His gaze was filled with sincerity and even a hint of worry. He wasn''t lying. I believed him. "That was really fucked up," I said, reiterating how hurt I felt. "I agree." He ced a gentle kiss on my lips. "I''m truly sorry." My anger slowly dissipated. "What was the meeting with Vi about "Mostly discussing how all this is going to work. She used to be part of the Darkthorn Pack. She might know why they attacked your shop. You know what happened to herst night. That kind of thing happens there regrly." My anger returned in full force. "I can''t believe that actually happened." He gently stroked my head with his left hand, guiding it to rest on his right arm. ¡°I would never let something like that happen to you," Ryder promised. "What did you do to those men?" "Logan and I handled them." I nodded. ¡°I don''t regret dancing with Tatum," I said, looking at Ryder. "I didn''t enjoy it, but I saved Vi... sort of." Ryder''s expression hardened. "You have no idea how difficult it was for me to watch that. I nearly broke his neck." "I would have enjoyed seeing that," I lifted my head and ran my tongue lightly across his lips. "I quite enjoyed you bursting into my office and sitting directly on myp," Ryder whispered in my ear, his tongue tracing the curve of my earlobe. A warm current spread throughout my body, a feeling I both loved and hated. "Next time, I won''t be so gentle," I promised, ifting my leg to press my knee firmly against his inner thigh. "Next time, I''ll fuck you without hesitation in front of anyone," Ryder smirked as he whispered, Ryder''s tongue continued to lick my ear, causing my body to writhe involuntarily. "Hmm, sounds like a challenge, and you know how I handle challenges." ''Is that what you want? People watching as I push my cock inside you?" Ryder asked. My face grew hot, but the words wouldn''t stop flowing from my mouth. "I just don''t think you''d actually do it. That would mean letting other people see me naked, and this outfit already pisses you off." Ryder''s hand slid down my body until he grabbed the hem of my shi. He slipped his hand underneath, slowly beginning to explore upward. ¡°Hmm, I could order them to look away." His touch sent electricity coursing through my body. I struggled to shy lucid, but my rationality was rapidly crumbling. This man knew exactly how to demolish my defenses. "Then what''s the point of fucking me in front of other people?" "They''d still hear you moaning my name," Ryder whispered in my ear his fingers ying with the edge of my sports bra. My breathing grew heavier. "They could hear that if you just kept the windows open," I was ying with fire, and I knew it. "You''re lucky Dad''s calling us to his office right now. But tonight... the windows will be open." Ryder gave me a serious look, letting me know he meant business. "You''d better get changed quickly." He kissed me hard again before getting off me. I felt an inexplicable anticipation. Tonight... Trying not to let my voice betray how affected I was, I stood up and walked toward the closet. What should I wear... It''s hot today, and I want to take a shower. "Do I really need to change?" I called out to Ryder. "No. Why? Changed your mind?" Ryder leaned against the doorframe. "I want to work out, maybe check on my shop too. It''s so hot today, I''m already sticky." "Fine, let''s go." Ryder shrugged and turned to leave. He held the door open for me. I had a sarcasticment ready on the tip of my tongue, but I held it back as I passed him. Ryder raised an eyebrow, as if waiting for me to say something, but when I didn''t, he looked surprised. Instead, I crossed my arms and walked slightly ahead of him. When we reached the office, Ryder knocked once and pushed the door open. We were thest to arrive. Penelope, Vi, and Luna Kestrel were on the sofa at the far end. Vi sat stiffly, still very frightened. Penelope and Luna Kestrel were trying tofort her. Logan, Leonard, William, and Alpha Benedict stood near the desk. To my displeasure, Martha sat in an armchair not far from the sofa. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 115 Xena''s POV "Now that everyone is here..." Alpha Benedict gave Ryder a meaning look. He seemedpletely unbothered, just leaning against the wall. "Vi, pleasee sit in front of me." He pointed to the achair directly in front of his desk. She was terrified, her entire body trembling like a leaf in the wind. could feel her fear, like a small rabbit facing a cheetah. Vi visibly shook as she stood and walked to the chair, sitting down with her head lowered the entire time, not daring to make eye contact with anyone. "Yes, Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Leonard was staring daggers at her. His eyes looked like he wanted to devour her alive. My god, how did he expect her to let her guard down with him looking at her like that? This was not how a mate should act. "Leonard, can we talk outside for a moment?" I asked, keeping my tome questioning. Alpha Benedict and Ryder looked at me in surprise, but Dad and Logan pointed toward the door, signaling him to go out. I didn''t wait to see if he would follow-I knew he would. As soon as the door closed, I turned on him. "What the hell are you doing, Leonard?" He narrowed his eyes at me. "My problem? Are you serious?" Heughed incredulously, clearly not expecting my attack. "Yes, your problem! She''s your mate!" I fired back. "I know! A mate who''s terrified whenever I touch her! A mate who was raped or at least abused, but won''t tell me anything!" Leonard''s voice was too loud. "Look at yourself! I wouldn''t tell you anything either! You look like you want to kill her! Your entire aura radiates hostility and fear. She needs love andpassion. All you''re showing is anger. I could tell she was afraid of you after three seconds of interaction!" "I''ve never touched her!" Leonard roared back. "Lower your damn voice. You''ve done nothing but terrify her! Think about how you looked in there. Arms crossed, ring at her as she walked to the chair. Let me guess... because she''s afraid, you''ve lost your temper with her more than once." He opened his mouth several times, but nothing came out. Instead, he let out a deep growl that seemed to vibrate the walls of the hallway. "This isn''t how I imagined things would be," he said dejectedly. "I know. I''m sorry this is your reality, but the girl in that room is terrified. She''s your mate and she shouldn''t be afraid of you too. You need to be her rock, her voice. You need to understand her and control your emotions," I softened my tone. "Damn it!" Leonard put his hands on top of his head and stepped back. "X, what am I supposed to do?" "Patience and understanding. You bing her mate wasn''t an ident. Trust that the Moon God paired you for a reason. Be the man she needs, and she''ll be the woman you need," I said gently. "This is karma for how I used to treat women," Leonard said with a humorlessugh. "I mean... I wasn''t going to say it, but..." I wasn''t one to kick someone when they were down, but the thought had crossed my mind. "Alright, alright. Let''s go back," Leonard took a deep breath. "Ready?" I asked, grabbing the door handle. "Yes," Leonard sighed. When we opened the door and walked back into the room, all eyes turned to us. Vi gave me a look that clearly indicated she didn''t appreciate me taking her mate into the hallway for a private conversation. She even let out a small growl, after which her eyes widened, fear filling her gaze. "Oh my god! I''m so sorry!" Vi covered her mouth, her eyes growing evenrger. The color drained from her face as she looked at me in terror. My heart clenched withpassion. Her fear was so real, so visceral, it made my chest tighten. "Ha! It''s fine. Being territorial over your mate is natural," Iughed, walking over to sit beside Penelope and Luna Kestrel. Leonard took the other armchair beside Vi. "Vi, what rank were you in your previous pack?" Dad asked Vi, "I... I was a maid. All females were maids. There were never any ranks for females there," Vi said through her fingers, which she still hadn''t removed from her mouth. My stomach twisted at her words, imagining what such a life would be like-no dignity, no status, just obedience. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 116 Don''t Poke the Luna "What did your father do?" Dad continued. "Um, he died when I was little, but my mom said he was a warrior, Vi answered, finally lowering her hands to fold them in herp, head still bowed. I could sense her measuring every movement, afraid of doing anything wrong. "Did you know that Darkthorn destroyed Xena''s shopst week?" Alpha Benedict asked, pointing at me. "Um... I..." She started trembling again, ncing at me. I got up and walked to stand in front of her. Deep inside, I felt sympathy for her situation, but also a touch of impatience. She needed to learn to live here, and that meant she needed to stop being in this constant state of overwhelming fear. "Vi, look at me," I crouched down, making myself lower than her eye level. Vi obeyed, looking at me. Her eyes were watery, like those of a frightened fawn. "I want you to ignore these men," I said. There was some ufortable movement behind me, and I knew I''d just irritated Alpha Benedict. "It''s just you and me, okay? You''re safe here. You won''t be punished for anything you say. No one here will raise a hand to you. I promise you won''t get in trouble for telling us anything. You''re Leonard''s mate, which makes you one of us. We take care of each other. You never have to go back there," I ced my hand on hers. Vi watched me speak. She really absorbed every word I said, rxing slightly. I watched as the fear in her eyes gradually receded, reced by a small glimmer of hope. "Okay," she said softly. "Please tell me what you know about my shop being destroyed." "I... I was cleaning the bathroom. Alpha Tatum and Alpha Wiley walked by, and they were talking about who would be chosen as Alpha Tatum''s mate. They don''t believe in destined mates. If you''re not who they want, they reject you. Well, actually, I don''t know if he rejected her. We could hear screams from his bedroom every night. We weren''t allowed to enter his room. We haven''t seen her since he found her. Alpha Tatum... he told his father he liked you. He wanted to make you submit to him." Tears filled her eyes again, and nausea rose in my throat. My stomach churned with disgust, a cold anger spreading through me. But I struggled to remain calm, not wanting to frighten Vi. "Did you hear anything else?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. "No, once they realized I was there, they..." "It''s okay, you don''t have to tell us," I said. "So no females had ranks there?" "No, not even Alpha Wiley''s mate. She was the only one who didn''t have to clean. She was in charge of making sure we finished our work. She was beaten every day just like us. If we failed, we were punished, and so was she." "I see. Do you know Penelope here?" I asked, looking toward Penelope. Vi followed my gaze and nodded. "She''s Alpha Logan''s mate." That''s right. I''m Logan''s sister. I grew up with Logan and Leonard. Penelope has been my assistant for years. She has the sweetest soul. Penelope is learning her role as Luna, and your new role will be the female version of Leonard. Currently, he is the Gamma. That makes you the Female Gamma. In their pack, females hold the same rank as their mates, and vice versa. However, I think Logan and everyone would agree with me that you need some time to adjust to our way of doing things.* "For the first few months, I want you to do whatever you want to garden or help at the orphanage, do that. Your only job is to learn take a lot of patience and trial and error, but there''s a reason he v woman to knock some sense info him." Chapter Comments LIKE POST CO ¡°For the first few months, I want you to do whatever you want to do. If you want to learn cooking, go to the kitchen. If you want to garden or help at the orphanage, do that. Your only job is to learn the new way of life. Leonard will treat you like a princess. It will take a lot of patience and trial and error, but there''s a reason he was thosen as your mate. Personally, I think he needed a good woman to knock some sense into him. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 117 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. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW he Lna 118 Ryder''s POV "She didn''t buy it at all," I said to Logan, frustration coursing through my veins. Xena always saw through our schemes. "I knew she wouldn''t believe it easily, but I''m surprised she didn''t argue with me about it," Logan sighed, turning toward Alpha Hank. His eyes held a concern I rarely saw from him, which only heightened my unease. "We absolutely cannot let Tatum get near her." "Agreed. His stunt at the party was nothing short of a direct challenge," Alpha Hank finally showed his true emotions. "What do you suggest? We can''t send warriors to beat him up. They''re no match, and Tatum will certainly have his men with him. That would be tantamount to dering war," my father leaned back in his chair. "He walked into her shop and demanded Xena customize that piece of junk motorcycle of his," I told everyone in the room, my voice trembling slightly despite my efforts to control it, The memory of him standing close to Xena made my blood boil. "The fuck he is!" Logan exploded, mming his fist on the table as he rose to his feet. "I agree, she absolutely cannot ept his appointment. This whole mess started because of that," Hank''s voice was firm. "I think we need to call Alpha Wiley and discuss this matter concerning her. That''s a starting point," my father sighed. "This way we cany the groundwork." "Call him now," I said, perhaps too forcefully. My father gave me a warning look, signaling me to calm down, but Logan spoke up. "I agree. I want to hear this call." Logan stated firmly, looking toward Alpha Hank. Alpha Hank gave a slight nod. My father sighed and picked up the phone. "Put it on speaker," I added as he dialed, my heart racing. Ring! Another ring! "Alpha Benedict. Surprised to get your call." Alpha Wiley''s voice echoed through the room, his superior tone making my blood boil. "I believe a conversation between us is necessary," my father said in an authoritative, professional tone. I knew he was controlling his anger. "Some matters havee to my attention that I find deeply concerning. I hope we can find a solution." "What issues?" Alpha Wiley sounded bored, as if our concerns were trivial, his arrogance making me clench my fists. "Xena Harris. "Ah, yes. My son has told me quite a lot about her." This made my heart race, my chest tightening painfully. "That''s precisely the problem. She is mated and marked to my son. She has no interest in your son, and I''m calling to demand that he stay away from her. He is not to enter her shop or speak to her for any reason," my father''s voice was calm but resolute. Alpha Wileyughed dismissively. "Alpha Benedict, they only crossed paths by chance a few days ago. He''s spoken to her a total of twice. If his influence on her already has you intervening, I must question: why would that be? Perhaps he has indeed affected her emotionally? This motherfucking asshole I cursed inwardly. "I assure you, that''s not the case. She actually finds him repulsive, and his little trick at the partyst night was equally disgusting. I don''t think I need to tell you that what your pack members did to vi was seriously crossing the line," "Alpha Benedict, boys will be boys. Vi is now with Alpha Hank''s pack, so I see no reason to discuss Vi further. As for Xena, my son is a young man who saw someone he was interested in. You can tell me Ryder or Logan have never flirted with girls. Logan''s gamma, Leonard is it? Isn''t he something of a... at do the kids call it... yer? I''m surprised he would want to mate with Vi! I could feel Logan also suppressing his rage, his breathing bing rapid. "Alpha Wiley, listen carefully, Tatum needs to stay from Xena, or next time there won''t be a polite conversation, my father''s voice grew low and dangerous, carrying ane threat. "Is that a threat?" Alpha Wiley''s voice deepened. "Take it however you want, but I''m protecting the future of my pack and I will not take lightly to harassment of our future Luna. Chapter Comments Chapter 119 "May the strongest prevail." Alpha Wiley said dangerously before hanging up. "Fuck!" My anger finally erupted as I drove my fist through the wall. "Our next move must be a clear statement," Logan was shaking with anger. "Xena can''t move around without guards," I said with a dark tone. "Agreed. She may not like it, but she has no choice," Alpha Hank nodded, speaking slowly. Martha made no effort to hide as she rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to say something, but wisely closed it after a look from her mate. "Fine. You can go home now. Alpha Hank, I''ll call you in a few hours with the specific location." My father stood and extended his hand to Hank. "Sounds good." Hank took my father''s hand. I walked over to open the door for them. Alpha Hank walked out, followed by Leonard, but Logan stopped in front of me. "Protect my sister," it wasn''t exactly a threat, but it carried threatening undertones. Still, I understood his position. "With my life," I answered quietly. I walked with Logan to the kitchen. As we approached the door, I could hearughtering from inside. My mother''s voice was the loudest, but I could still distinguish Xena''sughter. Something inside me rxed slightly. My gaze fell on them, all gathered around the table. Even Vi was smiling as my mother and Xena told stories. Penelope was shaking her head, her face flushed. "Ladies,¡± I announced our arrival. I noticed Vi immediately shut up, her expression falling. I kissed the top of Xena''s head before sitting beside them. "What''s so funny in here?" "I was telling them about the time Penelope face-nted at the school carnival," Xena smiled at me. Her smile is like sunshine, dispersing the darkness inside me. Every time I see her smile at me, I fall in love with her all over again. "That must have been entertaining," I agreed. Logan sat next to Penelope. "I remember that!" Penelope blushed and turned away from him. "Did you get the information you needed?" I asked Xena. "Yes. The cabs and flooring will be installed tomorrow. Sounds like they still need more paint work done, so I''m i.ing over there to do that now." rm bells rang in my head. Let her go out alone? In this situation? Absolutely not. I nced at Logan. He frowned. "I can get some people to do that. I was thinking maybe we could have a day just for you and me." Xena''s body stiffened, and she looked at me. Her eyes knew something was off. ''Is that so?" "Yeah, maybe put some new loungers on the balcony." I teased her. I worked; her skin turned red. Oh my god. Well, thanks foring over today!" Xena changed the subject, looking at the others. Leonard stood in the doorway, watching us. Logan stood up, pulling Penelope''s hand to help her up. "It was delightful! I''ll keep in touch. Everything for the dance is pretty much ready. I called yesterday to confirm everything," Penelope said, and Vi stood as well. "Fantastic. You''re really irreceable," Xena sighed, knowing she was losing an excellent assistant. Honestly, from what I''d seen, she would make an excellent luna. However, Xena would still be the best "I know. I''m amazing!" Penelope gave her biggest smile. "My little girl is all grown up," Xena pretended to cry. "Alright then," Logan rolled his eyes, pulling Penelope along "Bye, brother!" Xena called after Logan. "Let me know, Ryder," Logan said, nodding to Xena. Vi raised her hand in a stilted, uncertain gesture that barely resembled a wave. "Thank you, L-Luna Kestrel and Luna Xena." She managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have my phone number. Call me anytime," Xena gave her a smile. Vi turned toward Leonard. He didn''t move, his arms crossed over his chest. Vi looked back at Xena, then turned back and tremblingly ced her hand on one of Leonard''s arms. His eyes flickered to her hand, then up to her eyes. His body visibly rxed as he uncrossed his arms, and Vi slid her hand into his. They walked out together. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 120 Ryder''s POV "Alright, I''m off to work. See youter, kids!¡± Mom smiled at us as she walked out the door. Xena turned in her seat, swinging her leg over to straddle myp. Care to tell me why you''re lying?" Her blue eyes locked with mine, zing with determination. "Can''t there be a little mystery in our rtionship?" I sighed, standing up and bringing her with me. I knew I shouldn''t keep things from her, but my instinct to shield her from any harm was overwhelming. I grabbed her hand and pulled her up. "No, there can''t be," she replied-firmly, her voice carrying that edge finality I couldn''t resist. I led her up the stairs to my library, our hands still connected. "Why are you bringing me here?" Xena asked, herreyes taking in the shelves of books lining the walls. I closed the door behind us and locked it. "It''s a rxing ce, and since I know you''re not going to let me handle this on my own, I wanted to tell you here." I sat down on one side of the sofa and patted the other side for her to join me. My heart raced, uncertain how to begin this difficult conversation. "I don''t like this feeling," Xena said, sitting across from me with one leg tucked under her. She rested her arm on the back of the couch, supporting her head with her hand. Her beautiful face was etched with wariness, and I could practically feel her tension. "I don''t either, but I told you we''re equals, and I meant it. Honestly, I''d rather not tell you this at all, just because I want you happy and unburdened." I tried to keep my voice steady. "I appreciate that, but spit it out." "You know Tatum has developed some kind of weird attachment to you." I began. Xena''s eyes immediately narrowed, and I could feel through our bond that she knew she wasn''t going to like what came next. Her emotions rippled through our connection. "Dad tried calling Alpha Wiley to see if we could defuse the situation" I continued, struggling to control the tremor in my voice. "Let me guess, it didn''t work?" Xena rolled her eyes, looking out the window. The sunlight streaming through illuminated her profile, highlighting her perfect features. "No. He basically said that what happened at Vi was just boys being boys..." Xena whipped her head back toward me in shock. I held up a finger and continued, ¡°...he said his son has taken an interest in you and there''s no harm in that. He essentially ended by saying, may the best man win." I delivered the news as calmly as I could. "You''ve got to be kidding me..." Xena stared at me, astonished. Shock anger, and fear poured from her into my hear "Not his exact words, but that was the gist. He meant that Tatum won''t respect the fact that you''re my mate, but will try to win you instead. My hands curled into fists involuntarily, nails nearly digging into my palms. Xena''s mouth fell open, just staring at me. "That''s insane," she finally found her voice. "Dad''s forbidden you from doing any work on his bike. That goes without saying." "Obviously."- "And you need to have a bodyguard with you at all times." Xena opened her mouth to argue, but 1 pressed my finger to her lips. Her mouth was soft and warm against my touch. "Don''t even try to fight me on this. Logan, your dad... basically everyone agrees on this. I... I paused. "I need you to do this. For my sanity. 1-1 can''t lose you, Xena. Please don''t fight me on this. I grabbed her hand, being as sincere as possible. My voice trembled slightly with the intensity of my emotions, my eyes never leaving hers. It seemed to work because Xena didn''t immediately respond. Instead, her eyes dropped to our joined hands. She was having an internal battle. I could see her brow furrowing slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line. I was about to say something when she stood up and moved to straddle myp. My hands went to her hips, and she ced hers on either side of my face. Her touch was gentle yet firm. "I''ll only agree if I get to choose who the bodyguard is," she finally said. "Baby, it can only be me or Logan or William. You understand that, right? I''m not putting your safety in the hands of a stranger." I cupped the back of her head, pulling her toward me. Our kiss was gentle, more forfort than passion. Pressing her forehead against mine, she closed her eyes. "I can''t deny that he creeps me out, and I don''t like him around me." "Let me keep you safe. Don''t leave pack territory without me. Don''t take risks while this is being resolved, okay?" I pleaded softly. Xena moved her head to rest on my shoulder. "Okay." I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, relief washing over me. Her hair smelled like wildflowers, and I buried my face ?n it, taking a deep breath. "I love you," I whispered, the words falling from my lips without thought. "I love you too," she replied, her voice muffled against my shirt. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 121 Ryder''s POV This was easier than I''d expected. I was just leaning against the window in my library, rxing with Xena in my arms, when suddenly I felt a sharp pain shoot through my mark. My body reacted instantly, the pain transforming into pleasure, and I came in my shorts. In the afterglow of my orgasm, my hands gripped Xena tightly while she licked the mark she''d left on me. This unexpected intimate invasion both irritated and captivated me hated the feeling of losing control. "WHAT THE F*CK, Xena?" I breathed heavily. I pushed her off me, my shorts sticky with my release. "I..." Xena wasughing so hard-tears streamed down her face. A wave of embarrassment and annoyance washed over me. I unlocked the door and walked straight out, heading directly to our bedroom to change clothes. "R¨Dryder!" Xena entered the bedroom while I was cleaning myself in the bathroom. I put on fresh boxers and shorts in the bathroom. I closed the bathroom door with a heavy thud. "What the fuck do you want?" I asked, still annoyed. "I''m sorry, but I think you enjoyed it," Xena leaned against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow at my underwear. "Besides, you promised me we''d spend the whole day together." "I did promise... but after that little stunt, let''s go work out," I said. "Work out? I can think of other ways to exercise." Xena tried to grab me as I walked past her. "No, I already came. I''m good." I gave her a look as I opened the bedroom door. "Fine, damn it." Xena made a face and walked toward me. "I thought making youe would put you in a better mood, but apparently not." As she passed by me, I raised my hand and smacked her ass hard. "I''m in a great mood." "Ow!" Xena grabbed her ass and did a little spin. "That''s going to bruise!" I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her along with me. "We''ve never worked out together before. This should be fun." "I have a feeling I''m going to hate you by the end of the day," Xena gave me a look. "Oh no, darling. By the end of today, you''ll be screaming my name loud enough for the whole pack to hear," I promised as I opened the door to the gym. The gym was crowded, the air thick with the sticky scent of sweat, and the fans in the corner were already whirring loudly. "What are we working on today, My Luna?" I raised an eyebrow at Xena. "Legs, for our happiness." She gave me a wicked smile. We walked to the squat rack, and she expertly adjusted the barbell height, then took off her shoes and ced two weight tes under her feet. She began warming up with light weights. After we both did three warm-up sets, she loaded 160 pounds on each side of the barbell. I was surprised but didn''t make a sound, just watched silently. Shepleted eight reps with ease, which se She responded to my smile with a nk expression, I adjusted the barbell height and increased the impressed me. My face broke into a huge smile. as if this was the most natural thing in the world. to 240 pound Eight reps, also easy-this was a safe weight for me. I unbuckled my lifting belt and adjusted my breathing. "How much this time?" "170," she said, already moving to unload the my sweat. helped her unload the tes on the other side and sat on the bench to wipe My eyes involuntarily fixed on her ass. Each of Xena''s squats made my dick harder and harder until it tented my pants. After eight squats, she racked the barbell. "Your turn," she said with a hint of challenge in her voice. Perhaps I should add more weight. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 122 I increased the barbell weight to 250 pounds and ducked under it. It was my turn to do eight squats, and only after I finished did I let her continue with her next set. I could feel my muscles burning, but I had toplete it. Breathing heavily, I racked the barbell and gave her a thumbs up. She reset the weight to 150 pounds and did another eight squats, looking effortless. However, when she came out, she adjusted my weight to 275 pounds. "Can you lift this much, Sir Alpha?" She pressed her tongue against her teeth, both flirting and challenging me. "Easily," I said. It was indeed slightly more difficult than before, but dared not show any strain. In return, I set her weight to 160 pounds. "Your turn to show off." "No problem." She narrowed her eyes with a "fuck you" smile and bugan her squats. It was obvious she wanted to maintain a poker face throughout, but the involuntary trembling of her thighs gave her away. "Easy,¡± she said after exhaling deeply. This stubborn streak inexplicably excited me. "Good, let''s do some presses," I said, leading us to the Reverse Hack Squat Machine. We were both approaching our limits, our legs uncontrobly shaking during thest few reps of each set, but neither of us was willing to be the first to admit fatigue. We went to the free weight area to work on our calves, then each stretched on a yoga mat. When it was all over, Xena''s chest was heaving as shey on the yoga mat. "Here," I walked over and grabbed two bottles of water from the cooler, handing her one. "Thanks," she sighed again. "I was thinking about walking around the pack territory boundary. It would be a good idea for you toe along so you can get familiar with theyout," I said. Xena met my gaze. We both knew that meant walking several miles. "Sounds like a good idea," she said, her eyes blinking slightly, refusing to yield. "Won''t be too sore?" I asked, trying to give her an out. "Nope. I could even jog for a bit," Xena held her head high. I almost wanted to apud her. It excited me. "Good idea, let''s go," I shrugged and smiled softly at her. When we got outside, it was already a damn hot day. I had to slow my pace to let Xena walk beside me as we headed toward the edge of the forest. After throwing my empty water bottle in the trash, I waited for her to finish hers and do the same. "It''s fucking hot out here," Xena said, looking up. I noticed the sweat glistening on her skin. "Yes, it is. Ready?" I raised an eyebrow questioningly. She looked at the forest as if it were her enemy. "Anytime," she said. Damn, she was stubborn as hell. But I estimated she''d give in after five miles at most. We started jogging until we reached the wall surrounding our pack. "This is the boundary. It goes around the entire pack territory," I said, "What? Nosers or other protective measures?" Xena bent over, supporting her side. Her breathing was rapid, her cheeks flushed. "No, just bombs and poison darts," I said, amused. "Need a break?" FTI May "No, just admiring this beautiful scenery, Xena straightened up and walked past me. "Great, then you can lead the way," I said, letting her go first. I watched her, sigh and then start running along the path by the wall, Watching her firm backside bounce as she ran was absolutely mouthwatering. This was truly one of the most enjoyable runs I''d ever experienced. After running for a while, she stopped and grabbed onto a tree. "Fine! I cave. I can''t jog anymore" Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 123 Ryder''s POV "Well, you made it six miles when I thought you''d give up at five, so you''re doing better than I expected. Though looking at your legs shaking like that, I''m surprised you made it this far,¡± I said withugh. "Go... to... hell," she managed between gasps. I watched her stubborn expression, finding it strangely adorable despite myself. I just chuckled at her defiance. "Come on." I extended my hand, and after she took it, we continued walking. "How are you not even tired?" she asked a few minutester. "I''m an Alpha. We don''t get tired," I lied. Just then, she stumbled, fortunately still holding my hand. "Need me to carry you?" She red at me but ignored mystment. "I just haven''t worked out for about a week, and I was injured before that." "Alright, my poor little luna, let me show you something." We walked to the edge of a deep creek that ran through our territory. At the point where we stood, there was a waterfall flowing into a small pond, then the creek widened where water would drain out during rainy days. "This ce is beautiful," Xena said, releasing my hand to walk to the edge of the waterfall. "Yeah, beautiful," I said, but my eyes were fixed on her. Her silhouette against the sunlight, ying with the shadows and light effects, like an angel-I almost forgot to breathe. She removed her shoes and socks, sat on a rock, and dipped her feet into the water. "This feels so good," she said, tilting her head back and closing her eyes. "Let''s go swimming," I suggested. "Do what?" Xena looked at me. "Yeah, let''s go for a swim," I told her. I contacted the patrol through our mind link. "Stay away from the pond area." "Yes, Alpha," they knew better than to ask questions. "What if someonees...?" Xena nced around, but I had already started removing my shirt. "No one wille." Next came my shoes and socks. "The patrol... "I just instructed them to stay away." After removing my shorts, I stood naked before her. The satisfaction of watching her eyes roam up and down my body sent shivers down my spine. I jumped past her into the pond below. The water was almost crystal clear and felt good on this hot day. "Fine," Xena said with resignation. I caught my breath watching her strippletely before leaping into the water. I don''t know what it was, but my dick quickly grew rock hard. When her body emerged from the surface, her wet skin glistening in the daylight, it was so sexy that my lower region throbbed again. "This does feel amazing," she said with a smile. I turned around, about to show her the colorful stone I''d just picked up from the water, when suddenly my head was pushed down, two hands forcing me underwater. As a werewolf, I was an excellent swimmer. I quickly dove deeper, grabbed her ankles, and pulled her under too. Using the momentum from the bottom, I shot toward the surface. I emerged, slicking my hair back. This feels great! I looked around, checking the shore for the colorful stone I''d found earlier. I counted the seconds, yet Xena hadn''t surfaced. A sense of foreboding washed over me, and I frantically dove back in, finding her lying motionless at the bottom, eyes closed, small bubbles escaping her mouth. No, impossible! My heart sank, blood seemingly freezing in my veins "Fuck!" I screamed internally, diving down without hesitation to grab her. My arms wrapped tightly around her as I pulled her toward the surface. Don''t do this, Xena, you can''t do this to me! As soon as her head broke the surface, I ced her on the rocks, gently patting her cheeks, leaning close to her mouth to listen for breathing. Please, you have to be okay, you must be okay! Just then, a wet sensation slipped into my ear. Chapter 124 Ryder''s POV "OH! FUCK!" I shouted in panic. Xena''s eyes snapped open, and she burst intoughter, her body shaking with mirth. "I scared the hell out of you!" she gasped, her voice bright with mischief, her eyes gleaming with that yful spark. My pulse was still racing, a mix of adrenaline, anger, and something sharper- embarrassment, maybe. "Don''t do that again," I growled, my voice low. The fear lingered, a cold knot in my chest. Xena slid closer, her hands finding my waist, her touch warm against my chilled skin. Her gaze dropped to my lips, and I felt the air shift, charged with something heavier than her teasing. "It was just joke," she murmured, but her breath wasced with something else, something that made my blood hum. Her legs brushed against mine beneath the water, and through the bond we shared, I could feel the pulse of her desire. "It was a shitty joke," I said, my voice quieter now, but still rough with the edge of my anger. "You dying isn''t a game to me." 1 sank lower into the water, my hands finding her hips, my fingers digging into the soft curve of her. The contact grounded me, pulling me back from the edge of that fear. Xena''s lips curved into a sly smile. "Can I make it up to you?" Her voice was a low, sultry purr, and before I could answer, she leaned in, her tongue flicking against my earlobe. The wet, warm sensation sent a jolt through me, my body reacting before my mind could catch up. One of her hands broke the surface of the water, gripping my shoulder for leverage, while the other slid down, bold and unapologetic, wrapping around my cock.- I sucked in a breath, already hardening under her touch. "You can try," I managed, my voice rough, barely more than a rasp. She pressed herself closer, her breasts soft against my chest, the friction driving me to the edge of control. Her lips hovered near mine, teasing, as her hand moved in slow, deliberate strokes. My cock was rock-hard now, throbbing under her grip, and every nerve in my body was screaming for more. My hands moved on instinct, sliding down to the space between her thighs. I didn''t hesitate, slipping two fingers inside her, feeling the heat of her body even in the cool water. She gasped against my lips, her hand faltering for a moment as I worked her, my thumb circling her clit with just enough pressure to make her squirm. ¡°Oh, God," she moaned, her head tipping back, wet hair fanning out across the water''s surface. Her reaction was like gasoline on the fire of my desire, her body trembling under my touch. I could feel her tightening around my fingers, her breathing in short, desperate bursts. I hooked my arms under her thighs, lifting her until her legs wrapped around my waist. With one swift motion, I thrust into her, hard and deep. Her scream echoed across theke, her nails digging into my shoulders, the sharp sting blending with the overwhelming pleasure of being inside her. She was tight, hot, her body clenching around me like she was trying to consume me. me deeper, I carried her to a nearby rock, its surface smoothed by years of water. I set her down, her upper body resting against the stone, her lower half still submerged. The position gave me full ess, and I didn''t hold back, fucking her with a rhythm that was both relentless and precise. Her moans grew louder, her hands clutching at the rock, at me, at anything she could reach. I slowed my pace, leaning down to trail my lips across her chest. I found that spot on her left breast, the one that always drove her wild, and when my tongue flicked over it, her hips bucked, a shudder running through her entire body. The sight of her like that-pletely undone, lost in the pleasure I was giving her-nearly pushed me over the edge. I lifted her fully onto the rock, her hips just clear of the water. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" she cried, her hands tangling in my hair, her body trembling as I kissed and sucked at her skin. Her legs shook violently on either side of my head, but I pulled back just before she could tip over into climax, savoring the frustrated whimper that escaped her. tugged her back into the water, my cock sliding into her again with a force that made us both groan. Our movements synced, a perfect rhythm of push and pull, my lips crashing against hers in a kiss that was all heat and hunger. I gripped her hips, taking on most of the effort as her legs began to tire, driving into her with a intensity that felt like it could shatter us both. Her body was made for mine, every thrust pulling me deeper into her, until her orgasm hit, her walls pulsing around me. I followed her over the edge, my release crashing through me like a tidal wave. I was ready to go again, but Xena had other ns. With a sudden bust of strength, she pushed me back, pinning me against the rocky wall of theke''s edge. "What-" I started, confusion cutting through the haze of pleasure. She didn''t answer. Instead, she guided me out of the water, urging me to sit on the edge of the rock. Before I could process what was happening, her lips closed around my still-hard cock, taking me deep into her mouth. "Fuck..." I growled, my body jolting at the sudden, intense sensation I shifted to get morefortable, my hands gripping the rock as she worked me with a skill that left me breathless. Her hand cupped my balls, massaging them gently as she took nearly all of me into her mouth, moving with a rhythm that was both torturous and perfect. She didn''t gag, didn''t falter, just kept going, faster and faster, until I couldn''t hold back any longer. I came hard, my head falling back as I spilled into her throat. When I looked down, she was licking her lips, a smug, satisfied glint in her eyes. My chest was still heaving, my body buzzing with the aftershocks, but I wasn''t done with her yet. "Woman," I growled, pulling her into the water and kissing her deeply, fiercely. Her arms and legs wrapped around me, holding me close as our bodies pressed together. "Is that so, Mr. Alpha?" she teased when we finally broke the kiss, her voice low and yful. "That mouth of yours is filthy and fucking talented," I said, a grin tugging at my lips. Something about her calling me Mr. Alpha sent a fresh wave of heat through me, and I didn''t care to question why. "Really?" she asked, her nipples brushing against my chest, her body still pressed tight against mine. "Damn right," I murmured, my voice a low rumble. Her eyes fluttered shut as she dipped her head back into the water. My canines extended, a primal instinct taking over. I gave her onest look, then sank my teeth into the mark on her neck, the one that bound us together. Her body tensed instantly, her orgasm hitting her like a freight train, the sensation rippling through our bond. She sucked in a sharp breath, a choked moan escaping her as I withdrew my teeth, licking the spot clean. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 125 Xena''s POV THE MOTHER FUCK... My body gave one final shudder. His strong arms kept me close, preventing me from drifting too far, and every time my nipples brushed against his chest, they stayed hard, sending little sparks through me. "Mmm, I definitely enjoyed that," he said, his voice low, the half-smile finally breaking free. Goddamn, he''s the sexiest man I''ve ever seen. "Got it," I replied, leaning in closer. A stream of water shot from between my breasts, sshing his face, and I couldn''t help but smirk. "Doesn''t change anything, though." He blinked, wiping the water from his eyes with a quick swipe. "What''s that supposed to mean?" "Nothing." I shrugged, my tone yful but firm. "You ready to keep walking?, "Can''t we just stay here all day?" His eyes dropped to my lips, and I licked them deliberately, letting him know I wasn''t done with him yet. The air between us crackled, heavy with unspoken promises. ¡°Hmm.....¡± Before I could say more, Ryder''s hand found the back of my neck, pulling me into a kiss that sent a wave of heat straight to my core. It was fierce, demanding, and it made me ache for him to take me again, harder this time. Yes, what we''d done was fun, but I wanted more. Without warning, he pushed me back against the smooth rock, his fingers plunging into me with a force that stole my breath. "Oh, yes! Don''t stop!" I gasped, half-moaning, half-screaming, as pleasure surged through me. My mind was unraveling, reduced to nothing but raw sensation. His fingers moved faster, harder, each thrust driving me closer to the edge. Then he grabbed my legs, wrapping them around his waist, and his cock filled me in one swift, powerful motion. I was so lost in the rhythm of him moving inside me, the way he stretched and imed me, that I wasn''t ready for the sudden intrusion of his finger in my ass. My body mped down around him, a reflex to the unexpected sensation. "Rx,¡± he whispered in my ear, his voice a soothing growl. It was new, unfamiliar-a sharp sting that bordered on pain. But as I let myself rx, his finger began to move in sync with his cock, and the sensation shifted, overwhelming and intense. I couldn''t form words, couldn''t do anything but feel as he filled mepletely, fucking me in both ces at once. The duality of it was mind-blowing, pushing me toward a precinice I hadn''t known existed. To steady myself, I reached between us, one hand teasing my nipple, the other gripping him for support. When he added a second finger to my ass, I lost itpletely. A cry tore from my throat, loud enough to startle a flock of birds into flight, and Ryder''s roar of release echoed mine as we both came, our bodies trembling in the aftermath. We stayed like that for a moment, catching our breath, the waterpping around us. Finally, he spoke, his voice rough but warm. "I think you enjoyed that." My head rested on his shoulder, my body still buzzing. "You think?" teased, my voice soft butced with satisfaction. "Come on," he said, a grin in his tone. "Let''s keep moving. But I promise, there''s more where that came from." "We can dry off in the sun," I suggested as we slid out of the water. My entire body ached, a delicious kind of sore. My legs wobbled, and my ass burned with a heat that was both strange and thrilling. I wrung out my hair, the damp strands heavy in my hands, and we stretched out on the rocks for a few minutes, letting the sun warm our skin until we were mostly dry. The silence between us wasfortable, but a question nagged at me, one I wasn''t sure I wanted to ask. "Have you... done that before?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended, a hint of shyness creeping in. "Done what?" Ryder replied, his eyes fixed on the sky above. ¡°Come out here and... you know, have sex with someone.¡± I avoided His gaze, suddenly unsure if I wanted the answer. The thought of him sharing this ce, this kind of intimacy, with someone else made my chest tighten. He turned to face me, his expression serious. "No. Believe it or not, I''ve saved a lot for my mate. I''m not a virgin, obviously, but that doesn''t mean I''ve done this before." I swallowed, another question burning in my throat. "Have you... done anal before?" "Yeah," he admitted, his tone matter-of-fact. My heart sank, a sharp pang of jealousy slicing through me. I reached for my clothes, pulling them on quickly "Oh." It was irrational, I knew that. But the thought of him being that intimate with another woman hurt in a way I couldn''t exin. It was stupid-feelings don''t always make sense. Ryder didn''t say anything, just started dressing himself. I finished first, my movements brisk, and while he was still tying his shoes, I started down the path, not waiting for him. My hair was a tangled mess, impossible to tame, so I wove it into a quick braid that hung down my back. The snap of a twig told me Ryder had caught up. The forest around us was alive, vibrant with the chatter of birds, the squirrels darting up tree trunks, and the flutter of butterflies shing their colors in the dappled sunlight. It was beautiful, peaceful, and for a while, we walked in silence, soaking in the moment. scamper of To my right, I noticed a stone wall, maybe eight feet high, its weathered surface covered in patches of climbing vines. It looked ancient, like something built centuries ago, standing as a quiet testament to time. Chapter 126 Xena''s POV A strong gust of wind blew past, and I caught that scent. My body froze instantly, every muscle on high alert. I felt my heart race, my throat tighten, as that familiar dangerous aroma nearly made my blood congeal. "XE-7" Ryder began to speak, but I held up my hand to stop him. "Do you smell it?" I asked through our mind link, fear coiling like a serpent around my heart, but I forced myself to remain calm. "No?" Ryder looked worried. He nced around, his body tense, ready for action. Confusion was written all over his face, but he trusted my judgment. "What do you smell?" "Rogues." Ryder''s gaze snapped to mine. I could feel his wolf instantly be alert inside him. I pointed toward the boundary wall, motioning for him to take a look. He must have caught my thought, silently walking over. He leaped up, using his fingertips to pull himself to the top, barely peeking over the wall. As soon as he looked, he dropped back to the ground, gesturing for me to crouch down. "You''re right, his voice was low and tense. I crouched behind a tree, able to hear them just on the other side of the wall. My heart pounded as I analyzed every possible escape of fight route. "Stay down, I''ve called for the warriors," he said. "How many?" I asked. "A dozen or so." Damn. We could handle a few, but not that many. "Hmm." I bit my lower lip, considering our options. Each one seemed worse than thest. "You need to go back quietly," Ryder told me. The sound of Rogues scraping against the wall echoed around us, like the nails of death dragging down my spine. "I''m not fucking leaving! I won''t leave you alone to fight them!" I countered, fear reced by anger. "I will not allow you to be in danger!" "We need to shift before they get here," I told him. Not even giving him a chance to exin, I closed my eyes, summoning my wolf forward. I felt the change surge through me like a tidal wave, fire burning beneath my skin. Bones began to fearrange, muscles tearing and reforming, sharp pain shing then disappearing into an unprecedented sense of power. My senses became extraordinarily acute, my nose catching the putrid scent emanating from each Rogue, my ears hearing every uncoordinated heartbeat. My bodypletely transformed into a wolf, my fur standing up like steel needles, ws extending from my paw tips. Una''s silver fur shimmered in the sunlight. I could feel the power flowing through my veins, muscles taut, ready for battle. Turning my head, I saw / Ryder had shifted too. His wolf was enormous. Matching his dark green eyes, his wolf was pitch ck. Just as he shifted, a Rogue had climbed the wall andnded on the back of his neck. I didn''t even think; my wolf leaped forward. Jumping straight at that Rogue. Sinking my teeth into his neck, Una''s fur turning red with blood pouring from the dying Rogue. Fear and adrenaline raced through my blood. The area immediately filled with growls. I kicked away the dead Rogue as more Rogues climbed over the wall. Ryder was fighting three at once, while two had already surrounded me. 1 charged toward the first Rogue with lightning speed, my ws tearing through his throat, warm blood sshing onto my fur. The second Rogue tried to ambush from the side, but my reaction left him stunned. I spun to avoid his attack, mped my jaws around his arm, felt the crisp snap of bone between my teeth, then violently whipped my head, hurling him toward the wall. Suddenly, a massive weight crashed onto my back, nearly toppling me, and a sharp pain shot through my neck. A sense of mortal dread instantly spread throughout my body. Una tried desperately to break free but was pinned down firmly. A Rogue jumped down from the wall, walked in front of me, and shifted back to human form. ¡°Don''t fucking kill her!" The teeth on my shoulder immediately loosened. The man began barking orders, "This is what we want! Grab her!" Una had entered panic mode. This made her extremely dangerous, and she began attacking indiscriminately. The Rogue on her back was flipped to the ground, his throat shed open by her ws, then she lunged at the currently human-formed Rogue, slicing his neck. Not even waiting for him to die, she pounced on the next one. Grabbing his thigh in her jaws, she flung him away, smashing him against a tree. Before he could fall, another wolf raced toward him, sinking its teeth into his neck. Our warriors had finally arrived. Then I heard more howlsing from the direction of the pack house. I could feel a wave of relief washing over my entire body. Keep one alive!" I shouted to Ryder. I watched our warriors contain the threat. Ryder was biting a Rogue''s shoulder; he immediately withdrew his teeth and knocked the Rogue unconscious with his front paws. The warriors were doing the same. I recalled the Rogue''s words. What did he mean when he said they wanted me? Was this some failed attempt to kidnap me? I mean, they only sent a dozen Rogues? My wolf paced, eyeing each unconscious Rogue lying in pools of blood. "Xena." Ryder''s voice interrupted my thoughts, and my head snapped toward him. He had shifted back to human form, wearing shorts. He held up a shirt, motioning for me to take it. The warriors began shifting back to human form, putting on their own shorts. Chapter Comments POST COMMENT NOW LIKE Chapter 127 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV I grabbed my shirt and raced behind a tree, slipping it on only after shifting back to human form. The process took mere seconds, but I remained hidden, trying to organize my chaotic thoughts. It wasn''t the attack that disturbed me, nor the blood and bodies scattered across the ground-it was what the rogue had said to me. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down and walked back to the battlefield. "What happened?" Alpha Benedict''s voice thundered with fage, Ryder spotted me and motioned for me toe over. The warriors parted to let me through as I stumbled forward. My body still trembled, the adrenaline from the fight yet to fade away. A warrior steadied me by the arm, helping me reach Ryder''s side. He wrapped his arm around me firmly, his warmth instantly grounding me. "We were patrolling the boundary. I wanted Xena to be familiar with our territory," Ryder exined, tension evident in his voice. "Fine, and then what?" Alpha Benedict asked impatiently. drew in a deep breath before speaking. "A gust of wind brought their scent to me. Ryder climbed over the wall to confirm there were Rogues. He told me to run, but I refused." A wave of dread washed over me. Thank God I hadn''t listened-a minuteter, a Rogue had jumped onto his back. Looking up at him, I suddenly realized how terrified I was of losing him. "I had already shifted by then. My wolf took overpletely and killed that Rogue. Next thing I knew, all the Rogues were jumping in. Ryder was fighting three or four, and so was I." "You''re bleeding," Alpha Benedict pointed at the blood seeping through my shirt. Ryder pulled back my cor to check the wound. "I''m fine," I said, gently pushing his hand away. "A Rogue jumped on my back and bit my neck-" "What???" Ryder''s furious voice cut me off as he tore at my shirt to examine the bite mark. The wound wasn''t particrly des, but it stung like hell. His sudden aggression ignited my own carefully controlled anger. "Don''t fucking interrupt me! Yes, my neck was bitten, but one Rogue who had shifted back to human told him not to kill me because I... I was the one they wanted." "What do you mean, ''the one they wanted?" He spoke through gritted teeth. "I don''t know. That''s why I told you to keep one alive. I have a feeling they were targeting me specifically." My tone was sharp, defensive. "I told you to run!" Ryder growled in a low voice. He was furious-no really at me, but because I''d been hurt and put in danger. "And I told you no!" I stepped back from him. "If I''d left, you''d be dead right now. Your warriors responded too slowly! You were like a sitting duck out there. No matter how good you are, you couldn''t take on a dozen Rogues by yourself!" I shouted back, equally angry "Luna, let''s get you to the hospital," William stepped forward. He was probably the only one brave enough to speak in that moment, but I suspected it was more to separate us. Chapter 127. ''Don''t fucking touch me, Willtam! I pushed him away and crossed my arms, staring Ryder down. The movement hurt, but I refused to flinch. "Alright, here''s what we''ll do," Alpha Benedict raised his hands. "Put the living Rogues in our cells. We''ll interrogate them when they wake up. Dispose of the dead ones. Ryder, are you injured?" "No." Ryder''s eyes never left my body. He was still furious, but concern lingered in his gaze. "Good, we''ll handle this. Xena, go to the hospital." Alpha Benedict''s one left no room for argument. I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a finger. "If anything happens to you, your father and brother will kill me. Go." "Fine." I smacked away William''s outstretched hand and turned to leave them. "William, STAY," Ryder growled, and I felt him following behind me. Chapter Comments B LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 128 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV The blood on my arm had stopped flowing, beginning to dry in the summer heat. The image of the Rogue shouting to his men kept reying in my mind: "Grab her!" he had yelled. The only person I could think of who would want me was Tatum. The thought of being kidnapped terrified me to the point of suffocation, like an invisible hand clutching at my throat, making it nearly impossible to breathe. I kept moving forward, exhaustion filling my body as the adrenalineaded. Each step felt like I was dragging lead weights, my consciousness bing foggy, my body no longer feeling like my own. As I stepped over a fallen log, my foot caught, and I fell,nding on my hands and knees. Tears began to form in my eyes, and I could no longer control myself as a small sob escaped my lips. I felt so helpless, so vulnerable, like one of those nightmares from my childhooding to life again. That''s when a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me up and close against him. Electric sparks shot through my entire body as Ryder sat on a fallen log and ced me on hisp. He began gently rubbing my back. "I''m sorry," he said, his words confusing me. "What do you mean?" I looked up at him, a tear sliding down my cheek as I tried to read the emotions in his eyes. ¡°That you had to kill someone. Even if he was a Rogue, he was still a person.¡± "You think that''s what''s bothering me right now?" I couldn''t believe it, a small re of anger rising within me. How could he not understand me? After everything, did he still not know what truly frightened me? "Isn''t it?" "No. This isn''t my first kill. Don''t you remember the car crash?" "I remember, but you didn''t kill anyone then, and there weren''t a dozen people there," Ryder''s tone was full of concern but also tinged with confusion. "Ryder, since knowing you, I''ve been through three different Rogue attacks. The first was when Logan was run off the road, and yes, I did kill someone then. The second was when you were shot, and I saved your life. Now there''s today. I''m not afraid of Rogues. I''m d already. afraid of losing you. Seeing that Rogue on top of you..." I shook my head, looking at his bite marks. They had almost "Ryder, if I''m not mistaken, they were trying to kidnap me!" As I spoke the words, my body began trembling. Kidnapping. In my greatest fears, it ranked right alongside rape. "Shh," Ryder cupped my face as the tears started flowing. "I would rather die than let you be kidnapped. I promised to keep you safe." Ryder wrapped his arms around me. His scent enveloped me, warm and solid, like an imprable shield standing between me and the world. Once I calmed down, Ryder stood up, holding me as he began walking. I didn''t even protest him carrying me. It seemed like an eternity before we reached the hospital. The cool air hit my skin, raising goosebumps as nurses rushed forward with a gurney. "Luna Xena, we''re going to take care of you, okay?" one nurse said gently, though I could.see wariness in her eyes-she knew who I was, knew I wasn''t an ordinary patient. "I''m fine, really. This ispletely unnecessary." I tried to sound strong, but the wounds were beginning to throb, my body reminding me of its limits. "Let them do their job," Ryder sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. With a sigh, I leaned back and let her start pressing on my wounds. "Does that hurt?" she asked cautiously. I was bitten thirty minutes ago, and you''re asking if the wound hurt?" I knew I was being rather sharp, but what a stupid question. Deep down, I knew I was overreacting, but the stress and exhaustion made it impossible to control my emotions. "S-sorry, Luna." She quickly left the room, and another nurse took over cleaning the wound. "Xena." Ryder sighed, looking at me. I nced at him, his arms crossed, still quite angry. His gaze made me feel guilty. "I don''t want to hear it. I did what I had to do to make sure you survived. It''s nothing. I''ll be healed by the ball next week. You won''t even see the wound." I tried to sound casual. "Do you want to call Alpha Hank, or should I?" ¡°I guess I will." I held out my hand for the phone. "I don''t have my phone on me. We''ll wait until we get home." Ryder stood motionless as the nurse quietly cleaned the wound. After giving me a shot, she looked up from her work. "Any fractures?" she asked. "Doesn''t feel like it," I answered, moving my arm and trying to ignore the stinging that came with the movement. "It''s your call whether you want X-rays." "I think I''m fine," I sighed, just wanting to go home. I was tired of all of this-the blood, the fear, the antiseptic smell of the hospital, and Ryder''s worried gaze. "Alright. No stitches needed, so just try to let them scab over before doing anything too crazy. If you notice any redness,e back, it could be an infection. I''ve given you antibiotics just in case. Any questions?" Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 129 Xena''s POV "No. I think I''m good," I said quietly, my voice barely carrying across the sterile hospital room. "Very well. Have a nice day, Alpha Ryder, Luna Xena." The nurse bowed respectfully before walking toward the door. "Thank you," I called after her just before shepletely left. I noticed her body hesitate slightly, but she continued walking. A wave of guilt washed over me- maybe I should''ve been kinder to her. She was just doing her job, after all. Ryder slid off the bed and reached for my arm, steadying me as I stood. "Let''s go," he said, gesturing toward the door. I followed his lead, knowing the phone call we were about to make wouldn''t be pleasant. Just thinking about telling my father I''d been in danger made my stomach twist into knots. We walked in silence toward the pack house, Ryder''s hands at his sides, yet maintaining at least three feet of distance between us. This physical gap seemed to mirror the emotional chasm that had suddenly appeared between us, creating an unexpected ache in my chest. I was still wearing that torn t-shirt, feeling exposed with every step, each movement a reminder of my vulnerability. When we reached the pack house, a warrior stood guard outside-unusual, but that was an issue to address with Ryderter. For now, I headed straight upstairs to our bedroom. Inside the closet, I peeled off the ripped shirt and changed into basic shorts and a tank top with a built-in bra. Ryder helped adjust my clothing so it wouldn''t rub against the bite mark on my shoulder. The small gesture warmed something inside me, despite his eyes avoiding mine. I couldn''t understand why he''d suddenly be so distant. Was it because I''d disobeyed hismand? "Let''s call your father from my dad''s office," Ryder said as we emerged from the closet. "Why?" I frowned, confused. I''d wanted to make this call privately, to avoid letting more people know about the trouble we''d encountered. "He''s going to call your father about those locations anyway," Ryder shrugged, his tone carrying something I couldn''t quite read. "Fine. It''ste though-can we have food sent to our room and go to bed early?" I asked softly, suddenly feeling exhausted beyond measure, not just physically but emotionally. Everything that had happened today had drained mepletely. "Sure." Ryder didn''t even look at me as he walked out of the bedroom toward his father''s office. The coldness stung, but I forced myself to follow, burying thoseplicated feelings for the moment. Ryder knocked once before opening the door. *Hank, your daughter just walked in. She has something to tell you," Alpha Benedict frowned. He put the phone on speaker and set it down. "Yes? What is it?" My father''s voice filled the room, sounding tense already. "Hey, Dad," I said timidly. My heart hammered in my chest, knowing he wouldn''t like what he was about to hear. "Xena? What happened?" The alertness in my father''s voice was unmistakable. Dad, I don''t want you to be angry," I said carefully, like I was approaching a sleeping bear. "Damn it, Xena. What did you do?" I flinched at his words, hurt blooming in my chest. ¡°Hey! I didn''t do anything!" I defended myself, my voice louder than I''d intended. Ryder made a dismissive sound before sitting down. The reaction irrated me further, but I struggled to keep my temper in check. "Yeah, well. Tell me what happened." "Ryder took me to patrol the borders of their territory..." I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "Good. You need to learn these things," I could picture my father nodeling. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 130 212 22 Don''t Poke the Luna "Yes, but a breeze came through, and I caught the scent of Rogues. Ryder looked over, and there were about a dozen of them. He told me to run, but I didn''t listen, and we only had about a minute. After we shifted, one Rogue had already jumped the fence andnded on Ryder. Una jumped in to save him, but I got bitten in the process." I spoke faster and faster, as if that would somehow diminish the seriousness of what had happened. Remembering that moment, fear gripped my heart again, but I tried not to let it show in my voice. "Well, I''m d to hear Una took action, but I don''t understand why this is a big deal. You''ve fought Rogues before. I''m sure you handled yourself well until their warriors arrived." My father''s confidence in my fighting abilities made me shoot Ryder an "I told you so" look. He rolled his eyes at me, which only fueled my indignation. I was his mate-he should respect my capabilities instead of treating me like some helpless creature who needed protection. "Well, kind of. One of the Rogues shifted back to human form and said, "That''s her, grab her, or something like that. Basically, they were targeting me." "WHAT?!" My father''s voice echoed through the office. I shrank back, feeling his anger and concern even through the phone. "As soon as I heard that, I told Ryder to leave some alive. We have some Rogues locked in cells, waiting to be interrogated when they wake up,¡± I quickly added, hoping that would calm my father down. "What measures have been taken for my daughter''s safety?" My father''s voice suddenly took on an air of authority. "She''ll have a guard with her at all times. I''ve increased warrior stations around the pack and strengthened border patrols. I suspect once they wake up, we''ll find they were acting on orders from the Darkthorn pack," Alpha Benedict exined. "You think so?" my father asked Alpha Benedict. "Ryder, Xena... why don''t you let Hank and me handle things from here?" Alpha Benedict turned off the speakerphone, put the device to his ear, and turned his back to us. I hated being dismissed like that, as if we were children who didn''t need to be part of the conversation. Anger and hurt bubbled in my chest as I stood up and stormed out of the office, fuming all the way back to our room. We were the ones directly involved, yet we were being excluded from the solution-it wasn''t fair. "Why are you angry?" Ryder asked after arriving and closing the door "I hate being dismissed like that," I flopped onto the couch, leaned back, and sighed. Frustration and powerlessness spread through 1. me. A Luna shouldmand more respect, but sometimes I felt like nothing more than a pretty essory Ryder''s eyes finally met mine, his expression softening slightly. "They''re not dismissing you. They''re protecting you-both of us. This is bigger than just today''s attack." "That''s exactly my point," I sat up straighter, my hands balling into fists. "If it''s about me, I should be involved in every discussion, every decision. I''m not some porcin doll that needs to be locked away for safekeeping" He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in the gesture. "Xena, please. Not everything has to be a battle. I''m trying to keep you safe." And I''m trying to be your equal," I shot back, my voice thick with emotion. "How can I be Luna to this pack if I''m treated like I can''t handle the truth or make decisions about my own safety?" Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 131 Xena''s POV "What do you want for dinner?" Ryder asked as he walked toward the bathroom. A million choices shed through my mind, but I decided not to be picky. "Sandwiches or wraps will do. Whatever they have, I''ll eat it. I''m not fussy." I answered, secretly wishing for seafood sd, but not wanting him to think I was high-maintenance. "Alright," Ryder called from the bathroom, followed by the sound of the shower turning on. The bathroom door was open, but I wasn''t sure if I should go in and oin him. My heart rate picked up a little, imagining water droplets sliding down his body, but ultimately, I decided to open the balcony door and sit in one of the lounge chairs. After a minute, I grew bored and wanted a book to pass the time. My thoughts needed to be immersed in something else, not constantly drifting to the image of him in the shower. "Ryder, I''m going to the library to grab a book, I''ll be right back!" I called toward the bathroom. "Be back quickly!" he said sternly. "Yes, sir,¡± I replied sarcastically, but couldn''t help smiling at this small freedom, even though the library was just at the end of the hallway. I walked into the library. The smell of paper and ink was something I''d never tire of. I took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent fill my senses. Finding a book, I picked it up and returned to the bedroom. Ryder was still in the shower, so I headed to the balcony and started reading, hoping to distract my mind from theplicated emotions swirling inside me. "What are you reading?" Ryder''s voice startled me as he sat down beside me. He wore only shorts, water droplets still clinging to his chest, making me hold my breath involuntarily. "The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked down at the pages, avoiding the sight of his half-naked body. "Interested in feminist philosophy or the social construction of gender roles?" His question caught me off guard. I slowly raised my head, surprised to find genuine curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You know this book?" I asked, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. In my world, few people would be familiar with s terary works. "Read parts of it. Beauvoir has an interesting way of thinking, how she questions everything we take for granted.¡± He leaned against the doorframe, sunlight casting warm patches across his shoulders. "I like her exploration of the concept of ''the Other," I said, finding myself rxing. "The idea that our identities are somewhat determined by society rather than just our own choices... it makes you think." The evening light nted through the windows, creating an intimate atmosphere in the room. A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Ryder got up to answer it. He returned pushing a cart of food. Dinner''s here." He set a te of food on the small table next to me and I put down my book to start eating. "Thank you," I said, my stomach giving a small twinge of hunger. "Hmm." We ate in silence, just watching the sun dippletely below the horizon as stars began to appear one by one. The warm breeze yed with my hair, and the moment felt so peaceful that I almost forgot about all the tension and danger between us. "I need to take a quick shower and wash all this blood off," I said. "Go ahead." Ryder got up to pour himself a ss of scotch while I walked into the bathroom. The water felt amazing against my skin, although it stung a little where I''d been bitten. It felt so good to have clean hair again. After drying off, I went to the closet for silk pajama shorts and a matching camisole. Ryder was still on the balcony sipping his chair. drink, so I grabbed my ss and sat in my "Feel better?" he asked. "Yes." The scotch burned my throat, making me grimace. "I had that poured specifically for you." "Thanks. This stuff is awful." I downed it in one go and went back inside, rummaging through the cabs until I found Jack Daniel''s Gentleman Jack. Pouring myself a ss, I returned to my seat on the balcony. "Much better," I murmured, enjoying the smoother taste. "What color is your prom dress?" Ryder asked. "ck." "Good." "Good?" I looked at him in confusion, not understanding what was special about ck. "Means I don''t have to buy anything new to match you," Ryder said, sipping his drink. "You''re wee," I replied sarcastically, thinking what a pragmatist he was. it." "There are only a few weeks left of school," Ryder began. I looked at him, waiting for him to continue. When I didn''t respond, he went on, "Given everything that''s happening, it might be better to have the teachers send the finals over and just be done I didn''t answer. Instead, I looked up at the dark sky, wishing I was on some beach somewhere. Wearing a tiny silver bikini with a drink in my hand. How I longed to feel sand between my toes, the salty warm ocean breeze through my hair. Yet here we were, trapped in this reality, surrounded by danger andplicated rtionships. I sighed, closing my eyes to escape for just a moment. Ryder stood up and walked back into the bedroom. I heard him moving things around, but I didn''t look. "Xena? Ryder said softly. I walked into the inner room, my eyesnding on the massage table Ryder was putting sheets on. My heart beat a little faster. Chapter 132 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "Come here." Ryder''s voice was low, with a maic quality that left no room for argument. I bit my lip, hesitating for a moment, but curiosity flowed through me like a warm current, pushing me toward him. Standing beside the massage table, I looked up at him, trying to mask my nervousness with a yful tone. "Yes, Mr. Alpha?" "Take off your clothes and lie down under the sheet. I''m going to get some oil." Ryder turned and left the room. I froze for a second, my heart skipping a beat. Take everything off? My fingers trembled as they touched the edge of my clothing. A rush of embarrassment washed. over me, but beneath it was an unmistakable excitement, like standing at the edge of a cliff, wondering what it would feel like to jump. I quickly stripped off my clothes, sliding under the cool sheet that sent a shiver across my bare skin. I''d barely positioned my face in the cradle at the end of the table when Ryder returned. My heartbeat thundered in my ears, pulsing like a drumbeat. He yed some soothing ocean sounds, the background noise washing over me like actual waves, trying to calm my nerves. The pop of a bottle cap made me tense, followed by the quiet sound of oil being squeezed out. I held my breath as I felt the sheet being pulled down, stopping just above my backside. The cool air against my exposed skin made me tremble. Ryder stood at the head of the table, cing his hands on my neck, warm and firm. His fingers began to move, sliding from my neck downward, slick with oil, gradually pushing toward my backside. I closed my eyes, trying to focus on my breathing, but his touch felt like electricity, igniting every inch of skin he contacted. I wanted to resist this feeling, to tell myself this was just a massage, but my body betrayed me, craving more. His fingers danced across my back, expertly kneading each muscle, as if systematically unlocking all my defenses. I clenched my jaw, afraid I might make a sound that would reveal the desire churning inside me. Ryder took my arm, lifting it gently. He sat on the table, resting my arm across his knee, one hand at the base of my skull, the other suddenly grasping a fistful of my hair, just enough to create a slight sting without actual pain. My breathing quickened, my eyes squeezed shut, my mind goingpletely nk. His fingers began working my shoulders, the pressure deep and focused. He worked around my shoulder des, carefully avoiding my injuries, continuing downward to massage my legs. The sheet was pulled back, exposing one leg and half my backside. With my face buried in the cradle, shame washed over me like a tide, but I didn''t move. Starting at my knee, he pushed upward with firm pressure, sliding to my backside, the oil making his fingers glide effortlessly. I bit my tongue, fighting the urge to moan. His fingers traveled along my inner thigh, so close to my core that my heartbeat nearly exploded. He lifted my foot, massaging the sole and the muscles of my leg, each movement precise. The soreness from training melted away beneath his touch. I felt almost hypnotized, surrendering my bodypletely to him. Then he pressed his elbow into my backside from the side, rotating my leg, the pressure drawing an involuntary whimper from me. His fingers once again approached my core, at such a dangerous proximity that every muscle in my body tensed. wanted him to stop, yet I wanted him to continue-the contradiction made me dizzy. He repeated the same movements with my other leg, then returned to my scalp. His fingers alternated between gentle caresses and firm grasps of my hair. My heartbeat waspletely out of control, my body like a me he''d ignited, ready to spiral out of control at any moment. He pulled the sheet up to cover me and said softly, "Turn over." His voice was calm but carried the weight of amand. I slowly turned onto my back. He took a towel and ced it over my breasts, then pulled back the sheet, exposing just one leg while carefully keeping the sheet over my private area, His hands started moving up my thigh, around the sheet, and up to my abdomen. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself, but his touch was like fire tracing patterns on my skin. His fingers pressed into my shoulders, sliding along the curves of my body, the pressure deep and precise. I felt like I was being taken apart and reassembled, every inch of my skin trembling under his control. He stretched my arm out, his palm grazing the side of my breast, the contact so light yet sending a shock through my entire body. He continued downward, massaging my ankles, rotating my foot, meticulously attending to each muscle. He moved to the other side, his movements still careful, avoiding all my injured areas. His fingers worked my other foot, parting my legs slightly wider than before. I frowned, confusion mingled with unease, but his next move caught mepletely off guard. His hand slid up my thigh, briefly brushing against my core before quickly moving away. My heart nearly stopped, my body instinctively tensing as heat rushed through me. The sheet was repositioned to cover only my core, his hands working my inner thighs, so close yet not touching. My breathing grew heavy. Suddenly, the sheet slipped away, and before I could react, I felt wet heat enter my body. My hips jerked upward, a deep moan escaping my throat as I finally surrendered to the sensation. His arm slid under my leg, stretching upward as he yanked the towel away, his hands grabbing my breasts, squeezing firmly. His tongue began to move, precise and wild, his hands continuing to knead my abdomen and backside. My breathing became so rapid I felt I might suffocate, my bodypletely at his mercy, trembling uncontrobly. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 133 Xena''s POV ¡°Turn over,¡± he rasped, his voice thick with desire. My body responded to hismand without resistance, like it was being pulled by invisible strings. I bit my lip, trying to calm the anticipation that threatened to suffocate me. His hands found my legs again, which were already parted for him, as if they had anticipated his touch. I heard him fumbling with something, followed by a low humming sound. I was about to look up, confused about what he was doing, when suddenly, he inserted something vibrating into my body. "Oh my God!" I moaned, the deep vibrations making my entire body tremble, igniting every nerve ending. My mind went nk, leaving only my body''s primal responses. His hands returned to my hips, and before I could react, his fingers slipped inside me. "Oh, Ryder!" I groaned. My body quivered, both wanting to push him away and craving more. Then he added a second finger, and my heartbeat elerated to the point where I thought it might explode. His other hand began to control the vibrating object, moving it in and out of me, making me feel like I was melting onto the table. Minutester, he stopped his movements, but the vibrating object remained inside me, continuing to stimte my sensitive nerves. He lifted one of my legs, then the other, raising my hips high, exposing me to him. His fingers began moving again, three this time, and I felt a slight sting that was quickly overwhelmed by the pleasure from the vibrations. The table shook slightly as he climbed onto it. His hands gripped my hips, and it wasn''t until I felt his body press against my backside that I realized what was about to happen. He entered me slowly, the pressure almost too much to bear. I clenched my teeth as his hand reached around to control the vibrating object. When he felt me gradually rx, he began to fuck me with slow, rhythmic movements. "Oh, Ryder!" I moaned. His hand suddenly grabbed my hair, and his movements became more intense. ¡°Oh God!¡± I began to moan louder, my voice echoing in the room. A fleeting worry crossed my mind: the balcony door was still open, would people outside hear? But that thought was quickly drowned by pleasure as I lost myselfpletely in the storm he was creating within me. "That''s right, say my name!" he growled, his voice filled with possessiveness. His movements became even more forceful, nearly tearing me apart. My body surrendered to himpletely, as if it no longer had a will of its own. "Oh, yes! Yes! Yes! YES!" I screamed as my orgasm crashed over me like a tidal wave. The sounds I made were ones I''d from myself before, as if they were erupting from the depths of my soul. I felt him reach his climax too, but he didn''t s continuing to prolong this maddening pleasure. I don''t know how long itsted, but when I finally began to calm down from my high, hemanded softly, ¡°Turn over." I turned my body still trembling, as if it hadn''t yet recovered from the frenzy. He was cleaning himself, then he removed the vibrating object and entered me forcefully. His body pressed down on me, his lips covering mine in a kiss that was fierce and possessive. My legs instinctively wrapped around him. Pleasure built within me again. heard Just as I was about to reach another climax, he stopped kissing me and whispered, "Look to your right." I obediently turned my head, and through my blurred vision, I realized that the balcony door was still wide open. He had kept his promise-letting the whole world hear our passion. Another orgasm swept through me, my moans filling the room as my eyes rolled back involuntarily. My body waspletely out of control, as if being torn apart by pleasure. Just then, I felt a sharp pain in my neck, which was quickly reced by a strange ecstasy. Stars shed before my eyes, and I nearly lost consciousness before everything faded to ck. The next morning, I was awakened by the chirping of birds. 1 stretched my legs, surprised to find they weren''t as sore as I''d expected. Memories of the previous night came flooding back, and sat up abruptly in bed, my heart racing. Ryder was beside me, just waking up, his voice carrying a touch ofziness. "Good morning." "Last night..." My gaze involuntarily shifted to the now-closed balcony door, shame washing over me. The entire pack probably heard my moans! I couldn''t imagine facing their eyes, especially Ryder''s father. My face instantly turned red, as if on fire. "Yes?'' Ryder''s voice held a hint of smugness as his arm slid around my waist, trying to pull me back into bed. His lips approached my neck, kissing it lightly, as if teasing my embarrassment. "The entire pack probably heard!" I gasped softly, copsing onto the pillow and covering my face with my hands. My mind conjured horrifying images: pack members whispering, even mocking nces. How could I ever leave this room? "Maybe. I''m just that good." Ryder''s tone carried a hint of yfulness as he continued kissing my neck,pletely unconcerned about my difort. "What if your father heard? I can never leave this room again!" I was almost in tears, shame overwhelming me like a flood. I even began to regretst night''s abandon, despite experiencing pleasure I''d never known before. "No one will say a word." Ryder sighed, getting up from the bed, his tone carrying a hint of impatience. "What? Youmanded the entire pack through the mind link not to mention this? Isn''t that worse? ''Hey, people, if you didn''t hear me and your Lunast night, don''t bring it up!'' That sounds just great!" My voice dripped with sarcasm, filled with embarrassment and anger. Ryder looked back at me, the corner of his mouth turning up in a smug smile, as if my reaction was exactly what he had expected. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 134 Xena''s PO "Hurry up, you''re meeting my mom in an hour." Ryder walked toward the bathroom, rolling his eyes. I jumped out of bed and followed him into the bathroom. I couldn''t believe my ears. "Meeting? Your mother?" My voice wavered slightly with nervousness as my mind started conjuring up all kinds of awkward scenarios. Ryder was turning on the shower, his naked body somehow failing to distract me at this moment. "Yes, my mother." He slid into the water, leaving the shower door slightly ajar for me to enter. "About what?" I only stuck my head in to ask. For some reason, meeting his parents made me more nervous than facing any danger. "Harris, you''re covered in oil and you smell like sex. Do you really want to meet my mother like that?* "It sounds weird when you call me Harris." I muttered, but climbed into the shower anyway. Ryder moved aside, giving me room to start washing. "What would you prefer I call you?" I actually loved when he called me "babe," but I wasn''t about to admit it. "Whatever your little heart desires." I mumbled, then steered the conversation back on track. "What''s this meeting about? "Your luna ceremony," Ryder answered while washing his hair. I had to blink several times to let the information settle. I grabbed the body wash and started cleaning the oil off my skin. Luna ceremony? I mean, I guess I knew I''d have one. But having it presented as a real thing created this strange mix of dread and anticipation. ¡°Oh," was all I could manage, my voice nearly drowned by the sound of water. "It''s more of amitment ceremony. You''ll announce your separation from your father''s pack and join ours. When I be Alpha, we''ll have a joint ceremony." I was speechless. I would officially be free from Martha''s control. With everything that had happened recently, I''dpletely forgotten about breaking ties with my father. Part of me already felt like I didn''t belong there anymore, so it wasn''t really a big deal. Ryder''s hand grabbed my face, lifting it to meet his eyes. "Is that okay?" "Y-yeah. I forgot about that part. I guess when we bonded, I stopped feeling like I belonged there anyway, so it''s really not an issue." Ryder leaned down and gave me a gentle kiss. "You belong here now he said, his forehead pressed against mine. His eyes held something like a promise that melted my heart. "Yeah, you''re stuck with me." I gave him onest kiss before he stepped out to let me finish showering. I felt an odd sense of contentment, like life was finally heading in the right direction. "What else are we doing today?" I asked while drying myself with a towel. "I thought you might want to go to your shop, Ryder sighed. kat about the Rogues? I want to be there when you interrogate them." Ryder was silent for a moment "Why?" he finally asked, his eyes showing a mix of confusion and concern. "If this is about me, I have a right to know. Plus, I''ll cooperate better if I fully understand what''s going on." "Tell you what, Logan will be at the shop. If he agrees, then you can go." Ryder walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. Great, just great. Logan never wanted me anywhere near those cells stood in front of the mirror, towel wrapped around me, and startedbing my hair. My mind raced, trying to figure out how to convince Logan to let me do this. Every possible argument shed through my head, each one rejected as I searched for the one most likely to seed. After applying a lightyer of makeup and taking time to blow-dry my hair, I straightened it and decided on a dress. When I emerged from the bathroom, Ryder was texting on his phone. "About ready?" Ryder asked without looking up. "Yes, let me get dressed. Who are you texting?" What rose in me wasn''t jealousy, but fear that he might talk to Logan first, eliminating any chance I had to plead my case. Chapter Comments LIKE PO Chapter 135 Xena''s POV Ryder walked into the closet as I was fastening my bra, his eyes lingering on my nearly-dressed form. "Your wounds are healing nicely," he observed, his voice carrying that same deep timber that always made my skin tingle despite my best efforts to ignore it. My gaze dropped to the marks that had dominated my skin just days ago. They looked like old injuries now, almostpletely healed. I could barely feel them anymore, which surprised even me. The supernatural healing abilities of our kind never ceased to amaze me. "Don''t dodge my question," I said, ring at him. I grabbed a light jumpsuit and pulled it on quickly, then fumbled with my sandal straps, my fingers betraying my impatience. "Logan texted asking when you''ll be there," Ryder, replied, holding up his phone. I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "Did you tell him about the Rogues" If Logan knew, everything would be exponentially moreplicated. He''d go into overprotective brother mode, and I couldn''t handle that right now. "No, I didn''t." He extended his phone toward me, showing me the screen. "See for yourself." stepped closer, scanning through each message carefully. True to his word, Ryder hadn''t mentioned anything about the Rogues. Relief washed over me in a wave so powerful it almost made me dizzy. At least in this, he hadn''t betrayed my trust. "Thank you," I said, the ice in my tone thawing slightly. "Can we go now?" Ryder asked, his green eyes watching me intently. "Sure." I surprised both of us by reaching for his hand. Physical contact had never been my default mode-not with anyone. When I saw Ryder''s startled expression as he looked down at our joined hands,bined with the shock I could feel pulsing through our bond, I couldn''t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Ryder''s fingers tightened around mine as he closed the bedroom door behind us. To my surprise, he led me straight to the library rather than outside. "I thought we were meeting your mother?" I asked, confusion evident in my voice. "We are." Ryder released my hand to open the door for me. The scent of sandwiches, fresh fruit, and flowers hit me immediately. Luna Kestrel had transformed the library into a brunch and nning area, with food arranged beautifully on trays and tables. "Ah! Perfect timing!" she eximed, stepping forward to embrace me I was so stunned I almost forgot to return the hug. Until now, my interactions with her had been minimal at best. This sudden warmth caught mepletely off guard-I''d never had a real mother figure, and I didn''t know how to respond. "What is all this?" I asked with a smile on my face, even as I trembled inside. The feeling of being cared for was so foreign that I didn''t know how to process these emotions. "Well, we need to n your ceremony! So I thought I''d take the opportunity to prepare brunch, and we could spend some time getting to know each other." She nced around the room, then looked at me hopefully. I stood with my mouth open, finable to form words. My eyes took in the beautiful arrangement she''d so carefully prepared. The bowls of fruit, tters of sds, and various dishes. There was even table filled with different desserts. When Ryder''s handnded gently on the small of my back, the electric feeling of his touch snapped me back to reality, making me jump slightly. "Um, t-thank you. I am so surprised." *Come, sit down." She took my hand and pulled me to the sofa. Ryder followed, sitting on my other side as Luna Kestrel positioned me in the middle. "I didn''t mean to overwhelm you. I just wanted to start nning this event for you. It''s been my dream to do this for Ryder''s mate. I know we haven''t had a chance to really talk, but I wanted to change that." "She knows you''ve never had another woman to turn to, and Mom wanted to do this for you," Ryder said, turning my face toward him so I was looking into his eyes. "No pressure. Mom will design this ording to your needs. If you want a backyard barbecue, we''ll do that." My thoughts raced. I''d attended many different Luna ceremonies and knew that a backyard barbecue was his idea of a joke, or at least his attempt to make me smile. On the table in front of usy an open hardbound book filled with images of potential ceremony venues. I started flipping through the book, examining each option carefully. From the corner of my eye, I caught Ryder and Luna Kestrel exchanging a nce. I knew they weremunicating through their mind link. One image truly stood out. Everything was either silver diamonds or ck onyx. Una, my wolf, pulled me toward that design, feeling it represented her and our mate perfectly. White tablecloths adorned with ck flowers and feathers wrapped around each table. What shocked me was that this wasn''t my usual style at all, yet it felt absolutely right. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NO Chapter 136 Xena''s POV "Is that what you like?" Luna Kestrel''s soft voice floated beside me. I stared at the picture, feeling a sense of belonging settle deep in my chest. "My wolf, Una, She''s silver, and Ryder''s wolf is ck. It feels right. The words came out in a whisper, my throat tight with unexpected emotion." I heard Ryder stand up and walk over to see the image. "I think you''ve made an excellent choice." His hand moved up and down my back, warming me through the thin fabric of my shirt. I looked up at him, knowing he could feel my uncertainty through our bond. "I''m so excited about this! I just bought new white linen and have been dying to use it!" Luna Kestrel took the picture and went to sit down. She pulled out a massive binder filled with different samples. I watched her practiced movements, feeling a twinge of pressure. This was all so new to me. Ryder gently pushed me back to the sofa. "I have many design options for centerpieces and decorations. Ryder tells me you n all the school events. I know you have a gift for these things. Really, anything you want. We can mix and match different designs, or whatever." She flipped through pages. She really did have samples of every fabric or color she mentioned. I considered my options, thinking about how much I hated centerpieces when nning events. Most were so borate you couldn''t even see the person across from you. And after the event was over, no one remembered what the centerpieces looked like anyway. I wanted our wedding to be different, to authentically reflect our rtionship-simple but powerful. "Just a ring of baby''s breath around ck candle holders in the center of each table,¡± I said, hoping to keep it simple yet elegant. "Perfect. What about fabrics?" "I don''t really like satin. I prefer more of a matte feel." "I actually have a ck table runner with silver in the middle, but it''s a bit sparkly." Luna Kestrel flipped through her book until she found the picture of what she was describing. I looked at the option, picturing how it would look throughout the venue. "I don''t mind sequins, but that might be too much with the baby''s breath," I voiced my concern, hoping to find a bnce. "You''re right. I''ll save this for the gift table?" "Sounds good." I nodded, feeling a little tension release, as Luna Kestrel seemed to truly understand my vision. "Great. Anything else you''d like?" A romantic image formed in my mind. "Can we do an evening event? With sr lights surrounding the tent that will light up when it gets dark?" I imagined Ryder and me dancing under those soft lights, and warmth spread through my chest. "Absolutely!" Luna Kestrel pulled out different tent options they had, and whether we wanted walls. There were examples of how the dance floor could be arranged and made into a stage. Looking at the options, I tried to envision how our special night would look. "These all look fine." I nodded, as for a dance floor, the options really were limited. "If¡¤ f you don''t like these, we could get different styles." Oh no, use what you already have. No reason to waste money like that." I quickly responded. These are the sign styles we''ve used before. Again, if you don''t want these, we can do something different." "Could we get some wood slices and paint them ck? I took calligraphy sses. I could write each sign. The thought of creating something with my own hands for our wedding sent a thrill through me. "That''s doable!" Luna Kestrel smiled at me. I saw the appreciation in her eyes, and it made me feel more confident in my choices. I''d like to have a fixed meal n rather than buffet style, if possible I have certain expectations for my events, and people always rave about my food." "Of course," Luna Kestrel nodded in agreement. "So, here." Luma Kestrel stood up and showed me different food options. "For appetizers, I prepared these three different choices. The first is smoked tuna with goat cheese on crostini. The second is spicy Mexican meatballs with a slice of avocado on top, in a puff pastry. Thest one is crispy stuffed mushrooms." They all looked amazing. I''d never been one to shy away from trying new things, but if I''d read these descriptions in a restaurant, I might not have ordered them. All wererge enough to require a few bites to finish, and typically a te would have several. I picked up the tuna and took a bite without hesitation. Ryder followed suit. "You haven''t tried these?" I asked him. He shook his head. It was absolutely delicious. The tuna had the perfect smoked vor. The goat cheese added a hint of sweetness against the crispness of the bread. Watching Ryder savor the food, I felt a strange satisfaction. All of this-the wedding nning, food tasting, every moment we spent together-made our future feel more real. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 137 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV We had been sampling appetizers and main courses for what felt like hours, and no matter what I chose, Luna Kestrel just smiled and agreed. Even when I couldn''t decide and wanted to select everything, she simply nodded with that graceful smile of hers. Luna Kestrel jotted down all the dishes on a piece of paper. I couldn''t help but notice her handwriting-fluid and elegant, just like her. "And finally, desserts!" she announced with enthusiasm. "This is a chocte pistachio dome. When you cut into it, there''s German chocte mousse inside with a brownie base and chocte sauce. This is a passion fruit parfait with graham cracker bottom. This is a raspberry lemon tart. And finally, a blueberry lemon cake shooter." Ryder cut into the chocte dome and fed me a bite. The chocte melted in my mouth, and I couldn''t help but let out a moan of pleasure. For a moment, the entire world disappeared, leaving nothing but this exquisite vor exploding across my senses. "That''s so good," I mumbled, my mouth full of chocte. "I think she heard enough of your moansst night. If you keep that up, I''ll take you right here in front of her, Ryder said through our mind link. I was in the middle of swallowing the chocte and instantly choked. God, how could he say something like that in this setting? My face must have turned crimson, not just from choking but from the heat his bold suggestion sent rushing through my body. "Oh my goodness! Are you alright?" Luna Kestrel asked with concern. "I''m fine. Just went down the wrong way," I managed between coughs, mentally cursing Ryder for his inappropriate timing. We tried the other two desserts as well, and the decision, once again, was to have them all. I couldn''t say I was disappointed. "Wonderful! So, you can eat anything you like now. Whatever doesn''t get eaten will be discarded, so please feel free to enjoy anything." Luna Kestrel smiled. "I''m going to note these down and I''ll be right back!" She bounced out of the room with an energy that reminded me of Ama. I grabbed a te of sushi and walked over to sit on the couch. "I''m surprised you didn''t go for the chocte," Ryder said with a smirk as he took the duck. "I didn''t want to be naked by the time shees back, I muttered, popping a piece of sushi into my mouth. Ryder sat down, raising an eyebrow. "So, did you enjoyst night?" "I did, actually. "What parts did you enjoy the most?" Ryder bit into his duck. The massage was the best part," I teased. Really?" He cocked one eyebrow at me. "Yeah. Your fingers are quite talented." I put another sushi roll in my mouth. I see, Ryder said as his mother walked back into the room. Chapter 137. I''ve got everything sorted out? What are your ns for the rest of the day?" she asked, taking a seat with a cranberry pear sd. ''Going to check on the progress at the shop," I said, finishing myst bite of sushi. I stood up to return my te and grabbed the chocte dessert. "Ah! I hope that''s going well! Have you had to reschedule many clients?" "Yes. I''m usually booked several weeks in advance." "That''s fantastic. What made you want to work so much?" "I enjoy drawing and motorcycles, It was a creative way to make money and get away from the pack house for a while." "I just can''t believe you''ve managed to run and create such a sessful business!" Luna Kestrelplimented. "Thank you. I enjoy it." I smiled back at her. God, this dessert is incredible. I had to fight back another moan as I took another bite. Ryder raised an eyebrow at me, but I tried to avoid his gaze. "What else do you enjoy doing?" she asked. I thought about it before answering. "I like being busy. I don''t enjoy days where there''s nothing to do. So, I just do anything that fills my day." "That''s wonderful!" Luna Kestrel responded enthusiastically. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 138 SHARE Don''t Poke the Luna "Well, I''mostly n events, and yes, I do get involved in some of the work, but I have people I can delegate tasks to. Actually, Penelope, my brother''s mate, used to be my personal assistant. Now need to find a new one." "What kind of people do you typically hire?" Luna Kestrel seemed genuinely interested in my work. "Well, I hire people who are schrs like me, those who don''t have a creative outlet. Possibly also those who get into trouble because they''re not being pushed or given opportunities to use their talents." "You have such a kind heart." She finished her sd and set the bowl down. "What changes would you like to see here?" Thest bite of dessert was just centimeters from my mouth when she asked this question. My body froze as her question prated my ears. "Changes?" I asked, then finally brought thatst bite to my mouth. "Yes! Is there anything about our pack that you''d like to change?" "Oh... um... honestly I haven''t thought about it. There''s still so much I haven''t seen. I know when I helped Ama, she had some things she wanted to do." I answered carefully, not wanting toe across as too presumptuous or forward. "She showed them to me, and we''ve actually started implementing her ideas!" "Oh, wow! That''s great!" "We''re very open to new ideas. After all, growth is essential to ensuring the pack''s sess. If you have ideas that you think would help the pack grow, please let me know. I''ll be here to really help you when you start taking on the Luna role. From what I''ve seen, though, you''re already handling it beautifully. You have a gift for nurturing those who need help. And you''re not at all afraid to stand up to Alpha Benedict!" "Oh, was Alpha Benedict upset?" I asked softly. "Oh no dear, he actually is impressed with your spunk and your ability to jump in if you think something is wrong." Ryder leaned back and just listened to the conversation. "That''s good to hear." Shifting a little, I tried to hide my difort. Hopefully when things settle down, I will be able to learn this territory." "Ryder has expressed a concern that I wish to bring up." Luna Kestrel nced at Ryder. Immediately, I felt Ryder''s annoyance. My heart sank from all the possibilities this could be. "Okay. What concern would that be?" I asked quietly. "Your desire to travel." She took a sip from her teacup as she said this. It had sat there unused for thest hour and now she decides to drink it. For some reason, it felt more like an attack than a simple cup of tea. My mouth opened a few times but nothing came out. Looking over at Ryder, he was ring at his mother. "Yes, I would like to travel a little in the future." No point in lying. "Is there anywhere in particr you wish to go?" "Oh, um... n-no. Maybe to a beach but no. It was more of a desire to get away from Martha but since my shop has been destroyed, that money is being used for that. I''ll have to save up in order to do any traveling, if I do any at all. Though, we still have those tickets to Italy." I was so confused. I had never hidden the fact I wanted to travel, but this seemed rather direct. "Do you still n on continuing your business once you officially take over the Luna role?" I am the smartest person I know, and this was confusing the hell out of me. She was fishing, that much was clear, but her end goal, I wasn''t sure. Luna Kestrel wasn''t giving me a negative vibe, but I wasn''t getting a warm and fuzzy one either. "I''m sorry, Luna Kestrel. I''m confused with where you are going with this. I do not wish to be disrespectful, but could you please tell me where you are going with this? What do you really want to say to me?" Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 139 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV I felt Ryder''s hand settle on my back as he leaned forward in his seat his body heat radiating through the thin fabric of my dress. The warmth wasforting, but the tension in his muscles betrayed his unease. "Mother, we''ve already discussed this, Ryder''s voice carried that unmistakable note of finality that I''de to recognize when he wouldn''t be swayed. I shifted slightly, creating just enough space between us to turn my gaze from him to his mother. ''Discussed what exactly?" My eyes darted between them, trying to read the undercurrents of this conversation. "That you''ll continue your business and won''t be giving up any of your work," he stated firmly, his eyes never leaving his mother''s face. Something warm unfurled in my chest. Here he was, defending my right to keep my shop, to maintain the independence I''d fought so hard for. After everything I''d been through, having someone stand up for what mattered to me felt... unfamiliar. Good, but unfamiliar. Luna Kestrel''s perfectly manicured hand waved dismissively in the air. "You misunderstand, Ryder. No, we don''t want her to stop her work. Her eyes locked with mine, piercing and direct. "Yes, we did discuss how the shop takes up much of your time that would typically be devoted to duties here. However, Benedict and I have spoken, and we wanted to discuss some things with both of you." She paused, shifting in her seat, and I felt my muscles tense in response. Every subtle movement she made sent my nerves jangling Years of living with Martha had taught me to read the smallest signals, to brace for what mighte next. "Like what?" Ryder''s voice dropped an octave lower, that dangerous edge appearing that always sent a shiver down my spine. His hand pressed more firmly against my back, a silent promise of protection. I leaned into his touch slightly, drawing strength from the connection. "Given everything that''s happened, Benedict isn''t ready to step down as Alpha yet.¡± Luna Kestrel''s words fell heavily into the room. "I know we discussed him stepping down when you found your mate or when you were older. You''ve proven beyond doubt that you''re ready, but with your mate apparently bing a target, perhaps it''s best to wait until things settle down." My heart stuttered in my chest. Was she saying what I thought she was saying? hy "We also think this would be a good time for you two to take a vacation together," she continued. "School ends in two we not go to the beach after graduation? Travel to Italy. Once you take on the roles of Alpha and Luna, you won''t have time for any traveling." Her gaze shifted to me, softening just slightly. "As for Xena''s shop, we do hope you''re interested in expanding it, hiring more artists, but as long as Luna duties are still fulfilled, you won''t have any interference from us. You''ve proven to us that you can handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously." Painnced through my heart, sharp and unexpected. "So I''m the reason Ryder isn''t getting his Alpha position?" The words spilled out before I could stop them, raw and hurt. Logically, I understood what she was saying, but emotionally, it felt like a knife twisting in my gut. I didn''t want to be the thing that held him back, that kept him from iming what was rightfully his. A profound sense of guilt began spreading through me like poison. Luna Kestrel''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Him getting the alpha title after finding his mate was never set in stone. Even if none of this had happened, Benedict would still want me to train you for months, perhaps years, before he stepped down." "Then why tell him he would get the title if you weren''t prepared for it?" I challenged, meeting her gaze steadily. My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn''t help it. After everything we''d been through, this felt like yet another roadblock thrown in our path. "Xena, you''re an alpha''s daughter. I''m sure you understand that things change daily? Her perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched slightly. "I believe your father originally nned to step down when Logan turned twenty-five. After Luna Martha''s several public... performances, do you really think he wouldn''t try harder to train Logan to be ready sooner?" I was already sitting straight, but her words made my back stiffen even more. I didn''t like her talking about this. It might be true, but that would mean if Dad broke the mate bond, he might lose his mate. Now, he could simply step down, but that wouldn''t get rid of Martha. The possible consequences were too awful to contemte "Children, listen." Luna Kestrel''s voice softened, bing almost maternal. "I know this isn''t what you wanted to hear. Xena, I''m thrilled you`re Ryder''s mate. You''ll make an extraordinary luna, and I think you''re a perfect match for my son. She leaned forward, her eyes earnest. "Being alpha and luna is an enormousmitment. We want you to have some fun before you''re tied down by the role. Travel and spend time getting to know each other. Learn each other''s habits and desires. Let Benedict and Hank handle Alpha Wiley. We won''t exclude you-you''ll both be involved in any and all information. Chapter Comments 1 Chapter 140 Xena''s POV I wasn''t sure if "shocked" adequately described what I was feeling. Though I understood what she was saying, I couldn''t control the sting in my chest. They were preventing Ryder from bing Alpha simply because Tatum wanted me. My gaze fell on her half-empty cup of tea, the murky brown liquid perfectly mirroring my turbulent emotions. "What else aren''t you telling us, Mother? Ryder asked, his voice firm with an edge of anger I''d never heard before. "Mind your tone." Luna Kestrel red back coldly. "The fact is, Tatum wants Xena. Benedict and I are concerned he''ll challenge you for her. If you''re Alpha and Luna, that challenge might include the position. We don''t want him able to challenge for both. If he wants to challenge for Alpha, that''s one thing, but if she''s Luna..." Then it would include the entire pack. It felt like a p across my face. My heart sank to my stomach, a profound sense of guilt epassing me. My existence had be his weakness, and that knowledge spread through me like poison. "Anyone can challenge for that position at any time," Ryder''s tone hadn''t softened. I could feel his anger through our connection, hot and intense. "Why isn''t dad part of this conversation?" I asked, my voice barely audible though my mind was screaming. "Sometimes your father can be... too aggressive. This conversation wasn''t meant to anger either of you, but we did want to be transparent with you both. You deserve at least that much. I''m sorry we''re in this situation. My greatest wish is to see you two take over the pack and live happily. We still have a pack to manage and protect. This isn''t what I would want for either of you, but we''re trying to make the best of the situation. You want to travel, we''ll cover the expenses. Please consider it, won''t you?" Luna Kestrel stood up. "I''ll respect your choice regarding the mating ceremony. We''ll need to try on dresses soon. Let me know your decision." She walked out of the library, gently closing the door behind her. Ryder stood up, cing his hands on his hips as he began to pace. Each step he took felt like it was on my heart, heavy and painful. "Did you know?" I asked softly, my voice almost trembling. "No, I swear. They asked if you wanted to travel, if you still nned on working. I told them I wasn''t sure about the travel because we never discussed it, but I told them you''d continue working." Ryder turned to look at me, his eyes filled with guilt and pain. "I''m sorry." Ryder walked over and knelt in front of me, taking my hands in his, his eyes searching mine. I could feel his sincerity and his pain, but my heart couldn''t be calmed. A trapped feeling surrounded me, as if my very existence was a mistake. I pulled my hands from his grasp and stood up, stepping around him. She was right, but it still felt like a knife in my back. My brain was a mess as I tried to sort through what I was feeling and how I wanted to handle this situation. "Let''s go see how the shop''sing along?" I finally said, trying to find a way to escape this suffocating conversation, even temporarily. Ryder didn''t say anything, just rose and opened the door for me. He opened the car door for me and gently closed it after I got in. He mmed his own door, however, and hit the gas, speeding away. Between his emotions and my own, I wasn''t sure what to do. Taking the vacation they offered seemed wrong. Though I desperately wanted to look at Ryder, I kept my gaze out the window. The trees flew by, helping me push everything from my mind for the moment. leaned my head against the headrest, forcing my emotions to shut down. I didn''t want to think or feel. Due to too many cars parked on the street, Ryder had to park at the end of the block. As soon as he stopped, I opened the door and got out. The wind was blowing, bringing the scent of sawdust to my ose. A smell that indicated they were making progress. The distant hum of power tools and shouts of workers filled the air walked briskly toward my shop, my mind still reeling from Luna Kestrel''s bombshell. Ryder caught up to me within seconds, his long strides easily matching my hurried pace. I could feel the waves of frustration and anger rolling off him, but neither of us spoke. The silence between stretched taut like a rubber band ready to snap. When we rounded the corner, the full scope of the reconstruction came into view. The exterior was already taking shape, with fresh siding being installed and windows framed. Workers were everywhere some ondders, others hauling materials, all focused on bringing my shop back to life. Penelope spotted us first, her face lighting up as she waved enthusiastically. She was standing near a table covered with blueprints, her hair pulled back in a messy bun, clipboard in hand. Despite everything, a small smile tugged at my lips. Her dedication to helping me rebuild was touching. "Xena! Perfect timing!" she called out, motioning, for us to join her. "We''ve made so much progress today. The electrical work is almostplete, and the plumbing should be finished by tomorrow afternoon!" I nodded, trying to match her enthusiasm, but my heart wasn''t in it. "Looks great," I managed, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 141 Xena''s POV As we got closer, Logan emerged from the entrance. "I knew exactly when you two would arrive," Logan said, extending his hand toward Ryder. I ignored them, stealing a nce inside. It looked amazing-better than I''d dared to hope after everything that had happened. "X? Logan ced his hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. "What?" I snapped back to reality. "What''s wrong?" Logan''s eyes narrowed, reading me like he always could. The twin bond between us making it impossible to hide my emotions from him. "Nothing," I muttered, shrugging his hand off as I started walking inside. "I don''t think so." Logan grabbed my arm and pulled me back. It didn''t hurt, but it was enough to make me stop. "What''s going on?" For some reason, I didn''t feel like Logan needed to know what had just happened. This was between me and Ryder, and I didn''t want more people involved, telling me what I should or shouldn''t do. "Ryder thinks I don''t need to be at the interrogation of those Rogues I said I wanted to be there." It wasn''t a lie, but it wasn''t the whole truth, either. Logan released me but continued studying my face. His gaze made me feel dissected, like an open book, which only heightened my difort. "Why do you want to be there?" he asked, his voice careful. "I want to know why they''re after me! If this whole damn thing is about me, I have a right to know!" My own anger was rising, but it was amplified by Ryder''s rageing through our bond. I could feel his emotions flowing into me, making me even more agitated. "Calm down. We can discuss this without getting worked up." Logan raised his hands after I snarled at him. All I could do was roll my eyes and stomp into the shop. The flooring was installed, fans hung on the walls waiting for the paint to dry. Different people were assembling my tables and chairs. This helped improve my mood-at this rate, I should be able to ce orders and get back to work soon. The green I''d chosen was perfect, exactly the vibe I''d wanted. The only thing causing any strange feelings was the addition of an extra customization area. It wasn''t in my ns, but I didn''t want to cause another argument. "What do you think?" Penelope''s voice interrupted my thoughts. Looking back, the boys were watching me while Penelope approached. Her eyes were expectant, and I felt a surge of guilt for bringing my bad mood into her hard work. "I think you''ve done fantastic job. Looks like I need to ce orders now," I tried to sound professional and appreciative. "Already done! Should arrive Wednesday, I believe. Maybe sooner. Penelope frowned, trying to remember when it was supposed to arrive. "You''re amazing," I gave her the best smile I could muster. "Are you okay? You seem upset. Is there something you don''t like?" enelope started looking around uncertainly. "Not at all. I think you''ve done absolutely perfect work." I fought to keep my real emotions hidden. "Are you sure?" Penelope squinted at me. Her continued questioning was bing irritating. 1 felt cornered, with everyone waiting for me to act grateful and happy, when all I wanted was to be alone to process my anger. "I''m fine, thank you." I tried to suppress my annoyance, but I think she got the message because she walked back to Logan. He draped his arm over her shoulder. Though I tried to ignore them, all three were watching me. I turned my back, but the mirrors didn''t hide anything. I could feel their gazes-scrutinizing, concerned, tonfused-and my boiling point was approaching rapidly. I wasn''t a damn show or a Barbie doll for them to decide how I should act. No, I wanted to go home, put on my workout clothes, and beat the hell out of a punching bag. Then I wanted to break someone''s jaw. To hell with what Logan or Ryder thought. Turning around, I walked toward my "audience" with my head held high. I saw Logan silently say "oh shit and shake his head. Ryder nced at Logan but was clearly confused. He didn''t understand what was happening or why I was so angry. That made me even more furious. "We''re leaving," I told Ryder firmly, walking past him. It wasn''t until my hand was on the car door that Logan called after me, "X, can we talk?" "I don''t want to fucking talk anymore." I red at him as I yanked the door open and got in. Ryder followed shortly after, so I didn''t have to wait long before he got in the car. Starting the engine, he drove back to the pack house at an annoyingly slow pace. Chapter 142 Xena''s POV The entire car ride, I sat with my arms crossed tightly over my chest while Ryder didn''t even try to touch me or speak to me. That, if I''m being honest, only infuriated me more. While on the surface I wanted to be left alone, inside I was screaming for him to break the silence, even if it was just with simple small talk. His phone rang a few times, and though I was curious who was contacting him, my desire not to speak to him was stronger. When the car pulled into the pack grounds, I yanked my door open before the vehicle had evene to aplete stop. "Damn it, Xena," I heard Ryder mutter behind me as I stormed into the house. His voice held a mixture of frustration and concern, but I didn''t care right now. "Xena!" My father''s voice startled me, nearly causing me to trip over my own feet. My heart skipped a beat,pletely unprepared to see him here. "D-Dad?" I stammered, surprised at the scene before me. Luna Kestrel, Alpha Benedict, and Martha were all standing in the foyer talking. Pack members were walking in and out, but mostly ignoring the Alphas. I felt a wave of embarrassment and difort wash over me-this was definitely not the time for a family reunion. ¡°Have you forgotten your manners! I swear, I didn''t raise- Martha began her lecture. Unfortunately, my mood was beyond terrible. Without thinking, my right fist pulled back and then connected perfectly with her chin. I knocked her out cold. Anger, shame, and a tiny bit of satisfaction coursed through me simultaneously, but my rational mind told me I''d just made a huge mistake. I didn''t wait around to be scolded by anyone, though. I kept walking. I didn''t even acknowledge my father or anyone else. I felt like my entire body was on fire, burning with rage but with nowhere to direct it. Gasps echoed through the foyer. People moved out of my way as I rushed up the stairs. It took me a couple of tries to get the bedroom door open, but it finally gave. I mmed the door shut, expecting to hear a bang, but there wasn''t one. I''d been looking forward to that sound-it would have made me feel better, like I could destroy something too. Looking back, Ryder had slipped in. Damn, when did he get so quiet? I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for him to start yelling at me. I was prepared for a heated argument, ready to unleash all my pent-up emotions. But surprisingly, he walked over to the bar, poured two sses of whiskey, and brought them over with the bottle. He set them on the coffee table and sat on the couch. One arm resting on the back of the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, he sipped his drink while watching me. I waspletely confused-this wasn''t the reaction I''d expected. After a minute, he leaned forward and pushed the other ss toward me. I was totally lost. I''d expected to be yelled at, maybe even punished, but he was offering me a drink? Maybe this was the calm before the storm. Cautiously, I stepped forward, downed the entire ss in one go, and set it back down. The alcohol burned my throat, but it felt good, a distraction at least. Ryder leaned forward and poured me another. After downing the second ss, I grew tired of waiting. "Where''s the yelling I asked, uncertainty and defiancecing my voice. ''I''m not going to yell at you," Ryder said in an eerily calm tone. "Why not?" This time, I poured myself a drink. I was confused internally-this calmness was more unsettling than anger would have been. "There''s nothing to yell at you about, Ryder shrugged, settling backfortably. I didn''t know how to react. Should I sit down? Keep standing here? After awkwardly shifting for a few minutes, I finally sat down at the opposite end of the couch, away from Ryder, making sure not to touch him. Chapter 143 I wanted to ask how he could be so calm, but didn''t know how to phrase it. "You can feel every emotion I have," I said, my tone more bitter than I intended. "Yes, but I''d like you to exin and tell me what you want," his tone was gentle, almost pleading. It made me even more uneasy. "Well, Dr. Nash..." I said sarcastically. I knew it was childish, but I wanted to hurt him right now, wanted him to feel my pain. "Don''t fucking do that," Ryder''s eyes bored into mine. I knew he hated when I used sarcasm with him, but there wasn''t much consideration for others'' feelings inside me right now. Guilt pricked at me, but I pushed it down. "What the fuck do you want me to say?" My anger red again. The whiskey was starting to warm my blood, loosening something inside me that had been wound too tight. I stared at him, my chest heaving with barely contained emotion. His green eyes remained steady, watching me like I was some wild animal he was trying not to startle. "I want you to tell me what''s going on in your head," he said finally. Because all I can feel is your anger and confusion, but I don''t know why." Iughed bitterly. "You don''t know why? After what happened today?" "I know Martha being there upset you-" "It''s not just Martha!" I interrupted, mming my ss down. "It''s everything! It''s my father showing up unannounced. It''s you letting people make decisions about my life without consulting me. It''s Samuel being dead. It''s Helen trying to seduce you. It''s my shop being destroyed. It''s the fact that my entire life has changed in a matter of days, and I haven''t had a single moment to process any of it!" My voice had risen to a shout by the end, and I was on my feet again pacing in front of the couch. My hands shook as I ran them through my hair, pulling slightly at the roots. "I feel like I''m drowning," I admitted, my voice suddenly quiet. "And everyone expects me to just... adapt. To be this perfect Luna. Ta make the right decisions. To know exactly what I want. But I don''t know. I don''t know anything anymore." Ryder stood slowly and approached me like I might bolt. "Come here he said softly. "No," I backed away. "I don''t wantfort right now. I just want... space. Time. Something that feels like it''s mine." "Everything I have is yours," he said, spreading his hands. "This room, this house, this pack-" "But that''s just it!" I cried. "None of it is actually mine! It''s all yours that you''re letting me borrow. I went from being under my father''s thumb to being under yours. I had a life, Ryder. I had ns. had dreams that didn''t include being someone''s Luna." The hurt that shed across his face made me regret my words instantly, but I couldn''t take them back. The truth was messy and painful, but it was honest. "Is that how you see this?" he asked quietly. "As trading one cage for another?¡± I closed my eyes, suddenly exhausted. "I don''t know how to see it. That''s the problem." The silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words and raw emotion. I heard him move, the soft clink of ss against ss as he poured another drink. When I opened my eyes, he was holding it out to me, his expression unreadable. "What the fuck do you want nfe to say?¡± I repeated, taking the ss but not drinking from it. Chapter 144 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV I rose to my feet and began to pace, words spewing out like vomit. have a freaking lunatic after me, possibly even sending Rogues to kidnap me. Yet my father thinks I shouldn''t be present during the interrogation just because I''m a girl. My future mother-inw doesn''t want me as Luna and won''t allow her son to be Alpha because of me. All because they''re worried you''ll fail in the challenge against Tatum. So I''m holding everything back just by existing. Then I thought by bonding with you I''d finally escape Martha''s ws, be away from her verbal abuse, only to find out that was a dan lie. So yes, I fucking exploded, okay? I couldn''t take it anymore. I''m not some damn doll that needs to be coddled. I''ve been training as a warrior my entire life. I''ve seen just as much as you have! Just because I have female organs doesn''t mean I don''t deserve equal treatment!" Without thinking, I hurled my ss at the wall with all my strength Watching it shatter into hundreds of pieces felt like seeing a reflection of my broken heart. The rage inside me boiled like magma every word a roar torn from the depths of my soul. Years of built-up resentment and injustice finally burst through the dam. Ryder leaned forward, pushed his drink toward me, then leaned back again. I stared at the ss, confusion overtaking all other emotions. "W-what?" My voice suddenly softened, the angry energy beginning to dissipate. "Have a drink," Ryder said calmly. "I don''t want another drink." I could feel the anger draining from my body because I could sense his calmness. The half bottle of whiskey I''d downed earlier was doing its job too. My brain was starting to feel slightly fuzzy, but the emotional storm was slowly settling. "Nobody''s angry or upset," Ryder rested his head on his hand, watching me. "Why not?" I was confused, thinking I''d just pped a Luna across the face. "Several reasons. First, you don''t belong to that pack, and she clearly doesn''t respect you. You have the right to handle it however you see fit. Second, she had iting. Honestly, I''m surprised you didn''t do it sooner." Ryder stood and walked over to me. He ced his hand on my shoulder, then ran it down my arm. "I''m proud of you. You finally put her in her ce. It''s up to you. If you want, you can ban her froming here again." His touch made my skin tingle slightly, his gentle tone sending a wave of warmth through my core. "But-but your father... your mother..." I struggled to make sense of the situation. My brain worked overtime trying to figure out the logic of it all. "She thinks you were right to do it. Your father isn''t even that upset. Ryder ced his hand under my chin, lifting my face to his. "Everything''s fine." I opene and closed my mouth several times as Ryder caressed my cheek. His touch soothed me while also transmitting a sense of calm. I could feel the connection between us, that force that could bring me down from my rage. "I still want to be there when they interrogate the Rogue," I said stubbornly. "Okay," Ryder said simply. "Okay? Just like that I looked at him, waiting for the other shoe to drop. The distrust in my heart made me watch him warily, waiting for the "but to appear. Like you said, if you didn''t have female organs, you''d be there without question. Don''t me me for trying to protect my girl. I forgot you''re as tough as the boys." The corner of his mouth lifted in an understanding smile, his eyes glimmering with respect. 4224 "Good." I wasn''t sure what else to say. A wave of gratitude and relief washed over me finally, someone who truly understood me, who respected my abilities. "Want to check out the progress on the activity center afterward? Ryler asked. "On the bikes?" "Sounds good." I tried not to sound too eager, but Ryder saw right though me. He pulled me into an embrace, trying to hide his smile. The thought of ridingter sent a thrill of excitement from the soles of my feet throughout my body. Ryder finally released me but kept hold of my hand as we left the bedroom and headed downstairs to Alpha Benedict''s office. I still felt a bit awkward about what I''d done. But knowing that, bitch had iting, my expression rxed a little. Ryder knocked twice, then opened the door and pulled me inside. Da and Alpha Benedict were talking. Martha sat in a chair with an ice pack on her jaw. Luna Kestrel stood behind Alpha Benedict. "Come here, child." Dad opened his arms for me to approach. My legs moved faster than I''d expected, Nothingpared to thefort of a parental hug. When I threw myself into his embrace, that familiar sense of security immediately surrounded me, as if I were back in childhood, when the world was simple and problems could all be solved by my father. Chapter Comments Chapter 145 Xena''s POV "Don''t you dare hug that bitch!" Martha''s shrill voice filled the room her eyes burning with hatred as she red at me. My heart pounded against my ribcage, a familiar rage igniting inside me. After years of her abuse, she still thought she had the right to speak to me this way? In front of everyone? I straightened my spine, squaring my shoulders as I faced hey. "Keep talking and I''ll make sure you never speak again. This is my pack now, and you will not disrespect me. One more word out of your mouth, and you''ll be banned from this territory," "You wouldn''t ban your father!" Martha looked genuinely shocked. A chill ran down my spine, but it was quickly reced by a determination I''d never felt before. "No, I wouldn''t ban him. Just you!" The words left my mouth with a finality that even surprised me. Martha''s face contorted with disbelief as she turned toward Alpha Benedict and Luna Kestrel for support. "Alpha Benedict! Are you going to allow her to speak to me this way?" Fake tears glistened in her eyes. "Yes, we allow it," Alpha Benedict replied calmly. "You see, since meeting this exceptional young woman, we''ve observed how much abuse she''s suffered at your hands. You''ve verbally and physically abused her, and that will not be permitted to continue. She is no longer a member of your pack, but ours. She is under my protection, and if she wishes to ban you, then banned you shall be. I suggest you close your mouth and show some respect." Warmth spread through my chest at his words, and I shot him a grateful look. Martha stood there, mouth agape, then turned to look at my father. "Sit on the couch and let us finish this meeting," my father sighed, his voice heavy with resignation. Martha''s eyes filled with tears as she stood and walked toward the couch. She deliberately sat as far away from us as possible, and could hear her quiet sniffles. As if she was trying to make us feel sorry for her. Pathetic. "As I was saying," Alpha Benedict continued, turning back to my father, "the Rogues are awake and ready for interrogation." "I want to be there," I stated firmly. I felt all eyes in the room shift to me in an instant. "What? Why?" My father''s confusion was evident in his voice. "They came to kidnap me, and I want to be present when the information is extracted. I''ve had warrior training and been involved before. I''ve been inbat, I''ve killed before, and clearly beating people isn''t umon for me. I should be there." I kept my voice calm and steady, wanting my father to know this wasn''t a rash decision. "Alright, let''s go," Alpha Benedict stood, patting my father on the shoulder. Luna Kestrel''s eyes widened, but she kept her mouth shut. Martha, thankfully, remained silent as well. "Kestrel, please watch our... guests," Alpha Benedict murmured to his mate before nting a quick kiss on her cheek. "No problem, Luna Kestrel frowned, crossing her arms as she sat down. After you, Alpha Benedict gestured for me to lead the way. Ryder held the door open for me. As we walked out of the pack house, halfway down the path, my father spoke again. *Are you sure you want to do this, X?" The concern in his voice was unmistakable. "Yes, Dad. I need to know. I met his eyes, trying to erase any doubts he might have about my decision. "You should understand that not all interrogations are done with fists. All forms of torture will be used to extract information." That gave me pause. My mind shed with countless sickening tortures, sending a chill up my spine. My heartbeat elerated as nervousness crept in, but I forced myself to remain calm. "That''s fine. I can handle it." "Alright, but if you need to leave or make an excuse to step out, there''s no shame in that." He was giving me an out. "Dad... I promise if I feel ufortable, I''ll leave. Okay?" I softened my tone, realizing that no matter how old I got, he would always worry about me. This seemed to satisfy my father, as he made no furtherment. What I noticed was how everyone''s demeanor changed. There was no warmth in Ryder''s green eyes. Instead, they had darkened, ready for the taste of blood. When my father stopped speaking, he too transformed, beginning to exude his authority. It almost made me want to step back. His chest puffed out, his shoulders and arms seeming to grow three inches, his aura pulsing around him. Alpha Benedict also seemed to growrger. Everything about these men magnified within minutes. A guard stood at the entrance, holding an AK-47. Only his hair moved in the wind as he remained on high alert, his finger hovering above the trigger. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 146 Xena''s POV The guards exchanged a knowing nce with Alpha Benedict before stepping aside to let us pass. After two sharp knocks, another guard opened the heavy metal door. At five-foot intervals stood fully armed guards, backs straight, eyes forward, looking like they were just waiting for an excuse to kill someone or something. My heartbeat elerated, my throat tightening as we walked deeper into the facility. This ce made my skin crawl, like each step took us further into hell itself. The deeper we went, the more the stench of dirt, sweat, and blood assaulted my senses. I fought against my instinct to gag, reminding myself this was necessary. Groans echoed from the cells of either side, sending chills across my skin. I forced myself to stayposed, trying not to focus on the cells nking us. Suddenly, a prisoner lunged forward, his fingers stretching between the bars as he tried to grab me. Fear struck me like lightning, freezing me in ce. My breath caught for a second. In that moment, I realized just how dangerous these prisoners were, how their desperation made them reckless. Ryder quickly pulled me to his side while a guard struck the cage with his baton. I felt Ryder''s protective touch, his body heat calming me slightly, but my heart continued to race. The prisoner''sughter followed us as we entered the interrogation room. Cracked cement walls surrounded us, a single wire connecting the hanging fluorescent light. Arge mirror faced three naked men bound to metal chairs. We stood in darkness, but I was certain they could still smell me. All three of their noses twitched when I walked in. An inexplicable chill crept up my spine. "I thought there would be more," I said to Ryder through our mind link. "There were more..." He didn''t need to borate for me to understand they hadn''t survived to see today. Ryder stood beside me, not touching. His arms crossed as he controlled his anger. I could feel his emotions swirling like a storm. Dad and Alpha Benedict stepped into the light. "I''ll cut straight to the point. Who sent you to attack my pack?" I noticed something gleaming in the light. Only when he delivered a particrly brutal punch did I realize it was brass knuckles. But each knuckle had a conical spike on it. I recognized this tactic. You needed to figure out which one would break. There was always a strong one and a weak one to crack. You just had to identify them. After Alpha Benedict delivered several punches to each man, he stepped back, waiting for an answer. I studied each man''s reaction carefully, trying to read their weaknesses. The middle one subtly pulled his left foot behind his right, as if trying to protect it. I noted the tiny movement, filing it away mentally. "We don''t know anything!" he shouted. "Shut up, Holden!" the one on the right red at him. "I''m not getting beat for that snake!" "We really don''t fucking know anything! Just let us go home!" Holder cried out desperately. I watched his futile attempt, a strange sh of pity crossing my mind before I suppressed it. They had attacked our pack; they deserved this. "Tell us, and we''ll make your deaths quicker," Dad stepped forward and delivered a resounding p to Holden, growling. This version of my father secined foreign to me, and I clenched my sts involuntarily. "I''ll make you a deal-you tell us what you know, and we''ll make you deaths painless, Alpha Benedict moved to a table I hadn''t noticed before. Setting down the brass knuckles, he picked up someling long and white. A blue line ran between two metal points. A cattle taser. "Let me counter offer," the man on the left sald. "I''ll tell you everything, but I want to tell her directly. His eyes moved past Alpha Benedict and my father, staring exactly where I stood, as if he knew precisely where I was. My heart skipped a beat. It unsettled me but also piqued my curiosity "Not possible," Dad punched the guy square in the nose. "It''s fine," I said to Dad through our mind link. I didn''t want to undermine his authority, and since I hadn''t yet relinquished my connection to him, we still maintained our link. "Then we won''t talk!" he spat blood, sttering it across Dad''s chest. I took several steps forward, entering the light. My nerves began to tingle, but I suppressed them as much as possible. They couldn''t know I was anxious, or this wouldn''t work. I forced myself to stand straight, expression impassive, though my heart pounded like it might burst from my chest. "Start talking," I said. Their eyes locked onto me, then traveled down my body. A sick feeling crawled up my spine, but I kept my face emotionless. Ryder released a threatening growl, so angry it made themugh. "Oh, is the mighty mate going to kill us?" the one on the right chuckled. "You wanted to talk to me, so talk," I crossed my arms, waiting for them to begin. "I can see why he wants you," the one on the left licked his lips. The savage lust in his eyes seemed ready to overflow. Surprisingly, this didn''t make me angry. I maintained my expressionless face. Alpha Benedict immediately shocked him with the taser, holding it for several minutes, causing his body to tense and convulse in the chair, even making him soil himself. I smelled the urine. "We''ll start with you," I said, walking to stand before the man in the middle. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 147 Xena''s POV I nodded and walked over to the table to examine everythingid out there. A baseball bat rested at the edge of the table. I picked it up, testing its weight in my hand before lightly touching the tip to his left leg. Despite his desperate attempt not to tremble, he still flinched. My heart raced, my palms slightly damp with sweat. I never imagined myself interrogating someone with violence. But I had no choice. I needed to appear merciless and decisive. "No matter how hard you try to hide it, I know this leg is already injured. Tell me what I want to know, or I''ll make sure this leg is shattered before I cut it off." His face turned pale. "You don''t have the guts." To prove him wrong, I walked back to the table and grabbed some rope. When I bent down, his eyes widened. His right leg started kicking wildly, preventing me from binding it properly. Thankfully, Dad understood my intentions and held that right leg down, allowing me to secure the rope. Ryder stepped forward, taking the rope from me and pulling it taut. "Last chance," I said, measuring the distance to get a good swing angle. "You''re too weak, little sheep. This isn''t your ce." He nced down at his foot then looked up at me with a menacing re, challenging me, trying to overpower me with his presence. I didn''t respond. I simply raised the bat over my head and swung down with all my might. I aimed directly for his tibia, immediately hearing the crack of bone. A strange sensation washed over me-fear, power, and a twisted sense of satisfaction all mixed together. His screams echoed throughout the small room, the other two Rogues cringing and looking away. But I didn''t stop. After two more consecutive hits, I stepped back. "What were you saying?" I asked calmly. Waiting for him to stop crying and struggling, he red at me through tears. "Go... fuck... yourself." His breathing was heavy, and I swung three more times until he began begging, "Okay! I''ll talk!" "Excellent." I set the bat down, breathing hard myself after putting my full strength into each swing. "Everything was done over the phone or inte. No face-to-face contact. That''s all we know." 42 "Shut und the one on the right began shouting. His face was contorted with anger. Alpha Benedict grabbed a knife, plunging it deep into his thigh, twisting before pulling it out. He''d sessfully hit an artery; the man had only minutes to live, if not seconds. "I''m bleeding out!" he cried. I felt dizzy, forcing myself not to throw up. "That''s the point, Alpha Benedict said quietly. The guy in the middle watched as blood flowed down his leg and chair, forming a We left the phones about a file outside your territory on a tree! An old elm tree. There''s a creek nearby. Go find it, all the information is on the phones! The guy on the right was white as a sheet. ''Yes! I can even draw you a maj Holden nodded rapidly as Ryder put down his leg. "Why me?" I asked. "We don''t ask these questions. We take the money and do the job, that''s it. If you hadn''t been there, things might have been different. That idiot didn''t check before climbing over the wall, and now we''re all paying for it. Holden shook his head. Just kill me already. I''ve told you everything I know." Holden''s voice trembled, tears in his voice. Ryder threw the knife in his hand onto the table, the sound echoing the dim, confined room. He pulled me back into the shadows as Alpha Benedict wrote down all the instructions and information about the location of their phones. "Are you... okay?" Ryder asked through our mind link. "Yeah, I''m fine." But in truth, it was all starting to affect me. On the battlefield, it was pure fairbat-kill or be killed. But here, this was almost cold-blooded murder. "Actually, I want to leave," I told Ryder through our mind link. Ryder didn''t respond, just quietly opened the door to let me out first. The door closed softly behind us, but my steps moved quickly. wanting to get away from this ce. Not a single guard made eye contact with me as we left. Only when fresh air filled my nostrils did I feel like I could breathe again. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 148 Xena''s POV "You didn''t need toe out with me," I said, leaning against the rough bark of a tree trunk. The images from the dungeon still churned in my stomach. I knew those people deserved what they got but witnessing it all firsthand left me unsettled. "No reason to stay down there," Ryder shrugged, his eyes studying me carefully. "I''m not going to break down," I lifted my gaze to the sky where birds flew carelessly, envying their freedom. "I know." "Then what are you waiting for?" I turned toward him, impatience bubbling up inside me. He frowned slightly. "Waiting for you to snap at me." "Who''s using sarcasm to avoid the issue now?" I challenged. "Thought I''d try your style for a change." Ryder attempted a smile. "If I can''t use sarcasm, neither can you." "Waiting for you to acknowledge what we both can feel." "Nothing to acknowledge. It just feels weird. I know they had to die or else simr things would happen again, but seeing it, witnessing it all... it feels different." My voice trembled slightly as the dungeon scenes shed through my mind-their fear, their screams, the scent of blood-all of it refusing to leave my thoughts. "That''s why I didn''t want you down there." "I never said I couldn''t handle it, and I think I did pretty well down there!" The statement irritated me. "I think you did amazing, got them talking, but that doesn''t mean there''s no toll," he countered. "No, I''m fine. Really. I did what needed to be done. Once your dad gets the phone back, they''ll need to analyze the information on it. We need to go check on the construction progress." "Alright. Let''s go." Just as I pushed away from the tree, the door opened again, and his father and Alpha Benedict emerged. My heart rate picked up slightly, wondering what they would say. "We were just about to check on the construction progress," Ryder said immediately. "Sounds good. I''m going to gather some warriors to search for this tree." Alpha Benedict held up a piece of paper. I wondered what was on it and if it rted to our safety. "Keep me informed of what you find," my father extended his hand to Alpha Benedict. "Of course. Once we know, I''ll contact you, and then we can decide- "Dad," I hesitantly interrupted them, needing to ask a question that had been bothering me. "What is it, child?" "She''s not forbidden, but I doift want her back down there," Ryder interjected. "Soon..." Dad ced his hand on my shoulder. He seemed to be searching for the right words. "Everything will be... arranged soon. Just know that I love you. You''ll be safe, even if it''s thest thing I do!" He kissed my forehead and walked away. I stood there confused. Just as I was about to follow him and ask what he meant, Ryder grabbed my hand. ¡°Let''s head back." I nced between Alpha Benedict and Ryder, then back at my father''s retreating figure, figuring I''d ask him another time. We all began following Alpha Benedict toward the pack house. The walk was quiet. Only the birds'' calls prevented the world around us from falling intoplete silence. Our motorcycles were parked outside the pack house. "I want to change clothes," I told Ryder. He nodded, opening the front door for us. Helen''s followers were whispering in the corner. As soon as they saw us, they red and ran off. I rolled my eyes-yesterday''s fight was still fresh. We took the stairs two at a time, reaching our room with no problem Trying to find where I''d put my riding pants was another issue. They weren''t in my drawer or on the shelf. ¡°Looking for these?" Ryder held up a hanger with my pants on it. "Why are they hanging up?" I grabbed the pants and took a ck tank top, beginning to change. The small detail confused me this wasn''t my usual habit. "I like to hang up my motorcycle gear. I guess the staff just did it the way they know I like it." Ryder shrugged, putting on his boots. "Hmm." I tucked in my tank top and begancing up my boots. "That might be my favorite look on you," Rydermented as I zipped up my boots and stood. "Wait until you see my ball gown," I winked at him. "I doubt it can be better than this." I could feel desire pouring off him as his handsnded on my hips. I had already turned my back to him, so he could pull me back against him, letting me feel his hard dick. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 149 Xena''s POV I turned around slowly, feeling his eyes follow every movement. "You think this is better than me being naked? The challenge hung in the air between us. Ryder slid his hand to the nape of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair before giving it a gentle tug backward. My eyes involuntarily rolled back, a small gasp escaping my lips. A deep growl vibrated through his chest as his other hand pressed firmly against my lower back, pulling me tight against him. The heat of his body seeped through my clothes, his desire almost suffocating in its intensity. "Nothing''s better than you naked," he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous octave that made my insides quiver. "But this outfit would make it damn impossible for me to focus on driving." Ryder leaned forward, his breath hot against my cheek. "I want you too much already." "Yeah, I couldn''t exactly give you road head on a motorcycle," I quipped, feeling his lips brush against mine. My pulse quickened, thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind, leaving nothing but raw need in their wake. "We could take the car instead," he murmured before iming my mouth in a hungry kiss. I wrapped my arms around his biceps, feeling the solid strength beneath my fingers as we kissed for minutes, breaking apart only when breathing became necessary. When we finally separated, my legs felt like jelly, barely able to support my weight. "If we keep this up, we''ll miss our ns," I managed to say, even as my body screamed for more. "Would that be so bad?" His green eyes had darkened, like a forest in twilight. "Then we wouldn''t get to fuck in those woods you promised to take me to." I whispered against his ear while he ced featherlight kisses down my neck, each touch sending sparks of electricity straight to my core. Ryder grabbed my ass, squeezing hard enough to make me gasp in pain-tinged pleasure before releasing me. "Fine, but move quickly, or I won''t be able to control myself." "How did you control yourselfst time?" Iughed, darting out the door ahead of him. "Because back then, you wouldn''t have let me do the things I wanted to do to you," he called after me. "Now, I can haveplete control, do anything I want. You''re putty in my hands. You have these spots that when I kiss them, you''re done for." We were heading down the stairs when his words stopped me in my tracks. My mind raced with possibilities, wondering exactly where these supposed spots were. "Really?" "Yes, really. Ryder smacked my ass as he passed by, since I''d stopped walking. "Where?" I demanded, suddenly desperate to know. He was holding the door open for me, waiting patiently. I quickly walked to my motorcycle, and we mounted our bikes. My heart raced with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. I''ll show you when we get there, Ryder promised, putting on his helmet, jacket, and gloves. "Good luck with that. I might be immune to it by now," I challenged, putting on my own helmet. Ryder''s eyes narrowed to slits, but I just grinned back smugly, enjoying this little game between us. "You''ll regret saying that," he said through our mind link. We revved our engines and shot out onto the open road. The wind whipped around my body, cooling some of the heat, but doing nothing to quench the fire with. "I guess we''ll see who has the upper hand, I thought, as a wave of pleasure coursed through me. My imagination started running wild, each mental image making my temperature rise. "What the fuck are you thinking about?" Ryder finally asked after twenty minutes of me conjuring up every erotic scenario i could imagine. I knew he could feel these emotions through our bond, which was exactly what I wanted. ¡°Just thinking about how you like me to use my tongue on you, or how you like me on top... I began, feeling each word affect him, reveling in this newfound power I had. Ryder cut me off. "Enough! Or I''ll take you right here in the middle of the highway." Iughed, "Looks like I might win this one." I elerated, racing past Ryder as we hit the open stretch of highway. I was free! The wind against my face, the feel of gravel beneath my tires, and the power between my legs. In that moment, I felt liberated and powerful in a way I never had before, like the world was mine for the taking. "Slow down or you''ll miss the turn," Ryder warned through our mind link. "I want to ride our motorcycles across countries. Like, ride them to wherever we vacation!" I blurted out, imagining us cruising down highways together, free and untethered. "So... you''re epting my mom and dad''s offer?" Ryder asked, surprise evident in his voice, and I suddenly realized what my words had implied. Chapter Comments Chapter 150 Xena''s POV "I didn''t say that,¡± I annotinced, pulling my helmet off as we approached the construction site. The air was filled with the sound of drills, saws, and the scent of sawdust. In the distance, we could see the top of the building taking shape against the sky. "Oh?" Ryder''s response was casual, but I could tell he was waiting for me to borate. We began walking up the slope towards the site. I just meant that when we go on trips, we can take the motorcycle, Honestly, 1 mother said." wasn''t giving much thought to what your "Okay." "What do you think we should do?" I asked, looking up at him. "That''s entirely up to you." Ryder wasn''t budging. His words were like a wall, pushing all responsibility back to me. "This is something we should decide together," I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice, hoping he would understand my desire for joint decision-making. "No, it''s not. Since I''ve known you, you''ve done things your way. If I said, we''re doing it this way, you would immediately pull back. No, I know you. You need to do things your way, in your own time. That''s why I was upset when my mom brought it up." I stared at him in surprise, but he kept walking forward. I didn''t respond, just silently followed behind him. What he said was true. Many times I thought I''d changed, but I hadn''t at all. I fucking hate this. We reached the metal fence surrounding their construction site. Ryder walked straight past the warning signs and approached a trailer where a generator was running. After knocking once on the door, he walked right in. "Who in the fu- Mr. Nash. I didn''t know you wereing today." The burly man inside had an angry expression that instantly transformed into respectful deference when he saw Ryder. He extended his hand to shake Ryder''s first. "Mr. Roderick, this is my wife, Xena." The word ''wife'' made my heart skip a beat. I could sense Mr. Roderick was human. "Hello," I said, extending my hand. He shook it, but seemed annoyed. His grip was ufortable, but I maintained my smile. "I didn''t know you were married," he said, looking directly at Ryder. His belly hung over his jeans, somehow held up by suspenders. "You never asked. I''m here to check on progress. How are weing along? I''d like a tour, thank you." Ryder''s voice carried undeniable authority. "Of course." Mr. Roderick grabbed his baseball cap and led us outside. I followed just a step behind, observing everything. "We''vepleted all the framing." There were blueprints nearby. While Ryder and Mr. Roderick discussed the joints, I quietly slipped over to examine them. Themunity center was massive. ording to the ns, there would be a central space the size of a football field that could be divided into two separate areas if needed. Each side was symmetrical in terms of bathrooms, open spaces, and overallyout. It wasn''t until I looked at the loft and roof structure that I noticed something was wrong. "Ryder?" I called out, still studying the blueprints. Both men immediately stopped talking and turned to me. "What is it? A flicker of confusion crossed Ryder''s eyes, but his tone was filled with trust. "I think we have a problem. I turned back to the blueprints and pulled out the roof design. "What problem? Ryder moved closer to me. "The angles. They won''t support the weight of the space." "Impossible! We''ve calcted these numbers multiple times! Mr. Roderick immediately became defensive. His reaction was expected; nobody likes having mistakes pointed out, especially in their area of expertise. "I have no doubt you did the calctions. I''m just saying the proportion of space between each arch, plus the type of connecting joints you''re using. Those thin connections on, this type of wood wont handle any kind of pressure. Like snow or a mom full of people. I can almost guarantee you''ll see failures here and here. I pointed to two different locations that concerned me most. "Probably more." My voice grew increasingly firm. Chapter 151 "They''re holding fine right now Mr. Roderick pointed at the building, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, because there''s no drywall or thousands of people inside right now." My tone was bing impatient. "You need to ce additional support beams in those locations to keep it safe." "Wh- Mr. Roderick began. He narrowed his eyes at me, his hostility almost tangible. Mr. Roderick''s mumbling was clear enough for me to hear the insult him nearly erupting in an instant. But before he could say anything, this. saw Ryder''s eyes darken instantly, the Alpha presence within gently touched his arm-a silent signal that I could handle "Sir, I heard thatment," I said, my voice firm and calm, but not aggressive. I looked Mr. Roderick directly in the eyes without backing down. ¡°Rather than attacking me personally, why don''t we focus on the actual engineering issue?" I walked to the wall where safety helmets hung, took one, and put it on, then pointed toward the door. "Let me show you what I''m talking about." Roderick nced at Ryder, clearly expecting his boss to stop me. But Ryder just made a gesture indicating we should proceed, letting me lead the way. I guided them through the site, stepping over gravel and wood chips, until we came to an area beneath one of the main arch structures. Workers paused their activities to watch us, and I could feel their curious gazes. "Look here." I pointed to a connection point, then took out my phone. "You''re using this standard connector, right?" Roderick nodded reluctantly. I opened my calctor app. "Based on your design specifications, how many pounds per square inch is this timber bearing?" ''87 pounds," he mumbled. "Now, add the live load with full upancy on the upper level, multiplied by the safety factor..." I quickly entered numbers into my phone. "And snow load..." I turned the screen toward him, showing numbers far exceeding the connector''s pressure standards. "Your connection points will need to bear almost 1.7 times their design capacity," I said calmly. ¡°I don''t care who fixes it, but it needs to be fixed. I won''t allow people''s safety to bepromised." Roderick''s face went from red to white, then red again. He took my phone, checked my calctions, then repeated them on his own phone. His forehead began to sweat. "I... I need to make a call." He stepped back and walked away. I turned to Ryder, whose eyes sparkled with pride. "I saw some engineering books on your bookshelf. Didn''t realize you had an interest." "Anyone with a motorcycle shop needs to understand the basics of structural mechanics," I shrugged. ''Besides, I''ve always been Interested in building A few minutester, Roderick returned, his expressionpletely transformed. "Mrs. Nash..." He cleared his throat. "You''re right. My engineer just confirmed your calctions, We''ll add extra support structures immediately." He paused, visibly struggling. I apologize for my earlierment. was... unprofessional." I nodded, epting his apology but didn''t smile. "Professional expertise isn''t gender-specific, Mr. Roderick. I hope you''ll remember that." He nodded ufortably. "We''ll start modifying the design right away." Ryder took my hand, and we continued our tour. "Next time, don''t assume it''s you protecting me," I said softly, finally smiling. "Sometimes, I''m protecting your investment." Ryderughed, that genuineugh only I could bring out, "I never doubted it." They hadn''t started electrical or plumbing work yet, so there wasn''t much more to see. Each room appeared to match the blueprints and seemed properly assembled. There wasn''t a gap between any of the joints. I carefully observed every detail, trying to ensure everything was proceeding ording to n. We spent about an hour walking through the entire building and observing everything. As we were leaving, Ryder grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the forest. Chapter Comments Chapter 152 Xena''s POV "What are we doing out here?" I asked, following Ryder as we wove rough the dense forest. "I have a surprise for you," Ryder said with a casual shrug, but I caught the glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. We continued along the same path we''d takenst time, moving deeper into the woods. The familiar scent of pine and earth filled my lungs with each breath. We reached a clearing between the trees and paused. I took in the breathtaking view that spread out before us, the city sprawling below like a miniature model. "I''ll never get tired of this view," I said softly, my eyes scanning across the horizon where the city lights were just beginning to twinkle as dusk approached. "You don''t have to," Ryder replied, already a few steps ahead, waiting for me to catch up. "What do you mean?" I quickened my pace to reach him, curiosity dancing in my chest like a restless fawn. "Come see for yourself." Ryder walked another hundred feet or so before turning off the main path. And there it was a massive treehouse vi standing proudly in the middle of the forest. The framework wasplete, waiting only for electricity and plumbing to be installed, built right next to the meeting center. "What is this?" I could barely speak, my breath caught in my throat. Inplete shock, I ran my fingers lightly over the wooden railing that would soon be the walkway to the front door. A whirlwind of emotions swept through me as I tried to process what I was seeing. "You said you loved this ce. I know it''s not a beach, but it''ll be our private getaway. Just for us. Our second home, if you want it to be," Ryder said, standing perfectly still, watching my reaction with those intense green eyes of his. "You did this? For me?" I was still trying toprehend it all, my gaze shifting to meet his. "For us. Come look." Ryder led the way along the pathway into the treehouse. Most of the flooring had beenid down, making our ascent stable even as we climbed higher. "This is the living room. The master bedroom is over there. Two more bedrooms on that side, plus two bathrooms. Kitchen''s right here." He walked through the open living area to the opposite side, arms outstretched. The entireyout was open concept, spacious yet intimate. "Two bedrooms?" I asked, though I already had a suspicion what his answer would be. "For our kids. Or if you want to invite Ama and William up here." Ryder picked up a nket I hadn''t even noticed was there. He walked to what would eventually be the front porch and spread it out. I followed his lead and sat beside him, my mind whirling with the implication of his words. Kids. He was already thinking about our future, aplete family. "The view..." It was perfect. Clear visibility of the sky and the city below. The treetops cascaded with the slope of the hill, appearing like waves. Sitting here, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. Agreed. Beautiful. When Ryder spoke, he was looking directly at me. When my eyes met his, I choked up. Tears of happiness threatened to spill over. I don''t think Ryder was prepared for my reaction, but when Iunched myself at him, he fell backward with me on top. "I can''t even express how thankful I am," I whispered against his neck. The tears fell despite my embarrassment, but I didn''t try to hide them. Ryder''s chest vibrated with hisughter as he flipped us over so I was on my back. One arm cradled my head while his other hand cupped my face, his thumb wiping away my tears. "I love you." I leaned forward and kissed him hard. Only after several minutes did pull back. cing my hand on his cheek, my thumb traced his lips, "I love you too," I whispered. Ryder didn''t respond with words, but lowered himself to kiss me again. His hand moved to my waist, pulling my tank top free from my pants. Then it snaked upward, finding my breast. "I''ll never get tired of you," Ryder murmured between kisses as his lips moved to my neck. I grabbed my tank top and pulled it off. ¡°Your hands.....¡± I said, feeling him climb over me. His touch set my body on fire, every inch of my skin craving more. "See, I know all your sensitive spots. Like here..." Ryder moved to my left chest and sucked hard just below my breast. My back instantly arched, a wave of pleasure shooting through my entire body 1 "Oh!" I moaned, my eyes rolling back. In that moment, I could only feel pure bliss, my thoughtspletely overtaken by sensation. "And here..." Ryder moved lower on my abdomen. Closer to my back, he sucked again. My body shuddered. I tried to sit up, but he pushed me back down while fumbling with my pants. "But-" I tried to protest. "No, this is my pleasure," Ryder didn''t even look at me as he pulled off my boots and dragged my pants down, leaving my underwear in ce. Chapter Comments Chapter 153 Chapter 138(R18) Xena''s POV "Ryder," I whispered, my voice trembling with need. "I need you." He froze for a split second, his broad shoulders tensing. Then his eyes locked onto mine, darkening to a shade of midnight that made my stomach flip. "Fuck, that''s hot," he muttered under his breath, his voice rough and low, like gravel. He stepped closer, slow and deliberate, his gaze never leaving mine. His fingers grazed my thigh, teasing the sensitive skin just above my kneg, sending a jolt of electricity through me. My legs parted instinctively, craving more. "God," I gasped, my voice barely audible, caught somewhere between plea and a moan. His lips curled into a wicked half-smile, his head tilting as he leaned in closer. "Think I can make youe without even touching you there?" His tone was yful, but his eyes burned with challenge. His breath was warm against my skin, so close I could feel the heat radiating from him. My cheeks flushed, desire pooling low in my belly. I bit my lip, trying to hold back the wave of need crashing through me, but the words slipped out before I could stop them. "If you don''t fuck me soon, I swear I''ll pin you down myself." Ryder''s smirk widened, a glint of amusement shing in his eyes. "Oh, that''s cute," he said, his voice dripping with mock condescension. He shifted to my side, his lips brushing the curve of my hip. Then he nipped at the sensitive spot just below my waist, sharp enough to make me gasp. My legs trembled, my body arching toward him, desperate to close the distance. His clothes were still on, damn it, and I wanted them gone. My fingers itched to rip his shirt open, to feel the hard nes of his chest against 1. me. I reached for the hem of his shirt, but before I could grab it, his mouth moved lower, grazing my hipbone. His teeth sank in lightly, and a wave of pleasure hit me so hard I nearly copsed. My knees buckled, my hands clutching at the air. "Ryder, please," I begged, my voice cracking. "Touch me." "No," he growled, his tone sharp andmanding. He caught my wrists in one swift motion, pinning them together. His other hand moved to his belt, yanking it free with a single, fluid tug. The sound of leather sliding through fabric made my heart skip. I barely registered what he was doing until he looped the belt around my wrists, his teeth gripping the leather as he tightened it. He secured the loose end to a wooden beam above my head, leaving me stretched out,pletely at his mercy. ¡°Oh, fuck,¡± I moaned, my voice thick with excitement. My body thrummed with anticipation as his hands roamed, teasing my nipples with slow, deliberate circles. His mouth followed, trailing hot kisses from my chest to my stomach, inching lower with agonizing precision. "Ryder," I whimpered, my thighs slick with need. "I''m so fucking wet." "I know he said, his voice a low rumble. His lips hovered just above my core, his breath teasing the sensitive skin. Then his tongue flicked out, slow and deliberate, and I nearly screamed. He didn''t stop, his mouth working me with relentless precision, licking and sucking until my entire body shook. The orgasm hit me like a tidal wave, my hips bucking wildly as pleasure ripped through me. My vision blurred, my mind nk, consumed by the aftershocks. "Holy fuck," I panted, my eyes fluttering shut as his tongue continued its assault. His fingers slipped de me, curling just right, and another wave of pleasure built almost instantly. He climbed over me, his body hovering close, his breath hot against my ear. "Look at me," he ordered, his voice rough but firm. I forced my eyes open, meeting his gaze. His face was taut with restraint, sweat beading on his forehead. "Harder," I pleaded, my voice barely a whisper. "Please." This time, he didn''t tease. He thrust into me, hard and deep, and I gasped at the sudden fullness. I didn''t even notice when his pants hade off, and I didn''t care. Each movement was raw, powerful, his hips mming into mine with a rhythm that drove me wild. The wooden beam creake 1 above us as he gripped it for leverage, his muscles flexing with every thrust. The belt around my wrists loosened just enough, and I tugged my hands free. In one fluid motion, I hooked my legs around his waist and pushed, flipping him onto his back. The move caught him off guard, his body hitting the floor with a soft thud. I straddled him, pinning him beneath me, my hands braced against his chest. "Fuck," he groaned, his hands gripping my hips as I started to move rode him hard, every thrust deliberate, chasing the pleasure building inside me. My body took over, grinding against him, each motion pushing me closer to the edge. His fingers dug into my skin, urging me on, his breathsing in sharp, ragged gasps.. "Ryder," I screamed, my voice echoing through the treehouse as another orgasm tore through me. My body clenched around him, and his hips surged upward, his own release hitting at the same moment. The intensity left us both trembling, our bodies locked together in the aftermath. I copsed onto my arms, my chest heaving, and turned my head to look at him. Ryder''s eyes were half-closed, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Chapter 154 Xena''s POV. "Um..." Ryder was trying to catch his breath, I was panting too, feeling my heart still racing in my chest. The quiet forest around us made our heavy breathing sound even louder than it was. His phone rang, and we both instinctively looked toward his pants on the ground. He reached for them and fished out his phone. Without hesitation, he put it on speaker. "Yeah?" His voice was still husky. "Ryder, you both need toe back. We''ve got a report on the attack I stared at him, my mouth falling open in shock. The peaceful afterglow we''d been enjoying shattered in an instant. "Alright, we''re heading back now." Ryder ended the call with a quick tap. "That was fast," I said, already gathering my clothes, my fingers trembling slightly with nervous energy. "It''s been a week already. If they know something, it must be connected to an open case." Ryder was pulling up his pants, his movements swift and precise. I''d already slipped my tank top on and was working on my pants. "I mean, we already figured it was Tatum or Alpha Wiley. They''re suspicious as fuck." "Hopefully this gives us something we can use against them." The determination in his voice matched the tight set of his jaw. "Are you still going through with the n during the dance?" I askedcing up my boots. "Yes, everything''s still in motion." Ryder nodded as I finished with my boots. My hair was aplete mess, but I''d fix it on the walk back. "Ready?" he asked, helping me to my feet. "Yeah, let''s go." I moved quickly through the forest, not looking back as I worked on fixing my hair. Ryder didn''t speak again until we were putting on our helmets. "Hey, babe?" It was my favorite thing he called me, always sending a warm feeling right through my chest. "What?" "I made youe without even touching you." The smug look on his face was infuriating. Yes, it was true, but I didn''t want him getting too cocky about it. Men, always so proud of these things. "Hmm..." I took off my helmet and walked over to him, grabbing his shirt and pulling him toward me until our lips were almost touching. "Next times my turn, and I won''t y fair." I gave him the lightest kiss before turning away. Ryder caught my hand and spun me back around, giving me a powerful kiss that left me breathless. You''re fucking perfect," I heard him murmur as I climbed onto my motorcycle. A dirty thought crossed my mind as we pulled away. "Hey, Ryder?" I tried to make my voice sound sexy through our mind ink. "What?" I nced over at him. "You know why I love riding motorcycles so much?" "Why?" He seemed genuinely curious. I looked right at him, "Because I love the power between my legs. His eyes narrowed at my double entendre, and I gunned the engine, shooting forward. "You won''t be able to walk to school tomorrow." Ryder promised as he caught up. I didn''t respond, just shed him a smile. As we descended the hillside, the curves came fast and tight. Feeling exhrated, I leaned into them effortlessly. I was one with my bike, twisting left and right, my knee nearly touching the ground. The ride back home was perfect-a beautiful afternoon, though I knew another storm might be waiting for us. When we rode into pack territory, the tension was palpable, the atmosphere distinctly unfriendly. Ryder and exchanged nces as we removed our helmets and walked toward Alpha Benedict''s office. Ryder knocked once and entered. I was surprised by how many people were inside-Dad, Logan, Penelope, Leonard, William, Ama, and Luna Kestrel all stood in silence, staring at the wall with vacant expressions. The air felt heavy with something I couldn''t quite define, as if something terrible was about to happen. My heart rate elerated. "Where''s Vi?" I asked Leonard, trying to break the awful silence. "In the kitchen," he replied, his tone morose. "What''s going on?" Ryder looked toward his father. "This." Alpha Benedict tossed a paper toward Ryder. It fell to the floor, and Ryder bent to pick it up, holding it low so we could both see. "I don''t understand what I''m reading." I frowned, trying to make sense of the technical terms and data, but they blurred together before my eyes. "It says the bullet came from a 9mm Smith & Wesson, which we already knew. But the gun has been linked to a series of murders across the United States. What''s concerning, however, is this." Ryder pointed to a small line at the bottom. My heart skipped a beat, my blood seemingly freezing in my veins. This couldn''t be real. "It says... no..." I must have read it wrong. My brain refused to ept what my eyes were seeing; it was too absurd, too unbelievable. "It says there was additional DNA on the bullet, and it matches Penelope''s DNA." Ryder''s body vibrated with anger. Chapter 155 Xena''s POV My world shattered in that single moment. Penelope? The Peneloped trusted with everything? My thoughts scattered like ss fragments, betrayal cutting through my heart like a knife. How was this possible? I stared at her across the room, watching as she deliberately avoided my gaze. Logan stood near her but made no more to touch her. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, pain and betrayal tangling together until I could barely breathe. "Penelope?" I called softly, my voice carrying a tremor I hadet interced She lifted her head, tears glistening in her eyes-those eyes I''d trusted sopletely how seemed like they belonged to a stranger. "I swear I didn''t know anything! You know I''m an orphank You even und me in the forest!" she pleaded, desperation saturating her voice. ''I don''t even know who my family is! My chest ached like I''d been stabbed. Deep down, something told me she was telling the truth, but the DNA evidence was right there in front of us. How could I deny what was staring me in the face? "The DNA shows a parental match ratio," Alpha Benedict exined, his voice measured and cold. "This means it was her father who shot at you both." He turned to me. "How did you find her?" "She was in the orphanage where I volunteered," I recalled, memories flooding back of that stubborn, brilliant girl I''d first met. "She was a teenager then... about fifteen, already getting into trouble. Sneaking out, stealing things." "I stole books! It''s not like I was some junkie!" Penelope defended herself, hurt shing in her eyes. "They were advanced books. Nobody cared what books she took, just that she was stealing. I noticed the content of those books, so took responsibility for her. Had her do tasks for me. Once she earned some trust, showed me what she could do, I started paying hen Not much, but enough for clothes and food. Eventually, Dad helped her get into a youth housing program to get her out of the orphanage." The words came mechanically from my mouth as memories washed over me-all those moments with Penelope, one of the few people I truly trusted, and now... I couldn''t bear to finish the thought. "I don''t remember any family. I swear! All I remember is the orphanage!" Penelope''s eyes brimmed with tears, her desperation breaking my heart despite the warnings my brain was sending. "We found her as an infant at the edge of our territory. No one imed her, so we put her DNA in the system in case of any matches. Until now there weren''t any." Dad stared at the paper like it was some alien object. His expression made my stomach twist. "Logan, is she lying?" Alpha Benedict asked. "No. She''s telling the truth. You canmand her if you want to." Logan gazed painfully at the ceiling. This had to be excruciating for him, torn between loyalty to his sister and loyalty to his mate. I could feel his struggle, and it made me want to step back. "L-Logan?" Penelope looked at him, heartbreak and shock painted across her face. "Have you ever lied to us?" Dad asked severely, slowly releasing his Alpha aura until it enveloped Penelope. She immediately copsed to the floor in submission. My heart pounded violently in my chest, watching my friend being treated this way sent a wave of indescribable pain through me. "No!" Penelope answered through tears, her yoice, shaking. "Have you withheld anything from us?" Dad continued. "No! I love X, I would never betray my only sister!" Hearing those words, I almost fan forward to hold her. Ryder''s hand troked my back, giving me a small measure offort. Dad looked around the room. Only when everyone shook their heads did he relent. Logan had moved to Penelope''s side, offering his hand. Penelope pped away Logan''s outstretched hand, refusing his help "I thought we were attacked by Rogues?" I asked, trying to make sense of everything. "We were, but we haven''t traced who wanted to take your We assumed the Rogues at the pack boundary and the ones at the car ident were the same group," Dad exined. "So we still haven''t found who killed Samuel. I struggled to keep my voice steady as his name passed my lips. "Did you find that phone?" Ryder asked. "Yes, it''s still being analyzed. They''re tracking the IP address. Everything''s encrypted," Dad sighed. "So we have nothing, and now Penelope''s DNA has triggered a match It''ll be visible to everyone now, letting her family know where she is." I processed the situation, fear crawling up my spine like ice. "What we know is that Penelope''s father was there," Alpha Benedict stated. "But we don''t know if the Rogue who fired the gun was her father?" I asked. "We don''t," Dad said. "So we might have already killed him. Where are the bodies?" "You know we burned them," Dad frowned at me. I knew it was true, but I''d hoped I was wrong. My heart ached for Penelope, who must be more confused and hurt than anyone. Slowly, I walked toward Penelope and sat down in front of her. I needed to tell her that no matter what happened, I still believed in her. "Please believe me. I didn''t know. I would never betray you," she whispered through her tears. Chapter 156 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "I believe you, Penelope. But you need to understand what this means. You can''t be angry with Logan. All of this is necessary so we can clear your name," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady despite the storm of emotions churning inside me. I nced up at Logan before returning my gaze to Penelope''s tear-stained face. "I know. I just feel so guilty and ashamed," Penelope whispered, her voice small and fragile, breaking my heart with each word. "As the investigation continues, things might get harder, but trust that Logan will guide you down the right path." I ced my hand gently on her knee, offering whatfort I could while watching tears silently stream down her cheeks. I felt her pain as if it were my own-the betrayal by her own family, a pain that made me both furious and heartbroken. "We''re definitely continuing the investigation. Since your father was mentioned- Darius-we''ll start there," I said firmly. Alpha Benedict sighed as he took a seat. "Agreed. Keep us informed of any developments." Dad motioned for hispanions to leave. Penelope stood, slipping her hand into Logan''s, and they walked out together. Logan gave me a nod, but I could see the pain etched across his features. Guilt and confusion clouded his face, and I knew no words could immediately fix this situation. Only time would tell. My heart ached for both of them, for thisplicated mess we found ourselves 1. in. "What''s the n for this week?" Alpha Benedict asked us. "Xena?" Ryder looked down at me, his eyes filled with questions and concern. "I think I need to get my things from school, and then we can head home. It''ll be safer, and we can take all our exams here," I sighed. The old me would have hated this-running away like a coward-but given theplexity of our current situation, it was the best option. "That''s a wise decision," Alpha Benedict said as he sat down. Ryder and I walked out of the room, with William catching up to us. What are your dinner ns?" "I don''t think we have anything specific..." I looked up at Ryder for confirmation. "No, why? Did you have something in mind?" Ryder asked. "Movie night?" William suggested, his eyes lighting up with anticipation. "We could do that," Ryder looked at me, and I nodded. Despite my exhaustion, the thought of spending time with friends lifted my spirits a little. "Why don''t you grab something from the kitchen, and we''ll meet in our room?" I told William. "No problem. Ama will be thrilled," William answered. "Perfect," I nodded, and William turned and walked away, Following Ryder, we made our way back to our room. As he closed the door behind us, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Have you decided what changes you want to make to our room?" Ryder asked while pulling off his shirt. His defined muscles gleamed in the light, instantly distracting me. "I mean... like what? Looking around, all my belongings sat on my nightstand. Ryder had framed our birthday photo and hung it above the bed, but other than that, the room looked exactly the same as when I first saw it. I suddenly realized that despite living- here for some time, I''d barely ft any mark of my own. Different colors? New bedding? Paint? Ryder tossed out suggestion ''You chose sage green for your shop. That''spletely different from the style we have now," he added. "Well, that was the vibe I wanted for the shop. Not my bedroom," I replied, walking to the closet to grab my favorite silk pajama set. I began changing in the closet, enjoying the feel of silk sliding against my skin, which always helped me rx. "Your previous bedroom was very basic," Rydermented. "I knew I wouldn''t be living thefe forever, so I didn''t care about changing anything." "So now you can. What would you like to do differently?" Ryder walked to the closet, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes filled with genuine interest. "I like ck and red." ¡°Come on, there must be something you''d like to change," Ryder pressed, thinking I was holding back. Walking out of the closet into the bedroom, I started looking around, really considering the question. Every item in the room began to take on new meaning in my eyes-this wasn''t just a ce to sleep it was our home together. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Lna 157 "I''m serious, Ryder. I love these silk sheets. If you haven''t noticed, I''m quite fond of my silk pajamas. We could upgrade the sofa and chairs. They''re a bit old, and I prefer deeper couches. I''m not particrly fond of white, but red does bnce everything dicely. We could put more pictures on the walls..." I spoke while imagining these possible changes, suddenly realizing I did have ideas-I just hadn''t given them serious thought before. "I''m d you said that," Ryder snapped his fingers and walked into the closet. When he emerged, he was holding two massive paintings. As he turned them around, I saw they were pieces I''d drawn long ago-one of a wolf''s head, the other of a bald eagle. ¡°These were my favorites from your sketchbook. I had them framed and really wanted to hang them up." My voice caught in my throat, momentarily speechless. Ife''d chosen erfect frames for them-a light gray weathered wood. The frames were substantial, made of real wood, which made every pencil stroke stand out more. I walked over and picked up the wolf head drawing to examine it more closely. Memories flooded back of midsummer, when I rarely stayed at the pack house. Back then, I was lost, finding brief moments of peace only when I was drawing. Now Ryder had brought that memory back to me. Looking around, I suggested, "How about over the dresser?" There was an empty space there that seemed perfect for the artwork. "Sounds good," Ryder set down the paintings and went to the kitchte, returning with a hammer and nails. He''d clearly nned this in advance. After helping him level the pictures, we stepped back to admire the result. "They really do belong here," I said, gently wrapping my arm around his. "I agree. They''re beautiful pieces." 4 Just then, a knock came at the door. Ryder went to answer it. "Dinner is served," Ama''s cheerful voice announced as she entered. "Oh, you''ve already hung them up!" William followed Ama inside, immediately noticing my artwork on the wall. Ama set down the food and looked up with a smile. "Ah, the wolf head." "Why do you say it like that?" William asked while opening the food, "That drawing was supposedly really difficult to get right. She was grumpy for almost a month because it wasn''t turning out how she wanted. Something about the eyes, I think,¡± Ama shook her head handing me my food. "Hey! If the eyes are good, the whole piece is good," I protested. Ryder sat down beside me. William passed him his food, then settled into the armchair. "What movie did you choose?" he asked. "We haven''t picked yet. Been busy hanging artwork," I answered after taking a bite of my Italian sandwich. ''I want a horror movie!" Ama scrunched her face at me. "Any rmendations?" I asked Ryder. The Grudge 2." "Damn! I haven''t seen that one yet!" Ama eximed excitedly. "Sounds good. It''s been ages since I''ve watched it," William said with his mouth full of food. "de, can you grab my stuff from school tomorrow too? I have a few things to take care of here," Ama asked me. "Sure," I nodded. "Why did you suddenly call her de?" Ryder questioned. "Seriously. When do we get to call you de?" Williamined. Smiling, I asked, "Why would you want to call me de?" "Everyone else does," he replied. "Everyone else calls me Luna," I pointed out as I finished my sandwich. "You know what I mean! I want to call you de too, it''s cool!" William finished his food. He stood up, grabbing everyone''s utensils and food wrappers, walking toward the trash. "Ama, should I let him call me de?" I asked her. "No. That''s reserved for me, Leonard, and Logan!" "Thedy has spoken!" Iughed, leaning against Ryder. Lfelt a wave of annoyance from him. Thinking it was directed at me, I moved away andy down on my side of the couch. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Ryder didn''t seem to register my movement, or if he did, he chose not toment on it. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 158 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "I have my ways to convince you," William joked, walking over to set up the movie. "What is it?" I asked Ryder through our mind link, noticing his sudden tension. He didn''t answer, just handed me his phone. Taking it, I saw an emai disyed on the screen. "Ryder, I''m requesting a meeting with you tomorrow afternoon to discuss my promotion opportunities within the pack. There are several positions avable, and I''d like to apply for them and get your guidance. If 3 PM works for you, please let me know. Love, Helen Helen again. She always found ways to get close to Ryder. I shook my head, no longer angry about her tactics, just weary of them. "How did you respond?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral. Ryder ook the phone back, swiped a few times, then handed it to me again. "Helen, 3 PM works. Luna Xena and I will both be present. Alpha Ryder" I nodded in approval. "Why don''t you have your own office?" "Never really needed one," Ryder shrugged, lying down behind me. William turned off the lights as the movie began. "I think we should have our own office. I need somewhere to handle my shop''s ounts, and considering all the new responsibilities I''m taking on, having a space to organize everything would be nice. "Okay, I''ll look into it," Ryder wrapped his arm around me, pulling me tightly against him. The movie started slow, like every horror film. I gradually lost interest and turned over, resting my head against Ryder''s chest. As he gently stroked my back, I closed my eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep. "Come on, wake up!" My body was being shaken, but I refused to acknowledge I was awake. In my foggy state, I just wanted to sink back into that peaceful darkness. "I know you''re awake and can hear me," Ryderughed. "I don''t want to be awake. How did I get here?" I mumbled, my eyelids still too heavy to lift. "I carried you. You wouldn''t wake up,pletely passed out." The mattress shifted as I felt Ryder stand up. "Why are you waking me?" I asked irritably, my voice full of annoyance. I hated being dragged from good dreams, especially when I was enjoyingfortable sleep. We need to go to school." "I changed my mind. Let me sleep." I grabbed the nkets and pulled them over my head. Just as I found afortable position, the nkets were viole yanked away from me. Cold air assaulted my body, and I sat up quickly. "What the hell? I nearly screamed, shocked by the sudden chill. Rise and shine, sleeping beauty." Ryderughed at my expression but turned and walked into the closet. I was angry but had no choice except to get up and shower. However feeling particrly childish, I locked the bathroom door. To my satisfaction, I heard the doorknob rattle, knowing Ryder had noticed the locked door. This small act of defiance gave me a petty sense of revenge, though I knew it was immature. The hot water felt wonderful and definitely helped wake me up. The warm stream from the showerhead washed away my morning grumpiness. After drying off, I started doing my makeup and hair. "How much longer are you going to be?" Ryder called through the door, impatience evident in his tone. I turned on the hairdryer, pretending not to hear him. Eventually, he walked away, and I was able to finish straightening my hair. When I went to the closet, Ryder hadn''t returned, so I put on a romper and was fastening my sandals when he walked in. "Hi, I said with a small smile. "Talking to me again?" Ryder ced a cream cheese bagel in front of me. "What do you mean?" I yed dumb, taking a bite of the bagel. "Thanks," I added with a wink. "Yeah, well. We need to go." Ryder nced at his watch. "Where''s your mom? I need a tote bag for Ama''s and my stuff," I suddenly remembered our task for the day. After a moment, Ryder answered, "She''s in Dad''s office. We can meet her at the front door, she''ll bring you some.'' "Perfect!" I jumped up, grabbing my wallet and phone, and we headed out. After locking the door, we walked to the foyer, but his mother wasn''t there yet. Ryder kept checking his watch as if we were runningte. "Where is she?" he muttered. "What''s the rush? We''re not going to ss. Just picking up our stuff anding back home," I said, confused by his anxiety. "Logan''s waiting for us at 8:30, and I hate beingte," Ryder sighed, just as his mother appeared around the corner. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 159 Xena''s POV *Here! I found these two. Hopefully they''ll work!" Luma Kestrel approached me with a warm smile, holding out two duffel bags. "Perfect! These wille in handy. Our stuff wouldn''t fit in just my backpack. I really appreciate it," I said, genuinely grateful for her help. "Anytime, dear. I need to get going though." "So do we," Ryder said, practically shoving me toward the door. "Bye I called out, waving to his mother as Ryder nodded curtly and mmed the door behind us. Our car was already waiting out front. As we drove away, I noticed Ryder''s posture bing increasingly rigid. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel, his eyes taking on an intensity that would make most people cower. I could sense this wasn''t just about beingte-we weren''t even running behind. I ced my hand on Ryder''s thigh, the tension in his muscles obvious beneath my fingertips. Ryder pulled into the school parking lot at exactly 8:30. Logan was waiting by the entrance, his stance alert and watchful. "Hey, X, Logan said, pulling me into a hug that felt different than usual-heavier somehow, filled with an emotion that immediately set off rm bells in my head. "How are you?" I asked, trying to disguise the worry in my voice. "Had better days." Logan sighed, draping his arm protectively over my shoulders as we walked inside. The gesture reminded me of when we were kids, how he''d always shield me whenever danger lurked nearby. "Where''s Penelope?" I asked quietly, already dreading the answer. "At home. I need to go to the bank to handle some things," he replied, his voice carefully controlled. I frowned in confusion, my brow furrowing. "That''s Dad''s job..." We reached my locker, and I began unloading my stuff after unlocking it. "It''s mine now." Logan shrugged, while he and Ryder kept scanning our surroundings, like they were expecting something to happen at any moment. "Why would Dad have you doing that?" I started banging around in my locker, the uneasiness growing heavier in my chest, like a stone pressing down. "Don''t worry about it," Logan said dismissively. I finally finished clearing out my locker, and just as I was about to close it, realization hit me like a punch to the gut. "You''re taking over as Alpha, aren''t you?" Logan slowly turned to face me. The pain in his eyes broke my heart. "It''s in progress." "That means..." A heavy sense of foreboding washed over me. Dad''s words echoed in my head as I started connecting the dots. My heart raced, my finger trembling slightly. "He''s throwing Martha out isn''t he?" Logan clenched his jaw as he looked at me. Ryder remained vignt, scanning our surroundings, though asionally ncing my way. "This isn''t the ce to discuss that." "Ryder''s right. Grab your stuff and let''s get out of here,¡± Logan said, icking up my bag. "We still need to go to Ama''s locker, I muttered, my voice barely audible. We walked in silence until we reached it. I''d known herbination for years. Opening her locker and clearing it out was easy. But tucked in the corner of the door was a photo. It was all of us from about three years ago. Logan and I were in the middle. Ama stood on Logan''s other side, Samuel next to me, and Leonard beside him. We were all smiling. It was taken at the pond, so we were in swimsuits, carefree and having fun. My eyes fell on the ck and blue bruise on my hip. Martha had pushed me down the stairs the day before, and the bruise was still fresh, not yet healed. The memories crashed over me like wayes, and could almost feel the pain returning to my body. But what hurt more was knowing those days were gone forever. "What''s that?" Logan asked. "That day at the pond," I said, handing him the photo. A sad smile spread across his face. Ryder leaned in for a quick look before returning to his "sentinel" position. "That was a fun day," Logan said, handing the photo back to me. "Yeah." I closed Ama''s locker, and we headed toward the office. "I ran into Samuel''s dad this morning," Logan said hesitantly. Oh?" I wasn''t sure I wanted to hear this. My stomach twisted nervously, the shadows of the past refusing to leave no matter how far I ran. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 160 Xena''s POV "Remember that tree at Samuel''s house?" Logan asked, his voice low and gentle. ¡°Um,¡± I responded quietly, my mind instantly traveling back to countless afternoons spent beneath its sprawling branches. "Samuel''s dad is going to bury it," Logan continued, watching my face carefully. "Where?" The question slipped from my lips in a whisper, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to remainposed. "He wants to ce it on the hilftop overlooking our territory." I nodded slowly, picturing the peaceful hill with its panoramic view of thends we''d grown up in. "That would be a perfect spot." In my mind, I could see the tree standing sentinel, watching over us all just as Samuel had always done. "He also asked me to tell you that he forgives you. I think he''ll call you soon." Logan offered me a half-smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes. I stopped walking abruptly, my feet frozen to the floor outside the office. "What?" The tears threatened to spill, but I forced them back with sheer willpower. After everything that had happened at the funeral, this unexpected forgiveness felt like a weight lifting from my chest. "Well, isn''t this nice." A voice I''d hoped never to hear again tore my attention away from Logan. The office door swung open, and Tatum stepped out. A chill ran down my spine at the sight of him, my defenses immediately locking into ce. "Tatum." Logan''s voice was firm, and I could feel the tension radiating from him, his body coiled like a predator ready to strike. "I was hoping I''d run into you today." Tatum smiled at me, his slicked-back hair and tailored blue suit looking ridiculously out of ce in the school hallway, yet somehow no one seemed to find it strange. I noticed Ryder moving to stand in front of me protectively, and I didn''t protest. Instead, I reached for his hand, drawing strength from his touch as I addressed Tatum. "We were just leaving." "What''s the rush?" His smile remained fixed, his tone deliberately unhurried. "You need to get to ss, and my schedule is packed today. If you''ll excuse us.¡± I moved around Logan and walked into the office. No one followed me inside, and I finally had a moment to breathe. "Ms. Harris, what can I help you with today?" The secretary gave me a warm smile. She was an older woman with gray hair, sses perched low on her nose. "We need to take our exams remotely. I just wanted to let you know so you can email them to us, and we''ll take them tomorrow." ¡°That can be arranged. Who all needs this?¡± She pulled out a sheet of paper. "Ryder, Ama, William, and myself. I''m not sure about my brother''s ns. I believe he''ll do the same, along with Penelope and Leonard." "Alright, I''ll send everything over. Anything else?" Her pen hovered over the paper. "I think that''s it. I''ve cleared out our lockers, and we''re still nning to attend graduation. I''ve submitted all the extra assignments, so that''s done too." "Actually, they might want a teacher to supervise the exams. The secretary looked concerned, ncing toward the principal''s office door. ¡°That''s fine if needed. Just let me know, and I''ll arrange a time that works for everyone. It really wasn''t a big deal. "Thank you for understanding." "Of course. Have a nice day." I walked back out to join the three boys "All done?" Ryder asked, his eyes never leaving Tatum, His jaw was clenched tight, and I could tell he was restraining his anger. "Yes, can we leave now?" I asked, eager to get away from this tension "Let''s go," Logan replied, gripping my arm a little harder than usual. Though annoyed, I didn''t pull away. "I''ll be in touch, Tatum called after us with a smile as we headed down the hallway. I ignored himpletely. The boys formed a protective formation around me as we walked, Ryder visibly angry, and Logan equally furious. They strode purposefully toward the parking lot. The sunshine glinted off the cars, the ordinary scene providing a strangefort after the tension inside. "Logan, we need to talk," I said, giving him a meaningful look. "I know. I have a few things to handle, then I cane over?" he asked. "We have a meeting at three. Other than that, we''re flexible," Ryder said, trying to rx but failing-his clenched fists and rigid shoulders gave him away. "Okay, I''ll call when I''m ready. Probablyte afternoon or evening, but I''lle by to talk." Logan looked into my eyes, making a silent promise. "Alright," I answered softly. Lagan kissed my forehead, then shook Ryder''s hand before walking to his car. Ryder opened the car door for me, and we got in. Just as he started the engine, I caught sight of Tatum watching us through the window, his expression emotionless. The sight sent ice through my veins. Thankfully, Ryder quickly pulled out of the parking lot,. leaving that disturbing image behind. I instinctively ced my hand on Ryder''s thigh. The physical contact was enough to help me find my calm again. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 161 Xena''s POV "Are you okay?" I asked Ryder, watching his profile as he drove, the setting sun casting golden shadows across his strong jawline. "I should be asking you that question," Ryder said quietly. I could hear the barely contained anger and concern hiding beneath his controlled tone, making my heart flutter despite the tension in the r. "Tatum isn''t a problem, I''m not afraid of him," I murmured, trying to sound braver than I felt. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing thoughts, but images of my father and Logan kept shing through my mind. "If Dad really lets Logan take over, and he abandons Martha, he might not survive." The thought cut through me like a knife, the pain sharp and real. I couldn''t imagine my father making such a choice. "I know," Ryder replied softly. There was a rare note of helplessness h his voice that made me want to reach out and touch him. "What happened in the office when I wasn''t there?" I asked, needing to understand what had transpired. "Nothing special. He kept baiting us, hoping to get a reaction from Logan and me, but we didn''t bite. So he kept pushing, trying to provoke a fight." Ryder was still seething; I could see it in the rigid set of his jaw and the way his knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel. "We can handle him," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "Mm," Ryder grunted nomittally. We pulled up to the gates, and Ryder stopped the car, rolling down his window to speak with the guard. They discussed patrol schedules and security matters, but my mind drifted to Penelope. My heart ached for her situation. It wasn''t her fault- she couldn''t choose which family she was born into. Dad, Tatum, Penelope... these were challenges I''d never faced before. My heart felt suspended in my chest, waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I forced myself to stay calm. You can handle this, Xena. All of it. The car started moving again, jarring me from my thoughts. "What are we doing today?" I asked, deliberately lightening my tone "I have something to show you, then I need to take care of some work," Ryder answered, his voice regaining its usual confident edge. "What''s William doing?" I asked curiously. "I think he''s helping Ama with some pack business." "Like what?" We were now parked at the front entrance. I gazed out the window at the familiar building, feeling a small sense of Basically performing her female Beta duties, he exined as we got out of the car and walked inside. "Oh..." I was about to head upstairs when Ryder pulled me toward the hallway. "Why do you ask?"oked at him curiously, trying to decipher his expression. "Do you want to join them?" Ryder opened a door. It led to an unused conference center that now functioned more like a storage room. Dust particles danced in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and the air felt stale from disuse. Chapter 161. "No, I want to sketch today. I can sit next to you, drawing while watching you work," I replied, already looking forward to that quiet, shared time together. "What do you think of this?" Ryder asked. I looked around, confused. "The storage room? It''s a bit dusty..." "As our own office." Ryder walked to a shelf, running his finger through the dust as he spoke. His proposal surprised me, and I began to seriously examine the space, my designer''s mind immediately evaluating its potential. I could already envision how it might look transformed. "Oh Wonderful! You''re back! What do you think? Is this room suitabl?" Luna Kestrel''s voice from behind startled me so badly I nearly jumped out of my skin. 4 "Damn!" I leaped aside to let her enter. Sheughed and ced her hand on my forearm. I instinctively recoiled slightly-still notfortable with casual touch-but she didn''t seem to notice. Ryder did though, and I caught a sh of concern and understanding in his eyes. "I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to frighten you," Luna Kestrel apologized. "It''s fine. I think this would make a great space," I replied, forcing my voice to sound natural. "There''s another option too. I have alternatives," Luna Kestrel motioned for us to follow her. My curiosity piqued, and I felt a spark of anticipation. "Really?" Ryder asked, surprise evident in his voice. "Yes, I started looking at all the rooms, and we have several that are hardly ever used. We could renovate one to meet your needs." She led us upstairs to the first door next to the staircase. When she opened it, I saw it was a guest bedroom. "This is a bedroom?" I looked at her, confused. The bed was neatly made and clean, but the room had an unused feel to it. "I know it''s a bedroom, but because it''s right next to the stairs, we don''t use it often. Thest time it was used was probably three years ago. Anyway, it already has a bathroom, so you wouldn''t have to leave the room to use the facilities. There''s enough space for two desks and a small sitting area over there. Maybe a small bar area against the far wall? And it has a balcony. We could remove the closet to make the room evenrger." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 162 Xena''s POV "I actually prefer this room," I said, scanning the space with a critical eye. "Having a private bathroom would be convenient." Luna Kestrel''s face lit up with excitement as she pped her hands together. "Perfect! I have a team that just finished renovating a house and is ready to start their next project. We could have them begin work here today. We just need to decide on flooring and paint. If you can decide what you want today, I''ll make sure it gets lered. And let me know what kind of desk you''d like." I opened my mouth to respond, but my thoughts tangled together. Before I could organize them into something coherent, Ryder jumped in. "I was nning to work in Dad''s office today since he has other matters to handle,¡± he exined to his mother. The relief I felt at his intervention was embarrassing. Why did simple conversations with his family make me so nervous? "That works perfectly!" Luna Kestrel nced at her watch. "I''ll let you use myptop so you can select and purchase what you want." "Sounds good," Ryder replied with an easy smile that made my stomach flutter. We followed her to the office, where Ryder settled into his father''s chair while Luna Kestrel ced herptop on the coffee table. "Just add whatever you want to the cart and purchase it," she instructed, heading toward the door. "What''s the budget?" I asked, my voice betraying my anxiety. The question slipped out before I could stop it-a reflex from years of watching every penny, of being made to feel like a burden. Luna Kestrel paused at the doorway and turned to look at me with a gentle smile that reached her eyes. "Buy whatever you want. I want you to feelfortable here. This is your space to design and create, so do it your way. Do what makes you happy. This is your home." The look in her eyes caught mepletely off guard. I''d never had a woman look at me with such genuine affection and warmth. My mouth parted slightly as warmth rushed through me, mingled with a strange sense of unreality. When she left the room, I found myself staring at the door for several moments before turning my attention to theputer. "Still not used to it?" Ryder''s question pulled me from my thoughts, my heart rate elerating at his direct hit to my feelings. "Oh, um..." I nced at him, not really wanting to answer that question. I''d had maybe one real conversation with his mother. Last time we talked, it hadn''t gone well. I picked up theptop and ced it on my knees, focusing on the screen to hide my difort. I''d never considered what kind of office design I wanted. I Googled professional office designs and clicked on images. There were so many styles it was hard to choose, each one representing a life I''d never had. "What do you want it to look like?" I asked Ryder, hoping his answer might give me some direction. "Honestly, I don''t care," Ryder shrugged. I shot him a re before turning back to the images. "Just no bright colors," he muttered, almost as an afterthought. "So, no bubblegum pink... okay!" I shot back. He rolled his eyes but returned to his work. One picture caught my attention-a dark te color with a dark-stained wood desk. ck ents with touches of cream to lighten it up. The rug was predominantly white with gray patterns, and green nts added a weing feel. I searched through the paint colors until I found one that matched te picture exactly. Next, I looked for a desk, but nothing had the vibe I wanted. Disappointed, I shifted to searching for a rug and found one that was exactly what I had in mind. I opened another tab and visited the antique site I often used to buy cheap furniture for restoration projects. The site had two identical desks with elegant designs and plenty of storage. There were also matching armchairs that needed a lot of work but would look amazing when finished. Uncertainty crept in as 1 reviewed my selections. I could visualize the finished space, but I knew not everyone would see it. It takes someone with a creative eye to recognize the potential in worn pieces. Still, I believed in my choices. "Do you want to see what I''ve picked out?" I asked. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 163 "Sure." Ryder stood up and walked over to sit beside me, his body heat immediately warming the space between us. "Here are my inspiration pictures." I the tab with the giraffe image. "I like it. Surprised you picked this, though." is eyebrow arched slightly, those green eyes studying me with curiosity. "Why?" I asked, genuinely wondering what he''d expected "Thought you''d go with something more like your shop''s style." "Oh, no. I don''t want that vibe for the office." I flipped to the second tab, showing him paint colors and carpet samples. "Looks good. What about the desk?" "Keep an open mind," I warned as I flipped to the final tab. Ryder''s expression shifted to surprise, but he didn''t immediatelyment. My stomach tightened, waiting for his reaction. Did he hate it? Was he just being polite? "This is what you want?" he finally asked. "Yeah, they need restoration work," I said with forced confidence, though the scope of the project made me nervous inside. "They definitely need work, but if you can pull it off, they''ll make great desks." Ryder''s answer made the tension drain from my shoulders. "You really want these? I could find something more modern if you prefer." I offered, still testing his reaction. "No, I like what you picked. It''ll just be a big project." ¡°Because I don''t already have enough on my te?" I asked sarcastically, though secretly pleased he''d epted my choice. Ryder half-smiled. "Something like that." "Jeez." I yfully pushed him, my hand lingering against his solid chest for a moment longer than necessary. "You forgot the flooring," he pointed out. "Oh right! Can''t we use what''s already there?" I asked, hoping to save some work and budget. "Probably. We''ll ask my mom when she gets back." "Am I spending too much?" I worried aloud. 5 "You''ve barely spent anything." Ryder got up and returned to his desk to continue working. After clicking the purchase button, the website showed the items would arrive Wednesday. His mother''s membership clearly came with expedited shipping. A thrill ran through me at the thought of starting this project soon. "I''ll start there, and we can decide on decorations after we finish." "Fine." Ryder only half-listened, his attention returned to his work. I could tell his mind was elsewhere, so I decided to leave him to it and start my own project. Chapter 163. "I''m going to get my art suppifes," I said, heading for the door. "Want me toe with you?" Ryder looked up. It''s fine. I''ll only be gone five minutes." "I''ming to find you after six minutes." Ryder muttered, eyes returning to his documents. "Is that a promise?" I asked as I walked out. He shed me a mock-evil smile before returning to his paperwork. I went upstairs and grabbed my art supplies, then headed back down "You''re thirty seconds early," Rydermented when I returned. "Oh no, let me try again," I joked, sitting down. Taking out my sketchpad, I froze. What should I draw? My thoughts drifted to Samuel and his father. Aplex wave of emotions washed over me-nostalgia, grief, and a faint twinge of guilt. I began sketching what I imagined his memorial tree would look like fully grown. A massive ash tree. Vibrant, with sturdy branches. I lost myselfpletely in the creation, working straight through until lunchtime. "That looks really beautiful." I hadn''t even noticed Ryder standing behind me. He spoke just as I was finishing the shading. "It''s how I imagine Samuel''s tree when it''s fully grown," I said softly. "I think it would look nice hanging in our new office." Ryder picked up the sketchpad, examining it carefully. I was speechless, unsure how to respond. Time and again, I''d mentioned Samuel, and he''d never shown difort. Something warm bloomed in my chest. Ryder set down the sketch and looked at me. Without thinking, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him hard. He caught me, returning the kiss with equal passion. My heart swelled with love and gratitude. "Thank you," I murmured when I pulled away. "For what?" "For not being upset that I drew this to remember Samuel." I said sincerely, my heart full of appreciation for his understanding. "I epted a long time ago that he might not have been your first love, but I''ll be yourst. He was still your best friend, and he protected you more than once. He died saving you, and for that, I''ll always be grateful. If hanging a picture you drew to remember him helps you heal, then that''s what we''ll do." I had no words, so I pulled his head down for another kiss. We only broke apart when the door opened and William and Ama walked 1. in. "Oh, sorry!" Ama squeaked. "It''s fine. What are you two up to?" I asked as we separated. Ryder took the page from the book and ced it on the desk. Chapter 164 "Let''s see if you''ve eaten lunch. We''re heading down right now,'' Ama said, poking her head into the office. "We were just about to go too," I smiled, grateful for the interruption My brain had been swimming with logistics for hours. "Perfect!" Ama beamed, waiting as I grabbed my phone. I set my purse aside, and we left the office together, heading toward the kitchen. The kitchen was packed with people, but we squeezed through the crowd to the buffet area. They hadid out the basics-pasta, sd, bread, and yarious sandwich meats. An entire section was dedicated to fruits and vegetables. I grabbed some bread, made myself a sandwich, added a little pasta, and sat down. "So Ama, how''s that pool projecting along?" I asked, eager to hear about something other than the chaos of the past few days. "It''s going well. We''ve finalized the expansion ns and construction starts in the fall." "That''s great. So what project are you working on now?" I took a bite of my sandwich, watching her face carefully. "I have a feeling it might be a new library," Ama said, popping a strawberry into her mouth. The corners of my lips tugged upward involuntarily. That was exactly what I''d been thinking about. Ama could always read my mind like this-it''s what made her such an incredible friend. "Well, let''s look at all the libraries here and see if we can upgrade them or if we need to start over. I''d rather use existing buildings than build something new. You can''t recreate that kind of architecture," I said thoughtfully. "Give me this week. I took over Penelope''s prom seating arrangements. I need to finalize those and follow up with everyone," Ama replied, her tone betraying a hint of exhaustion. "Why didn''t you tell me?" I asked, shock washing over me. Why did everyone think they needed to shoulder these burdens alone? "It just happened this morning. She called me crying, saying she was struggling emotionally and wanted to know if I could take some of the work off her te." Ama shrugged as if it were no big deal. "That system you organized for me really helps make it all run smoother." "Come by the office this afternoon and I''ll help you finish the seating chart and make the calls," I sighed, feeling guilt and concern spreading through my chest. ¡°I wish she would have called me." "She was going to, but she didn''t want you to think she was a failure or weak. She idolizes you; she didn''t want to disappoint you," Ama''s words cut into my heart like a small knife. ¡°That''s crazy,¡± I murmured, pained by the thought of Penelope suffering silently just to avoid appearing vulnerable in front of me. "It''s not crazy at all. You pulled her out of that orphanage and gave her a new life. She''s grateful to you. Others are too. You might. not think it''s a big deal, but you''ve single-handedly saved kids from life of crime." I fell silent for a moment, thinking of all those young faces. Then I remembered that Nn still hadn''t brought me his artwork. "Ryder, can you tell Nn to bring his work to me today?" He didn''t answer, just nodded in my direction. I realized I needed to basically relieve Penelope of all her duties to give her time to heal. She had taken over my shop, and now I needed to take it back. I just wanted her to recover and be the amazing person I knew she could be. If she was reaching out to Ama for help, she definitely needed a break. We finished eating in silence. William took our tes, and we stood up, ready to head back to the office. Ama ran to get the prom materials while we walked into the office. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 165 Picking up the phone, I dialed Fenelope''s number, my heart racing as I wondered how to start this conversation. "Hello?¡± she answered. Her voice sounded sad and defeated, like a puppy left out in the rain. "Penelope, are you okay?" I asked as I sat down, already knowing the answer. "I''m fine. Just taking it one day at a time." Her voice was almost lifeless, like an empty shell. "Penelope, I love you, but please don''t lie to me," I said gently but firmly, hoping she would open up, "I''m sorry!" she started crying again. "I-" "Penelope, stop. You have nothing to apologize for. I know the pressure you''re under. Where''s Logan?" I asked, worried she was facing this alone. "I''m right here," he said. The phone must have been on speaker. "Good. Listen, I know you asked Ama to take over the prom stuff," I said, getting straight to the point, wanting her to know it waspletely okay. "I didn''t want her to tell you. I can do it! I just..." Penelope''s voice was filled with frustration and self-me, which made my heart ache. "Penelope, stop. It''s okay. I''m not mad at all! In fact, I think it''s pretty amazing that you know when to ask for help. Asking for help doesn''t mean you''re weak." I noticed Ryder pointing at me with his pen. I flipped him off and continued: "I''m calling to tell you that I love you, but I know you need a break. You need to focus on yourself and your rtionship with Logan right now." "What do you mean?" Penelope asked, confusion and a hint of hope mixing in her voice. "I''m going to take over my shop. Basically, you''ve done all the work already! You''ve done such an amazing job that I just need to see the finishing touches. This isn''t punishment; it''s a reward. You helped me so much when my world was dark, so let me do the same for you now," I said sincerely, hoping to lighten her burden. I could hear Penelope''s sobbing on the other end, making my heart clench. "Thank you, X. This will really help her take the pressure off right now," Logan''s voice carried obvious gratitude. "Of course. If there''s anything else I can help with..." I offered, willing to do whatever I could to support them. "Just keep yourself safe," Logan sighed, concern evident in his tone. "I will," promised, knowing they were worried about me too. "Okay, love you," Logan said to me, warm affection traveling through the phone line. "Love you both too!" I responded before hanging up, feeling a smallfort that at least I could do this for Penelope. A knock sounded at the door. "Come in," I called. Ama and William entered, with Ama carrying the materials. Here''s a list of everyone who has RSVP''d and their plus-ones. I''ve divided them into four categories, Ama presented a list that separated members of each pack and some humans. "This is what I''ve arranged so far." Ama pulled out a map to and Ama had drawn a line show me. dividing them It disyed that could scat circr tables into four different sections six people each. The tables appeared to be staggered, "Hmm, four of us, have the she''ll think eventually him to promote each section needs head table. I suggest we put ver ourselves here Tatum and and his crew far away. and his mate. plus Mike At Logan''s table, he''ll and Have him Leonard and Penelope, then to ount for her Let''s I''m and his mate anyway. we need put Vander Logan''s table. Gamma or it makes For Beta, so sense. the We rest, let''s on who At our table, we''ll Vi. Though don''t at arrange based Logan guessing will know gets along with whom." Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 166 Xena''s POV It took longer than we expected, but we finally finished. The seating chart wasplete and emailed to themittee for approval. I''d signed my name to it, which meant it wouldn''t be changed. After multiple calls between both sides, the preparations for the dance werepletely set-all that remained was for the vendors to arrive and decorate. I exhaled deeply, feeling the tension slowly leave my shoulders. This seating chart had consumed so much of my energy, with every detail requiring careful consideration. My muscles ached from hunching over theptop for hours. Knock! Knock! Knock! I nced at my phone-4:50 PM. "I''m guessing that''s Nn," I said quietly as Ryder walked over to open the door. "Luna, Alpha Ryder asked me to see you," Nn said as William let him in. He shot a nervous nce at Ryder before approaching me, his shoulders hunched like he was trying to make himself smaller. "Hey, Nn. Did you bring the sketches?" I asked, keeping my voice calm and friendly to ease his obvious nervousness. "Y-yes, Luna." He handed me his sketchbook with trembling hands. "Why are you so nervous?" I asked while epting the sketchbook and beginning to flip through it. The drawings weren''t bad, but he needed to work on his shading techniques. "Being called to the Alpha''s office usually doesn''t mean anything good... Luna." Fair point, Nn. I smiled inwardly. "These are pretty good. What are your ns for the summer?" I handed the sketchbook back to him. "Oh, um, not sure. Maybe warrior training by the end of summer." "Why don''t you intern with me, improve your skills, and maybe learn some responsibility to help you grow? Most importantly, for decent pay." This seemed to surprise him. "M-me? Why?" "Well, you seem like a good kid. I''ve hired many people who started as troublemakers and are now top of their ss with promising careers. I think you have potential to grow and learn under my guidance. Gain some experience, really show Alpha Ryder and the world what you can be when you focus." "Yes, Luna." Nn gave me a small smile. "Great, write down your phone number, and I''ll call you when you can start. Hopefully next week." Nn did as I asked. "Thank you, Luna!" He grinned at me, then turned to leave. He paused at the doorway, hesitantly turning to look at me. "I can... go, right?" he asked awkwardly. "Yes, you can go," I replied. He bolted out, nearly mming the door behind him.. "He''s been through a lot, good kid but difficult," William remarked with a smile as he sat next to Ama. "Yeah, when I found Ama, she was a handful too," I joked. I had to quickly jump up to avoid her swatting at me. Iughed as I moved to the armchair. My phone dinged, alerting me to an email. Opening it, I saw it was from the school, informing me they needed in-person testing and wanted to schedule for Thursday. "Guys, we need to take the school exams on Thursday with the teacher present, but we can do it here." "No problem," Ryder shrugged. I dialed Logan''s number, and it rang three times before he answered "Hello?" "Is everything okay?" Something in his voice immediately set off rm bells in my head. "I''m a bit busy. What do you need?" "Oh, call me back when you can talk." I could sense something off in his tone. I knew my twin''s voice too well, and this wasn''t normal Logan. "I''ll be at your pack in an hour. We can talk in person." "Okay." "Are you alright?" "Yes, I''m fine. See you soon." I hung up. "What''s wrong?" Ryder asked. I stared at my phone screen, feeling uneasy about the call. "I didn''t like that call. Logan sounded... troubled? Angry? I asked him how he was, and he said he was too busy to talk. "That''s not like Logan," Ama frowned. Looking at her, I nodded. "I know. He said he''ll be here in an hour, so I guess we''ll see if he shows up. If not, we''ll go find him." "Him answering the phone rather than texting is a good sign," William interjected. "Yeah." looked down at my phone, the hour stretching endlessly before me. Anxiety spread through my chest, an invisible hand squeezing my heart. "How about we prepare dinner for ourselves and Logan, then have a pic under the tree?" Ama suggested. ''I''ll arrange and set up. See you all there in about an hour!" Ama always knew how to ease tense situations, one of the many reasons I loved her. "Thank you," I said, giving Ama a grateful smile as they left. Chapter 167 Xena''s POV "Come here," Ryder said, turning in his chair to make space for me or hisp. His voice was so gentle, as if he somehow knew the turmoil raging inside me. I hesitated before stepping closer. "What if it''s about my dad?" The fear that had been gnawing at me finally escaped my lips, my voice slightly trembling despite my attempts to sound strong. Ryder''s green eyes softened as he looked up at me. "Sweetheart, everyone dies eventually, I know you''re not ready to let him go, but look at his life right now. Living with someone like Martha. He''s only putting up with her to stay alive for you and Logan. But now that Logan can take over, if he dies, he''ll be free of her." His logic made perfect sense, but my heart wasn''t ready to ept it. My father, despite his ws and inability to protect me from Martha, was still my father. "I wish he would just tie her up somewhere and never let her see the light of day again," I said through gritted teeth, hatred for that woman burning through my veins like poison. 9 Ryder shook his head. "She''d just order someone to untie her. Unless Logan bes Alpha and she loses her Luna status, no one can do anything." "I don''t know." I sighed, feeling helpless and defeated. How I wished for some magical solution that would remove Martha from our lives forever and restore peace to our home. A knock at the door interrupted my dark thoughts, and I instantly recognized it as Logan. I jumped up and rushed to open it. "LOGAN!" I practicallyunched myself at him, nearly knocking him over. He caught me, but had to take several steps back to regain his bnce. Seeing him safe and sound made the knot in my chest loosen, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes. "Logan," Ryder acknowledged, reaching out to shake his hand once I''d finally released my brother. "I was so worried!" I hugged Logan again, not wanting to let go, afraid he might disappear once more. He set me down, looking confused. "Why? I told you I''de." "You told me you couldn''t talk to me! You never do that! I thought something had happened to you." My voice was usatory butced with genuine concern. Logan and I moved to the couch, with Ryder locking the door behind us to ensure privacy. I noticed immediately how exhausted Logan looked, as if he''d aged overnight. "Your timing couldn''t be worse," Logan said, looking like he''d aged twenty years. My heart sank, instinct telling me something terrible had happened. "What''s going on?" I asked urgently, but Logan ignored my question, picking up the sketch I''d been working on earlier. "This is really good," he said, examining my drawing and deliberately changing the subject. I knew him too well - he was stalling, not wanting to deliver the bad news just yet. Ryder sat beside me but leaned back, giving us space. Logan handed the sketch to him. "Have you seen..." "No," Ryder studied the drawing. "Exceptional quality as always." It''ll be better when it''s finished," I said dismissively, then turned to Logan. "So, talk." Seeing Logan lower his head, my nerves tightened. He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward. Whatever wasing wasn''t good. "It''s bad. Martha''s shifted her attention from you to Penelope. Logan didn''t look up at me. Instantly, guilt flooded through me, and my hand flew to my mouth. "No." The word was barely audible as my stomach twisted into knots Penelope had be a target because of me, because I wasn''t there anymore. "Yeah. It''s bad. Dad''s threats aren''t working; she thinks she''s untouchable. I can''t be with Penelope every day because Dad has me doing things, and..." Logan''s voice trailed off as he shook his head. could feel his helplessness and frustration, which only made my heart ache more. "Oh, Penelope, with everything her father''s going through..." My voice quavered. I couldn''t forgive myself for putting Penelope in Martha''s crosshairs. Ryder leaned forward, cing aforting hand on my back. "Xena, Dad has no choice." Logan''s eyes pleaded with me to understand. He even called me Xena, which alone indicated the gravity of the situation. My heart plummeted, sensing the worst news was yet toe. "Oh, Dad..." I whispered, tears already forming in my eyes. Whatever was about to hear, I knew our family would never be the same again. Chapter 168 Don''t Poke the Luna Xeria''s POV Sunday morning, Dad will officially step down as Alpha, Logan said his eyes fixed on Ryder. The ceremony will happen immediately after. I''ll be Alpha, and Penelope will be Luna Only a handful of people know-just us and your parents. His gaze shifted to Ryder, seeking some kind of confirmation. Once the ceremony ends, he''ll reject Martha, and I''ll lock her in the cells.* "He won''t survive the night," I whispered, my voice barelible even to my own ears. A sharp painnced through my chest as the realization hit me this might be thest time I''d ever see my fher. Despite our disagreements over the years, he''d been my rock, my hero. The thought that he was willing to sacrifice himself protect us made my heart clench. "He knows that," Logan replied, his voice thick with emotion. "But he can''t let this continue. You''ve found your mate, and I''ve found mine. Dad hoped this could wait until I was closer to twenty-five, so he could see his grandchildren, but things have to happen this way. Logan''s eyes shed ck momentarily before returning to normal. f Penelope gets pregnant and Martha causes a miscarriage..." He didn''t finish the sentence, didn''t need to. "This is the only way to stop her. Besides, Dad''s wanted to leave Martha for fifteen years. He stayed to make sure you were okay, that you had a mate who would take care of you, and that I was ready to step up. His mission isplete." Logan rubbed his eyes, as if trying to erase the memory of our fathers words. I could feel his pain-the crushing responsibility of not only carrying the weight of the entire pack but also facing the loss of our father. "Why Sunday?" I asked softly, unable to despite my attempts to mask it. the uncertainty and fear in my voice. I knew Logan could sense my emotional turmoil "He wants to make sure the job gets done, and he wants to see you in your dress onest time." Logan looked like he might break down at any moment. His strength made my heart ache; I knew he was just as broken inside as I was. "Why am I only hearing about this now?" I demanded, my voice carrying a hint of usation, but mostly confusion. My fingers twisted together so tightly my knuckles turned white. "Because you''re happy, Xena. Even with everything that''s happened, you''re happy. Dad didn''t want to cause you more pain. You''re loved here, treated like a princess..." I shot Logan a look, which earned me half a smile. "...you''re happy." I couldn''t argue with him. Ryder truly had made me the happiest person in the world. He was everything I could have hoped for in a mate, and more. "How much does Martha know about Sunday?" I asked, trying to gather my thoughts. "She thinks we''re just having a family brunch." Logan sighed, leaning back. "We''ll conduct the full ceremonyter. Right now, the prioritys protecting Penelope and doing what''s best for the pack." It sounded like Logan was still trying to convince himself this was the right decision. His shoulders drooped slightly, revealing his inner struggle. As an Alpha-to-be, he needed to appear strong, but I could see the uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Penelope could stay here for a week," I offered, hoping to help. "Thanks, but I can''t leave the pack right now, and I can''t be away from Penelope for a week. Could you stay away from Ryder for a week? Logan looked at me doubtfully. didn''t answer immediately. Instead, I looked at Ryder and squeezed his hand. "I don''t even know what to say," I whispered, my throat tight. Only Alpha Benedict and Lund Restrel know. Wilm and Ama can only find out afterward. Only you firur can attend, William and Ama must stay here. We fell silent for several minutes, each lost in our own thoughts. My mind drifted back to special moments growing up-Dad pushing me on the swing, buying me my first art set, proudly disying my drawings for everyone to see. The memories yed like a movie in my head, each scene bringing tears to my eyes. "Xena..." Logan''s voice pulled me from my reverie. "What?" I blinked, struggling to focus. "Once Dad... if Dad... when I be Alpha, all properties and investments will transfer to me. We need to change the names on everything so Martha can''t im anything afterward. That includes your shop, our bar, and all thend." Logan pulled out a folder I hadn''t even noticed he''d brought. "Only you and Ryder can see this. Not even Alpha Benedict can look at it." Logan looked to Ryder for confirmation. "I promise," Ryder said as we both sat up straighter. "All the information is here. Penelope and I have signed. There''s also a copy of Dad''s will. I wish I could give you more time to review it, but I need to get these notarized by thewyer so everything''s in order. This way, Martha gets nothing, has no rights to anything. The folder felt impossibly heavy in my hands. It was my father''s final protection, ensuring that even after he was gone, Martha couldn''t hurt us. I bit my lip hard to keep from crying. Chapter Comments 1 Chapter 169 Xena''s POV My hands trembled as I opened the ck folder. The first page stare back at me the cover of my father''s will. I ced my palm t against it, needing several deep breaths before I could find the courage to turn to the next page. My heart hammered against my ribs, my throat tightening with each passing second.. "Last Will and Testament," it read. ¡°1, Hank Harris of the Nightcedar Pack, being of legal age and sound mind, do hereby make and publish this Will as my final testament, hereby revoking and annulling all derations previously made by me." The formalnguage felt cold, distant-just like Dad had been for so many years. I forced myself to keep reading. "First: I direct that upon my death, the full ownership of ''Road Rebel Garage shall be transferred to my daughter, Xena Harris. Xena shall be the sole proprietor of ''Road Rebel Garage to dispose of as she sees fit. It is my wish that she continues to grow and achieve her goals in life." My breath caught. The shop-my sanctuary, my passion-would be minepletely. No more worrying about Dad taking it away on a whim of Martha convincing him to sell it. "Second: I direct that upon my death, the ownership of the bar ''Liberty Breach'' shall be transferred to my children, Logan Harris and Xena Harris. Logan shall receive 51% of the profit shares, and Xena shall receive 49% of the profit shares. It is my hope that my children continue to work together to create a sessful life outside of the Nightcedar Pack." I could almost hear Logan''s voice saying, "See, X? He always nned for us to run it together." My fingers traced over the words, feeling the slight impression they made on the paper. "Third: My beautiful daughter Xena has always been the apple of my eye. On the outside, she is her mother, but her heart is all her father. The kindness she possesses reminds me daily of what a gracious and loving mother she had. Each day, Xena bes more and more like her. Both in appearance and in her generous heart. It is for this reason that I am leaving her five million dors upan my death. I hope she uses this money to travel, expand her shop, or in a way that will only bring joy to her life.* Five million dors. Travel money. My dreams. The words blurred as tears filled my eyes. I could almost hear Dad''s aged but firm voice reading these words to me. Dad had never expressed his love for me so inly. When he mated with Martha, I thought he''d abandoned my mom''s memory-abandoned me. I''d hated him for his coldness, his permissiveness with Martha. But now... now, I just wanted to bury those feelings forever. I didn''t want to lose him. "Fourth: The majority of my estate and ownership of the Nightcedar Pack shall pass directly to my firstborn, my son, Logan Harris. The estimated worth is twenty-five million dors. The title of Alpha shall pass to him upon my death, and no mate of mine can take this ownership from him. This includes all 150,000 acres of farnd not in Nightcedar Pack territory. However, should Logan Harris meet an untimely death, unless he has an heir, ownership will transfer to Xena Harris. If there is an heir but they are underage, Xena will take charge of ownership until the heires of age." The weight of responsibility in those words-Logan would inherit everything, but I would be his backup. Despite how Martha had driven a wedge between us, Dad had still seen us as a team. My heart ached with a bittersweet joy. "Fifth: I wish to leave behind some items. I believe these items, thoughcking any economic value, will still be cherished. To my daughter, Xena Harris: The entire contents of 318 Crestview Avenue, Destin, FL 32541. The key is in the envelope attached to this package. Though I leave this all to my daughter, I hope she will share it with her brother. To my son, Logan Harris: 425 Antic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. This house within ou pack territory once belonged to the Kincaid family. She was thest rtive, and when she died, I took ownership until it was te to pass it down. I hope my son and his mate will raise a family there. It''s what Kincaid wanted and the life I hoped to give my children. The key is in another envelope. The remaining profit shapes 1 personally hold. Aplete list and addresses are on another page." "This is the Last Will and Testament of Alpha Hank Harris, Nightcedar Pack." The tears that had been threatening finally broke free, dropping one by one onto the paper. The page became blurred and damp as silent sobs wracked my body. I clutched the will tightly in my hands sliding down against the wall until I was crouched on the floor, crying without a sound. Chapter Comments ? 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 170 Xena''s Pav Lagan''s hand rested on my shoulder as silence filled the room. 1... I have so many questions, I finally sald, not knowing where to art. How could Nightcedar Pack be worth that much? What other investment profits did Dad have? What was in Florida? Why had Dad never taken us to Mom''s house? "I know, but I can only stay a few more minutes, Logan said, his vode gentle. "What I can tell you now is that Dad kept Mom''s house a secret because he didn''t want Martha to destroy it. I only found out yesterday when Dad brought these documents here. He wouldn''t tell me what''s in Florida, but the next page has a list of all is investments." I turned to the next page and my mouth fell open in shock, My eyes widened, unable to believe what I was seeing. The scale of wealth was beyond anything I''d ever imagined, each line of numbers making me realize how much of my father''s life remained a mystery to us. "Did you know about this?" Logan asked, pointing at the document. "No, not at all, I replied, feeling a tightness in my chest. "I knew we had more ie than what the pack actually produced. I knew about those farnds too. He just owns thend. Humans actually farm it." My eyes continued down the list of all the investments my father was involved in, each new item making my heart beat faster. All these years, I thought I knew my father, but clearly, he had too many secrets I wasn''t aware of. "Yale? UC Berkeley? What''s this about?" I asked, confused, feeling like I''d suddenly discovered a treasure chest hidden for years. "I''m not sure exactly what he owns or what he does there, but I checked. They''re top art schools,¡± Logan hesitated, ncing toward Ryder. ¡°I think Dad wanted to make sure... if your mate turned out to be Samuel, you''d have a second option, the ability to go to art school and leave the pack. I think this was his way of both increasing ie and making sure you had a backup n." Aplex mix of emotions swelled in my heart hearing these words. My father had never shown support for my artistic dreams, at least not that I''d noticed. But now it seemed he''d been paving the way for me in secret. It made me both touched and sad-why had he never just told me directly? "The rest of these are different restaurants or convention centers. This one''s a hotel," I continued scanning the list, trying to understand my father''s thinking, but none of it made sense. I pictured his serious face, imagining him nning all this ale at night. "Xena, Dad said he didn''t need to exin his methods to me, but I believe he did this because he saw what our life was like," Logan''s voice softened, carrying a hint of painful memories. "I''ve researched these. The first project he started was when we were seven. That was a few years after Mom died, and two years after he mated with Martha. I think he knew then that he needed a backup n. If everything went south, we''d have enough money to live or escape. He kept expanding his empire. All we had to do was live long enough for him to leave." My throat tightened at the thought that my father had started nning our future so many years ago, while enduring life with Martha. He''d been carrying burdens we couldn''t see. "There''s even a contact list of people here. Some are human government officials," I said in disbelief, my fingers trembling slightly as they touched the names. It was all too much, like reading a biography about a stranger, not my own father. "I know. Dad''s a businessman. He''s not as smart as you; but your intelligence came from him," Logan said. It all made sense now. He wanted me to earn my own money, learn responsibility, rather than just giving me everything. Though he was probably also hiding all this from Martha''s grasp. "You''re going to be a very wealthy man," I told Logan, trying to imagine how he would manage this vast empire. Dad knew I''d make sure you were taken care of no matter what. You have your portion, but obviously, whare mine is yours, Logan a gaze suhtened as he leaked at me, then lithed to Ryder. The ugli Ryder 18 more than capable of taking care of you and you needs. Needless to say, If you red anything... When did Dad write this? I asked, already guessing the answer deep down, but not entirely sure I wanted to know. It pained me to think my father might have written these knowing his days were numbered. On our birthday. When he found out you''d officially found your destined mate in Ryder andpleted the bonding process. He knew you''d be happy, that you''d be well taken care of. During the events before our birthday, Ryder clearly demonstrated hismitment to you. When he got shot, he''d already told me he was Iling in love with you. Both Dad and I knew you''d be safe, happy, and healthy." ¡°He''s been nning this all along..." I murmured. "He started nning when we were seven. Dad yed the long game Logan flipped through the document pages. "I need you to sign now." His hand trembled slightly as he handed me the pen. I took it. I knew that signing my name meant epting my father''s departure, epting this future he''d meticulously prepared for us. I took a deep breath, my eyes watering. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 171 Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "There, I did it." I pushed away the will, feeling a strange sense of urease wash over me, like I''d been forced to touch a secret that shouldn''t belong to me. "I need to go, but Samuel''s father wants you to call him." Logan stood up, gathering his things, exhaustion evident in every movement. "Do you think that''s a good idea?" Ryder asked Logan, tensioncing his voice. "I think he''s ready to apologize and forgive. He needs this final good ye. The tree''s been nted, and I had a que made saying it was from you. So, if he thanks you, that''s what happened." I studied my twin brother''s face-the dark circles under his eyes, the tight line of his mouth. ''Are you okay? You''re under so much pressure right now." ¤ß "I''m fine. I just need to get through this week. With any luck, Dad will hang on bit longer." I stood and gave Logan a long hug. The way he held me made me feel like he thought this might be thest time he''d see me. "Stay safe. I can''t worry about you right now," he said, his eyes vacant in a way I''d never seen before. Ryder stood up. "I will,¡± I promised Logan solemnly. Logan nodded and left. As soon as the door closed behind him, rage erupted through me. "This is all such a FUCKING mess!" I whirled around and mmed my fist into the wall. The pain shooting through my knuckles was hot and sharp, but nothingpared to the helpless fury burning inside me. Ryder gently took my injured hand in his. "Easy. We''ll figure this out. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "I still don''t know how to face Samuel''s father. Even if he says he''s forgiven me, I still remember what he said at the funeral. I still think I''m the fucking reason his son is dead.¡± Ryder pulled me into his arms, his embrace warm and secure. "Listen" he said softly, "Samuel loved you and he loved his father. You were both the most important people to him. Only reconciliation will bring real redemption-for you, for his father, even for Samuel." "What if he changes his mind? What if he mes me again?" My voice trembled. "Then let him say his piece. ept whatever emotion he brings. It''s part of his process after losing his son." Ryder stroked my hair. "But I believe Logan is right- he''s truly ready to forgive." I took a deep breath and nodded, straightening up from Ryder''s embrace. "Okay, I''ll call him now." We sat together on the sofa, the cushions dipping slightly beneath our weight. I pulled out my phone, my finger hovering over the screen hesitantly. Ryder seemed to sense my reluctance; he gave me an encouraging smile before walking out the door. I scrolled through my contacts and found Samuel''s home number. My finger trembled slightly as I hit the call button and held the phone to my ear. The phone rang twice before someone answered, each ring seeming to stretch my nerves tighter. "Hello?" The voice on the other end made my chest tighten. H-hello. This is..." My heart hammered against my ribcage. Xena. Thank you for calling. His voice was unexpectedly calm, cateing me off guard. Of course. What can I do for you?" I knew my voice was shaking. "I wanted to apologize. Isippr¨¦ciate you allowing me to say what I needed to say. Even so, I''m sorry for my behavior. I know you loved Samuel. I wish it had been in a different way, but the Moon Go knows what''s best. You''re a good person who deserves happiness. I hope you''ve found it. His words were like warm water, owly melfing a block of ice inside my chest. Chapter Comments 51 POST COMMENT NOW Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 172 I have. Quiet tears slid down ay checks as guilt and relief tangled ogether in a knot tooplex for words. "Good. I also appreciate the que. You''ll always be like a daughter to me. His words made me choke up, that warmth and eptance something I''d longed for but never dared hope to receive "Thank...you..." I managed through my tears. "Have a good day." He hung up. I sat there, feeling as though my soul had been gently cleansed. My Head fell heavily as my fingers clutched the phone, tears beginning to spill without warning. I''dpletely forgotten Ryder waiting outside as a soft whimper escaped my lips, growing steadily into deep, wrenching sobs that tore through my chest. The buried pain, regret, and finally relief crashed over me in waves, my entire body shaking as I copsed into myself, surrenderingpletely to the overwhelming flood of emotions I''d been desperately holding back for so long. I''d thought Ryder would rush in at the sound of my crying, which wasn''t what I wanted. Thank God he stayed outside for more than ten minutes, knocking and entering only after I''d regained someposure. He gave me a genuine smile, then fetched a towel from the bathroom and handed it to me. ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, taking it from him. He poured two sses of water and ced them on the coffee table in front of the sofa. He sat beside me, and I rested my head on his shoulder. My eyes fell on the will. "I still can''t believe it," I said, shock and disbelief still hanging over me. "Me either. Your father really took care of you. Made sure you were provided for," Ryder''s voice held admiration. "I just can''t believe it. I can''t. I never saw a penny of this money. Everything at the shop, I had to pay back. Dad helped me get started, and I didn''t make a dime until I''d paid him back every cent. Memories flooded back-those difficult startup days, countless nights of overtime. "You learned the value of money. Most Alpha females are entitled, thinking money grows on trees." His words made me smile slightly. "True enough." "Will this change your ns about traveling?" he asked. "I''d like to see what Florida has to offer." "We can start there," he agreed. "I also want to visit my mother''s family home." "We can go after we sort all this out. We can''t mess anything up," he said firmly. "Fine. Though I don''t know how to keep this from Ama." "I''m sure you''ll be busy enough with the shop that you won''t notice much. Before you know it, Saturday will be here." "Yeah..." I had zero motivation to do any work today, my thoughts too tangled to make sense of. "Want to watch movies this afternoon?" Ryder suddenly suggested, surprising me. *Really? You don''t have work to do? 1 looked up at him. "Nothing that can''t wait until tomorrow." Ryder stood and extended his hand to me. ''Come on. Ler''s just rx and watch some films. I have popcorn... "What did I do to deserve such a good mate? It was a rhetorical question, but Ryder answered anyway. "I am pretty great, aren''t 171 guess the Moon God loves you. His yfulness tugged at the corner of my lips. "Whatever..." I gave him a "really?" look. "What movie are you going to pick? I asked as we started up the stairs, the cloud hanging over me temporarily lifting, reced by simple anticipation just spending quiet afternoon with the person I loved, temporarily forgetting the storm raging in the world outside. Chapter Comments 1 Chapter 173 Xena''s POV What kind of movie do you want to watch? Ryder asked, his green eyes capturing the dim light from the hallway. "Something funny," I replied, leaning against the doorframe. After everything that had happened, I needed tough, to forget about funeral speeches and shop destructions and Martha''s ps, just for night. "Let me see what I have. Ryder unlocked the bedroom door, pushing it open with his shoulder. Why don''t you go make some popcorn? "Yes, sir,¡± I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. He turned, a smirk ying on his lips. "What happened to ''Yes, Alpha 7 "That''s reserved for bedroom activities," I shot back without thinking "Technically, we are in the bedroom," he pointed out, his voice dropping to that dangerous octave that made my stomach flip. "That could be arranged." I licked my lips slowly, holding his gaze. His eyes darkened immediately, pupils dting. The power I held over him was intoxicating. Ryder cleared his throat and turned to his phone, connecting it to the television. The screen lit up as he dimmed the lights. I could hear the popcorn starting to pop in the microwave. "Water or Dr. Pepper?" I called from the kitchen area. "Dr. Pepper, thanks." I drummed my fingers against the counter while waiting. "What movie did you pick?" "Tropic Thunder." "Seriously?" I looked at him with a genuine smile, the first one that hade easily all day. "What? William rmended it. Said it''s hrious." The microwave dinged, and Ryder made his way to the couch while I emptied the steaming popcorn into a bowl. Just the smell made my stomach growl - I''d barely touched my food at dinner. I stuffed a handful of popcorn into my mouth and settled next to Ryder on the couch. We sat together, sharing popcorn andughing at the ridiculous scenes,menting on the absurdity and judging the plot twists. This quiet contentment was healing something inside me that I hadn''t realized was broken. For the first time in days, I wasn''t thinking about Samuel, or Martha, or my destroyed shop. I was just here, with Ryder,ughing. The next morning, I was woken by the persistent buzzing of my phone. An email notification that refused to be ignored. I cracked one eye open, trying to read the screen. "What is it?" Ryder rolled over, his arm snaking around my waist and pulling me flush against him. His warmth enveloped me, and I found myself melting into his embrace. "Got an email," I mumbled. "About what?" His voice was still rough with sleep. "Shipment for my shop is arriving around noon. They need someone to sign for it." I groaned, tossing my phone down and curling into Ryder''s side. Highest was firm against my back, his arm aforting weight around my waist. Rabe, we need to get up and neving. I''m sure you have things to do at the shop before then. Despite his words, he made no move to release me, his fingers tracingzy patterns on my hip. "But I''mfortable right now." I wiggled closer, pressing myself against him as much as possible, "Who knew you were the clingy type." Ryder chuckled, the vibration fumbling through his chest and into mine. "What the hell!" I shoved away from him immediately, leaping out of bed before he could even register what had happened. "I am not clingy. Hands on my hips, I tried to re at him, but he was fighting backughter, his lips twitching with the effort. "What''s so funny?" I demanded. "You are clingy. Now that you''re fully opening up to me, you''ve gone all soft and clingy." His eyes danced with amusement. "I am not!" insisted, feeling my cheeks flush with indignation. "You love me." Ryder gave me that knowing look that simultaneously infuriated and excited me. "Not right now!" I stomped my foot childishly and stormed toward the bathroom to shower. Hisughter followed me, only fueling my irritation. I refused to shower with him though, making sure mine was quick. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, he was just walking in. "That was a fast shower," Ryder raised an eyebrow, his eyes traveling slowly down my body. "Things to do today." I shrugged as I passed him, pretending his gaze wasn''t affecting me. "Really? nning to keep up this petty sarcasm all day?" Ryder was still fightingughter, his emotions radiating nothing but amusement. "I have no idea what you''re talking about." I kept my voice deliberately light. I glowered as I selected a pair of stretchy pants and a lightweight athletic top. I was determined to tease him all day, make him be the clingy one tonight. I pulled my hair into the side braid he loved, skipping makeup. I did, however, fasten the ne he''d given me around my throat. By the time I wascing up my shoes, he''d finished his shower. The towel hung dangerously low on his hips, forcing me to avert my eyes. I couldn''t cave this quickly. Chapter Comments Chapter 174 Xena''s POV I watched as Ryder slipped on a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top that did absolutely nothing to hide the definition in his arms. When he sat down to put on his shoes, I saw my opportunity and took it. As I walked past him, I "identally" let my phone slip from my bar, ttering to the floor just within his view but conveniently out of his reach. I bent down I could feel the wave of desire radiating from him before he quickly suppressed it. The fact that he was restraining himself was fascinating. "Ready to go?" I straightened up and headed toward the bedroom door, feeling his eyes on me. Ryder stood and walked toward me, his gaze dropping to my ne before meeting my eyes again. "Oh, yes. His expression remained frustratingly neutral. As we stepped into the hallway, Ryder closed the bedroom door behind us and locked it. "We have time for breakfast before heading to the shop," he said. You want breakfast?" I asked, surprised by his suggestion. "Is that strange?" "You''re not exactly a morning person. You barely eat breakfast, andtely your appetite''s been like a bird''s," he said with a shrug. Damn it. "Maybe I''m tired of being miserable. Maybe I want to be happy." My tone dripped with sarcasm. "I want you to be happy too, but things have been roughtely. I figured you''d be a little down." "Nice to know I can still surprise you after all these days together." I nodded and pushed open the kitchen door. Ryder gave me a look that said he wasn''t buying my act, but thankfully he didn''t argue as we headed toward the buffet. True to my word, I grabbed a chocte chip muffin and a bottle of water. I sat down and waited for Ryder to join me. By the time I''d finished my muffin, he still hadn''t sat down. Looking over, I saw a group of girls had cornered him, and from his expression, he wasn''t thrilled about it. Typical. ? gazed out the window, pretending not to care. Before Ryder could finally break free, William and Ama approached my table. "Hey, gift. What are you up to today? You''re up kinda early." Ama gave me a curious look. "First of all, don''t say that in front of Ryder. I''m trying to prove a point. Second, I got an email saying our order is being delivered today and needs a signature, so we''re heading over after he finishes eating. Though at this rate, he might never get to eat." I gestured vaguely in his direction. "What do they want William asked, ncing at the girls surrounding Ryder. *No idea. They walked up to him, and I''m not concerned enough to find out." I shrugged and leaned back in may chair, feigning indifference. "You really don''t get jealous, do you?" Ama shook her head in disbelief. Not usually. Maybe I''m just weird that way. That wasn''t entirely the I knew when to show jealousy and when not to. This clearly wasn''t the time. "Don''t worry, I like it when you get jealous for me,'' William said suddenly, running his finger along Ania''s chest. Ama blushed as he kissed the tip of her nose. "Gross. Seriously gross, 1 muttered, just as Ryder finally escaped and sat down at our table. "What''s gross?" he asked, digging into his food. "Them. Just... them," I pointed at William and Ama. "Don''t hate us because you can''t be an affectionate mate! Ama defended herself. "Ryder, am I an affectionate mate?" I turned to him, already knowing his answer. "Of course you are," he replied between bites. "See? I threw Ama a triumphant look. "Then why don''t you kiss him? Prove to me that you love him!" Ama pressed, clearly enjoying herself. It''s like you don''t know me at all." I shook my head disapprovingly. "Ryder, does it bother you that she''s not jealous?¡± Ama was getting annoyed now. "Why would it? That''s not who she is." Ryder shrugged, continuing to eat. "We''re not the weird ones. You two are the weird ones." She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, pretending to re at us. "Ryder, are you the jealous type?" Ama changed tactics. The question was interesting, and I found myself eager to hear his answer too. Chapter Comments 1. 1. POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 175 Xena''s POV "She hasn''t given me any reason to be jealous, Ryder said thoughtfully after a moment of consideration. I shifted ufortably in my seat, wondering if he was questioning by desirability. The way he so casually dismissed the possibility of jealousy made something twist inside me. "So, if some random guy came up and hugged her, you''d bepletely fine with it? Ama pressed, leaning forward with that mischievous glint in her eye I knew all too well. "If a stranger tried to touch her, she''d probably punch him in the throat, Ryder replied without hesitation. I nced at him, noting how his expression had transformed from casual to deadly serious in an instant. So possessive. The thought crossed my mind before I could stop it. Ama reluctantly conceded the point. "Whatever. One day, one of yous going to get jealous, and I''ll be right thereughing and saying I told you so." She stood up, pointing her finger at us usingly. "That day wille, and you two... you''ll deserve it." With that dramatic deration, she stormed out, William trying and failing to hide his amused smile as he followed after her. "When was thest time she gotid?" Ryder asked bluntly. Clearly William isn''t fulfilling his duties," I replied with augh, watching as Ryder finished thest bite of his food. "Would you get jealous?" I asked suddenly, my heart racing a little faster as I waited for his answer. "Only before weplete the mate bond. You don''t open up to me easily, and I find it hard to read you," Ryder shrugged, his casual tone belying the intensity in his eyes. I could feel the weight of what he wasn''t saying. I was almost certain he''d never admit it outright. "Hmm..." It almost sounded like a challenge, but my respect for him wouldn''t allow me to deliberately try to make him jealous. "Don''t even think about trying," he warned, seeing right through me. "Me? Do something like that to you?" I feigned innocence, cing a hand over my heart. For a split second, I genuinely wondered what he''d look like jealous. Not because I wanted to hurt him, but because seeing him lose control over me would give me a strange sense of satisfaction. The thought was selfish, and I pushed it away immediately. Ryder rolled his eyes at me, standing up to throw our trash away. I noticed a group of girls at the next table giggling, and realized we''d had an audience. "Ready Ryder asked when he returned, pulling out my chair. "Yeah, I''m ready," I replied, deliberately walking ahead of him the entire way. A part of me wanted to ride my motorcycle, but that wouldn''t be practical if we needed to bring things back. Besides, this way I could tease him a little. When he started the car, he revved the engine hard, causing it to lurch forward. I dramatized dropping my phone in the back seat from the sudden movement. "Seriously?" Ryder asked, his eyes widening as he looked at me. "That was a bit excessive," I said as I turned around to retrieve my phone. "Oops, sorry." I deliberately pointed my ass toward him as I pretended to struggle reaching the phone. "Need help?'' Ryder eventually asked, his voice noticeably deeper than usual. "No, I got it," I said, settling back in my seatfortably. "Good." Ryder ced his hand on my thigh, the heat of his palm searing through the fabric of my jeans. "Have you seen my dress for prom yet?" I asked, changing the subject "No, why?" "Just curious," I replied with a shrug. "You''re talking a lot today," Rydermented quietly. "Sorry?" I felt a pang of hurt at his words and turned toward the window. "I didn''t mean that as a bad thing, but you''re acting strange," he rified, his eyes briefly meeting mine. "Stranger than Ama?" I challenged. "Nobody''s stranger than Ama," Ryder concluded with a slight smile. ¡°True.¡± Feeling somewhat defeated, I stared out the window, trying to appear sullen and brooding, the way he seemed to think I should be. We drove the rest of the way in silence. I was surprised by hisck ofmentary on my behavior. Instead of feeling relieved, I felt hurt and irritated. When we reached my shop, I didn''t wait for him before going inside. I knew I was overreacting, but sometimes pride makes me do irrational things. I should''ve just told him how I felt, but instead, I chose silence - which did nothing to solve the problem. All the equipment was in ce, though most of it was still wrapped in stic sheeting. The workbenches needed assembly, and theputer in the office remained boxed up. A fineyer of construction dust coated everything. I took my time exploring the renovated space, starting from the front of the shop. The reception desk was taller than before - Penelope had understood my needs perfectly. Now I could oversee the entire workshop while maintaining a private customer area. Behind the reception area was my new office. Although small, it offered both privacy and functionality. A desk stood against one wall. To my surprise, there was arge object covered with a dust sheet in the corner, marked with a "Xena ¨C Keep out?bel. Moving further in, I noticed safety mirrors had been installed beside the repair area. They''d expanded the repair space while maintaining the original functionalyout. The sage green walls I''d chosen looked professional yet weing. The tool cabs were securely mounted, and the customization area, though narrow, had well-designed shelving. A separate workbench at waist height would be perfect forying out motorcycle parts and customization tools. It was perfect exactly what I wanted and needed.. I looked around and found Ryder standing there, watching me intently. Chapter 176 Xena e Pov Ryder stood there, motionless, staring at me. His expression was cofpletely unreadable, and I couldn''t feel a single emotion radiating from him. I wished he would speak first, maybe ask "What do you think? Something to break this tense standoff between us. After a few more moments of ufortable silence, I sighed and decided to just get back to work. I knelt down on the floor, grabbed the instruction manual, and started unpacking. Even though I tried my best to ignore Ryder''s presence, he just stood there watching me until finally, be moved away. He picked up some rags and began wiping down everything in sight. We worked like this for almost an hour, the silence between us thick and heavy, until there was a knock at the front door. I had just finished assembling a chair when I realized my order had arrived. Ryder put down what he was working on and went to answer. After signing for the delivery, three men started bringing in different boxes, cing them in the center of the shop. This was clearly more than just some paint-way more than I had expected. After they left, I looked around at all the packages. "What the hell did she buy?" I muttered to myself. I grabbed scissors and started opening everything. There were bathroom tissue holders and other bathroom supplies. A bookshelf for my non-existent portfolio. Penelope had basically furnished my entire office. I continued unpacking while Ryder organized the paint supplies. At one point, he stepped outside to make a phone call. I wasn''t sure how to feel about him anymore, but I was starting to feel lonely I wanted to make up with him, wanted a hug, but I was too stubborn to make the first move. After unpacking everything and folding up all the boxes, I carried them to the back for recycling. When I returned to the shop, Logan was standing in the middle of my store. "Logan? What are you doing here?" I asked, stealing a nce at Ryder. Neither man showed any emotion. "This can''t be good." "Nothing''s wrong," Logan offered a small smile, but it did nothing to ease my concerns. "Then why are you here? Is Penelope okay?" My voice trembled slightly with tension. "She''s fine. Actually, I''ve got her staying at our mother''s house. She''s not allowed to leave, and I visit when I can. This way, she''s not on pack territory but not too far away, so my wolf doesn''t go crazy." Our mother''s house? I didn''t even know we still had that ce. Logam had never mentioned it before. I had so many questions, but I couldn''t voice a single one. Instead, I looked between the two men, trying to make sense of it all. "I consider myself the smartest person I know, but right now I''m really confused. Someone better start exining." "You''re not okay," Logan finally said. My eyes immediately darted to Ryder. "You called my brother because I got mad at you?" I used. "You needfort right now, but not from me," Ryder replied, his tone somewhere between annoyed and resigned. "All the documents are ready, copies made. Nothing else to do now. It''s a waiting game. The only thing we''re looking forward to before Saturday is the test on Thursday." Logan''s arm dropped as he spoke to me, but he didn''t move closer. "Is Penelope safe?" I asked, my concern for her overriding my frustration with Ryder. Yes, she has guards, but the house is great. I can''t wait to show you it''s a two- story with a full basement. A bit outdated, but Te exactly where we imagined our mother would live. Remember when were kids and we''d pretend we had a mom and design what she''d be like? That house is where we imagined she''d live. Logan gave me a small smile. What about Dad?" I asked, my voice revealing a hint of shakiness on unease. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 177 Xena''s POV "Dad''s been cleaning out his office. Creating password-protected file for me. Basically preparing to hand over Alpha leadership. It''s the happiest I''ve seen him in years, Logan said with a bitter smile. I stared at my twin brother''s face, trying to process what he was saying. This waspletely opposite to what I''d been thinking. "Happy?" My voice was thick with confusion, my brow furrowing automatically. This contradicted everything I understood about the situation. "Yeah, X. Dad is happy. He''s finally getting away from Martha," Logan''s eyes met mine. "I found out more of the story. Martha and Dad dated when they were young, but when Dad discovered he was actually mated to Mom, he dumped Martha. Martha obviously never got over it, so when Mom died, guess who was there to help Dad? His wolf was suffering, and she was there. One night when things got really bad, Dad agreed to mate with Martha so he could stay around to raise us. Martha did everything for us back then, so he thought she''d be a good mate. When we got older and it became obvious she resented us for not being her biological children, that''s when he started investing. Since he barely survived by mating with Martha, he didn''t want to die and leave us orphans. Now that we''re fully capable of taking over, he''s happy to finally be rid of Martha. Dad''s ready to leave or ept whatever ising." A sharp pain stabbed through my chest as the truth sank in. Dad had endured an unhappy marriage for over a decade... for us? "But earlier, you said..." I started, my voice betraying my confusion and guilt. "I know what I said, but Dad and I had a long talkst night. He told me all this and told me this isn''t a choice he didn''t want to make, but one he''s been looking forward to. I think he''s going to be smiling when he dumps Martha.¡± My gaze dropped to the floor as I processed his words. My heart grew heavy with understanding. "What about Saturday?" I looked up at him. "We''re not fucking backing down easily. We''ll attack and enjoy every minute of it. You have a part to y too, though. Tatum won''t know what hit him, so we all need to be careful, but I think Saturday will end up being a beautiful night," Logan grinned. Ryder nodded in agreement from where he was leaning against the wall. It was a hard pill to swallow. I could understand why he''d be happy to escape her, but I still couldn''tprehend why he''d spent 18 years in misery. Maybe when I had kids, I''d understand, but right now, my heart ached for him. Dad''s sacrifice both touched and broke my heart, theplicated emotions swirling in my chest. "Did you find anything about the phones?" I asked, trying to redirect my focus to more practical matters, attempting not to let emotions overwhelm me. "They''re linked to a building in the city. We haven''t confirmed yet, but it''s one of the buildings we''ve been monitoring that has connections to Alpha Wiley. The information was clear-they want to kidnap you." "So I was right." A cold fear crawled up my spine. "You were right. Your life is in serious danger," Logan agreed. "Even so, you can finish your work here. We''re not asking you to put your shop on hold..." Ryder started.. "But it would put me and others at unnecessary risk of harm," I finished for him, struggling internally. I loved my work, but I couldn''t risk others getting hurt because of me. The choice frustrated me beyond measure. Correct." Logan shoved his arms into his pockets. A few minutester, I sighed, feeling defeated by reality. "I''ll wait until this is all over." I think that''s wise of you," he changed the subject, "This ce is really starting to look nice, "Thanks to Penelope. She''s been a huge help. Logan walked over to me and wrapped his arm around me. "Everything''s going to be okay. Sometimes, it''s okay to be selfish and take care of yourself. The only reason I can handle Verything I''m going through is because I know you''re safe here. Are you happy here?" "Most of the time," I answered vaguely. Ryder rolled his eyes, and that expression both annoyed And secretly pleased me. "X?" Logan nudged my side gently. "Yes, I''m happy," I admitted, feeling like I was confessing a secret. Logan turned my face toward him. "Do you feel safe?" Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 178 Xena''s POV "Yes," I said, the single word hanging in the air between us. Logan leaned against the counter of my shop, his expression softening. "That''s all I care about. I''ve spent seventeen years of my life making sure you''re as safe as possible. I love you, but you''ve taken mouth quirked up in that familiar teasing smile. a pretty significant chunk of my time." The corner of his I fought the urge to smile back. "Jeez, you''re so gracious." "Knowing you''re safe and happy here lets me do what I need to do. Yes, I was frustrated, pissed off, and stressed, but as you can see, I''m fine now. Twelve hourster, I''m back to my old self. All problem solved. You just need to worry about yourself, and passing your test on Thursday." A flicker of annoyance rose in my chest, though I,knew it was just our familiar banter. "I could have passed those tests when I was ten." "If you had passed them then, you wouldn''t have met Ryder," Logan pointed out, his eyebrows lifting meaningfully. My mind shed back to the moment I first saw Ryder, that instant eleration of my heartbeat that still happened whenever he walked into a room. "I met him here, not at school," I reminded him. "But it was at school where he heard about you." "That''s stretching it, but I''ll ept it since my grades will be better than yours anyway." I gave his arm a light punch, my words sharp but my heart warm. "Such a good little sister!" Logan ruffled my hair and then pulled me into a proper hug. His familiar scent surrounded me, bringing with it a deep sense of security I''d never admit to needing. After a few moments, I pretended to gasp for air. "Can''t breathe!" Logan released me but kept his hands on my arms. "Better now?" "Yes," I answered softly, the cloud over my mood genuinely lifting. "You could try having more faith in me." Logan gave me a mock-wounded look. "I get upset once, and this is how you respond?" "Hey! It''s not just you, it''s everything. A lot has happened in thest two weeks." I defended myself, swatting at his arm. "I''ll give you that, but you need to remember that it''s okay not to be okay. I need you to be strong in publie, but in private, it''s okay not to be okay. I was going to say it''s okay to cry, but..." Logan''s voice trailed off. His words hit a vulnerable spot inside me. I didn''t want to continue this conversation. "Alright, I don''t want to talk about this anymore." 0 "I love you, sis." Logan''s voice was gentle, affectionate. "Yeah, I know, you'' Logan gave me a look. "I thought you were past that phase?" "What phase?" I yed dumb, though I knew exactly what he meant "The one where you don''t like saying ''I love you."" I only say those words in genuinely sincere moments." I shot him a don''t know how to tell you look. "This isn''t a sincere moment?" "You were always the emotional one between us." Iughed. "Fine, I love you, but I have to go." "L-love you too," I said sarcastically, drawing out the words "Needs some work, but I''ll take it." Logan shook his head at me. "Good, because that''s all you''re getting." Logan smiled, then turned and shook hands with Ryder. They even did a little bro hug before Logan walked out of the shop. I just stood there awkwardly, watching Ryder for several seconds until he sighed and walked over to me. "Feeling better now?" he asked. "Maybe, I looked down and away. Alow growl rumbled in Ryder''s throat as he bent down and grabbed the back of my thighs. He picked me up, making me wrap my legs around him, and ced me on the counter. I waspletely trapped, unable to move. His hand cradled my neck, then grabbed some of my hair, forcing me to look at him. A soft moan escaped my lips when I met his eyes. The fire in them made my entire body heat up. "I will never understand the effect Logan has on you, but this body is mine." His voice was husky as he pressed his lips to mine. My hands slid under his shirt, making contact with his bare skin, the sensation making my heart race. His kiss was dominant and possessive, making me forget all my troubles and doubts. Soon, he pulled away, looking into my eyes. I could see desire there, but also concern. "I''m sorry," I said without thinking, not sure what I was apologizing for, maybe for my emotional roller coaster. "You have nothing to be sorry for." Ryder searched my eyes. "Feels like I should be," I said, an inexplicable guilt twisting inside me, perhaps for worrying Logan. "Are you happy with me?" Ryder asked. "What kind of question is that?" I was taken aback. "After everything we''ve been through, you..." Chapter Comments 01 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 179 Xena''s POV "No, I''m not questioning it. I just wanted to hear you say it," Ryder chickly exined, his green eyes searching mine. Ryder, you make me the happiest girl in the world," I said, sliding my hand out from under his shirt to touch his face. Every time I touched him, electricity shot through my body, reminding me how powerful our connection was. "You''re my mate, the other half of my soul, the love of my life. You get all of me-the good, the bad, and the ugly. You''re the lucky one who has to deal with my mood swings." Ryder cupped my face in his hands, his touch gentle yet possessive. You know I would rather die than let anything happen to you." "You took a bullet for me. I''ll never forget that moment." I pulled his face down to mine, and we kissed softly for several minutes. Each touch of his lips made my wolf stir inside me, craving more, be now wasn''t the time. "We should get back to work," Ryder said, pulling,away. I grabbed his shirt and helped him take it off. "Much better." "I''m better shirtless?" he asked, confusion written across his features "Yeah, gives me something nice to look at while I work." I smiled at him. I could see theughter he was trying to hide. "Get your ass back to work," Ryder said as he helped me down. "Yes, Alpha," I said, swaying my hips as I walked away, deliberately teasing him. Ryder narrowed his eyes but went back to clearing away dust. After another fifteen minutes, I had one tool cart assembled. I wiped the sweat from my forehead, admiring my handiwork. "Three more to go," I muttered. "Looks good," Ryder said,ing over to inspect it. "Thanks. I still have-" The bell over the door jingled as several teenagers walked in. "We heard you were working here today and wanted to know if you needed help," Nn said with a smile. His friends stared around the shop in awe. Relief washed over me immediately-this was exactly the help I needed. "Perfect! You guys can install these two tire changers and make sure they''re functional." "Should be easy enough," Nn said, looking them over. "That tool cart took me thirty minutes," I said as Ryder helped me to my feet. I felt his strong arm supporting me. "Damn. Alright.¡± The kids immediately got to work, freeing me up to arrange the rest of the shop. Ryder had set up my disy area with various custom parts: gleaming chrome exhaust pipes, performance-enhancing carburetors, uniquely styled handlebars,fortable seats, and various headlights. Though Ryder had arranged everything, I still rearranged it to my liking before heading into my office. As I opened myptop case, I identally knocked something over. What''s this?" I asked softly, reaching to pick up a picture frame. Inside was a photo of Ryder and me. I had it printed. Thought it would look nice in here," Ryder said from my doorway. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed, looking sexy as hell. Thank you, that was really thoughtful," I set the frame back in its ce and continued setting up myptop. "Everything''s cleaned up. I got the bathroom set "Ptoo," Ryder said, hot moving, watching me boot up theputer. "You''re amazing." I smiled at him, genuinely grateful for his help and support, "Can we talk for a minute?" Ryder walked in and closed the door. My office wasn''trge, but I didn''t mind the closeness with Ryder. His action of closing the door made me nervou sensing an important conversationing. "Uh oh," I nced at him, already guessing what he might say. "Next Monday, I want to go to Florida for a week." My body froze. Theputer beeped, asking if I wanted to continue with setup. I immediately went on alert, hitting continue before answering him. I hated sudden changes in ns, especially with everything soplicated right now. "Why I asked. "Everything''s too much stress for you. You can''t even argue with me on that," he said, seeming to already know what I was going to say. "Sunday might be really hard. If your father ends up passing away, I want to take you to Florida. If he''s okay, then we''ll postpone." I was quiet for several minutes, following the prompts on,myptop Why are you, thinking about this now? I thought I was going to choose if we traveled," I finally asked, my voice more defensive than I intended. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 180 Xena''s POV "It''s not exactly a vacation, and I wouldn''t call it rxing either. I think your dad left something for you there. I checked the address it''s a storage unit. Honestly, I believe he hid all of your mother''s belongings there. With Martha about to be locked in the dungeon, you can finally have them. I think going there to retrieve ose things, or whatever''s there, would be a good idea. A storage unit?" I turned to face him, my heart skipping a beat, My mother''s belongings-fragments of memories I never truly had, traces of her existence that Martha had methodically erased from my life. Ryder knelt down on one knee, his green eyes level with mine. "Yes. This isn''t about taking you away or anything like that. Whatever''s in that storage unit, your father thought it important enough to hide it there. Obviously somewhere Martha didn''t know about. If he left it for you, I think he wanted you to retrieve and cherish those things, whatever they are." "I always thought my mother''s things would be in her house." The words felt hollow leaving my lips, like I was speaking about a stranger rather than the woman who gave birth to me. ¡°I don''t think so. That house is on your father''s pack territory. Martha is Luna. She can do whatever she wants, and if she discovered the house and set fire to it, everything would be gone. This way, ever if the house was destroyed, he preserved those things." "That actually makes sense," I murmured, imagining my father secretly collecting my mother''s items, carefully hiding them away, just to one day ce them in my hands. The thought of him showing that kind of care made my chest ache in a peculiar way. "Will you consider it?" Ryder asked softly, his eyes shimmering with genuine concern. "I will." I promised, surprising myself with how much I meant it. "Thank you. Are you almost finished?" Ryder stood up, dusting off his jeans. "Yes, why?" I looked up at him, noticing the yful gleam in his eyes "I was thinking we could go for a motorcycle ride this afternoon." Ryder raised an eyebrow suggestively. "I like the way you think." I smiled and stood up, closing myptop with a satisfying click. Ryder held the office door open for me as we walked out. "We''re done!" Nn shouted as I emerged from the office. "It looks amazing!" The instation wasplete. The other kids had collected all the garbage and taken it out, and one person had swept away all the dust and dirt. "Thank you all!" Nn stood up, admiring his work with the pride of an artist seeing his visione to life. "Everything''s ready to go," I said, koking around. It was gettingte and I hadn''t eaten since breakfast. My stomach was starting to make its protests known. "When are you nning to open?" Nn asked, his eyes bright with excitement. Before I could answer, Ryder jumped in. "Not sure yet." He grabbed his shirt and pulled it on, muscles flexing as he did. He walked to the door and held it open for them. "Anytime! It was great to help." Nn and his friends filed out of the shop. We followed them outside, and I locked the door securely behind us. I think what you did for him was nice, Ryder said once we were inhe car. They drove away as Ryder started his engine. Someone''s got to take over for Penelope." I said, feeling a ripple of hdness wash over me. "Is that possible?" Ryder asked as he pulled onto the street. I rolled down the window, letting my hand float on the breeze. "It''s not. She really was one situation?" of a kind. Any progress on her father''s "Nothing yet. We''ve stopped the public investigation. We want to keep a low profile until Saturday." Ryder ced his hand on my thigh, the warmth of his palm seeping through my jeans. "I''m hungry," I told Ryder, suddenly conscious of my stomach''s very real protests. "That''s a first. How about barbecue?" His lips quirked up in a half-sle. "Yes, please!" I answered immediately, my mouth already watering at the thought. "Alright, we can change and head over there." Ryder agreed, his thump tracing small circles on my leg. "Do you want to invite Ama and William?" I asked. "We really haven''t gone out with them in forever. We pissed Ama off this morning, so it might be a good way to make it up to her." "Ama pissed herself off this morning," Ryder frowned and grumbled. Iughed so hard I couldn''t breathe, and Ryder joined in beside me. The image of Ama''s pouting face had me feeling lighter than I had in days. "You''re right about that," I said when I caught my breath. Twenty minutester, we pulled into the garage. "Since I can''t mind link people yet, will you ask them?" I asked as we walked into the house. "We really need to fix that issue," Ryder muttered. "Well, your mother is working on it. You''ll have to wait until you can officially mark me to ask her." I mumbled as we climbed the stairs. Stopping on the second floor, we made our way to William''s room. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW MAC NIC Lund Chapter 181 Xena''s POV "We could have a small ceremony in your father''s office so you can establish the mental connection with the pack, Ryder suggested as he knocked on the door. "That sounds nice. I''ll think about it," I replied with a smile. William opened the door wearing only shorts. "Are we interrupting something?" I asked, my eyes involuntarily scanning William''s bare chest before I awkwardly looked away. "No," William shrugged, letting us in. Something about the energy between him and Ama felt off, making me wonder what had happened. 2 Ama sat on the couch, typing away on herptop. The focused expression on her face reminded me of when we used to work on projects together. "We''ve just been working in the room today," William exined. "Why in the room?" I questioned, curiosity getting the better of me. Ama red at me as I walked toward her. There was something in her eyes I couldn''t quite ce. Still mad?" I asked tentatively, wondering what was causing her unusual mood. "I was never mad," she countered, but the defensiveness in her tone only confirmed my suspicions that something wasn''t right. "Good, because we were thinking of inviting you both to a barbecue, I said, leaning down to look at her screen. She was designing blueprints for a new pool. My professional instincts immediately kicked in when I spotted an issue with the design. "You can''t put the slides there. They need to go here," I blurted out, pointing to another location on the screen. "What, why?" Ama frowned. "You can''t have the slide drainage ovep with the pool drainage," I exined. Ama snapped her haptop shut and stood up. Her movements betrayed a hint of irritation that wasn''t typical of her. "I could definitely use some fresh air and food. But if you spotted an error in my blueprints after looking at them for just one second, you''reing to the pool with me this afternoon to help me fix it," she challenged, though I noticed herplexion was pale and her eyes looked tired. I stood up and studied her. Her emotions had been all over the ce recently, her face slightly puffy, and her skin had a particr glow to it. My instincts told me these symptoms were familiar. My heart rate suddenly increased could it be? "Are you pregnant?" The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I noticed both men''s jaws drop in surprise. Pregnant? You think I''m pregnant?" Her voice trembled slightly. "Your mood swings just, when was yourst period?" I asked carefully. Ama opened her mouth, then closed it. Her silence made the atmosphere in the room even heavier. Ama?" William questioned. He was clearly both confused and shocked. You''ve been together long enough. If you got pregnant the first tim you slept together, It would be showing by now. Werewolf pregnancies move fast, and high-ranking members'' pregnancies mov even faster," I shrugged, trying to ease the tension with factual knowledge. Ama ran to the bathroom and shut the door. I could hear several drawers being opened and closed. My heart raced with anxiety for her. "Yes. I mean, it would be very early, but it''s possible. You guys mated a full week before us," I shrugged. William began pacing back and forth, and I walked over to stand beste Ryder. The clock ticked by slowly, each second feeling ten times longer. Just as William was about to lose hisposure, Ama pened the bathroom door. She was visibly shaking as she looked at William. Her hand covered her mouth as she nodded. In that moment, I felt a warmth spread through my entire body-the miracle of life unfolding right before me. "You''re pregnant?" William walked toward her seeking confirmation, his voice quivering with disbelief. "I am..." Ama''s voice was barely audible. She was shaking so much that William had to take the test stick from her hands. "Oh, Ama." William pulled her into his arms while processing his own emotions. "I''m going to be a father?" His question was half surprise, half joy, tears glistening in his eyes. I hooked my arm through Ryder''s as we watched them process the news. Tears streamed down Ama''s face faster than William could wipe them away. "Let''s give them some space," I whispered to Ryder. He nodded, and we left their room, heading back to our own. "I guess you could be pregnant too," Ryder said after a moment of silence. His eyes held seen before. eagerness and anticipation I''d never "Hmm, too early to tell, but I suppose it''s possible. The timing isn''t ideal. We should probably be more careful," I said as I removed my pants and grabbed a tank top. My heart raced at the thought of carrying new life within me-both exciting and terrifying. "I don''t know. Having a little one running around seems like fun. Then they''d be the same even best friends," Ryder said, his voice filled with longing. "You want kids now?" I asked, turning to face him. "What about our travel ns?" age as William and Ama''s kid, maybe "Kids cane along. I want a whole bunch of them," Ryder said, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "You''d look sexy as hell carrying my baby," he whispered in my ear, desire evident in his voice. "Hold on, there''s no baby in there yet!" I pushed him away so I could get my pants on. "Keep wearing those pants and there will be soon," Ryder deliberately looked me up and down, the heat in his gaze nearly scorching me. I was tucking my tank top into my pants when I realized how enticing this simple action must appear to him. Chapter Comments Chapter 182 Xena''s POV n my lips as I reached for my boots. He grinned, *I thought you preferred me in my birthday suit?" I teased Ryder, a smile ying on lunging for me again, but 1 dodged him with augh. "Oh, I definitely do," he replied, grabbing his shirt and pulling it over his head. "But I also enjoy the journey. You know, sering the good stuff before having to find it." His eyes darkened as they followed my movements, and I knew exactly what effect I was having on him. I walked toward him slowly, deliberately running my fingers along my side, down past my thigh in a teasing gesture that made his eyes sh with desire. He leaned against the couch, and I slid effortlessly between his legs, pressing my body against his. Ryder''s hands immediately found my hips, gripping them firmly. My heart raced as my body instinctively responded to his touch. "Mmm, I like that idea," Ryder murmured, his voice dropping to that husky tone that sent shivers down my spine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my chest against him while my fingers tangled in his light blonde hair. His breath was hot against my skin, making every nerve ending tingle. "We could skip the barbecue," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine before trailing down my neck toward my exposed cleavage. His hands squeezed my breasts firmly, making me whimper. My body felt like it was on fire everywhere he touched. Leaned in, whispering in his ear, "But, Alpha..." I felt him shudder, goosebumps spreading across his skin at the way I said ''Alpha, clearly affected by my tone. "I wouldn''t want to ruin your dinner ns," I moaned softly, nipping at his neck. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted us. Ryder let out a low growl, squeezing my ass firmly. Hold that thought," I whispered, giving him a quick kiss before climbing off him. "I''m going to kill them," Ryder muttered, standing up and adjusting his pants before nodding that I could open the door. "Hey!" William and Ama stood in the doorway, both beaming with happiness. "Congrattions! I''m so happy for you guys!" I opened the door wider, letting them enter. Ama immediately pulled me into a hug while William shook Ryder''s hand. Seeing Ama''s smile warmed my heart, though my mind was still lingering on Ryder''s touch, my body still flushed with heat. "Thank you. I still can''t believe it," Ama said, unable to contain her smile. I nodded, trying to share in their joy despite being distracted by the memory of Ryder''s hands on me moments ago. "Can we still join you for dinner? I''m starving," Ama asked. I smiled, replying, "Of course," though I couldn''t help feeling a little disappointed at the interruption. "We can still take the bikes. It''s safe enough so we''re ready if you guys are," Ama said with a nce toward William. "Yes, could you two go ahead and get our bikes ready? I need to discuss something with Xena really quick," Ryder said to William. My heart rate instantly picked up again; I knew exactly what he had in mind. "Sure, We''ll get them ready," Ama replied. The moment they left, Ryder grabbed me by the neck, spinning me around and kissing me hard. His other hand expertly unbuttoned my pants as he pushed me toward the couch. My body was already wet and ready when he pulled down my pants, his fingers sliding in easily. My heart felt like Imight explode. "Oh yes, Alphal'' I moaned into his mouth. Ryder lifted me effortlessly onto the couch. I heard him unfastening his pants, followed by the sound of them dropping to his ankles. Without warning, he''s dick entered me in one swift motion. He grabbed a fistful of my hair, pulling it back as my moans grew louder and more uninhibited "Fuck, you''re so tight, he growled, thrusting harder. The pressure built inside me, my body trembling on the edge of breakdown, alf rational thought long gone. "Ryder!" I screamed as I climaxed, feeling him release at the same time. My body continued to quiver with aftershocks. "Just like that... a baby could be made," Ryder sounded incredibly satisfied as hey beside me, his arm draped across my chest. "You''re that eager to be a father?" I asked softly. Chapter Comments ͹1 POST COMMENT NOV Chapter 183 Xena''s POV "Why not?" Ryder shed me a smile as I headed to the bathroom to clean myself up. I quickly rinsed off in the shower, feeling his eyes on me even through the closed door. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, I announced, "I''m ready." "Come here," Ryder said, leaning back against the couch. I crossed the room and settled onto hisp, resting my head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady and reassuring beneath my ear. "Tell me," he said, his voice gentle as his fingers traced circles on my back, "why are you so uncertain about bing a mother?" I took a deep breath, the question hitting a tender spot I''d been avoiding. "With all these kidnapping threats and everything else going on, I''m worried something might happen to the baby if I''m in an unsafe situation. I don''t n to put myself in danger, but if I''m pregnant, I can''t shift. What if a Rogue flips our car again and I have to fight in human form?" A chill crept up my spine at the thought, and Ryder must have felt it because he pulled me closer. "First of all, you could be attacked by Rogues any day," Ryder said, his hand continuing its soothing motion on my back. "But if it makes you feel better, we can be extra careful until things settle down." "Thank you," I whispered, looking up at him. He ced a soft kiss on my lips, then yfully swatted my ass, making me smile despite myself. "We should get going before theye looking for us," Ryder said as we stood and headed for the door. Suddenly, a thought struck me. "Though I might be pregnant already. So this conversation might be pointless." I kept my voice low, checking the stairwell was empty before continuing. "Little Ryder Jr.," he said, savoring the name on his tongue. "About that..." Iughed as we entered the garage. "Finally!" William eximed when he saw us. "Sorry. Ryder had to take a shit," I couldn''t help butugh at the look Ryder shot me. There was pretend anger there, but I could see the amusement in his eyes. "Men really do spend hours in there," Ama agreed, putting on her helmet. ¡°Exactly,¡± I said, blowing Ryder a kiss before mounting my motorcycle. He just shook his head and put on his own helmet. Ama and I led the way out. God, it felt amazing to be back on the road. The wind whipping around my body, leaning into the natural curves of the road-this sense of freedom made me forget all my worries, living only in the present moment. We took the back roads, watching wildlife around us. Honestly, it was the most beautiful, peaceful thing on Earth. Soon, we arrived at my favorite barbecue joint. "Table for four?" the hostess asked. "Yes, please," Ama replied with a smile. "Right this way." She grabbed a few menus and led us to a corner booth. "Is this okay?" "Perfect, thank you," I said, sliding in. Ama and I sat on the inside with Ryder and William on the outside. Ryder ced his hand on my inner thigh, and I gripped his arm tightly. The gesture didn''t escape Ama''s notice. She knew I wasn''t big on physical contact, so this was a big deal to her. But instead of pointing it out, she just smiled at me and picked up her menu. I appreciated her discretion. "Mr. Nash and Ms. Harris! So good to see you back!" Yara approached our table. "Thanks! Are you our server today?" I smiled at her. "Sure am." I noticed her eyes flicker to our sped hands. "What can I get you all to drink?" Chapter 184 "Dr. Pepper for me," I said. "Iced tea," Ryder replied. "Tea with lemon, please," Ama answered. "Mountain Dew for me," William smiled at her, earning a light shove from Ama. "Got it. Want any appetizers?" Yara asked, pretending not to notice the yful interaction. "What did you bring usst time?" Ryder asked. "Oh, those poppers?" "Yes, could we get some of those?" Ryder requested. "And fried pickles!" Ama said, a bit too loudly. Her face flushed as she leaned back in her seat. I watched Ama''s reaction, thinking this must be pregnancy hormones at work. "Of course! I''ll put those in and be right back!" The server walked away. Just then, I spotted Wren in the distance near the kitchen area. Just my luck. "Look who''s over there," I said, nodding toward the kitchen area. Ryder followed my gaze. "I''m surprised she still works here," Ryder frowned. "Why?" Ama leaned forward, ready for gossip. The sparkle of curiosity in her eyes made me smile. "Last time we were here, she sat next to Ryder not knowing who I was. Said a bunch of crap before I gracefully introduced myself," I exined, cing my other hand over Ryder''s. "I wish I hadn''t missed that!" Amaughed. "I would have loved to see it." Chapter 184 We ordered our meals-1 got pulled pork without bread and fried okra, Ryder ordered brisket with cheesy potatoes and beans, Ama chose the day''s special (half rack of ribs with fries), and William went for pulled pork with bread, cheesy potatoes and beans. "Do you guys still want to go swimming this afternoon?" Ama asked us. "Sure. I don''t know what you two want to do. If you want to stay home, that''s fine. I know you just got some big news and might want alone time," I offered. "We haven''t hung out together in forever. I want to go swimming!" Ama said enthusiastically. "Swimming it is then," I agreed. There was something satisfying about making a pregnant woman happy. I noticed Ryder seemed a bit restless, but he hid it well. I knew him-he probably wanted time alone, but he was willing topromise for our friends. That was one of the reasons I loved him. "So what are your ns for the week? I only know we have school testing on Thursday," I asked. "Well, apparently I need help designing the pool. We got approval, but I need to finalize the ns," Ama frowned. "I''d be happy to help you tomorrow," I offered. Our appetizers arrived, and Ama immediately popped a pickle into her mouth. She had to spit it out because it was too hot, downing half her tea before she could speak. Yara looked concerned. "Oh no! Are you okay?" "I''m fine, they''re hot but really good!" Yara visibly rxed at Ama''s words. "Great. Be careful. I brought some ranch dressing to dip them in. That should help cool them down." "Thanks, Yara!" Ama smiled and started blowing on the pickles. "Never get between a pregnant woman and her food," I muttered, carefully taking a pickle for myself. William and Ryder focused on the poppers. "These are so good," William said with his mouth full, "You guys sure have quite the manners, I joked, "There''s something we need to talk to you about, William said to me, then panerd a Ama. Her expression instantly changed to panic, her eyes darting around Wire a deux caught in headlights. "Now? Here?" she whispered, "It''s okay," William tried to reassure her, but it didn''t seem to help much. "What is it?" I asked, looking between them. ''Ama and I want to..." Chapter Comments O LIVE Chapter 185 Xena''s POV William had just opened his mouth when the waitress interrupted him. "Your food is here. This is the pulled pork without bread." She set the te in front of me. "Ribs for thisdy. Pulled pork with bread for this gentleman, andstly, the brisket." Yara carefully arranged our food. "Anything else you need?" "I think we''re good. Thank you!" I told her, while curiosity wed at my insides about what William had been about to say. After Yara left, I picked up my fork and started eating. Neither Ryder nor I pressed William about what he''d wanted to say; we just ate in silence. Ryder nced at me but remained quiet. We continued eating, the atmosphere between us delicate and tense. Every now and then, Ama would look up, then shake her head and return to her food. Honestly, I found her obvious struggle to tell me something rather amusing. Every movement betrayed her difort, like she was bursting with some earth- shattering secret. I finished first and waited patiently for the others to finish, my gaze drifting absently toward the window. Suddenly, I spotted two ck cars pulling up, and my heart sank. I gently nudged Ryder''s leg to get his attention. I felt him follow my gaze as we both watched Tatum and his pack members get out of their cars. A chill ran down my spine. "Ama, are you done eating?" I asked, my voice calm despite my elerating heartbeat. "Almost," she answered, seemingly oblivious to what was about to happen. "Let me rephrase that-you are done eating. We need to leave." I looked directly at her, my tone leaving no room for argument. William appeared alert, while Ryder pulled out his wallet and tossed a hundred dors on the table just as Tatum walked in. He scanned the room briefly before spotting us. Though my back was to him, I could feel his gaze on me like an icy de, raising goosebumps all over my skin. "Well, what a pleasant surprise," his voice sent chills down my spine. My entire body recoiled at his presence, and I hated the feeling. I forced myself to remainposed. *Indeed a surprise, Ryder said, cing his hand on my thigh. "Though we were just leaving.** "Oh, that''s too bad. I should havee earlier. Ms. Harris, I hear your shop is almost finished with renovations?" His fake pleasantries made my stomach turn. "Yes. Actually, there are still a few things to do. To be honest, I''m grateful it was vandalized. This renovation is....." I noticed his eyes suddenly sharpening before quickly returning to that unsettling smile. *d to hear there''s a silver lining. I''d still like to make an appointment with you," he said with a smile. *Unfortunately, it''ll be about a week before I can start scheduling appointments. I have a backlog of work toplete before I take on new appointments. There were plenty of people scheduled before my shop was destroyed, and they need to be amodated first. I''m sure you understand." My tone was polite but firm. "I see. Well, I''ll wait for your call then," Tatum said. "Yes, I believe Yara is trying to seat you. If you don''t mind, we need to leave." Tatum looked back at Yara, who was indeed waiting for him. "Alright. I''ll see you Saturday. Save me a dance." He stepped aside, allowing Ryder and William to slide out of the booth. Yara led them to a booth on the other side of the restaurant. We made our escape quickly, but deep down, I had a feeling we''d encounter Rogues on our way home. Somehow, I just knew Tatum wouldn''t let us off so easily. Once outside, I pulled Ryder aside. "I''m worried he''ll send Rogues after us. Can we take a different route? The four of us would be fine, but with Ama here...* Ryder nodded, and we headed toward the motorcycles. "William, Ama, follow us. Watch for Rogues," Ryder said as we put on our helmets. After starting the motorcycles, we quickly left. Ryder turned onto a random street,pletely taking us off our usual route. My insides were on high alert, every sense sharpened, prepared for any potential threat. "What was that?" Ama suddenly shouted. My head whipped around, my heart rate Chapter 186 Xena''s POV A ripped shirt hanging off a garbage can with a basketball resting where a head should be made me m on the brakes. My heart leaped into my throat as I stopped my motorcycle suddenly, knowing exactly what that looked like from a distance. Ryder pulled up beside me, while William had already yanked off his helmet and was rushing to Ama''s side. She was shaking, her face pale as paper. I couldn''t me her-for a split second, I''d thought it was a body too. After a moment, Ama gave me a small nod,posing herself. William returned to his bike, helmet back on. "Let''s keep moving," I said firmly, and we all revved our engines. Even though we''d taken an alternate route, we made it back to the pack house in two hours. No Rogues attacked us, but my nerves were still firing on all cylinders. My heartbeat hammered in my chest, palms slick with cold sweat inside my riding gloves. "Why don''t you girls go change, then meet us in the office?" William suggested, pressing a gentle kiss to Ama''s forehead. "Okay,¡± Ama agreed, hurrying up the stairs. I turned to Ryder, my voice tight with concern. "You should send warriors to scout the route, make sure it''s safe for humans." "Already on it," he nodded, heading into his office. As I walked toward the bedroom, I heard soft sobbing. Rounding the corner slowly, I found Ama crouched on the floor, her shoulders shaking. Seeing her like this-so vulnerable and broken-sent a shock through me. This wasn''t the strong, vibrant Ama I knew. "Ama? What''s wrong?" I knelt down beside her, my voice gentle. "I''m sorry," she choked out between sobs. "My hormones are so unstabletely. I''m usually the brave, strong girl, buttely I don''t even recognize myself." Her voice trembled, tears streaming down her face. My heart clenched seeing her this way, "Honey, you''re pregnant. It''s okay. These things happen," I said, gripping her shoulders and helping her to her feet. I walked her to her room, and she fumbled with the door handle before pushing it open. We made our way to her bed, and I eased her down onto the edge. "I hate that I can''t be who you need right now," she said, her eyes red and swollen, filled with guilt. Her words struck a chord in me, reminding me of my own moments of weakness, that feeling of helplessness I knew all too well. "I don''t need you to be anyone but yourself," I told her softly. "You need to focus on your baby. This much stress during pregnancy isn''t healthy for you. Maybe you need a few days off?" She looked at me, confusion washing over her tear-stained face. "Would you be okay with that?" "Why wouldn''t I be?" I asked, surprised by her uncertainty. "William thinks we all need to be present, but we were hoping..." her voice trailed off. "Just say it," I encouraged with a small smile. Ama took a deep breath. "Can I work reduced hours? With the baby and my hormones...and now all this stress." She shook her head. "I need to get my emotions under control." ¡°? agree, and of course you can take time off. We still need William, but you can stay in bed. Hell, you can work from bed if you want. I don''t mind at all. I just want this baby healthy." As I spoke, I felt a fierce protectiveness rise within me. Ama wasn''t just my friend-she was family. "I love you," Ama said, wiping away her tears and wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. "I love you too. You''re like a sister to me. I''d do anything for you." I meant every word. "Will you wear that pink swimsuit?" Ama joked, a hint of her usual yfulness returning. "You''re ridiculous," Iughed, pulling away from her embrace. I walked to her closet and grabbed the sexiest thing she owned. "Wear this. I''ll go change ande back for you." "Okay, I''ll wait here." Leaving her room, I headed upstairs toward mine, just in time to catch Ryder walking through the door. "Hey," I said, jumping out from behind him. "What took you so long?" he asked, closing the door behind him. "Ama had a breakdown. She wanted to ask if we could reduce her workload, make it part- time." I walked to the closet, pulling out my ck swimsuit. As I spoke, I felt a twinge of guilt for putting so much on my friends'' shoulders. "What did you say?" Ryder asked, pulling his shirt off over his head. "I said it was fine, but we still need William, and if she wants to work from bed, she can." Ryder nodded, reaching for his swim trunks. "I agree with your decision." "Any news about the Rogues?" I asked, stripping down to change into my swimsuit. "Not yet. Still checking around." Ryder frowned, his brow furrowing. "Do you think I overreacted?" "Not at all." Ryder grabbed two beach towels while I slipped on my cover-up. He gave my ass a yful smack as I slid my feet into my flip-flops. "Ready?" I asked. "Yeah, let''s go," Ryder said, opening the door for me. We walked to William and Ama''s room. After knocking, Ama opened the door with a smile on her face. "Hey, ready to go?" "We''re ready." "I had them bring the cart around," Ryder said as we all walked out together. "Perfect,¡± William said, taking Ama''s hand as we made our way downstairs to the waiting golf cart. It had four seats-Ryder and I took the front while Ama and William settled in 2.41 am 7 the back. Ryder drove through the trees until we reached the pond we''d visited before. The water glimmered in the sunshine, a wee escape from the tension of the day, Chapter Comments Chapter 187 Xena''s POV I couldn''t help but tease Ama as we stepped out of the car, the evening air cool against my skin. "That''s how you''re supposed to drive, by the way," Ama stuck her tongue out at me, which made meugh as 1 dropped my towed carelessly on the ground. I kicked off my flip-flops and peeled off my cover-up before diving straight into the pond. The water enveloped me in its cool embrace, washing away the day''s tension. I heard a ssh beside me, and then two more followed in quick session. When I surfaced, droplets cascading down my face, I pushed my wet hair back and swam toward Ryder. "This feels amazing,¡± I said, the water''s coolness clearing my mind temporarily. Ryder reached for my hand, pulling me close against his body. The warmth of his skin contrasted with the cool water, sending shivers down my spine. "It really does," Ama agreed, I nced over to see her clinging to William, her blonde curls darkened by the water. "X, I''ve been meaning to ask," Ama''s voice cut through the peaceful moment, "how are Logan and Penelope doingtely?" My body tensed instantly. I turned to face her, choosing my words carefully, I noticed William narrow his eyes, but he remained silent. "They''re doing great, actually. She''s struggling a bit with adjusting to her new role-1 know you understand that-but she''s handling it well." The lie slid from my lips with practiced ease. "Yeah, it''s definitely challenging," Ama replied,pletely oblivious to my deception. William, however, wasn''t fooled. Thankfully, he didn''t call me out. Either Ryder hadmunicated with him through their mind link, or he recognized this wasn''t the time. Either way, I was grateful. "I''m so excited for the dance," Ama continued, effectively changing the subject. "My dress is absolutely gorgeous." Ryder kissed my cheek as I rxed against him, his lips a silent show of support. He cradled me in his arms like I was something precious. William did the same with Ama, holding her protectively. "Me too. I want to dance with you. It''s been too long since we''ve had the chance." "I hope things can finally settle-" Ryder''s phone interrupted my thought, its ringtone shattering our peaceful moment. He released me and swam to the edge to answer it. "Hello?" His voice was tense as he answered. After a pause, he simply responded, "Understood." "What''s happening?" I asked as he slipped back into the water. My heart raced- phone calls rarely brought good news these days. He swam to me, cupping my face in his hands. "You were right. They found about a dozen Rogues. Two are still alive and being brought to our cells. You saved a lot of people today, including us." He kissed me hard, and I melted into him. Relief washed over me as I lost myself in the softness of his lips. "That''s insane," Ama said, shock evident in her voice. "Just think what could have happened." ¡°Don''t,¡± William said firmly, pulling her closer. ¡°You can''t think that way." They drifted to the other side of the pond, giving us privacy while remaining in sight. "Oh, Ryder," I whispered, gazing into his eyes. The water reflected in them, and I could see myself mirrored in their depths. "I can''t believe that happened." "I''m proud of you for trusting your instincts," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "Thank you. I just... I can''t wait for this week to be over. But I feel like things are only just beginning." I rested my head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "Just know I''ll always keep you safe." Ryder held me tight for a moment before tilting my chin up to kiss me. The kiss started gentle but deepened quickly. Soft moans drifted from the other side of the pond. I reached down and took hold of his dick, finding him already hard under the water. As I stroked him, Ryder slid two fingers inside me, our lips never breaking apart. I had to concentrate hard not to make a sound as waves of pleasure radiated through me from his touch. I pushed his shorts down, freeing his dick. Ryder pulled me closer, guiding his dick into me as Ama''s moans grew louder across the pond. What happened between Ryder and me wasn''t just sex-it was necessity. We needed each other in this moment, having once again narrowly escaped death. He moved slowly, taking his time. As he thrust in and out, our eyes remained locked. Waves of pleasure washed over me, making me forget everything except him and me, connected as one. Soon, our bodies trembled with release as he filled me again. "At this rate, if you don''t start pulling out, birth control is going to be pointless," I whispered in his ear. "I''m sorry," he murmured back. "I can''t help it. You feel too good." Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 188 Xena''s POV "Is that why you''re still inside me?" Iughed, feeling the warmth of Ryder''s body against mine in the pond. "Total ident," he replied, his voice dripping with satisfaction, not sounding the least bit sorry. "Liar, big fat liar." I bit his earlobe gently, enjoying how his body trembled against mine in response. The connection between us felt electric, primal-something I was still getting used to. "Can''t wait to see you swaying on that dance floor," he said, his voice rough with desire. "If I make it there," I teased, my tone deliberately provocative. "What does that mean?" "After you see my dress, you might not let me go." I kept my voice light, yful. "Is that so?" Ryder studied my face carefully, his green eyes flickering with equal parts desire and curiosity. "Yeah, that''s so." "I might just tear it off before we go, and then we wouldn''t make it to the dance because you''d have no dress," he threatened, his voice low and heavy with desire. "I''m not wearing anything underneath. You can fuck me before, during, and after the dance." I licked his ear, feeling his cock harden inside me. My walls tightened around his growing length, sending familiar waves of dizzying pleasure through my body. Just then, Ryder''s phone rang again. "Hmm." He nced back, hesitating whether to answer. I could feel his reluctance to break our connection. "Go ahead," I sighed, forcing myself to let go of the intimate moment. "Might be important." Ryder groaned as he pulled out of me, adjusting his pants. He was still hard when he stepped out of the water. I admired his body as he answered the phone, watching water droplets trace the contours of every muscle as he stood. "We need to go. Ryder''s voice shifted instantly from lustful to authoritative, his expression transforming so quickly it made me uneasy, What''s going on? William asked, his voice still thick with desire, clearly not yet recovered from his moment with Ama. They found something on the phone," Ryder answered curtly, "I thought they already linked it to a building in town?" William questioned as they began swimming toward the shore. I followed behind, suddenly alert, sensing something bad wasing. "Yes, but now there appears to be more information. Come on, we need to leave." Ryder grabbed a towel and started drying off. Every movement was hurried and tense,pletely different from the rxed man of minutes ago. William and Ama were first to shore. Ryder handed me a towel while gathering our things. He tossed my shoes to me, then grabbed my jacket and headed for the car. His entire demeanor screamed "don''t ask," but I couldn''t stand being kept in the dark, especially if it involved our safety. "What aren''t you telling us?" I asked through our mind link, cutting directly into his thoughts, feeling his anxiety and anger crackling like electricity through our connection. "They found pictures too," he replied shortly. "What pictures?" I pressed, my heart rate elerating, sensing the answer would upset 1. me. "Pictures of us. From the night we were shot at. Pictures of us in the shop. Pictures since then, even from yesterday." We sat in the car, Ryder driving with obvious anger. My head snapped toward him at his words, fear washing over me like ice water. "Y-you''re saying I''ve been followed? Photographed in my own pack territory?" My jaw pter 188 opped, feeling betrayed and vited to my core. der didn''t respond, but his knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. Pure rage liated from him as we drove toward the pack house, his anger almost tangible. William mediately picked up on it, his mood shifting to match Ryder''s state. He didn''t need to ow why to be protective. ma, why don''t you go take a shower in our room?" William suggested softly to his mate. e looked between the two men, then finally at me, her eyes full of questions and ncern. ?" she asked gently. or the sake of not stressing you out, please?" I begged, worried for my friend, especially nsidering her pregnant state. omething happened," she concluded, understanding shing in her eyes. ''ll tell youter," I promised. he took a deep breath, cing her hand protectively over her stomach. "Fine." She rabbed her things and headed to their room while we made our way to Alpha Benedict''s ffice, my heart pounding with each step. What the fuck?" Ryder growled, bursting through the door. His anger filled the entire oom like a physical presence. See for yourself," Alpha Benedict pointed at hisputer. He stood aside, not looking at he images. I appreciated that-there''s nothing more awkward than your father-inw eeing pictures of you and his son being intimate. Following Ryder, I watched as he clicked through the photos. Sure enough, there were pictures of us in front of the mirror at my shop. Then images of my shop after it was destroyed. Next came photos of me walking outside the pack house. Each picture made me feel more exposed and vulnerable, like my entire life was being watched by some malicious eye. "Go back," I said, my voice tight with fear. Ryder did as I asked. It was a simple photo of Ama and me sitting by the pool. It was clearly taken from a higher vantage point. Which meant... "Look at the next one," I demanded, my heart nearly beating out of my chest, fear and anger twisting inside me. Who would track us like this? Why? Most importantly, what else did they n to do? Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 189 Xena''s POV I stared at the photo, my heart hammering against my ribs like it wanted to escape. It showed Ryder and me walking together,pletely unaware we were being watched. A chill ran down my spine as I realized someone had been documenting our private moments. "That was taken outside the pack house. Remember? When we went for that short walk," Ryder said, his voice tight with barely controlled rage. Of course I remembered. It had been just a few minutes of fresh air after watching that movie. Logan had made me sign my will earlier that day, and I''d just wanted to clear my head before sleep. We''d been so rxed, so carefree,pletely oblivious to the eyes tracking our every move. "The angles of these photos are all from above," I said to everyone in the room, trying to keep my voice steady, not wanting to sound as terrified as I felt. "And they''re zoomed in?" Alpha Benedict frowned, his forehead creasing with concern. "We don''t have any buildings tall enough to capture these shots from this angle. Like that one by the pool. There''s nothing nearby that could provide that perspective." "What are you thinking?" Ryder asked, his voice vibrating with barely contained fury. "Maybe a drone or something. These could be screenshots," I said, voicing my suspicion. "Drones can be controlled from miles away." Ryder practically roared. I ced my hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him down even though my own heart was racing. "That means it might not be someone from our pack. Could be someone outside our territory, up in a tree," I reasoned, my mind racing through all possibilities. Ryder spun around to face his father, his eyes wild with rage. "How did you get these?" "They were on a phone. This phone didn''t take the pictures, but someone sent them to it. It had a password and encryption, but we managed to get in," Benedict replied calmly. My stomach dropped. "Did you find anything else?" "The phone is connected to thatpany. The number that sent the photos is also from the samepany," Alpha Benedict said, crossing his arms. "What the hell can we do against fucking flying drones?" Ryder raged, pacing back and forth until his knee hit a chair. In one swift motion, he grabbed it and hurled it through the closed window. The sound of shattering ss made my stomach clench. "RYDER!" Alpha Benedict shouted. "I''ve got this," I told Alpha Benedict, despite the trembling in my chest. I knew I needed to stay calm now. Ryder needed me. "Ryder,e on." Grabbing his hand, I pulled him out of the office and up the stairs to our bedroom. His body was shaking with fury as he started grabbing items and throwing them around the room. "How am I supposed to keep you safe when the fucking sky is watching you?" Ryder waspletely losing it. The couch was flipped over, an armchairnded on the balcony, and the dressery on its side. I just let him rage until one of his projectiles hit a framed drawing I''d made for him. My heart cracked a little. That picture meant something special to our rtionship. "Enough!" I shouted, my voice stronger than I''d expected. Ryder leaned against the wall, breathing hard. He didn''t respond, but he looked at me. His eyes were filled with anger, but beneath that, I saw fear-fear of losing me. "Now our entire room is trashed. Feel better?" I asked calmly. "No." His knuckles were white from clenching his fists. "Let me think. We can figure out a proper n," I said, not making any move to touch him, knowing he needed space in this state. "Damn it!" Ryder growled as the bedroom door opened and William walked in. William surveyed the room, then looked at me, checking if I was hurt, before turning his attention. to Ryder. "There''s still one spot you missed," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. I almost smiled at his attempt at humor, but the situation was too serious. "Fuck off, William." Ryder rolled his eyes and started pacing again. His anger was still there, but at least he wasn''t throwing things anymore. "We''ll-" I began. "So what''s the fucking n?" Ryder turned and yelled at me. He was truly losing control. I could feel his fear and protectiveness, but his reaction hurt. "Maybe you need to go for a run. Let your wolf out, kill something," William said, standing up and moving beside me as if to protect me. "Come on, I''ll run with you." Ryder''s anger hit boiling point as William grabbed his arm and tried to pull him toward the door. Ryder yanked his arm free from William''s grip and charged out onto the balcony. "No!" I cried out as Ryder jumped from the balcony, shifting mid-air. Hended perfectly on his paws and ran off. Fear and worry filled my chest. "You''d better go after him, William,¡± I said quietly. A momentter, our bedroom door mmed against the wall. I couldn''t reach anyone through the mind link, which worried me even more. Half- running to Alpha Benedict''s office, I burst in without knocking. No one was there. My heart raced faster, fear gradually taking over. I sprinted to Ama''s room, bursting through the door. Chapter Comments Chapter 190 Xena''s POV "What the hell?" Ama shot up from the bed, her blonde curls wild around her face, "Contact Alpha Benedict through the mind link. Tell him I need him. It''s an emergency'' 1manded, my heart racing as fear surged through me like a tidal wave. The image of Ryder losing control shed in my mind, and I knew I had to act immelhady, Ama closed her eyes without hesitation, doing exactly as I asked. A momentter, her eyes flew open. "He''s in the kitchen." I didn''t even bother exining as I bolted toward the kitchen, my bare feet pping against the cold floor. I met Benedict in the hallway, my breathing ragged, hands trembling slightly, but I forced myself to stayposed. "You need to issue an emergency containment order or whatever protocol you have here. Ryder hasn''t calmed down, and his wolf has bolted. William went after him, but people shouldn''t be out right now. Get your warriors ready." The words tumbled from my mouth, my voiceced with worry and urgency. "Damn it. He hasn''t lost control like this in years." Alpha Benedict strode toward his office, his tall frame radiating authority. "We need to track him. If William hasn''t found him yet, your wolf needs to find him." "I can''t fucking mind link with anyone, and Ryder''s link is blocked." I bit my lower lip hard enough to draw blood, frustration and anxiety churning inside me. I''d never felt so helpless. "Fine. Relinquish your ties. Now," Alpha Benedict looked at me, his chest puffed out, his voice leaving no room for argument. I was so caught off guard that it took me a full minute to process what he was asking. A sharp pang of grief stabbed at my heart, but I knew it was the right choice. "I, Xena Harris, future Luna of the Boneash Pack, relinquish my ties to the Nightcedar Pack." The moment the words left my lips, it felt like a knife had been plunged into my stomach. Pain doubled me over, tears welling in my eyes, but I kept repeating to myself: I''m doing this for Ryder. This pain is nothingpared to what could happen if he 113 remains out of control. "I, Benedict Nash, Alpha of the Boneash Pack, ept Xena Harris as a member of my pack and future Luna." Alpha Benedict spoke quickly, his voice firm and unwavering. "I, Xena Harris, ept my position as a member of the Boneash Pack and future Luna." Instantly, an intense crash filled my mind. Too many voices upied every inch of space, making it nearly impossible to function. It was like hundreds of people shouting in my head simultaneously. I struggled to maintain consciousness, feeling myself slipping further away with each second. "Good, let''s go." Alpha Benedict grabbed my arm, pulling me along with him. As I tried to clear my head as much as possible, the light was so blinding I could barely keep my eyes open. Each step was a struggle, but I couldn''t give up. "Shift," he said, and I heard the sound of his bones breaking. Ipleted my shift as well, fighting through the pain. I called out through all the voices attempting to mind link with me. My wolf sprinted forward, following closely behind Alpha Benedict. I saw warriors searching the area for Ryder. Alpha Benedict had ved to a walking pace, but then I spotted Ryder''s wolf. He stood his ground, fury flickering in his eyes. "Ryder," I reached out through our mind link, my heart filled with anxiety and hope. "Why are you in pain?" Ryder asked with tightly controlled anger. "I gave up my ties and joined the pack. My head is full of voices now. You need to calm down." I glimpsed my wolf walking ahead of Alpha Benedict, approaching Ryder''s wolf. He was angry, but he knew she was his mate, making her the only one who could get close to him. Watching them, I felt a strangefort, even as the pain continued to assault me. "What did you do?" His wolf stared into my wolf''s eyes. I couldn''t read his expression well, but I felt his emotional turmoil. "How are you even awake?" he asked, surprise and concern evident in his voice. "You needed me," I said, still fighting against the pain that threatened to overwhelm me. "You didn''t have to do that." His tone softened, and I heard the guilt in it. "Ryder, you jumped out a window. I couldn''t contact anyone. I couldn''t mind link with anyone. You were blocking me until now. I had to get Ama to contact your father because he wasn''t in his office." I exined, my voice weak from the pain, but I needed him to understand. "You did this because of me?" His voice was filled with disbelief and deep remorse. "Please calm down and let everyone leave." I couldn''t take it anymore; I just wanted to shift back and pass out. ck dots danced in my vision as the world began to spin. Ryder''s wolf let out a loud howl, his demeanor changing. Secondster, I glimpsed human Ryder. "I''m fine now. You can all leave." He walked toward my wolf, who hadid down and started whimpering. "Is she okay?" I heard William ask. "She gave up her ties and is officially pack now. She needs to pass out, but refused to let go until I calmed down. Everyone needs to leave so she can shift back." Ryder exined, his voice tight with worry and gratitude. "You heard him, Luna needs some privacy." I could only hear their footsteps as they departed, Ryder barely containing his fury as he spoke. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 191 Xena''s POV "You can shift back now. I brought you clothes," Ryder said. His voice was like a lifeline pulling me back. Una retreated into the depths of my mind, sparing me from the agony we''d been enduring. When dry earth tickled my nose and made me sneeze, I knew I was human again. God, the pain was unbearable, like my skin was being peeled awayyer byyer. "It hurts," I whimpered as Ryder slipped a shirt over my head. I felt shorts being pulled up my legs, and every brush of fabric against my hypersensitive skin felt like-tiny des slicing through me. My nerves were raw, exposed, screaming with each touch. "I''m sorry. I can''t believe you did this without me present. You knew it would be painful. It makes me angry that you went through this because of me." His voice was thick with guilt and self-reproach his green eyes darkened with concern. "Your father sprung it on me. Can I sleep now?¡± I managed to say. ck spots were dancing across my vision, expanding like ink in water Exhaustion crashed over me in waves, and I felt myself sinking, consciousness being swallowed by darkness. "Yes, sleep, my love. I''ll take care of you." I heard him whisper against my ear, felt the gentle press of his lips against my forehead, and then nothing but ckness. Ryder''s POV I sat beside Xena, watching her chest rise and fall with each shallow breath. Fury coursed through my veins, hot and potent, allowing my wolf instincts to take over until my wolf saw his mate. Only then did he begin to calm. When he realized she was in pain, his anger morphed into guilt. I hadn''t realized until now how many times her inability to mind-link with anyone had been a disadvantage, but my father making her do this without me present made my blood boil. William had left me his phone before he took off. I needed to call Logan, tell him what had happened. I hated adding to his burden, but he was our best ally right now. Finding Logan''s number, I hit call. The phone rang only twice before he answered. "William?" "No, it''s me," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Ryder? What''s going on? Where''s your phone?" Logan immediately sounded on alert. "My phone is probably smashed somewhere. I honestly don''t know. Listen, I don''t have good news "Is Xena okay?" Logan''s tone grew tense. "Yes, she''s fine." Standing up, I began pacing back and forth, unable to stay still. "What is it?" Logan ressed. "We finally cracked that phone..." I paused, the weight of what we''d discovered sitting heavy on my chest. ...and?" Logan prompted after a moment of silence. Chapter 191. ¡°It''s bad. The phone had connections to the same building in the city but worse, there were photos taken from my territory days ago." "What?" Logan shouted, and I had to pull the phone away from my car. "Xena thinks, based on the angles, that the photos were taken from distance at a height. She believes drones were flying overhead taking video, then screenshots were sent to the phone." "Why would these photos be sent to the phone?" Logan asked, his voice charged with anger. "Probably so the Rogues could identify her," I admitted, the words tasting like defeat on my tongue. Saying it aloud filled me with self-loathing. As her protector, I should have anticipated these dangers, should have been more vignt. But I failed, and now she was in danger, and it was all my fallt. "Is there a n for this situation?" Logan asked. "We don''t have one yet. I lost control and just now calmed down," I admitted. "Is that why she gave up her link?" "Yes. More than once, her inability to mind-link with anyone here for help or otherwise has been an issue." "I''m guessing she''s passed out now?" "Yes." "How the fuck do we stop a goddamn drone?" Logan''s frustration mirrored my own. "Don''t know. Xena thinks they''d have to be within a mile or two to control it. Send scouts out, they can find anyone. Once found, I shoot it down." Our options were so limited, like we were backed into a corner. The drone could monitor our every move from the sky while we could only react, and that helplessness filled me with rage. "She won''t stay indoors forever. We''ve already shut down her shop. We can''t open the bar either before this is all over," Logan muttered, thinking out loud. "It''s gettingte. This is going to be a long week," I sighed, looking over at Xena''s sleeping form. A buzzing sound caught my attention. Looking up, I saw a small bee flying around above my head, then suddenly it exploded right in front of my face. "What the hell?" Smoke entered my nostrils, stinging and acrid. That''s not a regr bee, it''s some kind of device! My brain screamed danger, but it was toote-the poison smoke had already entered my system. I immediately fumbled in my clothing for a small ck device and swallowed it. Ryder? Logan''s voice sounded distant now. "Shit, Logan, help- The world began to spin, and then everything went ck. Chapter 192 Xena''s POV "Wake up." The cold voice sliced through my unconsciousness. Ice-cold water sshed across my face, forcing me to focus. My stomach churned, threatening to expel every ounce of food I''d consumed. Sharp pain radiated from my shoulders and ankles. God, what the hell happened? My brain felt like it had been shattered, my vision blurry and unfocused. "Ryder?" I groaned, my mouth flooding with saliva. "Oh no, I''m much better than him." A voice I had hoped never to hear again invaded my ears. Fear seeped into my bone marrow like ice water, my body instantly tensing as I forced my eyes open. Everything around me spun, making me surrender to the nausea. I turned to the side and emptied my stomach. "Yes, that''s likely to happen. Side effect, I''m afraid," the voice continued casually. 33 "Side effect... of what?" I asked between dry heaves. "Oh, well, if I told you that, I''d have to kill you." Tatumughed. Hisughter, though not boisterous, was enough to send chills down my spine. I focused on breathing, trying to steady it, then slowly opened my eyes again. My head was heavy, swaying from side to side. I could feel that I was sitting. Something bound my wrists and ankles together, but I was still clothed. At least they haven''t stripped me yet, though the thought brought littlefort. My heart raced, feeling like it might burst from my chest. I sensed him suddenly move in front of me, firmly grabbing my chin lifting my face, then pressing his lips against mine. Despite my resistance, he tried forcing his tongue into my mouth. His breath was sickening, waves of nausea rising in my throat. When his tongue touched mine, I bit down hard. Thank god he released me immediately, but searing pain exploded across my face. I felt blood dripping from my mouth and above my eye. "You stupid bitch!" Tatum shouted. My vision began clearing. I saw him holding his mouth. His eyes burned with rag he stared at me. desire as "I''m going to enjoy fucking that attitude out of you. I''ll make you submit. He reached for my clothes again, and just as the fabric was about to tear, a deep voice cut through the room. "Tatum!" Tatum froze instantly, but his eyes never left 1. me. The voice was mature, authoritative, carrying the power that only an Alpha possessed. My heart sank as I realized things were far worse than I''d imagined. "I apologize for my on. He can be impatient at times," Alpha Wiley emerged from the shadows. His presence chilled the entire room. I knew who this man was-a cruel, ruthless leader whose brutality was legendary in our pack. He was an older version of Tatum, but with much less hair. Fear gripped me, but I masked it as best I could. At times?" I said while spitting out a glob of blood. 1 bake your spirit, Alpha Wiley stepped further into the light. "What do you want from me?" asked. 1, personally, don''t want anything. My son wants you to reject Ryder and-" I''d rather die than do that." I cut him off before he could finish. An evil smile spread across Alpha Wiley''s face. "Young one, don''t be too hasty. We shall see." With that, he patted Tatum''s chest, and they both walked out. The metal door mmed shut, and I heard locks engaging. "Damn it," I whispered to myself. Looking around, I began piecing together where I was. A massive fan moved slowly above me. A bit of light shone from it; otherwise, I was in a huge room. Like a store that had been vacant for years. No shelves, but pirs around. Everything was covered in thick dust. The windows were too filthy to see outside. Just me, this chair, and a damn drain beneath me. Chains hung from the ceiling, and I refused to think about them. Either way, I knew I wouldn''t be leaving here unscathed. I wasn''t sure how much time had passed. Darkness had engulfed the windows, and eventually, massive rats began peering from behind the walls. My stomach still felt extremely unsettled, I needed to pee, and it was bing increasingly difficult to hold my head up. The chair wasn''t fixed to the floor, but I knew if I tipped it over, the rats would have easier ess to me. With my ankles bound to the chair, there was no way I could stand up and walk out. My mind raced through possible escape scenarios, each one more desperate than thest. Images of Ryder shed through my thoughts. Had he noticed I was missing yet? Did anyone know where to look for me? The darkness seemed to grow thicker, more oppressive with each passing minute. Somewhere in the distance, water dripped steadily, each drop echoing through the emptiness. My muscles screamed from being held in one position for so long, and the ropes bit into my skin with every small movement. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 193 Xena''s POV I tried pushing the chair across the floor, but the back legs caught in a drain. If I tried again, I''d probably fall over. I attempted to reach anyone through the mind link, but no response came. I called or Una, but she was gone too. Whatever drug they''d given me definitely contained wolfsbane. My heart seized with agony, like thousands of tiny knives stabbing inside me. Damn, whoever invented or discovered that poison deserved a special ce in hell. My limbs no longer felt like my own; every tiny movement was like trying to move a mountain. Eventually, exhaustion won, and I cked out again. The sound of the metal door jerked me from sleep. The hardest thing I''ve ever done was lifting my head at that moment. The pure burning pain that came from lifting my head from apletely reclined position was excruciating. My neck muscles screamed in protest, the agony traveling down my spine like someone had lit my nerves on fire. I wanted to scream, but my throat was too dry to even force out a groan. I managed to crack my eyes open as a little girl walked in, followed by a warrior- looking guy with a gun. "I-I brought you food, and I''ll let you use the bathroom. If you run, he''ll shoot you and me," she said, trembling as she approached. She looked about twelve, but her body-at least what I could see of it was covered in bruises. She wore what looked like a bup sack for clothing. There was fear in her eyes, but also numbness, that hollow look only people who''ve seen too much suffering have. When she unlocked the chains holding me, I didn''t respond. As soon as my arms and ankles were free, I crashed to the floor. "Oh, shit..." I groaned. "The bathroom''s this way," she said, walking ahead. My first attempt to stand, I fell to my knees. My arms couldn''t support me, and I facented into the dirt floor. The smell of soil filled my nostrils, and I could taste the dusty earth mixed with blood in my mouth. Humiliation and helplessness spread through me like poison. I''d been weakened to the point where I couldn''t even stand. The second time, I managed to get my feet under me, but it wasn''t until the girl came back to help me up that I could hobble to the bathroom. The bathroom had no door, but at this point, I didn''t care. The toilet looked like it hadn''t been cleaned in years, with cobwebs spanning across it and rat droppings on the seat. Hovering as best I could, I finally relieved myself. The relief felt so good, but my legs protested the whole time. "Hurry up!" the guard shouted when I was mid-stream. My dder contracted in fear, almost stopping, but biological necessity wouldn''t be interrupted. Anger and fear twisted inside me, but I was powerless against this humiliation. I couldn''t stop midway, so I continued. However, when I was pulling up my shorts, he walked in. "I''m done," I snapped at him. "Stupid bitch!" He pped me hard, my head hitting the wall. Falling to the ground, it was difficult not to pass out. But when I looked up and saw his fist flying toward my face, there was no resisting unconsciousness now. "What the fuck happened to her?" I heard someone say as my senses began to return. There were several mumbles, but I could only focus on the pain in my head. The voices sounded so distant. The world seemed to exist behind thick ss, sounds muffled, light each piece reflecting a different pain. inging my eyes. My thoughts were like a shattered mirror, Someone put their hand on my shoulder, shaking me. "Wake up." Alpha Wiley''s voice brought me back. I could only open one eye, but what I saw surprised me. I was back in the chair. How they''d managed that, I didn''t know, but the girl had a fresh bruise on her jaw and was trembling in front of me. The guard who''d hit me stood nearby with blood running from his nose. "Who touched you?" Alpha Wiley asked me. "That fucking bastard," I said, looking at the guard. I''m not sure what I expected, but I watched as Tatum immediately raised his gun to the man''s temple and fired. After the deafening shot, the guard''s head exploded, blood and tissue sttering against the wall and floor. His body dropped like a puppet with cut strings, instantly lifeless before me. The little girl tried not to scream but let out a choked whimper through tightly closed lips. Her face drained of all color. Tatum''s face twisted into a sick smile, his eyes cold yet satisfied, as if he''d justpleted some trivial chore. The sudden image made me feel sick rising in my throat. "What the fucking is that?" I screamed, my voice hoarse and shaking. "What do we do now?" Tatum asked, ignoring mepletely. "Same as nned," Alpha Wiley answered, setting something up. "With her face like that?" "It doesn''t matter," Alpha Wiley waved dismissively. Whatever they had nned, my bruised face clearly wasn''t part of it. Chapter Comments Chapter 194 Xena''s POV "This isn''t going to go well. She doesn''t have her wolf so it won''t he very quickly," "Fine. We can give her that liquid and do this tomorrow." Alpha Wiley''s sigh carried frustration and something darker. I couldn''t feel Una''s presence anywhere within me. The emptiness where my wolf should be sent pure terror racing through my veins. What liquid? What were they nning to do to me? "Did you bring it?" Alpha Wiley demanded. "Uh, no," Tatum admitted.. "Then go fucking get it!" Alpha Wiley roared. Tatum stormed out, his face twisted with resentment. Secondster, an engine roared to life, and the sound gradually faded as he drove way. Alpha Wiley turned to me, a sinister smile spreading across his face. You''re lucky I still have some humanity left. I need you looking somewhat human in this video." "Why?" I locked eyes with him, pushing I as much venom into my gaze as I could muster. "They''ll pay good money for you, but unfortunately, you''ll never go home again. I''ve prepared keep my sonpany." perfect room for you, so you can His words pierced my heart like a knife. I didn''t even have time to process what he''d said before my stomach heaved, expelling what little acid remained. The mere thought of him touching me was beyond anything I could bear. Fear coursed through me like poison. I tried to control myself, but every muscle betrayed me, exposing my vulnerability in the face of terror. I had no idea how long I sat there, trembling, before the sound of an approaching engine sent fresh panic surging through me. Just Tatum''s proximity made me sick. The girl in the corner kept her head down while Alpha Wiley continued busying himself with whatever task upied him. "Got it," Tatum announced as he strode in. "Wonderful," Alpha Wiley replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice. Tatum walked over to the girl and kicked her. "Give this to her." She immediately stood up and took whatever he handed her. "What is it?" I asked, eyeing the cup suspiciously. "It''s a healing tea. It''ll help your eyes look less fucked up." Tatum crossed his arms, an evil smile ying across his lips as he watched me. "And if I don''t drink it?" I challenged, though I already knew the answer. "Then I kill her." With casual indifference, Tatum pulled out a gun and pressed it against the girl''s temple. His smile intensified, as if he was enjoying my defiance. Her eyes met mine, pleading silently. An innocent life in danger because of me. I knew I couldn''t let that happen. This helplesspromise tore at my soul. "Fine," I spat through clenched teeth. Tatum''sughter filled the room, suffocating me. I was a bird in a cage, ready to be crushed at any moment. The girl visibly rxed as she brought the cup to my lips and slowly poured. The tea was cold, sliding down my throat with a bitter taste. Having gone so long without drinking anything, I ended up choking slightly. "I''ve changed my mind. We''ll film now." Alpha, Wiley stood up, "Then why did I have to go get that?" Tatum looked furious. "Shut up." Alpha Wiley red at his son and pushed him aside. Turning to me, he crossed his arms. "Now listen. We''re going to film video. I have a script for you to follow. If you don''tply, I''ll shoot her in the foot." He pointed at the girl. "Then, I''ll start recording again and try once more. Every time you fail to say exactly what I want, she gets shot." My heart raced. These two were absolute monsters, worse than animals. I silently cursed them. "What do you want me to say?" "You''ll say... hmm..." Alpha Wiley stared at me, frowning. In this absurd moment, he actually seemed at a loss for words, unsure what to make me say. What an idiot. "Yeah? What exactly should she say?" Tatum asked sarcastically after a moment of silence. "You were supposed to say you left voluntarily, but since you can only see out of one eye, we need to change tactics." Alpha Wiley ignored his son and sighed. "If I''m not going to be released, does it really matter what I say?" The tea was making my stomach churn ufortably. I felt like I might vomit again at any moment. "I suppose not." Alpha Wiley said. "On second thought, maybe filming isn''t a good idea. We''ll just keep you here until you break, then we can take you back to my pack where you''ll start your new life." "I won''tst that long," I answered bluntly. If what he said was true, death seemed like a mercypared to the fate they had nned for me. "We''ll see about that." Alpha Wiley smiled wickedly. "Everyone has a breaking point." Chapter 195 Xena''s POV I''m not sure how long it had been. After Alpha Wiley and Tatum left the room, I hadn''t seen them again. Darkness had fallen twice, the sun rising once more, but I was so disoriented I could barely tell if I was awake or sleeping. My brain felt submerged in a thick fog, time warping around me. Th helplessness crushed me more than the physical pain, leaving me uncertain if I was even alive or trapped in some endless nightmare. Faster than I''d expected, my vision finally cleared. Just in time to see lightning illuminate the darkened room. Thunder rolled, bringing with it the scent of rain. "Good evening, beautiful." Tatum''s voice scared me half to death. My heart instantly contracted, my throat going dry as fear spread like ice water down my spine. I knew he''de back, but each time heard his voice, that sense of powerlessness drowned me again. I hadn''t heard any vehicles approaching. The storm must have masked the sound. "What do you want?" I tried to focus enough to ask. My heart started racing as he moved closer. "I''ve got a surprise for you." Tatum smiled, straddling the chair I was tied to. His hands roughly grabbed my breasts, squeezing them without restraint, then gripped my jaw, forcing me to look at him. "Get off!" I tried to shout, but it came out muffled. Heughed darkly before pressing his lips forcefully against mine. This time, he didn''t push his tongue inside. His weight pressed against me, each touch burning my skin like fire. wanted to scream, to fight back, but my bound body could do nothing but struggle weakly. I felt myself breaking, being stripped away piece by piece. "Fuck, I''m going to enjoy fucking you." He climbed off me while tears filled my eyes. My entire body trembled with fear. The door opened again as three warriors dragged in an unconscious man. The only light came from antern Tatum had ced in front of me. Only when they tied the man to a chair and pushed him in front of me did I recognize who it was. "NO!" I whispered shakily. The tightly wound cord inside me finally shapped. Ryder sat before me, covered in blood. My heart seemed to stop beating. Ryder... my Ryder... seeing him like this, a part of me died. Anger and despair twisted together, nearly suffocating me. "Oh yes." Tatum grinned triumphantly. "My guards found him and brought him to me." "Your guards? Found him and brought him to you?" I questioned. No matter how hard I tried, I still couldn''t establish a mind link with Ryder. "Yes, my sweet, sexy girl. I''m the better man." Tatum reached out to stroke my face. I immediately turned my head away in disgust. "Ryder?" I tried to wake him. His head hung forward, but he remained motionless. "He''ll probably be out for a while. Until then, we''ll be right back." Tatumughed as he left with the guards. Again, I heard no engine sounds, but after an hour, no one had returned, and Ryder hadn''t moved. "Ryder, please wake up." I sobbed. He didn''t answer. About another hour passed before he finally began to groan. That hour felt like eternity. Each second stretched my nerves taut, my eyes constantly moving between the door and Ryder, terrified Tatum might return at any moment while desperately praying Ryder would wake. Loneliness and helplessness wrapped around me like a nket, almost suffocating me. "Ryder!" I cried again. He lifted his face and smiled. "Fuck, it worked," he chuckled softly. "What worked?" I asked, my thoughts a jumbled mess, unable to understand what he meant. 4 ¡°I guessed Tatum had taken you, and that he''d want you to reject me For you to reject me, you''d have to see me. I knew if I got captured, he''d bring me to you." "How does that help rescue me?" I asked, trembling with disbelief as hope filled me. "I swallowed a tracker before I left." wily disbelief "So help ising?" I asked shakily, filled with a thread of hope. "Yes, my love. Help is on the way. Are you okay?" Ryder smiled with a nod. "No." I couldn''t stop the tears streaming down my face. In that moment, all my strength crumbled. With him, I didn''t need to pretend to be fearless, didn''t need to hide my terror and pain. Tears flowed like floodgates opening, washing away some of the weight pressing on my chest. "Isn''t this nice? Two lovers reunited." Tatum''s cold voice sent fear racing down my spine. "Stay strong," Ryder whispered to me. His words anchored me to reality. Even now, he was giving me strength. "Isn''t she lovely?" Tatum strolled casually behind me. "Stay away from her," Ryder growled. His arm wrapped around my throat, my heartbeat elerating wildly as every hair on my body stood on end. Suddenly his hand tightened around my neck, air instantly vanishing as I felt my neck about to snap. Ryder roared furiously, "Fucking get away from her!" Tied to the chair, his face reddened, veins bulging across his muscles as he strained against the ropes. "This beautiful face?" Tatum released my throat, then squeezed my cheeks. "Maybe I should..." his hand slid un my shirt. His fingers were like venomous snakes, each touch making my skin crawl. Fear and disgust churned inside me, but amid the chaos, pure rage was burning too. My heart began pounding wildly. I did the only thing I could think of-lowering my head, then throwing it back with all my strength. My skull connected with his nose. "You fucking bitch!" Tatum rose, circled around, and backhanded me hard. Pain exploded across my cheek, only fueling my anger further. "Don''t fucking touch her!" Ryder shouted. Tatumughed dismissively, then turned smoothly and punched Ryder in the stomach. This caused him to immediately vomit. A Chapter 195. ck object with a red light tambled out amid the mess. "What''s this?" Tatum bent to pick it up, examined it, then his expression changed to sudden realization. I''d say you have about thirty seconds before this ce is swarming with my people," Ryder spat on the ground, smiling. Chapter Comments Chapter 196 Xena''s POV Tatum rushed to the window, then turned back to me. "This isn''t over. I''ll be waiting for you. Just when you think you''re safe, I''ll catch you." His threat came out as a whisper before he bolted out of the building. Ryder had been right. Barely fifteen secondster, shbangs exploded, blinding white light forcing my eyes shut. I heard countless footsteps, doors being kicked in. I could sense people flooding in from different directions. After a moment, I managed to squint through the brightness. Men in tactical gear surrounded us. The officer in front removed his mask, revealing William''s face, Every pore in my body trembled. Finally, we were saved! I exhaled deeply, tears already forming in the corners of my eyes. William and another pack member quickly cut through the chains binding Ryder and me. "Ryder, her shoulder''s dislocated," William said, trying to keep his voice low. "Damn it," Ryder cursed. "I''m sorry, this is going to hurt." "Let''s do both at once," I said. "What?" Ryder asked. "Reset both sides simultaneously." "Luna... you-" William began. "Just do it, William." My eyes locked with his. He frowned but nodded. Kneeling down, he positioned himself. "I need to touch you to do this." I nodded, and Ryder and William ced their hands on my shoulders and arms. "One, two-CRACK!" "Fuck!" I shouted as feeling rushed back into my arms. They gently pulled my arms back into ce, then Ryder secured them against my body with bandages. "Anything else dislocated?" Ryder asked. "No," I answered, feeling dizzy. "Don''t fight it. Just pass out," William told me. "Not until I''m home." "Xena, you need-" "No! Don''t you understand? Last time I passed out, I woke up here. No, I''m not sleeping until I feel safe." Ryder tried to stand but winced and sat back down. "Damn it." He ced his hand on his side. "Broken ribs. Gritting his teeth, he stood up and grabbed my shoulders, helping me to my feet. Chapter 196. "Where''s Logan?" I asked. "Watching over the pack," William said beside me. "How did you get him to stay behind?" "It wasn''t easy." When we walked outside, cold rain hit my face. Wind tousled my half but seeing our vehicles and the personnel around was the most beautiful sight I''d ever witnessed. My body shook with emotion "What day is it?" I asked as William opened the car door "Thursday." Ryder helped me into the car, then slid in beside me. Someone was already in the driver''s seat, with William taking the passenger spot. "All set?" Ryder asked. "Ready to move," William answered. "Ready for what?" I asked. ¡°That building where you were held is the ce from the phone trace. Obviously, it''s not a business anymore, so we''re leveling it. We''ve also moved up another n. Once you''re back home, we''re proceeding with the garage project, not waiting until Saturday," Ryder exined as the car sped away. The initial excitement of being rescued had slowly given way to exhaustion. I didn''t have the energy to ask further questions, just numbly epting the new information. We got on the highway, heading home. I could tell Ryder was ufortable, but he didn''t remove his hand from me. I was grateful but worried I might hurt him. "Can I lie down?" I asked. My stomach felt awful. Ryder nodded, helping me lie down. My head rested on his thigh, my legs propped up. He put his arm back around me, securing my waist tightly against him. "Xena, I''m sorry, but you need to tell us what happened," William said from the front. The driver shifted ufortably in his seat. "William," Ryder said in a warning tone. "I''m sorry, Ryder, but you know as well as I do that her memory wont be as good as it is now." I took a deep breath, fingers curling against Ryder''s leg. The thought of recounting what had happened sent chills down my spine, but they were right-the details were already starting to blur around the edges, folding in on themselves as my mind tried to protect 1. me. Chapter 197 Xena''s POV "I''m fine," I tried to sit up, but my body refused to cooperate. Ryder Had to help me, gently shifting me to the middle seat. He wrapped his arms around me, burying his face in the crook of my neck for a moment before leaning back. I could feel the fear and rage in his breath-he had been terrified of losing me, and I couldn''offer enoughfort to ease that. "Whenever you''re ready," William said, pressing the record button on the device. He ced the recorder on the console, and I stared at it nkly, my mind reying fragments of the nightmare I''d just scaped. "I woke up strapped to that chair. Basically, Alpha Wiley and Tatum idnapped me. Tatum..." I closed my eyes, struggling to keep my voice steady as I recounted my experience. Just saying his name made my stomach churn, those predatory eyes still crawling over every inch of my skin in my memory. "Anyway, I got pped before they left. I''m not sure how much time passed, then some guard or warrior came in with a young girl. She couldn''t have been more than a teenager, wearing clothes that looked like a sack. She helped me use the bathroom, but I took too long, and the guard came in and beat me." Ryder''s fists clenched, his expression hardening. I could feel his wolf howling inside him, hungry for revenge on my behalf. "Later, I woke up with Alpha Wiley and Tatum there, along with the girl and the guard. When they found out what happened, Tatum shot the guard in the head." "Good," Ryder muttered. There was a bloodthirsty satisfaction in his voice that should have disturbed me but somehow didn''t. Alpha Wiley set up what I think was a camera. He wanted me to record a video. He said if I didn''t do it right or deliberately messed up, he''d start shooting the girl from her feet up until I got it right. But because my face was swollen, they abandoned that n." My voice was eerily calm, as if I were telling a story that happened to someone else, not the horror I had just lived through. "What was the video for?" William asked softly, his voice careful, as though afraid too many questions might break me. "He wanted me to record saying I was leaving Ryder, that Ryder shouldn''te looking for me. Tatum wanted to wait, give me something to drink to help me recover. When he left to get drinks, Alpha Wiley said they had a secret room for me to live in, to be Tatum''s sex toy. He-he said I''d never get out, that this would be my life." I noticed the driver''s knuckles turning white on the steering wheel. My blood ran cold. "I''m sorry, but we need to know..." William closed his eyes, then opened them again, looking at me with sympathy and professional restraint. "Did he... did he touch you?" "Only above the waist." I nced quickly at Ryder, my voice louder than I intended. Ryder motioned for William to pause. He leaned closer to me. "I''m sorry I wasn''t strong enough to stop him." "You have nothing to apologize for. He''ll pay for it," I managed a weak smile. Ryder kissed my forehead, then looked at William, who pressed y again. "Anything else?" William asked. "I don''t think so. My face ruined their ns, so I don''t know what would have happened next." William nodded and turned off the recorder again. I exkrated with relief, the hardest part finally over. "I''m sorry, Xena," William said to me. What happened?" I asked. "How did I get kidnapped from the middle of our territory?" "After you copsed, I called Logan to tell him what happened. Some bee-like thing flew in front of me and exploded. I swallowed a tracker before I passed out," Red¨¨r exined. "He was on the phone with Log when it happened, so after, Logan called the office, and we immediately went to find him. We discovered both you and Ryder were missing. We started searching right away," William exined. "Why wasn''t I locked up with you from the beginning?" I looked at Ryder. "They took me to an empty field first. He used me as a punching bag but it seemed like he didn''t want to make too big of a scene. He didn''t drug me, so I could still feel my wolf, wasn''t that weak. After that, he brought me to where you were, wanting you to reject me. Ryder smiled at me. My mind filled with bloody images, remembering Tatum shooting the guard, feeling a wave of fear wash over me. I immediately hugged Ryder tighter. "But how did they do it?" I asked softly. How had they so easily taken me from what should have been the safest ce? Was there a traitor among us? Or was their technology more advanced than we thought? Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 198 Xena''s POV "Helen," Ryder growled. "What? How is that possible?" My voice trembled, fear coiling around my chest like a snake. Ryder''s jaw clenched as he exined, "Remember when she said she wasing to see me at three? After I texted her back, she went silent. After you disappeared, we immediately thought of her. When we got to her ce, the idiot was still listening to music. There''s an underground tunnel we built as an escape route. She let Totum in through that tunnel to kidnap you." "What the hell?" I struggled to process what I was hearing. I''d severely underestimated Helen''s hatred for me. The realization made my skin crawl. "Obviously, those tunnels have been permanently sealed now, and Helen''s been locked up," William added from the front seat. I nodded slowly, my mind racing. "I still don''t get why? He would have vited me regardless if we were mates or not." William answered when Ryder remained silent, his voice clinical and detached. "If you were mates, your body would have responded to him, even if your mind didn''t want it." A chill ran up my spine. What a bastard. "Damn it," William muttered under his breath. "What is it?" I asked nervously, unsure if I could handle any more bad news right now. "It''s Ama calling again." "Just answer it," I said. William picked up. "Ama, baby girl. You-* "Did you find Xena?" she interrupted, her voice frantic even through the phone''s speaker. He looked at me, and I nodded. He handed me the phone. "Hey, girl. I''m safe," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Oh my God, I''m so fucking happy to hear your voice." Ama was crying. I could feel her tears as if they were falling on my own heart-warm and bittersweet. "I''m really okay. You need to get some sleep. You cane see me tomorrow, alright?" I fought to keep my voice level, not wanting to worry her more. "Okay. Logan''s here." "Xena." The relief in his voice was palpable. "Logan." We didn''t say anything else, letting the silence speak for us. That connection that needed no words. "I''ll see you soon," he finally said. "Okay, Bye." I handed the phone back to William, who ended the call "Seriously! You and Logan are so weird," William said, shaking his head. "No, we''re not. He''s just d I''m safe," I replied, though I knew there was more to that silence, a connection that didn''t need exnation. Ryder helped me lie down across the back seat. "I''m never getting us to this," William grumbled, which made me smile slightly despite everything. I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, the SUV door was opening. Someone lifted me out and ced me on what felt like a stretcher. I was wheeled for several minutes, aware of changing lights as we passed through different rooms before finally stopping in a quiet space. I was transferred to a table-an examination table, I realized. My eyes refused to open fully, but I became aware of the bright lights and hands touching mine. Fear surged through me like a tidal wave, choking me. All I could imagine was Tatum trying to touch me again. "No!" I screamed, forcing myself, awake. "Everyone stop!" I heard Rydermand. All hands immediately left my body. "She was just kidnapped, and..." his voice trailed off. "Don''t just touch her like that." "Ryder, I whimpered, reaching out blindly. "Talk to me." The harsh lights made it impossible to open my eyes, my hands searching frantically for something familiar. A secondter, the lights dimmed, and I could finally open my eyes. Ryder stood beside me, with people in surgical gowns surrounding us. Then my gazended on Logan. "Shh, it''s okay. These are doctors. They need to look at your shoulder and ankle. Are you hurt anywhere else?" Logan asked gently. "N-no," I whispered, uncertainty and fear mingling in my voice. "We''ll step out while they-" Logan began. "No!" I cried out, my eyes darting frantically between him and Ryder. Panic seized me again; I couldn''t bear the thought of being left alone. "Please stay with me?" "We''re not going anywhere," Ryder leaned down to kiss my forehead. That small gesture helped me rx slightly. "No men," I said, looking at the doctors. They didn''t even argue, all of them turning to leave except for Logan and Ryder. Only women remained. "Can they examine you now?" Ryder asked softly. I just nodded, still trembling inside from the fear that had gripped me moments ago. Logan stood by the door, his expression crumbling like he might cry while Ryder took a step back, his eyes never leaving me for a second. Two women approached from either side, preparing to examine me. Chapter 199 Xena''s POV They helped me into a sitting position, their movements careful as they began to undress me. Fear shot through my body like an electric current, but I knew this was necessary. "We need to cut your shirt open," the nurse on my left said, showing me the scissors. My heart raced faster. After a moment''s hesitation, I nodded slowly. They moved behind me, cutting from my back up to my neck, then along each arm. But they didn''t remove the shirtpletely. After pressing along my back and sides, they let the fabric continue cover my chest, tying it at the back so I wouldn''t be exposed. abric The gratitude I felt nearly made me cry. Not because I was worried about Logan seeing my chest, but because I already felt vulnerable enough. Every second, I felt exposed to others'' gazes, stripped of all defenses-not just physical clothing but my mental shields as well. "We''ll now examine your shoulders, neck, and face," the nurse on my right said as they began to touch and check. I could feel the sting with each press, but I clenched my teeth, refusing to let out a groan. "We need to take X-rays of both shoulders and her face," the right nurse told Ryder. He nodded. The left nurse walked to the cab to retrieve a machine. I swallowed nervously, unsure what would happen next. My vision blurred momentarily as fear washed over me like waves, rising and receding. Ryder sensed my anxiety and sent calming emotions through our mind link. The gesture provided a smallfort in this storm of pain and vulnerability. "Luna Xena, we need you to lie t. Is that okay?" one nurse asked. I nodded and slowly shifted to lie back on the bed. They lowered my position and moved the machine above me. I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest. "This is the X-ray machine. There will be a light and a small buzzing sound, then we''ll havepleted one image. They all stepped back, and the machine activated just as she''d described. With Ryder feeding more calm and rxation into my mind, my panic began to recede slightly. After taking one image, they moved the machine to my other shoulder, then positioned it above my face. They gently adjusted the angle of my head, and I closed my eyes as the light shed for a third time. "Her shoulders aren''t fractured, but her jawbone is. It''s already beginning to heal in the correct position, so we don''t need to worry about that. But your shoulders need proper realignment. I know you''ve had this done once, but they haven''t fully returned to the correct position," the nurse exined to both Ryder and me. "Can you give her anesthesia first?" Logan asked. "No. No anesthesia. I need to feel the pain right now." My voice sounded strange even to my own ears. "Are you sure?" Ryder moved in front of me, looking directly into my eyes. I could see the concern and care in his gaze. "Yes, I''m sure.¡± He nodded and climbed onto the bed. Ryder straddled me while the nurses positioned themselves on either side, each taking hold of one arm. "We''ll count to three, one nurse said. "No. Just do it. I closed my eyes. I didn''t want to wait, didn''t want to anticipate the pain. Let ite-one moment of agony was better than prolonged suffering. Each nurse took an arm, bent 1, and then pulled sharply. Pain shot through my entire body like lightning. "OIT FUCK! I couldn''t hold back the cry that escaped my lips. "This should feel better now." Tey ced my arms across my abdomen and began wrapping my shoulders with skin bandages. They had to remove my shirtpletely to bind my arms against my body "It does feel better," I exhaled, feeling the pain subside a little. "Can I give you something for the pain?" a nurse asked. "Yes," I answered weakly, still keeping my eyes, closed. I didn''t have the energy to open them, preferring to sense my surroundings through my other senses-it seemed less exhausting. I felt her walk away. Ryder''s hand rested on my leg. Despite the overwhelming pain, his touch always provided a small measure offort. "This will sting a little," they always said it would sting, but it felt more like being stung by a bee on steroids. After about fifteen minutes, though, the pain began to fade. I could feel the medication flowing through my veins, taking away the sharp edges and leaving behind a hazy feeling. "You can take her home now. Keep her on bed rest tomorrow. She should be able to shift back to wolf form by then, and her injuries should heal quickly after that," the other nurse said. I could hear the sound of her removing her gloves. "Of course. Call us if you need anything," they said before leaving the room. I felt Ryder climb off the bed. He slipped his T-shirt over me, keeping me covered, then carefully lifted me into his arms. Drowsiness washed over me. "Go to sleep, sweetheart," he whispered in my ear. I felt the breeze against my cheeks, and then I surrendered to sleep. Ryder''s POV Once she was asleep, I allowed myself to release all the anger I''d been suppressing to help her through this crisis. Seeing her covered in blood and bruises was more than I could bear. The helplessness and rage nearly suffocated me, but for her sake, I had to remain calm. I barely made it back to my room. Ama was waiting for us. As Iid ena down, Ama curled up beside her, keeping herpany. I stared at Xena''s pale face, my rage and protective instincts intertwining. Whoever had done this to her would pay dearly. No one hurt what was mine and walked away unscathed. I clenched my fists so tightly my knuckles turned white. The wolf inside me wed to get out, demanding vengeance for our mate. Chapter Comments Chapter 200 Ryder''s Pov Logan and I made our way to the gym without exchanging a single word. At this moment, only one person could truly match what I needed. I didn''t even have to ask Logan to spar with me he simply filled off his shirt as others formed a circle around us. My face was already bloody, but I needed more pain, needed physical agony to numb the torture in my heart. Images of what Xena had endured kept shing through my mintl. God, I hated myself for my helplessness, for failing to protect her when she needed me most. Logan didn''t hold back, and neither did I. We unleashed all our frustration, all our rage and helplessness through our fists. Besides me, he was the only man who truly loved that woman. His love was different from mine, but equally fierce. Each punch thatnded felt like punishment for my failure. Logan understood my need, giving me the pain I craved-not out of pity, but understanding. In this room, only heprehended the storm raging inside me. I lost track of how long we fought, but in the end, neither of us won. I was covered in more blood than before, but these marks would fade in a day or two. Logan and I hugged it out, then grabbed our shirts. No words were exchanged. Instead, we each retreated to our rooms. William came to collect Ama, and I dragged myself into the shower. The water turned brown as it washed over me, burning my open wounds, but this was only a fraction of what Xena had endured. I couldn''t stop reying the moment she refused anesthesia- something I couldn''tprehend. After everything she''d been through, I thought she''d want the pain gone. The hot water stung my cuts, making me wince yet crave more. Xena why do you choose to feel everything? Is it because pain reminds you that you''re alive? Or is numbness too much like surrender? I wish I could take all your suffering onto myself. I couldn''t imagine how she felt sitting in that room, enduring it all. My fists clenched as I fought the urge to punch the wall. I had failed. I hadn''t protected her, and her worst nightmare had be reality. I slipped into bed as gently as possible. I wasn''t sure if it was the mattress dipping or if she sensed my presence, but she turned, trying to curl into my embrace. With her arms bound to her torso, she couldn''t really put pressure on her shoulders. Seeing her so vulnerable shattered my heart into a million pieces. "Shh, I''m right here," I whispered, resting my head against hers. My arm draped lightly across her stomach, and I felt her body rx as her breathing evened out. I made a silent vow that from this moment on, I would be her unwavering guardian. No matter how long it took, no matter the cost, I would help her emerge from these shadows. I would be her shield, her safe harbor, her everything. Xena''s POV The only reason I''m awake right now is because my shoulders are killing me. I''m not sure if it''s because I can''t move them or because they were dislocated for too long. Ryder is still beside me, and I''m grateful for that. Every tiny movement feels like a thousand needles stabbing into my shoulders, the pain keeping me ufortably alert. Ryder?" I try nudging him with my leg. "Hmm?'' he mumbles. "Can you undo the bandages?" "Undo your- Ryder''s eyes fly open as he looks at me. "Yes, I need to move them." Ryder sits up to help me unwrap the bandages. As he works, more and more bruising bes visible. When he removes the wrappings, I''m bare from the waist up. Bruises circle my shoulders, tending down to my chest and arms, and I''m sure they cover my back as well. They''re angry purple and blue, though some areas ve started yellowing. Seeing the marks on my body feels strangely foreign. These colors don''t belong to me, yet they''re an all-too-real reminder of everything I''ve endured. Theyfe Once fully unwrapped, I can move my arms slightly. Theyfe Incredibly sore and stiff, but being able to adjust their position feels good. Ryder immediately grabs one of his T-shirts. "Here, you can wear this. He carefully helps me put it on, one arm through each sleeve, then pulls it over my head. "How do your shoulders feel?" Chapter Comments 2 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 201 Xena''s POV "Sore and stiff, but not too bad, I sewarad entity, trying to "Good. Lie down and III havee breakfast sand ay for a Poterimstad the gives want me to just on soit my so I could reclinefortably, then positioned on onday akeh wa rang than * * cantor de mife Chest on ente stood up. "You''re not leaving, are you?" I asked pretty, the wineving in mynda vadimitiae mua ta my des depended on anyone like this, and I hated the feeling. A annamed that created ing my eye, *** those terrible memories worlde flooding back. Ryder''s body instantly stiffened. Its turned to look at me, his ayes ring with something the brush Bioche leaving you for a very long time. He headed toward the bathroom. Trying to rx became parder, Not because of the pain, but bacana Govt want to be done, Desjta sy anxiety, every second Ryder was out of my sight made me increasingly unexo "What''s wrong?" Ryder asked, emerging from the bathroom. He wore only shorts, making the brakes on kis body de Some had yellowed, but others were fresh, showing ck and blue. Why do you have bruises like that? Some look old, but some are new I couldn''t tear my eyes away from the watson ¡°I needed to work out some frustrationst night. Logan and I sparted. He''s probably the only one who could keda ma to state." Ryder said it like it was nothing. Hey down on the bed but didn''t touch me. "Will you hold me? I requested. The old me would never have shown such weakness, but right now I needed his warsto, tended to feel safe. Ryder grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, then rolled over. He shifted closer, his arm resting above my head to his hand could y with my hair. He seemed to be getting as close as possible without actually touching me. With both my ass bared, be couldn''t lie on my other side either. I breathed in his scent, so close yet maintaining distance, the thoughtless mating my heart flutter slightly. He flipped through channels before settling on America''s Got Talent About twenty minutester, I couldn''t hold it anymore. Using the bathroom would be difficult, but I couldn''t dy any longer. Using my sore muscles, I sat up as quickly as I could. "Oh, that hurts I groaned. Straighter¨¢ng my elbows wasn''t painted, but ? forsk a moment to let my shoulders rx, keeping them at an angle. As I stood, a knock came at the door. "That''s probably the food," Ryder said, heading toward the door while I made my way to the bathroom. He waited un inside before opening the door. Always so considerate, even in small things. Since I was wearing only underwear, pulling them down to pre was slightly easier. The trickier part was... "Are you okay?" Ryder asked through our mind link. I must have taken longer than expected. "Yeah, just not the easiest thing to do right now. Eanswered white looking at myself in the mirror, trying to move my shoulders, Maybe some exercise would loosen them up. After about five minute, all I''d managed to do was cause myself more pain. 1 gritted my teeth, hating my weakness in this moment. "What are you doing? Ryder opened the door to find me rotating my shoulders. Trying to ease the soreness, but it''s not helping, 1 admitted, the frustration evident in my voice. "Here, let me help you." Ryder Stood behind me. Taking hold of my arms, I let them rx as his fingers pressed into my muscles, the sensation both painful and reliving. I surrendered to his touch as he loosened my arms in ways I couldn''t manage myself "That helps," I said when, Ryder set my arms down. "Good. After we eat, I''ll ice them. Do you want to try a bath?'' he asked, concern filling his eyes. "After we eat," I said, feeling unsteady on my feet and needing to sit down. "Alright. Ryder guided me to the sofa. He had prepared a pic-style meal on the coffee table. There were various fruits and vegetables, along with cold cut sandwiches. "Turkey or roast beef?" "Turkey, thanks." Ryder grabbed the te with turkey and added some fruit while I settledfortably on the sofa. His body suddenly tensed before continuing to put things on the te as if nothing had happened. Chapter Comments Chapter 202 I noticed his reaction, feeling twinge of unease. Whenever he hesitated like that, it usually meant bad news wasing. I took a deep breath, bracing myself. "What is it?" I asked, my voice calmer than I expected. He handed me the te, frowning as he said, "Ama wants to see you Actually, everyone does. Ryder sighed, picking up the roast beef and filling his te with fruit. "What did you tell them?" "Logan''sing up now, but the others will have to wait until after you''ve had a bath and rested. Just as he finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door. Thankfully, Ryder got up to answer it. Logan and Ryder shook hands before Logan walked in and came over to me. "How are you feeling, sit?" Logan sat beside me, keeping just the right distance- close enough without touching me. After everything that had happened, I''d be especially sensitive to touch, and he seemed to instinctively understand this. "Sore. I think eating something and taking a bath will help." Logan reached out and gently pulled down the corner of my shirt to check the bruising. "Impressive," he said, his tone filled with concern and a hint of anger that I knew wasn''t directed at me. "It''ll still look like this for the dance tomorrow," I said, suddenly remembering that my dress for the dance would need reconsideration. Ryder and Logan exchanged a look. That kind of silentmunication immediately put me on alert. "What?" I asked, my heart rate picking up. Those looks never preceded good news. "About the dance... we were thinking maybe we should just skip it," Logan said as I took a bite of food. "Skip the dance?" I asked with food in my mouth, looking at them. The news hit like a stone dropping into still water, creating ripples through my heart. I forced myself to remain calm, not showing too much disappointment. "We''re alsounching our attack tonight. Ryder will stay here with you, but the rest of us will be going. Things are too tense right now for public events like dances." Loganid it all out for me, looking me straight in the eyes. My heart broke a little, not for the dance itself, but for all the preparation work. Penelope and I had spent hours organizing and nning this event. Seeing the final result and everyone having fun was the most rewarding part. But I understood safety had toe first, no matter how disappointed I felt inside. "Fine," I said, suppressing my emotions. Pretending everything was okay, despite the small storm raging within me. "We could have a small dance here?" Logan suggested, seemingly trying to make up for my loss. His suggestion made me seem petty, so I ignored it and tried to change the subject. "Are we still having lunch on Sunday?" Logan frowned but didn''t pursue the previous topic. Yes, we are." What about our tests?" "Moved to Monday," Ryder answered for Logan. I''m sorry. I know this isn''t what you wanted," Logan said, looking atine and cing his hand on my leg. "Nobody wants this. Think about it-1 used to only worry about being stuck with Martha," I shook my head with a bitter smile. "I wish that was still my problem." Neither man said anything, just sat there watching me go through various emotions. I ate mechanically, my thoughts already far away. The Rogues wanted to kidnap me and give me to Tatum.It could hardly believe he wanted me just to fuck me. There had to be another reason. My experience in that building was truly my greatest fear realized. It was a strange feeling. Since my fear had already be reality, I wasn''t as afraid as before, but there was still a part of me that panicked just thinking about it. Alpha Benedict and Luna Kestrel wouldn''t give Ryder the Alpha title until this was all over. They just wanted me to travel, to leave the center of trouble, basically handing everything over to them to handle. So far, we''d done exactly as they asked, and it hadn''t worked. Neither strategy was seeding; something needed to change. "Would you care to share what you''re thinking?" Logan asked, breaking the silence. "Things need to change," I said simply, not looking at either of them "What do you mean?" Ryder asked, his eyes shing with concern and curiosity. "I mean, I''m going to take a bath, and then we''re having a full meeting with Alpha Benedict, Dad, and everyone. I''m tired of standing on the sidelines. If my life is going to be in danger, I''m not giving the power to decide my actions to someone else. We''reunching an attack tonight, which will dere war on them. They''ve had too many victories. I won''t be someone who''s seen as lying down and taking it. No, this all ends now. With me." Chapter Comments Chapter 203 Xena''s POV I stood up and walked past Ryder, heading for the bathroom. Just as he door was about to close, I heard them falking. "Damn it," Logan muttered under his breath. "This is going to be interesting. I''ve been waiting for her to explode Ryder''s tone carried an almost amused edge. "I''ll get everyone ready. Xena''sing back," Logan said just before shut the doorpletely. The shower water was hot, the stream pounding against my muscles ike a massage. I rotated my neck, letting the heat soothe every ache. Though my shoulder hurt the worst, my knees were killing me from having my legs bound together. However, when I tried to wash my hair, I realized I had a problem. "Ryder?" I called through our mind link. "What is it?" "I can''t even wash my own hair." I could feel him trying to suppress His amusement, but not quite seeding. He didn''t answer me. Instead, I heard the bathroom door open, followed by rustling sounds before Ryder stepped into the shower. "Turn around." He slipped in the water, getting himself wet. I obeyed hismand, turning my back to him. The sound of the shampoo bottle cap opening and closing filled me with anticipation, knowing he was going to wash my hair for me. "Where''s Logan?" The thought of Logan sitting in the living room while Ryder was showering with me felt at least somewhat ufortable. "He went downstairs to get everyone ready." Ryder turned me around gently massaging my scalp. After a moment of silence, I finally said to Ryder, "I''m sick of feeling like I have no control." The moment those words left my mouth, I felt a release, like a weight had been lifted from my chest that had been sitting there for far too long. "Good," Ryder said simply. He turned and opened a bottle of conditioner, starting to work it into my hair. "Good?" His response caught me off guard. I had expected him to tell me to calm down or to be patient. "Yes. I''m d you''re not letting what happened hold you back. You''re taking control of your emotions and turning them into something positive. I''ll stand with you every step of the way, but this just shows me how strong you are." Ryder had me turn again as he rinsed my hair. "I love you more than anything. I''ll always stand beside you, and Ipletely agree with you. We''re taking back our powe efficiently grabbed a bottle of body wash and began cleaning my body. His tone carried determination and love, and in that moment, I knew that whatever happened, we would face it together. It only fueled the fire burning inside me. "What about Logan?" I asked as Ryder repositioned us so he could shower too. "He''ll be standing on your other side." Three people instead of one lighting alone. The power of that omity hade me feet incredibly secure. We are a team, a family Nothing could break us. 0000000(1) "The only ones who might have an issue are your parents, 1 said. "I''ll stand firmly by your side. Ryder ''shrugged. He was rinsing the shampoo from his hair. His eyes were cloned, just letting the water cascade down from the top of his head, I felt a little sorry for Him. Ryder turned off the water, pulling me from my thoughts. He kept lif hand on my waist, helping me out of the shower, and began drying me off. "I can do it myself," I said. "I know." There was nothing sexual about his actions; it was more of a primal caretaking, as if he needed to ensure every inch of my body was okay. This wordless cre touched my heart more than any words could have. My ankles and wrists had turned green, but they still looked angry. I had random bruises on my legs, stomach, and chest. Some bruise I wasn''t even sure how I got. "Let''s get dressed and go downstairs," Ryder said, having just finishedbing my hair. Chapter Comments Chapter 204 Xena''s POV "Are you ready?" Ryder asked, his voice cutting through the silence of the bedroom. I inhaled deeply, trying to steady the storm of emotions raging inside me. Standing before the closet, I hesitated for several seconds before deciding on a simple t- shirt and shorts-uplicated, just like my resolve in this moment. Ryder grabbed two shoulder straps and held them out to me. It took few minutes to adjust them properly, but I had to grudgingly admit they helped ease the stiffness in my shoulders. While Ryder made his final preparations, I stood before the mirror, examining myself. The fire burning in my eyes reflected back at me-that determination thates after being hurt, after being vited. From this moment forward, I was taking control of my destiny. "Yes, I''m ready. Come What may.", + "Good Let''s go." Ryder ced his hand at the small of my back, guiding me toward the door. The pack house was unnervingly quiet. I figured it was still school hours, but the unusual silence only made my nerves more taut. Each step felt like walking on the edge of a knife, my heart racing in my chest. As we approached Alpha Benedict''s office, I could hear his voice through the door. "Why are we here, Ryder?" His tone was already agitated. Ryder turned his head slightly to look at me, and I stepped forward. Because I wanted everyone here," I said firmly. Alpha Benedict seemed surprised as I brushed past him into the office without waiting for an invitation. Ryder was right behind me, and I could feel his authoritative aura expanding slightly. The door closed softly behind us. Alpha Benedict, Luna Kestrel, William, and Logan were all present. Alpha Benedict had activated the speakerphone; my father was on the line. "Hey, Xena. Good to hear your voice. How are you holding up?" Dad asked. "We''ll discuss my conditionter, Dad. I''m not here for pleasantries. walked to the front of the room. Ryder moved to the side but stayed close, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes never leaving me. "Well then, what''s going on?" Dad''s voice revealed his uncertainty about whether he wanted to hear what wasing "I''ve had enough," I stated simply, looking directly into Alpha Benedict''s eyes. "I''ve had enough of being sidelined. I''ve had enough of not being told everything that''s happening, and I''ve had enough of being told you''ll handle it. With all due respect, your handling didn''t prevent me from being kidnapped by Tatum. We won''t be sidelined anymore. From now on, we will be involved in everything. Every decision and every piece of information will go through us. I''m the one with the genius IQ. We won''t be hiding away on some stupid vacation while the packs are in trouble. I will not be the luna who hides when things get tough. Tatum and Wiley need to be eliminated." I maintained my expressionless face, my eyes never leaving Alpha Benedict''s as I stated each point. When I stopped speaking, the room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. No one spoke. Dad remained silent. Alpha Benedict just narrowed his eyes, and Luna Kestrel looked shocked, sitting back in her chair. I couldn''t see the expressions on William''s, Logan''s, or Ryder''s faces, but I could feel Ryder''s satisfaction radiating from where he stood. Are you sure that''s what you want?" Alpha Benedict finally asked after a long pause. "It''s not about wanting. I was horn to be luna. I was destined to be ated to a male alpha. Handling difficult times is in my blood. Being kidnapped won''t make the hide under the covers with my head buried beneath the nkets, I can and will handle anything thrown my way. Until now, you haven''t allowed me to show you what I''m truly capable of. You''ve kept me on the sidelines, in the dark. You''ve ignored me unless directly affected my daily activities Worse, you''ve ignored your son. You''ve shown no confidence in either of us. Now, I respectfully demand... cut the bullshit and let us take back control of this situation." "You think walking into my office and demanding such things will g you what you want?" Alpha Benedict said calmly, but with restrained anger. "You would have discarded any attempt I could or would have made you even had Luna Kestrel suggest we just focus on being mates and not worry about what''s happening. But that doesn''t work or me. Not anymore. You weren''t the one tied to a chair. You weren''t the one kicked and punched and inappropriately touched. You have no idea what I went through. So yes. Yes, I stand here demanding you let us be involved in the decision-making process. They made a direct attack on this pack. They kidnapped me! The future luna, and now I demand to be involved." Alpha Benedict stared at me, his jaw clenched tight. Luna Kestrel ced a hand on his arm. Chapter 205 Xena''s POV "You support this?" Alpha Benedict red at Ryder, his voice sharp a de cutting through the tension in the room. "Absolutely. We should never have been excluded. This affects our lives, and Xena nearly died." Ryder''s voice was firm, unwavering as he stood his ground against his father. Alpha Benedict''s expression remained stoic as shifted to me then to my injured shoulder. "Of course, I''m d you''re unharmed, but don''t you think you need proper rest and recovery?" Anger surged through me like wildfire. This again. Always this. They forever treated me like some fragile doll needing protection. My arm might be in a sling, but my brain and determination weren''t injured. "No. That''s not how this works." Ryder stepped forward, facing his father directly. "I shouldn''t have allowed you to push us aside from the beginning. Every decision you''ve made has only made things worse. We need to be involved. Xena has more than enough intelligence to solve problems, Use her abilities." My heart swelled. Ryder was fighting for us-for me. He was finally standing up against the old ways of thinking that had been holding us back. "Dad, what do you think?" I asked firmly, turning to my father. "I''m surprised they''ve been kept out of the loop. Why not let them be informed about what''s happening?" Dad''s response was measured but clearly supportive. "You didn''t know Luna Kestrel spoke with us about leaving and letting them handle everything?" I felt my pulse quicken-another decision made behind our backs. "No." Dad''s voice confirmed his annoyance. Logan rose to his feet, his presencemanding attention. "If you refuse to include them, then I''ll make sure they''re involved. They will not be excluded, and I''m shocked this has happened." His authority radiated through the room. He wasn''t Alpha yet-just a few days away-but Alpha Benedict didn''t know that. "Fine, I see I''m outvoted." Alpha Benedict looked toward Luna Kestrel "Let the record show I think this is a terrible idea. They''re not ready." "How would you know when you''ve never given us a chance?" Fury coursed through me, burning in my chest like a raging inferno. "With all due respect, you know nothing about me or what I''m capable of. All you''ve done is push me aside. If I didn''t know better, I''d say you''re using me as an excuse to avoid handing the Alpha position to Ryder." SLAP! Alpha Benedict mmed his hand on the table and jumped to his feet. "Now listen here he snarled at me. That really hit a nerve. My heart raced, adrenaline surging through my veins. I knew I''d crossed a line.. "No." Ryder moved in front of me protectively. "We''ve had this exact conversation before, you and I. I never repeated any of it to Xena. She figured it out entirely on her own. You will not speak to her that way. I''ve already told you where I stand. I''m prepared to challenge you if necessary, but I''d rather we agree to work together. I was stunned that Ryder had mentioned challenging his father, but didn''t dwell on it. It could just be an intimidation tactic. "Kids, leave the room. Let Benedict and me talk. Dad''s voice was tight with suppressed anger, Logan and Ryder had to half-diag me out of the room. I refused to bak eye contact with Alpha Benedict, determined to stand my ground. Given their efforts not hurt me, it took some time. I kept my eyes locked with Alpha Benedict''s, trying tomunicate my determination through my gaze. Even if he was an Alpha, even if he was Ryder''s father, I wouldn''t back down anymore. Once they got me out of the room, I felt the adrenaline fading, leaving exhaustion in its wake. "Were you serious, man? You''d challenge him?" Logan asked. "I''m starting to think Dad won''t step down. Always one excuse after nother. I don''t want to challenge him, but he keeps making decisions that affect this pack-that affect Xena." Ryder''s voice was resolute. "You know that''s to the death..." Logan emphasized. I stared at Ryder, shocked. Now, hearing Logan''s words, the weight of reality suddenly crashed down on me. A challenge meant death. It meant either father or son might not walk away alive. The realization made my blood run cold. "I won''t allow Xena''s life to be put in danger again without her having a say in what happens." Ryder''s conviction was unwavering. "Ryder..." I couldn''t be the reason he''d consider challenging his father. The thought made my heart ache unbearably. I loved him, but I couldn''t let him face his own father in a death match for me. It was too much, too dangerous. "Don''t do this for me, I wanted to say, but the words caught in my throat. "No, this is my decision." He looked down at me, his eyes aze with determination. "But not at my expense." I finally managed to say. Ryder gently draped his arm around me, kissing my forehead. Such a simple gesture, yet filled with so muchfort and promise. His lips against my skin seemed to say "trust me." "Logan, tell him he shouldn''t do this." I pleaded. "X, I would do the same thing." Logan looked at me intently. "I am doing the same thing. I''m helping Dad reject Martha. We all know that could kill him." "That''s different, and you know it!" I snapped. I momentarily forgot my arm was in a sling and reached out to touch him. Pain instantly shot down my back. I gasped, the pain briefly distracting me, but my thoughts immediately returned to the crisis at hand. I couldn''t let Rydes challenge his father for me, couldn''t let this family break apart because of me. But I also knew he was right-we couldn''t be excluded anymore, couldn''t let others make decisions for us. I stood at a crossroads, wanting both to protect those I loved and to stand up for what we deserved. This contradiction tore at my heart, making me feel simultaneously helpless and determined in a way I''d never experienced before. Chapter 206 Xena''s POV Alpha Benedict''s office door opened, and Luna Kestrel poked her head out, gesturing for us to enter. That''s when I realized where Leonard had gone. Ryder stood before his father with his arms crossed, back straight as rod, determination shing in those green eyes I''d grown so familiar with. Logan and I remained behind him, fully aware this conversation had evolved beyond just my situation¡ªit was now about power dynamics and who would be included in them. This felt more like a chess match between father and son than a simple meeting. "We''ve reached an agreement," Alpha Benedict announced. "You two an attend any meetings and receive all information, but final decisions will be made by me." His voice carried that unnistakable Alpha authority that made my spine stiffen automatically. "As long as you understand our opinions won''t be dismissed and we have equal say," Ryder responded, his voice steady yet powerful. "You need to respect the fact that our lives are le ones at risk. Youve been grooming me to take your ce. "Which is precisely why won''t hand over power when things are this dire," Alpha Benedict replied with unexpected calmness. "Good. Now that''s settled, we need to finalize tonight''s ns," Dad''s voice came through the speaker. "We have a team, you have a team. This will happen in two waves," Alpha Benedict told my father. "Since the building is a mechanical factory, my team will handle nting the bombs. You''ll be responsible for dealing with any remaining survivors." Each word made my heart sink deeper as memories of my captivity flooded back- the helplessness, the desperation. Revenge was now within reach, but why didn''t it taste as sweet as I''d imagined? "Why did we decide to move a day early instead of waiting until the ball?" I asked, my voice shakier than I''d intended. "Several reasons. First, there''s you. They kidnapped you." Alpha Benedict looked me straight in the eyes, and I could feel the anger simmering beneath his words. "Second, striking when the ce is full of their business operations will create maximum impact. We have someone posing as a vehicle delivery to get inside. That car will be rigged. Third, and most importantly, we need to gain the upper hand quickly." Every word felt like a hammer striking my heart. I wanted revenge, yes, but at what cost? Would innocent people get hurt? These questions swirled in my mind, but I knew there was no turning back now. "What''s the next step?" Ryder asked, his voice breaking through my thoughts. "I found someone who''sing tomorrow," Logan said. "He''ll install an upgraded security system that will alert us to any drones or movement within a two-mile radius. They''re motion detectors, so any animal could trigger them. Regardless, someone needs to monitor them constantly." "Is that where Leonard went?" I asked. "Yes, he''s finalizing all the details." "Who''s your Beta?" Alpha Benedict inquired. Leonard will be promoted in the next day or two after he proves himself, Logan answered. The news made me happy for Leonard, yet worried about the dangers ahead. If anything happened, I wasn''t sure I could bear it. "What about Penelope''s father? Have we made any progress there?" couldn''t keep the urgency from my voice, knowing we wouldn''t be truly safe until all our enemies were found. We''ve heard he''s alive and nearby. No name or photo yet, but we''re working on it," Dad said, fatigue evident in his tone. "That''s Beta Ulysses'' current assignment. He''s working underground ght now," Alpha Benedict exined. I nced at William, seeing his concern for his fathe written all over his face. "We''ve been gathering intelligence before making any moves," Luna Restrel spoke for the first time, her voice soft yet authoritative. * ''We can''t keep waiting for information," I said firmly. "We need to take action, I know information is important, but it could take weeks or even months to get anywhere. I''m not waiting that long for revenge." "I can see that," Alpha Benedict nodded. ''Since you want to be involved, I have files on my phone. I need you to look through them, see if you can find anything we''ve missed or could use." Afplia Benedict pushed a sh drive toward me. I took it. "Where do we do this?" Ryder asked. "Your office," Luna Kestrel said with a smile directed at us. Chapter Comments Chapter 207 Xena''s POV "My office?" Ryder questioned, his eyebrow lifting slightly as he stared at his mother. My heartbeat quickened in my chest, this surprise catching mepletely off guard. "Yes. I''ve spent the past two days setting up your office. Come see. ina Kestrel smiled warmly as she walked past us, her elegant figure leading the way down the corridor. Ryder shot me a confused bok, then ced his hand on the small of my back, gently guiding me forward. I remembered we''d talked about this before, but with everything that had happened recently, it hadpletely slipped my mind. My thoughts were a jumble of anticipation and nervousness, wondering what she had prepared for us. Luna Kestrel waited for us to gather at the door before unlocking it. Pushing it open, she gestured for us to enter first. My initial reaction was utter shock. Everything was exactly as I would have imagined it to be perfect. My heart felt like it was being submerged in a warm tide, that feeling of being understood, of being valued, nearly choking me. My drawings hung on the walls, and she''d even fixed up the desk I bought. One for each of us. The space wasn''t huge, but there was room for a small couch along the wall with a mini bar beside it: Twp beige armchairs sat in front of each desk. "I deliberately left some nk spaces so you could add your personal touches. When you officially take over, we can rotate offices," Luna estret said, a gentle smile ying on her lips. The eptance in that smile made something inside me quiver. "I would hug you if I could," I said, amazed at how perfectly the office had been put together in such a short time. She had truly captured everything. My throat tightened with emotion. ''I''m so d you like it!" Ryder pulled his mom in for a hug. "You might spot things we missed. Either way, your passwords are on sticky notes on yourputers. Feel free to change them as you like." "Thanks, Mom," Ryder said as she turned to leave. "Of course. We love you both." Luna Kestrel gave me a smile before walking out and closing the door behind her. "We have an office..." I whispered as Ryder walked around, iming one of the desks. He booted up theputer, pulling over another office chair for me to sit beside him. I wasn''t sure what style or fabric these chairs were, but they screamed money. My fingers traced over the armrests, feeling the luxury I''d never quite gotten used to. "Do you want to start with the photos or something else?" Ryder asked as different folders popped up after he inserted the sh drive. "Photos are good." Ryder nodded, double-clicking to open the photos. Most of them were of me doing everyday things. Nothing special, going to the pool or eating lunch outside. Most were taken far enough away that you could see my face but also see where I was. In the pool one, it was close enough that you could see my face as Iughed, but you could also see thendscape behind me. "Oh... shit..." I said slowly. "What is it?" "Can you print all the photos?" My palms started sweating, intuition telling me something was very wrong. "There are several hundred..." Ryder sounded confused. Just do it!" My voice came out sharper than I intended. I stood up, arting to panic. Fear spread through my veins like venom, and I needed to confirm my suspicions. "Okay, they''re printing. What''s rong? Ryder stood up, looking at me with concern. I needed to free my hands, needed to get these damn braces off. "Take these off me." I knew I sounded like I was having a panic attack, but maybe I was. My heart was racing, feeling like it had dropped into my stomach. Ryder quickly helped me remove each brace. The photos printed out in order. Grabbing a pair of scissors, I started cutting each photo. My hands shook slightly, but determination drove me forward "Move the chairs to either side. Move everything out of way." Imanded. My voice sounded foreign even to my own ears, but fear and determination twisted together, making it impossible to stop. Ryder did as I said without hesitation. I cut the photos one by one,ying them out on the floor. Each cut made me more certain of my suspicion. "Holy... Fuck..." Ryder whispered as he realized what I was doing. He ran out of the room as if a mind link wasn''t enough to express his thoughts. A minuteter, he returned with Alpha Benedict and Logan. But I didn''t stop, I kept going. My shoulders protested in pain with every movement, each cut sending pain up and down my arm, but I refused to stop. No one spoke as I focused onpleting each photo. I suddenly understood that this wasn''t entirely about me. Each photo was of the surrounding area where I was. At the time, I thought it was just because that''s all the drone could capture, but now I realized I was wrong. The fear settled in my heart, transforming into cold certainty. Chapter Comments Chapter 208 Xena''s POV I spread out the photos of my shop on the floor, arranging them meticulously. Different angles, various perspectives-each one perfectly showcasing my store and the entire street leading up to it. My fingers trembled slightly as I studied them, a chill running down my spine as I realized what I was looking at. "I bet this is exactly the angle where you were shot, I said, pointing directly to where we had been standing that day. My heart raced as the pieces came together in my mind, the memory of that trifying moment making my throat tighten. "What are you talking about?" Alpha Benedict''s jaw dropped. The shock spread from his eyes to his stiffened shoulders, his entire body tensing. "What I''m saying is, this isn''t just about me.". My voice shook slightly but I forced myself to stay calm as I continued. "Yes, he wants me, but these photos show the exactyout of our pack. Each photos taken from a different angle. Look, here I am just sitting with Ama by the pool. There are five different angles of the same spot. When you cut them out and put them together, it shows the entireyout of the pool. I can connect it to the yground next door and the school in the distance. Can''t you see it? They have the entireyout of our territory!" My stomach clenched with fear, a wave of helplessness washing over me. These fucking photos weren''t just someone spying on me- they were a threat to the entire pack. My hands started shaking more noticeably, and I clenched my fists to control the physical reaction to my terror. Their eyes moved from one photo to another. It wasn''t until I ced them together that understanding dawned on their faces. "He knows where everything is located," Ryder said softly. I couldn''t bear to look into his eyes, hearing the fear in his voice that matched my own. "He knows exactly where to go to kidnap me. He knows what areas to avoid hadn''t fully grasped the situation. "I can''t believe this," Ryder said, rubbing his face with his hands. and how to get there," I exined again, in case they "That''s not even the worst part. Look!" I pointed to the borders of the photos, ice- cold dread pouring over me. "They know our schedule." Alpha Benedict''s eyes widened as if struck by a realization. He bolted from the room, leaving the door creaking in his wake. "Are you sure?" Logan asked me. I knew he wasn''t questioning my conclusion-he was just as stunned as I was. "I only nced at these photos before. It''s only now that I''m really studying them," I replied, my voice tense. Logan stood up and looked at Ryder. "I''ll send a team of warriors to strengthen the borders until youe up with a new n." "Okay," Ryder didn''t even try to argue. "We''ll also dere a state of emergency." "Good." Logan nodded, leaving the room with his phone already in hand. The room fell silent with just Ryder and me, the only sounding from the printer as it continued spitting out more photos. After a few minutes, Ryder walked over to stop the printer, "Don''t!" I shouted, my voice sharp with urgency. "Why?" he asked, his brow furrowed. 1 need to make sure there aren''t other clues in these photos. These images might contain more secrets, more dangers, and I had to find them all. Ryder frowned but nodded in agreement. "Get Ama in here," I said without looking at him. "Ama?" "Yes, get her." I picked up another photo, continuing to cut them out and ce them in their appropriate positions. It was like a massive puzzle game. My fingers trembled slightly with tension, but forced myself to focus. Ryder sat on the couch, just watching me work. "What''s so urgent?" William walked in, looking down at me on the for. "X?" Ama followed behind William, her expression grave. "I need your help. Remember that puzzle we did when we were trying to test my my IQ?" I asked, not looking up from my task. "Yeah, it took us hours..." Ama came down beside me, kneeling on the floor. "I need you to do the same thing with me. These are the photos we found on the phone. Look! They''re not just about me-they show the entire packyout." My voice quickened with urgency, hoping she would understand the severity of the situation. "Holy shit..." William''s eyes widened as he stared at the photos on the Ryder and me having sex. My privacy wasn''t important right now. "Okay, I need scissors and a trash can," Ama said, looking around. "Trash can?" Ryder questioned, confusion in his tone. "To throw up in. This morning was rough." didn''t even care that some of the pictures showed I paused and looked at her. She was extremely pale and looked utterly exhausted. The observation pulled me from my intense focus on the puzzle. "Ama..." I said softly, concern filling my voice. My friend looked terrible, and I''d been so consumed with my own problems that I hadn''t even noticed her condition. Guilt washed over me. "I''m fine. I''m going crazy staring at the same walls. You can only hug a toilet bowl for turning her attention to the task at hand. SO long." She gave me a weak/smile before Chapter 209 Xena''s POV I looked at Ama, a wave of gratitude washing over me despite my underlying concern. The pallor of her face worried me more than I wanted to admit. "Do you need a snack? Fruit? Nuts? What would you like?" I asked, unable to mask the worry in my voice. Ama nced up at me, her eyes tired. "Oscar Mayer." I shifted my gaze from her to Ryder. He nodded once before leaving the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. We worked for about fifteen minutes in rtive silence. I was focused on the design samples for my shop when suddenly, Ama lurched forward and vomited into her trash can. William returned at that exact moment, witnessing the scene without flinching. Without a word, he handed her a bottle of water and grabbed the garbage bag. His movements were so natural, so practiced, it made me wonder how long she''d been feeling this way. "Have you tried Gatorade? I asked, my mind immediately going to solutions. William looked at me, confusion crossing his features. "What do you mean?" Electrolytes. She needs electrolytes. Gatorade or even Pedialyte would work," I exined, my voice taking on that clinical calmness I used whenever I needed to hide my true feelings. William turned to Ama. "What vor would you like?" "Oh, um, lemon," she replied weakly. I couldn''t help but scrunch up my face. "Lemon?" The disbelief was evident in my tone. ned, my "I know it sounds weird, but it sounds really good right now." Ama gave me a look that said she understood my reaction. A small smile flickered across her pale face, and I felt my heart ease just a little. Ryder returned with food just as William was heading out to dispose of the trash bag. He ced the food on the table near us and walked to the desk to begin his own work. Ama started eating while continuing to sort through photos. "X?" Ama said after about five minutes. "What?" I asked without looking up from the flooring samples I was examining. "What does this look like to you?" She handed me a photograph. It was actually a picture of Ryder and me having sex in the forest. I was straddling him while he leaned against a tree. Heat rushed to my face as I recognized exactly when this had been taken. "Looks like a good time?" I asked, looking at her, trying to cover my embarrassment and growing unease with humor. "I mean, behind you guys. Is that a hand?" Taking the photo from Ama, I examined it more closely. It did indeed look like a hand, just a hand, in the background. This area was part of the forest we hadn''t explored yet. It was on the edge but deep enough that no one should have seen us. The risk of being discovered was part of what had made having sex there so exciting. Yet this photo had been taken during that time, with a hand visible in the background. My blood ran cald, a chill of fear crawling up my spine. Chapter 209 "Ryder..." I stood up, my voice trembling despite my attempts to control it. He moved to my side immediately. "What is it?" His voice was steady and firm, but I could tell he sensed my fear. Does this look like a hand to you?" I pointed it out. My heart raceds that familiar panic began to set in, the same feeling I''d had during the kidnapping.. "It... does." His confirmation made my fear more real. Ryder looked at me, his expression sharpening with alertness. "I''ll investigate this. Don''t leave this room. Understand? I''ll have a guard posted out front." "Wait!" I called as he turned to leave. "Could you... have someone else posted out front?" I asked hesitantly, but I could feel myself starting to panic. The feeling of being watched, of not knowing who was watching us, took me back to that dark basement. "I''ll have Williame back?" "Yes." I nodded, grateful for his understanding. Ryder turned to leave again. "But! Wait until he gets here before you go, okay?" I hated sounding so dependent, but in this moment, fear was winning. ¡°Okay He agreed, his eyes full of understanding and protection. I looked down, ashamed of my vulnerability. While I wouldn''t let the kidnapping experience defeat me, I couldn''t lie and say I wasn''t afraid. I slowly sat back down and picked up my scissors. My hands were shaking, but I continued cutting. Ama seemed to notice my distress but didn''t speak, just continued with her own work. Time stretched on endlessly until William finally appeared in the doorway. "Stay here with the girls. I need to check on something, and don''t let Xena out of your sight no matter what," Rydermanded. I could hear the tension in his voice. "Got it." Ryder nodded and ran out the door. William walked in, Gatorade in hand. After handing it to Ama, he sat down. "Could you... close the door?" I asked quickly, the tremor in my voice betraying my fear. "Sure?" William rose to close the door. "Lock it?" William gave me a puzzled look but nodded. After locking the door, he gave me a questioning nce, asking if I was satisfied. I nodded. He sat down beside Ama, watching us work. I tried to focus, but my thoughts kept drifting to that mysterious hand and what Ryder might be doing right now. "Ryder?" I asked through our mind link, desperate to hear his voice. "Are you okay?" He asked, knowing full well that Las not. "Can we keep this open? "Of course." He sounded like he was running. "I''m sorry, 1- "Don''t be sorry. I''m always here for you," Ryder said with so much love that I almost teared up. "Are you there yet?" Chapter 210 Xena''s POV "We''re just getting started, Ryder said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. ¡°Keep sorting those photos, and Ell let you know immediately if I find anything." "Fine," I replied, picking up another photograph and beginning to trim it. My movements were noticeably slower than before, my fingers trembling slightly as the scissors glided along the edge of the photo. My heart still pounded in my chest, a constant reminder of the danger we were all in. The printer finally stopped its endless whirring, bringing a small sense of relief. Ama looked much better after downing some Gatorade and forcing down a little food. I wasn''t entirely convinced she should be eating, but at least some color had returned to her face. That was something. I grabbed the next photo in the stack and began trimming it to fit perfectly with the others, making sure there was no ovep. Just as I was about to make the final cut, something caught my eye-a face partially visible behind a tree. The features looked disturbingly familiar. An icy chill'' crawled up my spine, and my fingers froze mid- snip. "William..." My voice carried unmistakable worry. .0 "What is it?" William immediately moved to my side, concern etched on his face. Look at this. I handed him the partially cut photo, my hand unsteady. "That''s a head," William confirmed, studying the image carefully. The picture showed me running, with Ryder beside me. How had we not noticed someone lurking behind those trees? "It looks like someone specific, doesn''t it?" I pressed, a note of urgency creeping into my voice. I needed confirmation that I wasn''t the only one seeing this. ¡°I''m not sure.......¡± William frowned, squinting at the photograph. "Ama, does this look like someone to you?" I took the photo back from William and passed it to Ama. She narrowed her eyes, then they suddenly widened in recognition. "Penelope?¡± Her voice was barely above a whisper. "It''s the same nose!" I eximed, my heart hammering against my ribs. This couldn''t be coincidence. "Same face shape, and that half-smile she always has." "It really is," Ama agreed, her face paling slightly. "We can''t prove it, but it''s enough to put us on alert," I said, staring at the face in the photo. A sense of foreboding settled in my stomach like a heavy stone. If it really was Penelope, what did that mean? "Where was this taken?" William asked, his voice low and serious. "A stranger... just twenty feet away from you and Ryder. How did they get there?" "This was on the other side of the pack territory. By the pond," I replied, we encountered those Rogues." membering the location with growing dread. where "Are you going to tell Ryder?" I asked, uncertain if this would distract him from his current mission. We were in dangerous territory now, and every decision mattered. "Yes," William answered after & moment''s consideration. "Have they found that location? Ama asked, fidgeting with the corner of a photo. "They have," he replied without borating, which only heightened my concern. Was the situation worse than I imagined? "Ryder?" I called through our mental link, trying to keep my voice steady. "Is everything alright?" His response came immediately. He sounded lightly out of breath, which made my heart clench with worry. "Have you found anything?" I asked urgently. "A tunnel. I''ve sent some people to see where it leads. I''m heading to the other location you discovered, he exined. "I only had a tree to go on. It could be anywhere," I said, anxiety flooding my mind at how vague the clue was. "I know, but it''s worth checking. Father''s called in people with sonar to do aplete ground scan. They''ll look for cavities to find any tunnels." "This is bad. "Have you sorted through all the photos?" Ryder asked, his voice firm but gentle. Almost. Just a few more to go through," I answered, trying to keep my voice from trembling. "Good. If you find anything else, tell me. If not, you can start looking through other parts of the phone." "How long until you get back?" I hated sounding needy, but I genuinely wanted him beside me right now. "It''ll be a while. I''ve got Mike handling some things, and Logan''s investigating on his end." "This is turning into a disaster. We should consider evacuating the entire pack territory. Think about it-I or anyone else could be hurt or kidnapped at any moment. Is it really safe here?" Ama was finishing up thest few photos, while William had taken back the suspicious photo and was studying it intently. I could feel the tension thickening in the room like smoke. "I''ve been thinking the same thing. Actually, I''m considering moving all females and children out, leaving only warriors behind. We could be prepared when they attack. After tonight, they might attack as early as tomorrow." "Move them all to Logan''s pack during the attack. The enemy can''t fight on two fronts," I suggested, trying to think strategically despite my fear. "I wish I could be with you right now, but take William and go to my father''s office. Report what you''ve found," Ryder said, sounding somewhat distracted. "Okay." I didn''t cut our mental link, just pushed it to the back of my mind. I could hear what Ryder was saying if I wanted to without distracting him. He needed his full concentration now. "William?" I turned to him, working to keep my voice steady. "Hmm?" "I need to speak with Alpha Benedict. Can you take me to him?" I asked, standing up. "Of course. Ama? Will you be okay on your own?" William asked her Chapter 211 Xena''s POV "I''m not going anywhere. My ass is totally numb," Ama said, her eyes still fixed on the remaining photos. "Let''s all go together," I suggested, knowing full well that the entire pack was choice. unsafe now. Moving as a group was the smartest "X..." Ama looked at me, then nced at William. William visibly rxed when he heard my words. He immediately stepped forward and pulled Ama to her feet. I opened the door and walked out first, William locking it behind us as we headed toward Alpha Benedict''s office. My heart raced, palms slightly damp with sweat as I wondered how Alpha Benedict would react. At the door, William knocked once and it opened. "What is it? Did you find something else?" Alpha Benedict''s face was etched with concern as I walked in. "There''s another photo..." I began, nodding at William to hand the photo to Alpha Benedict. "Does that person look like Penelope to you?" "Looks more like a man to me," Alpha Benedict frowned as he studied the image. He ced the photo on the desk, pointing to the neck area. His conclusion shocked me. Ama and I immediately crowded around to examine the photo, Sure enough, as he''d said, there was what appeared to be an Adam''s apple. We were so familiar with Penelope that we''d automatically projected her face onto the image. Alpha Benedict rubbed his chin, leaning back in his chair. "Honestly, really don''t want to be looking at intimate photos of my son and his mate," he said after a pause. "Ignore that part. Focus more on this person who doesn''t belong to our pack, standing right behind us, and we never noticed," I said with increasing urgency. I could feel anxiety rising inside me, like invisible mes licking at my nerves. "I can understand why you didn''t notice," Alpha Benedict studied me his brow furrowing. "The point is, this location is by the pond. The exact same spot where we found those Rogues. This ce is on the opposite side of pack territory,pletely opposite from where the first tunnel was discovered." I quickly exined my thoughts. His eyes narrowed as I detailed everything. Alpha Benedict crossed his arms in front of him, and I noticed his knuckles turning white from how tightly he was gripping. His entire body seemed to freeze. His eyes didn''t move, as if trying to drill holes through me. At first, I wasn''t sure if he was mind-linking with Ryder or what. After a while, I could only assume he was processing what this all meant. My heart pounded anxiously in my chest as I waited for his reaction. "Ryder and I have a n, and we''d like your input," I said after a long, heavy silence. Alpha Benedict didn''t look at me or respond, still fiddling with his phone. "Benedict." My dad''s voice suddenly filled the office. 6 "I''m with your daughter right now. There''s a new development you need to know about," Alpha Benedict leaned back in his chair, gesturing for me to continue. "William, could you move that chair closer? I need to sit down," I asked, feeling my legs trembling slightly from tension. He didn''t answer but quickly moved to the armchair and pushed it toward the desk. Alpha Benedict even moved the phone to make it easier for me to speak with my dad. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Chapter 211. "Xena? What''s happened?" Dad''s voice was filled with concern. "I''m guessing Logan has already reported to you. Do you know about the tunnel we found and how we found it?'' I asked. I know the basics. Not entirely clear on how it was discovered, but know about the tunnel." "Right, well, we''ve found another one. This one''s on the opposite side of pack territory, near where those Rogues crossed the boundary. However, the person in the photo resembles Penelope. Alpha Benedict isn''t sure, but I think the resemnce is enough to warrant our attention." Dad was silent for a moment. "This is fucking insane," his voice sounded exhausted. "Ryder and 1 have a n," 13aid quickly, hoping my voice sounded more confident than I felt. "What kind of n? I took a deep breath, Erganizing my thoughts. The n was still nebulous in my mind, but it was our only hope. "Tonight, when things happen, all wohien, children, and elderly need to be moved to your pack. It''ll be a good time to get people to safety. Then, we can set up an ambush using our territory. Make them think they''reing for retaliation. Ryder thinks they''ll attack us in the morning. I didn''t want to be explicit, not knowing who might be listening on his end. My heart raced faster the n sounded so fragile, so dependent on timing and luck. 4 "That could work," Dad considered. "They probably have someone watching, so it needs to happen after the attack, when hopefully they''ve pulled back all their people. However, we''ll need to move everyone quickly in batches. Obviously, we''ll take in anyone who needs shelter, but we''ll be short on warriors due to the previous attack." I rubbed my temples. These were details I hadn''t thought about, and every oversight could put more lives at risk. "We haven''t worked out the specifics yet, more just the general idea. We wanted to see how you all felt about it before figuring out the details of how to execute the n." "Our warriors are leaving in five hours. You have four hours toe up a newfound hopeful tone. with a n and present it to us. Understood?" Dad said with My stomach twisted with nerves, but I forced myself to nod. "Yes, sir, I said, feeling somewhat confident. Though deep down, I doubted my ability to devise a workable n in such a short time, I couldn''t let them see my hesitation. "X?" Dad asked, his tone bing somewhat shy. "What is it?" "How are you feeling?" Chapter Comments Chapter 212 Xena''s POV The question caught me off guard. My pain and emotional state were things I''d been trying to ignore, because focusing on them only made me feel more vulnerable. "Oh, um, physically I feel better. Not as bad as yesterday, the shower really helped," I said, moving my shoulder tentatively. It hurt, but not terribly. "And emotionally? Mentally?" Dad pressed. My throat tightened. Discussing this in front of William, Ama, and Alpha Benedict made me feel ufortably exposed. They were all listening carefully, and that kind of attention made me want to crawl back into my shell. "Working through it. It''s... I forced myself to continue, "...getting better. I just don''t want to be alone right now." "That''s all perfectly normal. It''spletely natural to needpany after what you''ve been through. Don''t feel ashamed about that," Dad emphasized. His understanding made my eyes grow moist. "Thanks, Dad." "Talk to you in four hours," he replied. * Alpha Benedict brought the phone back to his ear. "Take care, Hank. He hung up and offered me a small smile that I almost missed. "See you in four hours." William held the door for Ama and me as we walked out. "That went better than I expected," he said quietly when we reached my office. "I thought so too. I was sure he was going to rip my head off," I muttered. "Listen, I have a new assignment. Remember how I set up your test assignment?" I looked at Ama. "Of course. I still use that system every day," Ama replied, looking confused. "Good. I need to know how many women, children, and elderly we have who aren''t eligible forbat." "Baby, can you get myptop from our room?" Ama asked, holding William''s hand. "Sure." William immediately prepared to leave, but hesitated when he realized what she''d just asked him to do. He turned to look at me, as if seeking my permission. My heart instantly constricted, panic rushing through my veins. It was just a few meters away, just a few minutes alone, but my mind was already crafting the most horrific scenarios. I forced myself to look at the floor, trying to calm these irrational fears. "Go quickly ande right back," I said, my voice smaller than I intended. William nodded quickly and ran out the door. My anxiety began to spike, but I fought against it. William was just going down the hall anding right back. There was no reason to be anxious about this. "X2" Ama''s worried voice pulled me from my internal spiral. I blinked, forcing myself back to reality. "What is it?" I asked, uncertain whether I wanted to know which topic she was inquiring about. Are we going to be okay? Ana''s eyes were filled with fear. I watched tears well up in her eyes, but she was fighting hard not to let them Tall. In that moment, 1 ft a tremor inside my heart. I''m doing everything I can to make sure of it," I promised, my voice sounding more confident than I felt, even as doubt gnawed at the weight of it was almost suffocating. me inside. Could I protect everyone? So many lives depending on my decisions 200 Ama nodded, rubbing her swollen belly. Right then, I was grateful wasn''t pregnant. The thought of having a baby in this situation terrified me. Deep down, I longed for peace when we actually had children, I wanted everything to be as smooth and joyful as possible. And now, Ama was experiencing a stress-filled pregnancy, and watching her made my heart ache, Here you go," William said as he ran back in. He was breathing slightly heavily, telling me he''d run the whole way. ¡°Thanks,¡± Ama said, taking it and opening it up. I have the roster for all members. Give me a minute to sort through it." "No problem. William, since I don''t have an arm to use, I need your Help," I tried to keep my voice steady, but the anxiety inside me was nearly bursting qut. Every minute, every second was precious, and we needed to move quickly. William came over and sat in Ryder''s chair. "What do you need?" "Ama, can you connect to our printer and print out blueprints of the entire pack territory?" "Of course." Ama didn''t even look at me, her focus giving me a sliver offort. "William, can you draw a map showing the distance between our pack and Logan'' pack?" William took a nk piece of paper and started sketchingndmarks. The map was rough you could still understand it. ¨C he clearly had no artistic talent - but "The woods would provide good cover, but they would also hide their warriors," I said thoughtfully. "Take the main road?" William asked, tracing over what appeared to be the road with his pencil. "Possibly. That would be fastest, and we could bring arger group. I depends on how many people we need to relocate. We''re not without options." "We could take another route. That way they won''t be monitoring our movements. It would take longer, but might be more effective in the long run." I drew a line thatpletely bypassed them from our pack''s side. "That''s all forest," Williammented. "No, there''s a dirt road that nobody has used in years. Probably a decade or more." I met William''s eyes, feeling confident about this n''s sess. Chapter Comments 1 Chapter 213 Xena''s POV "Is this really what your 144 1Q tells you is the best n?" Williamked as the printer churned out the blueprints. "It is. I still feel like I''m missing something but yeah, I feel like this good." I shifted my weight, trying to ignore the throbbing in my arm as I watched the final page emerge from the printer. William grabbed the blueprints and began spreading them out. Since they were printed across multiple sheets, he meticulously taped them together. Theplete map was sorge I had to stand up to see the entire thing. "Mark the areas where Rogues attacked and the locations where each discovery was made," I said, not caring howmanding I sounded. None of them seemed to notice my tone anyway-they were too focused on the task at hand. William took some pins and ced one where the tunnel had been found. Moving to the other-side of the blueprint, he marked the locations of the Rogue attacks. I had to lean forward awkwardly to point out where Ryder and I had been when that photo was taken. ÈÕ Staring at the blueprint, something felt off. "Confused" wasn''t quite the right word, but I couldn''t understand why they''d build a tunnel there. Was it really as simple as cing tunnels on each side so they could attack from both directions? Actually, it seemed like the people in the photo were just surveying everything. Scouting thend. Checking how far the nearest buildings were. My mind raced, trying to piece together the enemy''s strategy and intentions. While my brain continued processing, my hand instinctively reached for a pen. With my arm in a sling, the lines I drew connecting the two tunnels were wobbly. I added another line crossing through the middle, which happened to pass through the pack house. I circled the pack house. The fog of confusion instantly cleared, and I gasped. In werewolf territory, the most important building was the pack house-the Alpha''s workce, containing the most sensitive information and serving as the center of the entire territory. When someone attacks werewolfnd, their ultimate goal is to destroy the pack house. Once the pack house falls, everything else follows. The excavation of these tunnels must have taken them years. Alpha Wiley must have started nning this long before Tatum ever met me. Maybe this wasn''t entirely about me-they might just be using me as a distraction. It made sense-if everyone was focused on keeping me safe, their attention would be diverted from other things. A chill ran up my spine at this realization. I''d thought I was at the center of everything, but what if I was just a pawn? "Xena? What is it?" William asked. I hadn''t noticed him staring at me in confusion. Ama had even stood up, frowning in my direction. My thoughts must have been written all over my face, especially after such a potentially game-changing discovery. "You found something." It was more a statement than a question. Ama''s intuition was always sharp; she could sense the turbulence within me. "Maybe," I said vaguely. "Alpha Benedict, could youe to my office, please?" I sent the request through our mind link. "On my way," came his immediate response. A few minutester, a knock sounded at the door. William''s body tensed as he went to answer it. I could feel his alertness and tension. "What is it?" Alpha Benedict pushed past William and stood in front of me. He looked down at the blueprint, his brow furrowing. "These never made sense to me. Here''s where we found the tunnel. Here are the locations of the Rogue attacks, and this is where the other photo was taken." I indicated each pinned location, unable to fully extend my arm to point at them. And? Ilis voice was sharp, expectant. Alpha Wiley would have needed years to dig these tunnels. Years. He would have had to work slowly to avoid detection, cutting through tree roots without killing the trees. He must have started this n long before I came into the picture. These locations are equidistant or simrly distanced from the pack house. They''re not exactly in a straight line. I think there might be a third turmel somewhere around here. But my point is, it seems Alpha Wiley started nning this attack years ago. I think they''re using me as a distraction to cover his real objective. I believe Alpha Wiley wants something else, but he hopes you won''t notice while you''re busy protecting me from Tatum." My voice grew firmier with each word. Alpha Benedict remained silent for a moment. He stared at the cross''d drawn on the blueprint and the circled pack house, his eyes suddenly widening. He ced both hands on the table, leaning forward as if examining it closely. I looked up to see both Ama and William shocked by this entire revtion. Ama had her arms wrapped around William''s, her eyes glued to the blueprint. William''s expression shifted from confusion to anger to annoyance. "What''s your n to evacuate the women, children, and elderly?" Alpha-Benedict finally asked after several minutes. He straightened up, chest out, looking down at me with an almost condescending gaze. I was confused by his behavior, feeling slightly ufortable, but answered his question anyway. "We thought of taking the old dirt road from the back of your territory. Going the long way around, since they''re probably watching the direct routes." "Fine. We can proceed with your n. Our troops are getting assembled in preparation. William, you need to go down and do the same. Alpha Benedict left my office without even saying goodbye, leaving us all speechless. What just happened?" I whispered,pletely baffled by Alpha Benedict''s behavior. "He didn''t like what you said," William replied, looking at the open door. "He''s hiding something," I said softly. William nodded in agreement. "Do you have to leave?" Ama looked up at William, her eyes filled with worry. Her vulnerability made my heart ache, especially given her pregnant state, making the separation even more unsettling. "Yes. You two stay here. Ryder will be up soon. I''ll tell him what happened here, but I do need to go." William spoke directly to Ama. His hand rested on her swollen belly. "Take care." A tear slid down Ama''s cheek. "We love you," she whispered as he gently kissed her. I felt like I was intruding on a private moment and averted my eyes, a pang of bitterness and envy washing over me. Their love was so deep and genuine. They lost themselves in each other''s eyes for a moment before William strode out of my office. Ama''s eyes followed him out, then she walked over to close the door and lock it. The soft click of the lock in the silent room felt ominous, as if a storm was approaching. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 214 Xena''s POV She turned around and sighed, looking at me with those eyes that could always read my anxiety. "What is it now? Ama asked, her blonde curls bobbing as she tilted her head. I felt the anxiety churning in my chest, every second precious time sipping away. My thoughts were like ignited gunpowder, exploding in all directions. "We need to make a list. We''ll have groups of people to transport. leed to tell them exact numbers. Keep family members together while calcting how many vehicles we can fill at once.'' "I can do that," she replied. Though I loved Ama dearly, I needed more hands right now. "Ryder?" I called through our mind link, the connection between us vibrating with urgency. "What is it? I''m finishing something up, I''ll be there soon. William just briefed me." His voice echoed in my mind, his presence aforting warmth even through the psychic connection. "I need Penelope to help organize these ns." "I''ll call Logan, have him contact the office directly. Is that okay?" His tone was steady, grounding me when I felt like I was spinning out of control. "Thanks," I replied simply, ending the conversation. "Ama, could you help me get this stuff off?" I asked, gesturing to the maps and papers spread across my head. "Of course." She stood and came to my side. When she removed everything, it felt ufortable, but once it was gone, breathing suddenly became easier. "You good?" she asked while cing them on the floor. The phone started ringing. "Penny?" I snatched up the receiver, hoping it was her. "No, it''s Logan. What''s going on?" My twin''s voice came through, steady but tense. "I need Penelope''s help. We have barely any time before we start sending people through, and-" My words tumbled out urgently, my heart racing, palms starting to sweat. "Ryder already told me. He said William filled him in about moving during the battle," Logan cut me off. His voice sounded distant, like he was already mentally preparing for what wasing. "Right. I need another set of hands. I need Penny to make sure each vehicle arrives on time with the correct number of people. I''ll email you both the information, but I need her confirmation on everything." "We don''t have much time. You need to get our brains working, and figure this shit out," Logan said, irritation edging his voice. Just then, my office door opened and Ryder walked in, his body drenched in sweat, looking mad as hell. "I''m trying," I snapped back, matching his annoyance. "I''ll call Penelope and tell her to watch for your email. I''ll give her this number so she can call you. Write it down-it''s our house number. I''ve gotta go." Okay, Logan?" I said quickly before he could hang up. "What?" *Be careful. I¨CI love you. The three words felt strangeing from y mouth, but I needed to say them. Just in case. "Now isn''t the time for you to start having a heart, Logan joked, a small chuckle escaping him. "Love you too, sis. The line went dead. "Tell me what''s happening," Ryder demanded, his hands gripping our lesk as he leaned forward, impatient for me to finish my call. He was struggling to control his anger, but failing miserably-his Alpha aura was affecting Ama, making her try to distance herself from him. I could feel his emotions like storm clouds gathering, heavy and dangerous. His anger wasn''t directed at me, but at the entire situation. Still, that powerful Alpha energy made the air in the room thick, making it hard to breathe, for a moment. "Look." I stood up, carefully pointing to each pin on the map. "These are the locations. They''re not distributed across the packnds the way I imagined. If you ce another pin here, it forms a perfect riangle. Making it the perfect location for another attack point. The pack house would be right in the middle." I traced the pattern with my finger. "Besides, these tunnels would take years to dig. Not months, and certainly not during the time since I first met Tatum. All of this was nned long before I came into the picture. Alpha Wiley has been plotting this for a long time. I think he''s using Tatum as a distraction. By making us believe Tatum wanted to kidnap me, he kept your focus there." "He did kidnap you," Ryder responded, like he was struggling to understand it all. His brow furrowed, his expression a mixture of confusion and rage. I watched his face, knowing he was trying to ept this new perspective, this terrible truth that might change everything. "Yes, but I was actually kept alone for long periods. I only saw Tatum or Alpha Wiley three times. Trust me, I remember exactly what he said and did to me, but looking back now, I''m not so sure. I''m telling you, there''s something bigger going on here. Much bigger than Tatum wanting me." My voice trembled slightly, the memories of fear washing over me like a tide. Ryder looked directly into my eyes, worry and anger shing in his green irises. "What did my father say?" I bit my lip. "Hepletely ignored me, only asking what the evacuation n was." "Fuck." Ryder jerked upright, running his hands through his hair. His movements betrayed deep anxiety, and I could sense his wolf stirring restlessly inside him. I struggled to keep my voice steady. "What did you find?" "We found two tunnels. We only discovered the second one because a warrior saw a rat crawling out from it. They''re about five miles long. Leading to some random forest location outside our territory. The doors are wooden, covered with vines on the outside. Nobody would know they were there. We probably walked past them many times without noticing." Hearing these words, my heart sank. "If you need to go find the third tunnel, that''s okay." Chapter 215 Xena''s POV I watched Ryder''s face, noting the conflicted emotions ying across his features. The tension in his jaw, the slight furrow between his brows-1 could practically feel the pressure weighing on him. He wanted to stay with me, but his responsibility to keep his pack sate pulled at him just as strongly. "I promised I wouldn''t leave you," he said, his voice low and resolute as he stood near the door, clearly torn between duty and desire. I fought the urge to grab his hand, to beg him to stay. Iristend, I steed myself and said softly, "You''re not leaving me. I''m telling you to go make sure our pack is safe." Ryder crossed the room in three long strides, cupping my face between his warm palms. His green eyes searched mine intently. "Will you be alright? Dont lie to me. I can feel how unsettled you are righ now." "Yes, I''m unsettled and nervous, but we need to make sure the pack safe. I''ll be fine. I promise." The words felt hollow even as I spoke them, but I needed him to go. The safety of dozens of innocent people depended on it. "I''ll be back soon." Ryder pressed his lips to my forehead, the warmth of his kiss lingering on my skin like a talisman against fear. "I''ll hold you to that," I murmured as he pulled away. He turned back with a smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes before walking out the door. I watched his broad shoulders disappear down the hallway, swallowing the knot of anxiety rising in my throat. "I''ve made a list of everyone who needs to leave," Ama announced once Ryder was gone, waving a sheet of paper in her hand. "How many?" I asked, just as my phone rang. "Xena," I answered, pressing the device to my ear. "It''s me," Penelope''s voice came through clear and efficient. "Perfect. Can you help us get this organized?" I put her on speakerphone so Ama could hear. "Of course. I have our safe houses getting set up. Everyone will gather in one ce. Both packs will fit just fine. I''m not sure if our pack will be attacked, but I''m not leaving it up to chance. It will be hard to cover both territories, but we have someone doing some sonar and so far no tunnels here." ¡°Perfect,¡± I said, pacing the room. "Ama is making a list of who''s going first, how many will be there, and their names, When they arrive, you need to verify everyone made it. We''ll be packing the vans full of people and trying to keep families together." "What route are you taking?" Penelope asked. "Do you remember the old dirt road on the back of the territories?" asked, mentally Capping the safest route. "Yes, it''s been a long time since I''ve been there." I could almost see Penelope''s brow furrowing in concentration. "We''ll use that. It will drop off just outside of your territory. It''s a longer route but it might be safest." "That''ll be almost a twenty-minute drive there and another twenty back," Penelope sighed. "At least," I nodded, though she couldn''t see me. "I''ll send over our vans as well. Try to make this go quicker," Penelope offered, and I felt a surge of gratitude. -Thank you so much. Send them over the road and have them scope out. Make sure it looks safe. Will do. I''ll send them now. Expect them in about thirty minutes." I nced at the clock, rmed at how quickly time was slipping away. ¡°Okay. That will be about the time that our warriors leave. Alright, Send the list over email and I''ll be ready," Penelope instructed. *Perfect. Thank you so much for your help. "We''re family. This is what we do," Penelope said sweetly. "Yes, we are." I replied before ending the call. My heart was still pour ding, the sense of crisis tightening around my nerves like an invisible. "I think I have it figured out," Ama said, bent over her list. "Each van can fit six people. But we''ll try to squeeze in eight or more, depending on size. I drawn a line under each section. If we have three vans, plus the ones Penelope is sending us..." "It''s still going to take as a few hours," I concluded grimly. The thought of evacuating so many pack members in such a short time made my chest tighten with anxiety. Ama nodded and emailed her list to Penelope. "What do we do now?" she asked, looking at me with trusting eyes. "I guess I need to mind-link the whole pack, tell them to meet in front of the packhouse in twenty minutes." I''d never done this before, wasn''t even sure I knew how. "Yes, and make sure you add some authority and urgency to it," Ama suggested, watching me with concern. I nodded, steeling myself. Closing my eyes, I focused on extending and opening my mental connection to the entire pack. "Attention everyone! We are evacuating all females, children, and elderly who cannot defend themselves. Report to the front of the packhouse in twenty minutes," Imanded, injecting every ounce of authority I could muster into my voice, even as I silently prayed it would be enough. Silence met my words, and Ama and I exchanged nervous nces. Had they ignored mymand? Then, suddenly, a chorus of "Yes, Luna" responses flooded back to me, sending goosebumps racing across my skin. I quickly closed the connection, stunned by the immediate eptance of my authority. Chapter Comments B2 Chapter 216 Xena''s POV I stared at Emmy, my heart pounding against my ilbcage like trapped animal. ''Is this good enough?" I asked, uncertain if I was projecting the strength and leadership everyone needed right now. "Yeah, it gets the point across," she nodded, her blonde curls bouncing with the movement. "I guess we should head out there and get ready." The words left my lips, but my feet remained rooted to the floor. My pulse raced, anxiety coursing through my veins. This was so much bigger than anything I''d faced before. "I''ll be right beside you," Emmy extended her hand toward me, her unwavering confidence giving me the courage to continue. "Thank you." I took a deep breath and grasped her hand, following her into the hallway. The atmosphere hadpletely changed. Panic and chaos reigned. More than once, we were bumped into by people rushing toward the main hall, each collision making me more aware of the gravity of the situation. "Everyone, listen up!" Ryder''s authoritative voice cut through the noise, surprising even me. This was the first time I''d heard him speak like this, and the power in his voice made my heart skip a beat "Make sure you have all necessary equipment. Double-check everything!" As we entered the hall, Ryder immediately spotted me. Our eyes locked, concern and determination mingling in his gaze. That brief look offered me a smallfort despite the surrounding chaos. "Check your ns, and if you need to use the bathroom, do it now. You won''t be allowed to for the next several hours." Ama and I paused, standing at the back of the room. Everyone moved shoulder to shoulder, tightening straps on each other''s backs. Dressed entirely in ck, theirbat clothes looked lethal. Most had face coverings pushed down around their necks, while others had painted their faces with ck and green camouge. Ryder approached us. "What are you doing?" "Going to the foyer to put people in the correct order," I replied, my voice betraying a slight tremor. This was my first time being seen by the pack, and sympathetic nces wereing from nearly everyone. "Come on." Ryder took my hand and led us to the front door and out onto the porch. He had changed into ckbat pants and wore a spandex ck long- sleeve shirt. His face was partially covered with green and ck paint. "I thought you weren''t going," I said, studying him. "I''m not. I''m prepared just in case something happens here," Ryder answered without looking at me. Several people were already walking toward the pack house in the distance. "I have four vansing to transport people. There weren''t any SUVS left." "That''s fine. I figured as much." "You''re doing great," Ryder said, still not meeting my eyes. "I''m still missing something, and we both know who knows what that is." Leave it to me. You focus on getting everyone out of here," Ryder said, his wordsnding like a stone in my heart. I didn''t want to disappoint him. "Xena!" Luna Kestrel came running out of the pack house, calling my name loudly. "Mom". Ryder a voice carried obvious annoyance, and I could feel his entlon rising further. I''m here to help, she said, giving Ryder an irritated look, I stood there, feeling awkwardly caught in the middle, but this wasn''t the time to deal with family disputex Cars pulled up. "Penelope is sending more vehicles, and they''re checking the roads to make sure they''re safe," I told Ryder, Ignoring Luna Kestrel. Though she was the former Luna, this was my moment to step up, even if I still felt nervous. "Great. That will speed things up. A sh of approval crossed his eyes, giving me a small boost of confidence. "Ama, why don''t you and Luna Kestrel start sorting people into their groups? Give them a ce to stand and wait, I said to my friend. "I''m on it," Ama nodded in response. More people began to arrive. It would be faster if we worked bit by bit rather than waiting until everyone showed up before starting. "Tell me everything''s going to go ording to n," I whispered to Ryder. He released my hand and wrapped his arm around me. "It''ll go better than nned, his voice carried a certainty that I wished I could feel. "Ryder." Alpha Benedict''smanding voice made both Ryder and me tense up immediately. A chill ran down my spine the Alpha''s tone never heralded good news. "What is it?" Ryder looked around. His father stood in the doorway, his expression grave. Chapter Comments B1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 217 Xena''s POV I watched Alpha Benedict walk away without waiting for any response, his broad shoulders tense with purpose. "We need to solve this before someone dies," I said through our mind link, feeling the gravity of the situation press down on me. "Agreed," Ryder responded before following his father inside. I turned to see Ama and Luna Kestrel organizing everyone in the main hall. Some looked confused, others terrified. Children were being scolded for not staying put, while men moved in and out of the pack house with determined strides. I wasn''t sure what they knew or what Ryder and Alpha Benedict had told them, but they all made sure to keep their distance from me. Part of me appreciated this, while another part bristled with irritation. My inner wolf protested: Maybe if I were treated normally, I''d recover faster? Though it might also prolong my healing. I crossed my arms, trying to ease some of the pressure on my shoulders. They felt better than this morning, at least. But if I wanted to be treated normally,'' I should probably start acting normal. That meant letting Ryder do what he needed to keep the pack safe. Walking back inside the pack house, I entered a scene of organized chaos. Men adjusted their gear, said goodbye to crying mates, or but the men he gave themselves mental pep talks. I spotted Ryder in a far corner talking with a group of men. His back was to me, was speaking with nced over and noticed me. One of them caught Ryder''s attention and motioned toward me. Confused, Ryder looked over, did a double-take, then told them he''d be right back. "Xena?" He walked over and pulled me to the side. "What''s wrong?" "Everyone is avoiding me. No one will talk to me or they''re keeping a healthy distance." Ryder looked even more confused. "I know. I thought that would be best to make it morefortable for you. Xena, I am really busy right now." "I know, please listen." I reached out and firmly grabbed his arm, moving quicker than I meant to. The sudden movement stung a little. "I really do appreciate it, and normally that would be exactly what I need. However, I''m finding it really off- putting. I realized if I want to move on, I need everyone to treat me like they would have before the incident." I was aware that more than one pair of ears was listening in. "I need to feel normal in my own house. Normal means not being attached to you. Ryder, I can''t hold you back from going. If you need to be with our men as they go into battle, go I will be okay. I''m a survivor, and this will not break me either. If you need to go... go!" I looked deep into his eyes to make sure he understood I really meant it. "I love you for this, and I''m happy to hear you''re ready to ept going back to normal, but someone has to stay here and make sure things are okay." "We both know there are others who''d benefit from having their mates stay behind," I said, thinking of William. Ama was pregnant, and William would be distracted not knowing what was happening at home. He trusted Ryder to keep Ama safe, but it wasn''t the same as being there himself. I understood that tearing pain, as my own soul trembled at the thought of theing separation. "Are you sure?" Ryder''s eyes searched mine, concern and surprise flickering across his face. I nodded. ¡°Yes. Ama needs William here, especially now." My voice dropped to a whisper. "She''s trying to be strong, but I can see the fear in her eyes every time she protectively ces her hand over her stomach." Ryder stepped closer, so close I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. "And what about you?" he asked, his voice soft bu serious. "If I go, I need to know you''ll be okay." A lump formed in my throat. The wolf inside me whimpered anxiously at the thought of Ryder leaving, but I couldn''t show it. "I''ll manage, I said, forcing a smile that didn''t quite reach my eyes. Besides, you''ll always be in my head, right?" I tapped my temple, referring to our mind link. Ryder jaw tightened as he struggled with the decision. I could almost see the fierce battle within him- the confilet between his responsibility to the pack and les profection of his mate. It was the eternal struggle of an Alpha, and all I could do was support him. "If anything happens-anything at all-you call for me immediately, he finally said, his tone brooking no argument. "Promise me, "I promise," I whispered, leaning into his touch as he cupped my face His thumb brushed across my cheek, and for a moment, the world around us disappeared. For that brief instant, I almost believed everything would be okay. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 218 Xena''s POV It''s going to be fine. Go be the leader they need you to be." I release my grip on his arm and moved my hand to his face. The motion sent pain shooting through my injuries, but I needed to feel him onest time, just in case things didn''t go ording to n. Ryder didn''t respond, just leaned down and pressed his lips against mine in a kiss so fierce it took my breath away. This was a goodbye kiss. Tears threatened to spill, but I wouldn''t let them fall. was the goddamn Luna of this pack, and that meant staying strong for our warriors. He finally pulled away, looking deep into my eyes. "I love you, Xena," he said, his voice low and steady but with the slightest tremor I could barely detect. "I love you too, Ryder." My voice was firm and without hesitation. I kissed me once more before walking toward his warriors and William. I stood back, watching the shock register on William''s face before his eyes found mine. Ryder walked away from William, but William just stood there, mouth agape, staring at me. ¡°MEN!" Ryder roared. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him, including me. "Let''s ROLL." His voice was dangerous and low as he gave me one final nce before walking out the door. Everyone followed after him. After thest warrior walked out, I watched them climb into our ck SUVs. Only after thest door was shut did Ryder get into his seat and close the door. Everyone around stopped what they were doing and watched as the SUVS left the territory. Penelope''s convoy arrived just minutes after our SUVS had left. I stepped outside, needing to meet with them before the loading began. The sky was starting to darken, and the air was turning cool. tena keaz, it''s good to see you." One of my father''s warriors stepped forward, was Delphine, still an excellent warrior. student in my ss. His name "Hey, how are you?" I asked as I approached him, stopping just out of arm''s reach. I forced a polite smile onto my face despite my nerves being stretched like a bowstring pulled taut. "I''m good, I should be asking you that." Delphine''s face was sympathetic. "You know me, stubborn as hell, refusing help." I joked. Delphineughed. "I remember." "So, how was the road?" I asked, getting down to business. "We drove slow and Penelope even had us leave a few warriors every so often to keep monitoring it. They are to check in every ten minutes." Delphine held up a walkie talkie. "There doesn''t appear to be any fresh tracks or any signs of human interaction." "Perfect. I shouldn''t need to tell you the importance of this." I said firmly. ''No, ma''am. I will be greeting Penelope myself. Penelope got the email you sent but she still wishes that you write the names of each person and sign it. I will give it to her and she will check it over." 0 both loved and missed Penelope. "She is an angel." I sighed. "She will be a perfect luna." Delphine agreed. "Ama, write down the names of each person in each car. Start loading them up.¡± I yelled out. Ama nodded and guided people into the vehicles. Everyone moved handed out to limit panle. I would appreciate it to stay that way un a hurried fashion. Delphine, minimal information has been everyone is safe Inside the safe house Penelope has set up. Understood, Delphine nced at his watch. I believe Logan should be meeting up with Alpha Ryder in about five minutes Delphine, tell me everything is going to go smoothly and I''m just overreacting." "Well, everything is going to go smoothly, but one can never be too utious when ites to the lives of your pack members. I think you made the right call." I didn''t respond, just nodded and watched people walk toward his van. He opened the door, and I watched parents take seats, all children either sitting on theirps or on the floor. They all looked scared. Every terrified face stabbed at my heart; these were my responsibility, the ones I needed to protect. "Everything is going to be fine. Delphine will make sure you arrive safely." I told them as Delphine prepared to close the door. "Luna?" a mother asked urgently. "Yes?" I looked at her, noticing the daughter in her arms, only about year old, clutching her mother tightly, small hands white with the force of her grip, as if sensing the danger in the air. "Where are we going?" Her voice was anxious, though I could tell she was trying to stay calm. Chapter Comments Chapter 219 Xena''s POV I took a deep breath, trying to make my voice sound steady and reliable as I addressed the frightened faces before me. "You''ll be heading to Alpha Hank and Alpha Logan''s pack," I exined to the mother clutching her child''s hand tightly. "Logan is my twin brother, and that''s the pack where I grew up. Penelope is there waiting for you and will transfer you to the safe house until we can ensure your safety here." She didn''t ask any more questions, just nodded and continued soothing her child. I watched them, feeling a mixture of determination and sadness rise in my chest. No matter what, I had protect them-protect everyone. Delphine gave me a nod before closing the door. "Here you go," Ama approached, handing me a list. We had arranged for sixty- five people to ride in these vans. I knew they were. cramped, butfort wasn''t my priority right now. Survival was. After signing the paper, I handed it to Delphine, silently praying everything would go smoothly. "Drive carefully. Go fast, but stay safe. "Here''s a walkie-talkie to keep track of things. We''ll let you know when we arrive," Delphine said, handing me the device before closing the door. I stepped back, watching the vans start up and drive off in different directions, my heart heavy with prayers for their safe arrival. My gaze fell on the pack members standing around waiting for instructions, their eyes full of trust and expectation. "Thank you all foring on such short notice,¡± I announced. "The vans will return after dropping everyone off at their destinations. Please, sit down and rx-it''ll be a while before theye back. If anyone needs food or anything else, let one of us know." "William?" I heard Ama say softly beside me. She looked at me with questioning eyes. "Your needs matter more than mine," I gave her a small smile, watching as she first walked, then broke into a run toward William, jumping into his arms. I felt both happy and slightly empty seeing them together, but I knew it was right. "You did a good thing for her," Luna Kestrel said,ing to stand beside me. "It was the right thing to do," I replied, my heart aching for Ryder while also feeling relieved that Ama and her baby would have less stress. My emotions were a tangled mess, torn between love and duty. A few more minutes passed as we stood outside before the walkie-talkie crackled to life. ''Checkpoint one, all confirm," Delphine''s voice came through clearly "Wilson normal." "Eden normal." This continued for another twelve men, each confirming their presence. I only managed to breathe properly when Delphine finally announced their arrival. It took about five minutes to confirm each pack member and for them to turn around and head back. "One down," Luna Kestrel stated simply. By the time the vans returned, the sky had turned pitch ck, Some kids were still running around ying while others had fallen asleep on their parents''ps. Overall, everyone had started to rx, not as worried as before. They had the privilege of being in the dark about what was really happening-and that''s how I wanted it. They didn''t need to know unl they were safe. Ama organized another round of people onto the vans. After signing the papers, they drove off again into the night. Owls hooted in the distance, and everything felt eerily calm. Ama and William sat on the steps, looking up at the night sky together. Warriors were positioned around the perimeter, walking back and forth with vignt eyes. "William, when was the attack supposed to happen?" I asked through our mind link. "Eleven p.m.," he answered. I nced at my watch-10:34 p.m. Only twenty-six minutes until they would make their move. They were probably sitting in the darkness somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. "Has anyone gone looking for the third tunnel?" I asked, trying to control the anxiety in my voice. "No, they had to leave before we could go. Besides, we don''t even know where to start looking," William said reasonably, but it still left me with a deep unease, not knowing from where the threat mighte. It was too dark now for a proper search, which made me even more anxious. "Any news from Ryder?" I asked, my heart aching slightly with longing and worry. "Not yet. I''ll tell you if I hear anything." I nced at him. He was looking at me, but I couldn''t make out his face clearly in the darkness. I felt a wave of loneliness and vulnerability wash over me, but I couldn''t let those emotions control me right now. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly. Chapter 220 Xena''s POV "Ask me when Ryder gets home," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the soft night breeze. The vans were moving faster than I''d initially anticipated, but each found trip still took about forty-five minutes-longer than I''d hoped. Ama efficiently loaded another group of people into the vehicles, her movements practiced and purposeful despite her condition. Delphine nodded at me before they departed, a silent confirmation that everything was proceeding ording to n. Each warrior reported their status exactly as they should, and with every sessful journey, the knot of anxiety in my chest loosened slightly. Still, I checked my watch every few minutes. Not knowing what was happening with Ryder and the others was driving me insane. Time seemed to mock me, each second stretching into an eternity as my heart hammered against my ribcage like it was trying to break free. Luna Kestrel appeared surprisingly rxed, casually chatting with the remaining pack members, her posture betraying none of the tension that coursed through my veins. Every time the walkie-talkie crackled to life, my heart skipped a beat/ "Luna, William''s voice came from behind me while I stared into the darkness of the forest, searching for threats that lurked in the shadows. "What is it?" I didn''t even turn around. He moved to stand beside me keeping a respectful distance without touching me. Yet he was close enough-the same distance as during our earlier conversations which surprised me a little. "You''re literally jumping at everything. Ryder and the warriors will be fine. They''ll go in,plete the mission, and leave before anyone notices." I nced at my watch-11:21 PM. Ama was loading another group of pack members into the vans. "I hope so." "Is there something else bothering you?" William''s tone suggested genuine concern. "We''re not seeing the whole picture," I admitted, my voice tight with tension. "Do you think we made a mistake?" he asked quietly, moving directly in front of me. "No, not like that. Think about it." I grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the others, lowering my voice so that even with their enhanced hearing, no one could overhear us. "What could Alpha Benedict possibly have that would make Alpha Wiley spend years developing such a precise n of attack?" I didn''t experience the expected revulsion at the physical contact-touching others wasn''t as difficult as I''d feared, though anxiety still dominated my emotions. William''s eyes darkened. "I don''t know." "Ryder agrees. Something''s definitely going on here, and until we figure out what it is, we''re still in danger." "What do you think we should do?" he asked. "You''re not going to like it," I warned. "What is it?" William folded his arms across his chest. Looking over, noticed Luna Kestrel still engaged in conversation with different pack members. "Sneak into his office and look around." Chapter 220. William''s eyes widened like T''d just confessed to murder. "Seriously? "I said you wouldn''t like it. 1 sinugged, meeting his gaze steadily. I refused to tell us what it was. We know he''s hiding something. His office might have that secret." William rubbed his hands over his face before running them through his hair. He took a few steps back and started paring before returning to me. "What about Lama Kestrel?" "She''s been talking to members all evening. You go see what you can find. Take pictures for me to look at. Any budget paperwork or just... anything." "Ama has all the budget stuff," William said, looking confused. "She has what he gave her," I replied gravely. William''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine, but you have to tell me if anyone goes into the pack house. I need time to escape. "I will. Keep the mind ink open," I said, patting his shoulder. William gave me onest look before walking over to Ama. I heard him tell her he''d be right back. Thankfully, Ama didn''t question it, simply continuing to sit on the stairs. My watch read 11:46 PM. If all was going ording to n, Delphine should be on his way back. Once he arrived, Luna Kestre would likely go help with the coordination. I began watching her more closely. She asionally checked her watch but otherwise kept her attention on her conversation. She looked a bit thin, and her hair seemed almost too perfect. I couldn''t see her face clearly in the darkness, but I''d bet money she had bags under her eyes. The moon provided little light tonight, as if deliberately darkening the world to give our men the cover they needed toplete their mission sessfully. "I''m in," William whispered through our mind-link. "Good, what do you see?" I asked, keeping my eyes fixed on Luna Kestrel. "Nothing special. I''ll start with the filing cabs." I could hear the grating sound of rusty metal as he opened the drawers. "He has files on every pack member with status." This didn''tpletely surprise me, though it was somewhat unexpected. Most Alphas conducted some form of background check on their members. I reasoned this was normal procedure, yet it still felt unsettling, like having my privacy invaded. "That''s not too outrageous," I said uncertainly, hesitation coloring my voice, "Your file has various reports from your childhood IQ tests," he replied. Chapter 221 Xena''s POV "What?" 1 stared at William inplete shock, my heart nearly stopping in my chest. I never imagined the Alpha would dig this deep-this wasn''t just a background check, it was obsessive surveince. "Yes, it''s a copy of an IQ test, looks like you took it when you were seven," William confirmed through our mind link. He was right. I had taken that test back then, a memory buried so deep I''d almost forgotten it, yet here it was, casually excavated by someone else. "What else is in there?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly through our connection, both terrified and desperate to know more. "There''s a family tree with everyone''s position and stuff.", "He keeps all this in a filing cab?" I needed to confirm, horrified by the dedication to collecting this information. This wasn''t just interest-it felt like the prelude to something more controlling "It was locked. Your folder isn''t that interesting, just basic stuff," William replied, sounding like he''d moved on to look through other items "I know we have time, but keep looking," I urged him, trying to mask the conflict between my uneasiness and burning curiosity. After a brief pause, William''s voice returned. "He has a file on Alpha Wiley." My heart rate instantly elerated. "What does it say?" "There''s a family tree for him too, but some names are cked out. "Take a picture," I said quickly, a strange feeling of dread washing over me. Why would certain names be redacted? What secrets were being hidden? "He knows that pack inside out. Member count, territory size, even their pack house. God! He even knows their border patrol routes." "Are you serious?" I gasped, a chill running down my spine. "He must have an insider to know all that." "I know. Doesn''t say how long he''s had this information though," William seemed to be talking more to himself than to me. The vans pulled up again. I nced at my watch-they''d returned three minutes faster thanst time. Pack members stood up, preparing to board. We were getting closer to finishing, which gave me a small sense of relief. Ama and Luna Kestrel were busy assigning vehicles. Once the paperwork was signed again, the vans departed, Luna Kestrel and Ama stood watching the vehicles disappear, then Luna Kestrel turned and began walking toward the pack house. My heart jumped, panic instantly gripping me. "Ama," I said urgently through our mind link. "Keep her talking, don''t let her go inside the pack house. I''ll exinter." "Okay,¡± Ama responded without hesitation,pletely in sync with me. She grabbed Luna Kestrel''s hand and asked about ns for my luna ceremony, immediately capturing her attention., I exhaled in relief. "Find anything else?" I asked William. "I took pictures of some budget stuff, but nothing stands out. Hisputer is password protected and turned off, so I can''t ess that." Don''t Poke the Luna Xena''s POV "What?" 1 stared at William inplete shock, my heart nearly stopping in my chest. I never imagined the Alpha would dig this deep-this wasn''t just a background check, it was obsessive surveince. "Yes, it''s a copy of an IQ test, looks like you took it when you were seven, William confirmed through our mind link. He was right. I had taken that test back then, a memory buried so deep I''d almost forgotten it, yet here it was, casually excavated by someone else. "What else is in there?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly through our connection, both terrified and desperate to know more. "There''s a family tree with everyone''s position and stuff." ''He keeps all this in a filing cab?" I needed to confirm, horrified by the dedication to collecting this information. This wasn''t just interest-it felt ke the prelude to something more controlling. "It was locked. Your folder isn''t that interesting, just basic stuff," William replied, sounding like he''d moved on to look through other items, "I know we have time, but keep looking," I urged him, trying to mask the conflict between my uneasiness and burning curiosity. After a brief pause, William''s voice returned. "He has a file on Alpha Wiley." My heart rate instantly elerated. "What does it say?" "There''s a family tree for him too, but some names are cked out." "Take a picture," I said quickly, a strange feeling of dread washing over me. Why would certain names be redacted? What secrets were being hidden? "He knows that pack inside out. Member count, territory size, even their pack house. God! He even knows their border patrol routes." "Are you serious?" I gasped, a chill running down my spine. "He must have an insider to know all that." "I know. Doesn''t say how long he''s had this information though," William seemed to be talking more to himself than to me. The vans pulled up again. I nced at my watch-they''d returned three minutes faster thanst time. Pack members stood up, preparing to board. We were getting closer to finishing, which gave me a small sense of relief. Ama and Luna Kestrel were busy assigning vehicles. Once the paperwork was signed again, the vans departed. Luna Kestrel and Ama stood watching the vehicles disappear, then Luna Kestrel turned and began walking toward the pack house. My heart jumped, panic instantly gripping me. "Ama," I said urgently through our mind link. "Keep her talking, don''t let her go inside the pack house. I''ll exinter." "Okay, Ama responded without hesitation,pletely in sync with me. She grabbed Luna Kestrel''s hand and asked about ns for my luna ceremony, immediately capturing her attention. I exhaled in relief. "Find anything else?" I asked William. "I took pictures of some budget stuff, but nothing stands put. Hisputer is password protected and turned that." I can''t ess Frustration bubbled up inside me. "Anything on the floor like a trap oor or something?" William didn''t respond immediately, but I could hear him moving things around. ''I''m looking, but I really don''t see much," he finally said after several minute "X! Ama''s urgent voice came through our link. I quickly turned to see Luna Kestrel standing up and Ama ncing anxiously in my direction. "Get out! William, get out!" Imanded through our mind link. "Shit!" William cursed. I heard the sound of drawers closing as he tried to put everything back in order. I assessed Luna Kestrel''s distance from the office. "You still have time. I assured him. Suddenly, the sound of books and papers falling to the floor echoed through our connection. I flinched. "What happened?" I asked urgently, my heart ting even faster. William didn''t answere, just kept repeating "Fuck" under his breath. Watching Luna Kestrel getting closer to the office, I realized we were running out of time. My palms were sweating. "I need to think of something." I stood up instinctively and walked toward Luna Kestrel. I moved slowly, stopping when I was only a few feet away from her. Just as I was about to call out to her, William appeared from around the corner. "Oh! Luna Kestrel! You startled me!" he managed to greet her. I immediately backed away, pretending nothing had happened. "My apologies, Luna Kestrel. I was just using the restroom." "You''ve been in there for a while. Is everything okay?¡± she asked, concern in her voice. "My stomach''s upset. I don''t think lunch agreed with me." "Is that why you and Ryder switched?" Luna Kestrel questioned. "Yeah, we didn''t want to risk me shitting my pants while we were out there," William replied, taking one for the team. "It has nothing to do with Xena telling Ryder to go and leave you behind?" Her words made anger re inside me. "What exactly are you asking, Luna? Are you suggesting I was too scared to go, or what?" William sounded equally irritated. "Oh no, I just wanted to know why you two switched ces. Xena is in such a delicate emotional state right now. I''m concerned about her health." Chapter Comments POST COMMENT NOW LIKE < SHARE Chapter 222 Xena''s POV "Oh, I think Luna Xena is handling her trauma remarkably well. She still out here doing what needs to be done for our pack. She''s not thinking about herself right now, and I think that shows how brave she is. William''s defense made my heart skip a beat, gratitude washing over me for his support. "Suppressing trauma isn''t healthy either." Luna Kestrel''s voice was gentle but concerned. "She''s been pacing back and forth, jumping at every sound." My stomach clenched every pime Lama Kestrel spoke about me like this, as if I weren''t even present. I knew she meant well, but it still stung. "I don''t me her for that. I think anyone would after being kidnapped. You heard her recording." William''s reply was firm, supporting me in his own way. "Yes, I have... just keep an eye on her, alright?" Luna Kestrel''s voice seemed to be moving away from William I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. They were all just worried about me, I reminded myself. They cared. William walked out and closed the door behind him just as the vans returned. He approached me while Ama stood up and began organizing people into the vehicles again. He gave me a look but said nothing. Instead, we watched as everyone climbed into the yans. There was onest group to go, and we still hadn''t received any news. William checked his phone. Nothing. I wasn''t sure that was good or bad. Anxiety swirled in my chest like a trapped bird. What did no news mean? Were they still alive? I tried not to let panic seep into my thoughts. "How long is the mission supposed to take?" I asked as the vans drove away. "Hard to say. Depends on whether they run into any unexpected situations." "What if everything goes smoothly?" "Not certain. Maybe an hour or two. We''re not exactly sure about theyout and what''s inside. They might discover something that changes the n." My mind drifted to the countless ways things could go wrong. Would they get hurt? Captured? One horrible scenario after another shed through my mind. "Logan went with them," I stated, my voice tighter than I wanted it to be. "Yes." William nced down at me. "And my dad... Something in his gaze made my heart clench. Was it worry? Or was he hiding something from me? "Yes," William answered again. The two most important people in my life were out there, risking everything. The thought made my stomach churn. If I lost either of them... "So Leonard is over there guarding the pack." "Along with most of their warriors," William sighed. Chapter 222. "Are you going to send Ama with thest group?" I looked up at him There was a slight tremor in my voice, and I hoped he didn''t notice didn''t want to lose anyone else. William looked down at me seriously. "What about me?" Ama walked over to us, slipping under William''s n. "Xena asked if you were going to go on thest group of people going over, William exined. "Oh!" Ama looked surprised. "I wasn''t sure if you would feel safer there. With everything going on I wouldn''t be upset if you wanted to go. It might even give our pack a familiar face to make it morefortable." "Do you think I should go?" Ama looked up at William. "I want you safe. I want our baby safe," William answered tenderly, his eyes filled with love. "We don''t know how long they will even be over there for." Ama looked down. "I might be away from you for days if not weeks!" "I doubt it would be that long, but he would be able to visit you," I promised. "Maybe it''s not a bad idea." William looked down at her. "I''ll give you guys some privacy to talk about it," I said as I walked away. I needed to sit down. My shoulders were hurting, and so were my feet. Sitting down on the step, I stared off into the stars. It wasn''t until the vans showed up again that I snapped out of my trance. Standing up, I watched as the rest of our pack members got into the vans. William walked Ama over and put her in the front seat next to Delphine. After everyone was in, William shut the doors. "Is that everyone?" Delphine asked. "I believe so. Thank you for doing this," I said, genuine gratitude washing over me. "It''s my honor. Everything''s been smooth so far. One more trip and we''re done. I''ll have Alpha Logane for the walkie-talkjeter. That way you''ll still hear if we make it safely." "Thank you so much," I said, and Delphine nodded, getting into the driver''s seat. "Be safe!" Ama leaned forward to call out to me. "You too," I waved gently, then stepped back, watching the vans drive out of sight for the final time. My heart sank as Ama left. I was going to miss her terribly. "This sucks," William sighed, cing his hands on his hips. I nodded silently, staring at the empty space where the vans had been. Chapter 223 Xena''s POV I turned to head upstairs. I settled onto the porch swing, letting the gool night air brush against my skin. William followed me but hesitated before sitting down beside me. After a long silence filled only by the distant calls of night creatures he finally spoke. "Aren''t you going to sleep?" he asked quietly. I looked at him as if he''d asked the most ridiculous question in the world. "Are you nning to sleep until theye back?" "I guess not," William admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Still no word from them?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer. My heart ached with each second of silence that followed. "No, ¨¨ replied simply. We fell back into silence after that. Different warriors made their way onto the porch, taking seats nearby. Nobody was going to sleep tonight, not until our people returned. Yet no one spoke a word. We just sat there, listening to the frogs croaking and owls hooting in the darkness. At some point, I rested my head against the chain of the swing and closed my eyes. I started imagining what it would be like when my shop reopened. Saying I missed it was an understatement. That shop meant everything to me. Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy pulse through my body. My wolf was back! "Una!" I eximed, straightening up immediately. "What?" William asked, startled by my outburst. "Una''s back!" I repeated, unable to contain my excitement. A wave of energy rippled through me. It felt strange, like my body was waking up after a long sleep. I felt more vibrant, more alive. Instinctively, I stretched my arms and rotated my shoulders. Everything moved smoothly, without pain. My wolf''s return had elerated my healing. While I was still reveling in the joy of my recovery, William nudged my leg to get my attention. "Xena," he said urgently. "What is it?" He nodded toward the road, and that''s when I heard it too - the sound of engines approaching, Turning my head, I saw our ck SUVS slowly making their way toward us. The warriors around us got to their feet, but I was the first to rush forward. As the car doors opened and men began to climb out, my eyes frantically searched for Ryder. I couldn''t read the atmosphere. No one was smiling or crying. No one seemed to be covered in blood or carrying bodies. Each second felt like an eternity as my heart hammered wildly in my chest. Finally, my gaze locked onto the most beautiful green eyes I''d ever seen. Ryder slid out from the passenger seat, looking straight at me. The relief that washed over me was overwhelming. I closed my eyes, having to take several deep breaths to calm my racing heart. As he came around the SUV, I ran down the remaining stairs and threw myself into his open arms. He held me tight. One arm wrapped around my shoulders, the other cradling my head as he kissed my forehead s al times before resting his cheek against it. The pressure made my shoulders ache, I didn''t care at all. I felt sparks throughout my body, carrying away all my anxiety. Even though my arms weren''t encircling him, I still gripped his shirt tightly. This man was my everything. "Well?" 1 heard a warrior ask. "Everything went exactly ording to n. They didn''t expect a thing and it went off without a hitch, Alpha Benedict announced triumphantly. All the warriors started cheering and howling up at the moon. I was incredibly thankful for this oue. "William," I heard Ryder say. "All''s good, man." William walked over, and I felt Ryder let go of my head to shake William''s hand. "Thank you," Ryder said sincerely, and I could feel how much he meant it. "Anytime," William ansyered before I heard him start to walk away. "William?" I peeked out from behind Ryder''s arm. "What?"/ "Come to our room," I said simply, not borating further. I knew Ryder was confused, but thankfully he didn''t question it. William looked at me for a second before nodding. He reached down and took Ryder''s bag. Ryder''s arm didn''t leave my body as he moved me to his side and followed William. We were thest of the warriors toe inside the packhouse. Everyone was making their way to their rooms but being rather quiet about it. We didn''t talk either until we were in our bedroom and the door was locked. "What happened?" Ryder asked as he went over to the couch and set me down. Even now, he maintained thatmander''sposure, but I could feel the tension in his muscles. "Show him," I said to William. My voice was more steady than I''d expected it to be. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 224 Xena''s POV "What do you want to show me?" Ryder pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it into the corner. William sighed and sat down. looking like he was preparing for the worst. "First, this was Xena''s idea. I just followed instructions, William said, cing his hand on his head like he was bracing for impact. Ryder frowned, walking toward the closet. I could hear him removing his pants, and then he came out wearing only shorts. He ignored uspletely as he walked into the bathroom and sshed water on his face. The tension spread through my body like wildfire. I wasn''t sure how Ryder would react. We had investigated his father without his knowledge, and that might make him feel betrayed. But the truth was necessary, even if it cost me his anger. When he finally emerged from the bathroom, he spoke. "What happened?" He sat beside me, pulling me tightly against him. I''ve been thinking about what your father might be hiding... Suddenly, this felt like a terrible idea. "And?" Ryder looked down at me, his expression unreadable. "No one was inside at the time. I had everyone outside waiting to be transported. Most of the warriors were with you." I nced toward William, my heart beating faster, palms beginning to sweat. "She asked me to look around your father''s office for anything suspicious," William quickly added. "You did what?" Ryder looked at both of us, shock written across his face. I saw a sh of betrayal in his eyes that stabbed at my heart. I didn''t want to hurt him, but I needed to know the truth. "We all know he''s hiding something. Your mom has been acting weird too. I saw an opportunity and I took it." My voice grew firmer. Ryder remained silent for several minutes, his face expressionless. "Did you find anything?" he finally asked, his voice low. His reaction was calmer than I''d anticipated, which came as a relief. William nodded and took out his phone. He found the photos and handed it to Ryder. Ryder pulled his arm from behind me and sat up straight. He zoomed in on the photo, reading its contents. His body froze. He even flipped through several different photos before looking at me. "Does your father have spies in Alpha Wiley''s pack?" I asked bluntly. Ryder looked at me, opened his mouth, then looked back at the phone. "I don''t know." "What happened tonight? Why wasn''t everyone more excited? The mood was almost somber." William leaned forward. Ryder raised his head to look at William. "Something felt off. There was no one there. We thought there would be people there, but there weren''t-it waspletely empty. Everything had ayer of dust on it, which means it''s been vacant for some time. We were able to go in, set the bombs, and leave. The bombs went off as expected. No guards or any type of security." "That''s weird for a building that''s supposedly a key money-maker for them," William frowned. "Was the intel wrong?" I asked urgently. "Father never allowed me to ess that information. I don''t know, I just epted what he told me." Ryder up and began pacing. wonder If my dad knows, or Logan,'' I said, looking toward William Maybe. Or maybe Alpha Benedict just got bad information." William yed devil''s advocate, "How many people know about this? Ryder asked. "Just the three of us." I answered quickly. Ryder tossed the phone back to William. ''Where''s Ama?" "She went to my dad''s territory with the rest of the pack'' members. In case we get attacked here," I said softly. Ryder nodded. He ced his hands on his hips, staring at something behind us. I couldn''t tell if he was angry with me or not. "William, go get some rest. We''ll continue this in the morning." William and I exchanged a nce before he stood up. "Alright." Ryder extended his hand to William, shaking it before walking him out. After closing the door, Ryder locked it and rested his head against it. He was trying to control his anger, but I wasn''t sure if it was directed at me. "If I overstepped, I''m sorry," I said quietly when Ryder didn''t return to my side. Ryder moved away from the wall and walked toward me. I held my head high because I didn''t regret what I''d done. "What if you had been caught?" "Then I would have fought him like I always do," I said simply as Ryder sat on the opposite end of the sofa. He turned to face me but made no attempt to touch me. "We need to be smart about what we do next. You asking my father that question in our office means he knows we suspect something. If he''s hiding something, he''ll cover his tracks even more. If you had been caught..." Ryder shook his head and looked away. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 225 Xena''s POV Ryder didn''t have an usatory tone, and I could feel his concern for me. He was right about this, but some things are worth the risk. Though a shadow had crept into my mind. I didn''t want to show it. "That''s probably why he was so insistent about us taking a vacation and not getting involved in his business,'' I said, deliberately ignoring thest part of what he''d said. "This whole thing feels strange. I don''t think we achieved what we wanted. Ryder sighed, sitting down beside me. This time, he pulled me close to him. "Tomorrow we need to find that third tunnel. They all need to bepletely sealed." ''I agree. I''ve installe cameras in case anyone tries to use them. Ryder lifted me onto hisp, then stood up. He carried me to our bed, gentlyying me down before rolling in beside me. His movements were so gentle, a stark contrast to his usual Alpha strength. "How are you feeling?" A bit sore, but okay," I said, snuggling into his chest. His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. His hand began to gently massage my back, and I closed my eyes, enjoying this moment of peace. "Close your eyes. Sleep, my love, Ryder whispered in my ear. It was all I needed to sink into darkness. My consciousness faded, and everything went ck. The next morning, we were awakened by his phone vibrating. My entire body was lying on top of him, my head resting on his chest. His arms were crossed behind his head, while mine were draped on either side of him. Only when his phone started ringing did I realize howfortable this position was. I savored this intimacy, not wanting the moment to end. Ryder moved as little as possible, checking the message he''d received Though I didn''t want to move, I slid off him so he could see clearly. "Where are you going?" Ryder grabbed my thigh with his arm, stopping me from getting up. "Going to pee," I said, looking back at him. He nodded and let me go. After peeing, I took off my shirt and looked at myself in the mirror. The bruises were still visible, but had turned green and yellow. Some ces were even starting to fade. I thought hot water would make my whole body feel better, so I stepped into the shower. Within seconds, I heard the bathroom door open. "Not inviting me to shower with you?" Ryder said. His voice still carried the sleepiness, deep and sexy, making my heart skip a beat. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I thought hot water would help rx my muscles," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady despite how his presence made my insides flutter. Ryder slipped in behind me, immediately cing his hands on my hips. He turned me around so he could fully see my shoulders. Pushing around, he was testing my range of motion. "How does this feel?" "A little stiff, but not painful. Like muscles that haven''t been used in a while. Speaking of which, I haven''t worked out in weeks," I said softly. "Wait until Monday. You should feel normal by the," Ryder said, grabbing the shampoo and starting to wash my hair. His fingers massaged gently through my hair. Mmm, that feels good," I moaned softly, cing my hands on his hips. "Don''t even think about it, Ryder sighed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. My heart pumped as he saw through my little scheme, making me feel both mbarrassed and excited. "Think about what?" I pretende innocence, but deliberately pressed my body closer to his, letting my sensitive points brush lightly against his chest. "You''re not ready yet," Ryder pushed me under the water flow, his tone firm but gentle. "I''m ready for you," I said honestly, my voice carrying a hint of pleading. His eyes lingered on my face for a moment, as if weighing my words. Ryder took the conditioner and started applying it to my hair. I seized the opportunity to grab the body wash and started applying foam to both him and myself. His scent enveloped me. My hand slid down his body, slowly massaging, feeling his gradually hardening response. "Damn it, Xena," Ryder growled, closing his eyes and leaning slightly forward under the water flow. His reaction made my heart race, knowing I was igniting his desire. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 226 This time, he put his head in tl water and started washing his own hair as I rinsed out the conditioner. We switched ces as Ryder finished washing his hair, giving me full ess to his dick. With his eyes closed, 1 kneeled down and ced his dick in my mouth. As soon as it went in, his entire body jolted and his hand flew off his hand and grabbed the wall for support. He didn''t speak but his eyes opened and looked at me, full of lust. I kept eye contact with him as I moved him in and out. His other hand wrapped around my hair and steadied me as I worked his dick. "Not like this," Ryder growled, gently pushing my head away. My heart rate suddenly elerated, a flush spreading across my face. His tone made me both nervous and excited. He turned off the water, his movements decisive yet with a touch of gentleness. He picked me up in one swift motion, our wet bodies pressed together, carrying the heat from the steamy bathroom. He carried me to the bed, we were still dripping wet, but that did nothing to diminish my desire for him. My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, pressing tightly against him, as if afraid he might suddenly pull away. His kiss came fierce and urgent, as if wanting to devour all my insecurities and hesitations. Ryder''s body trembled above me, and I could feel his muscles tensing with restraint. His forehead pressed against mine, his breath hot and rapid, but his body was already close to my core, teasing every nerve. My insides were screaming, craving his touch, craving him to fill the emptiness in my body and soul. "I''m fine," I whispered my voice almost a plea. When his kiss stopped, my heart suddenly sank, afraid he would pull back. All I wanted now was for him to know that I needed him, needed him right now. "Are you sure? If it''s too soon..." Ryder''s words stopped abruptly, and my heart tightened, afraid he would stop. I grabbed his face and kissed him hard, trying to tell him my determination through actions. My gaze locked onto his eyes, pulling his hand to my chest, feeling the warmth of his palm. "Touch me, Ryder. I need you to love me, I need to feel your love," my voice trembled, carrying a hint of vulnerability and honesty. His eyes searched my face for a moment, as if confirming my intent, then he lowered his head and kissed my neck, his movements gentle yet possessive. His fingers wandered over my body, igniting every inch of my skin. My body trembled from his touch. His tongue slid across my chest, carefully tasting every inch of skin, my back arching involuntarily, as if wanting to give myself more deeply to him. My fingers tightly gripped his hair, feeling its softness. When his kiss moved to my inner thigh, my legs instinctively opened my heart racing almost to the point of bursting. His tongue lightly brushed over my sensitive spot, and I felt an electric current shoot straight from my spine to my brain. His fingers slid inside me, bringing a rush of wet heat, and I nearly fell apart. "Cum for me," Ryder growled, his voice carrying amanding tone. My insides suddenly jolted, his words lighting the final fuse. My body convulsed uncontrobly, the orgasm washing over me like a tidal wave. ¡°OH! OH! YES!¡± I moaned out loud, my voice carrying undisguised desire. His fingers quickened their pace, his tongue''s movements bing bolder, my body beginning to tremble, like standing on the edge of a cliff, about to plunge into the abyss. When I starteding down, Ryder pulled his finger out and moved up. Kissing me hard, his dick slipped into me.pletely. Filling me Slowly he pulled out and pushed back in as he kissed me. I suddenly felt a rush of adventurousness, pushing him away and flipping over to ride him, taking control of the rhythm. His hands rested on my hips as I grinded against him. His eyes watched as my pussy covered his dick in my juice. I could feel his gaze burning into me like fire. I quickened the pace, watching his eyes roll back, like he waspletely surrendering to me. I bent down and bit his neck hard. His body tensed sharply beneath me, his nails digging deep into my buttocks. When I released my teeth, he suddenly flipped me under him, kept pounding into me. His fangs gleamed coldly, but he didn''t bite down, just continued the rhythm of his thrusts. Chapter 226. Rotating my hips, he kept pushing against the sensitive spot. Immediately causing me to build up the pressure again. My ws scraped down his back. That was all it took for him to lean down and bite down. The pain was quickly reced pleasure as my orgasm hit and so did his. His moments stilled as we came down from our high. Licking my neck clean, he rolled over, pulling me with him. I could feel all the wetness roll down my thighs. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 227 Xena''s POV "Are you okay?" Ryder asked, cing his finger under my chin and gently tilting my face up to meet his gaze. "I am," I said simply. I rested my head against the pillow, losing myself in his eyes as they searched mine. The quiet intimacy of the moment felt like a precious gift after everything we''d been through He ran his fingers through my hair, his touch soothing away some of the tension that had been building inside me. "I love you." His eyes softened, the hard edges of worry momentarily fading. "I love you," He ced a soft kiss on my lips before sighing heavily. "What is it?" I asked, immediately sensing the shift in his mood. "Time to go look for that third tunnel." The resignation in his voice made my stomach clench. Our brief respite was over. "Maybe we really do need to take a vacation, so we can stay in bed all day." I groaned, using both arms to push myself up. My body still ached, every movement a reminder ofst night''s ordeal. I headed straight for the bathroom, desperate to wash up and feel human again. "I have absolutely no objection to that idea," Ryder called out from the walk-in closet. As I approached the bathroom, Ryder emerged from the closet. He was wearing basic athletic shorts and a tank top. Not exactly a dress-up kind of day. Honestly, with only warriors around now, I figured simple was better, especially with my bruises and injuries. I grabbed a sports bra tank from the dresser, along with matching shorts and underwear. These were easy to put on, but I''d need help with the top. "Can you help me with this?" I asked. I could manage to get it over my head, but the bra part was tighter than I could properly pull down. Ryder came over and helped adjust the bra into ce, then gave my butt a light pat. "Showing off your bruises?" Ryder tossed me a pair of socks. "Worth a try. I''m pushing through." I tried to sound confident, but I wasn''t sure if I pulled it off. "Is your wolf back?" Ryder asked. "Came backst night," I said, grabbing my shoes and putting them on. "Just before you returned.¡± When I''d felt my wolf''s presence again, the sense of wholeness had nearly brought me to tears, like regaining a precious treasure I''d lost. "Good. Then you should be fully healed by the end of the day," Ryder smiled at me. "That would be great. I can''t wait to feel normal again." I longed to shed this weakness, to reim my strength and confidence. Ryder walked over and opened the bedroom door. "I''m not sure you''ll feel normal anytime soon." I red at him and walked straight out. I didn''t pause to wait for him, and he caught up after closing the door. "Tomorrow will be another hard day, and everything that''s going to happen after." Right, I''d forgotten about tomorrow. I wasn''t sure what to expect from my father. Would he smile? Would he cry? Maybe it would kill Martha, and that would solve all our problems. "Ryder." Alpha Benedict called out to us as we passed his office. We both stopped and looked toward th and several warriors standing around. The tense atmosphere immediately put me on alert, my heart ffice. We saw Luna Kestrel celerating. "What''s going on? Ryder askofl as we walked in. The TV was on, showing news coverage of the destruction they''d causedst night. My heart instantly sank. "Turn it up." Ryder said, crossin his arms over his chest. I noticed a jaw was clenched tight. ....Around 11:30st night, people reported hearing explosions before everything started shaking. Thispany called Darkthorn Mechanics waspletely destroyed. The owner, Wiley Maddox, is avable forment. The fire department has been trying to control the ze since they arrived at midnightst night. They re reportedly just now getting it under control. The cause is still unknown. All we know is that there were no casualties. Tansy Barlow Channel 9 News. I looked up at Ryder. His expression was deadly serious, partially angry. After it finished, nobody spoke for a long time. I wasn''t even sure how to feel. It was almost like they hadn''t done enough. This massive impact wasn''t enough. Did it ever hurt them? Alpha Benedict''s phone rang. "Alpha Benedict." He sighed, put the phone down, and switched to speakerphone. "What the fuck was that, Benedict?" It was my father''s voice. My heart jolted at hearing Dad. His anger was almost palpable through the phone line. All intelligence indicated that was their main source of funding," Alpha Benedict sounded angry. Not at my father, but at the entire situation. I could feel the frustration and disappointment hanging in the air - this wasn''t the oue we''d expected. "Who the fuck is your source? I trusted you to get revenge for my daughter. Do I need to handle this myself? Some warriors nced my way. I felt my cheeks flush, embarrassed both by my father''s concern for me and his distrust of Benedict. This isn''t over," Alpha Benedict spat. "This will be thest time I blindly trust your intel. You''ve made this a joke, and I won''t stand by and let this happen!" That was one of the angriest tones I''d ever heard from Dad. I watched as Alpha Benedict seemed to crumble. His pride was wounded, and as werewolves, especially Alphas, that was hard to take. "She''s in my pack, and the decision lies with me!" Alpha Benedict shouted. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 228 Xena''s Pov While she''s been staying with your pack, she''s been kidnapped, shot, and had pictures taken of her without consent My dad words hit Alpha Benedict like a physical blow, leaving him speechless My heart pounded in my chest as I felt the anger and fast resonating through my father''s voice. "You have one goddamn hour to tell me what youre going to do about this! I want to talk to her right now? Dad''s roat through the phone was so loud it seemed to make the air in the room vibrate. "I''m here, Dad," I said firmly making sure my voice was loud enough to project confidence. "Xena? Is your wolf back?" His tone softened slightly, concern edging in. "Yes, she is," I confired, trying to keep my voice steady. "Good. We''ll make sure they pay for what they did to you." Dad''s voice was ice cold before he hung up, leaving me with a pit in my stomach. I was worried about my dad''s mental statetely-this whole situation was fucking awful. I needed to talk to him soon. Ryder''s hand came to rest on my waist, a gesture both protective and possessive. "Warriors, let''s go find that tunnel. Alpha Benedict clearly has some shit he needs to sort out." The venom in Ryder''s voice was unmistakable as he stared directly at Alpha Benedict before turning to leave the room. I had to jog to keep up with him as all the warriors followed us out of the house. No one spoke, but I could feel their displeasure and irritation rolling off them in waves. The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on. Ryder marched toward the forest like a man on a mission. I wasn''t even sure he knew where he was going. "Ryder?" I called softly. my voice cutting through the silence. "What?" he snapped through clenched teeth. I could practically feel the heat of his anger forming a barrier around him. "Where are you going?" I asked simply. He stopped so suddenly that crashed right into him, bouncing back slightly. That ignited my own temper. "Fuck!" I shouted at him. "You''re going the wrong fucking way." I red at him before turning left and starting to walk away. "Damn it," Ryder cursed under his breath. I could feel his regret, but also heard the men trying to hold back theirughter, clearly amused by Ryder''s predicament. The anger felt wee-I felt my attitude returning, which was a strange relief, like finding a piece of myself again. Still, I didn''t say anything as we approached the area where the tunnel was supposed to be ording to the map. "Alright. Everyone spread out. Look for anything unusual," Rydermanded. Everyone immediately obeyed and began moving vegetation with their feet. "Xena!" I heard William calling my name as he ran to catch up with us. "Just wake up?" I said with an attitude. "Damn, I see we''re back to our old self." I gave him a look that heughed off before pulling out his phone. "Look." William handed me his phone. It showed a Google search of a property. The Darkthorn Mechanic shop was being sold. All operations had been moved to a different location. I felt Ryder walk up beside me. He was looking over my shoulder, so moved so he could read it too. "FUCKING BULLSHIT!" Ryder growled before punching a tree. It was a small tree thatpletely snapped in half. I wasn''t sure what to say either. Last night had been aplete waste. Chapter 228. "How did you find this? I asked William. I noticed all the warriors head stopped searching and were watching our exchange... "Penelope found it. She was doing some digging after Ama got there was hesitant to tell Ama at first, but I figured she''s capable of helping us, so I did.* "Good," I nodded, not borating further. I knew better than to question Ama''s abilities-1 didn''t want to be protected forever, and neither did she. "What else did they find?'' I handed him back his phone. If two 19-year-old girls could find that out, why was Alpha Benedicto off with his information? Voicing that thought would only make the situation worse. William frowned and flipped through some stuff. He showed the a picture of Gamma Tomughing at a bar with a man who looked eerily simr to the one Ame and I had spotted behind the tree in those photos. This image was clearer, and I was now even more convinced it was Penelope''s dad. My jaw dropped. I couldn''t remember seeing Gamma Tom around here much at all. asionally I would see Beta Ulysses and Beta Ophelia, William''s parents, but they usually just made sure the pack ran smoothly. It wasn''t how my dad operated, but not everyone worked the same way, so I''d never questioned it. I looked over at Ryder, who was struggling to control his rage. I held out the phone for him to see. "William, get ready," I warned under my breath, feeling my heart racing in my chest and sweat forming on my palms. The men seemed to understand immediately, shifting into defensive stances, muscles tensed and eyes alert. watched as Ryder took the phone, then witnessed his eyes rapidly turn ck-a sign his wolf was about to take over. My heart sank as I realized the situation was spiraling out of control. He threw William''s phone back to him, and I desperately tried to keep Ryder present. "Ryder! Look at me!" I grabbed his shoulders and shook him hard, but he seemedpletely unaware of my presence, consumed by a terrible rage. I could feel his wolf fighting to take control. "Luna! Step back!" I heard several men shout. SLAP! My palm connected with Ryder''s face with enough force to make him step backward. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 229 apter 229 Xena''s POV The p sent a sharp sting through my aim. It wasn''t severe, but enugh to make me wince and lower my shoulder. I felt a tinge of guilt, but knew it was necessary -he needed to snap out of it. His eyes snapped to mine. It took him a second to register my pain. But when he did, I watched him struggle to regain control over his wolf. Ryder closed his eyes, and that''s when I felt someone grab my arm and pull me back, Ryder''s eyes flew open, ring at the warrior. Don''t fucking touch her." His warning growl was low, dangerous, and filled with possessive rage. "Ryder!" I stomped my foot to get his attention, trying to defuse the situation before it spiraledpletely out of control. ''Calm down!" ¡°THIS IS SO FUCKED UP! I''LL KILL HIM!" Ryder roared, his voice filled with primal fury. "No, you won''t!" I moved toward him, grabbing his arm. He didn''t push me away, but I could feel his muscles tense like steel beneath my fingers. "We need to be smart about this. We don''t know the whole picture or exactly what''s happening "We''re talking about your life!" Ryder you''re still in danger! Xena, they fucking kidnapped you, touched you, and beat you! And what did we do in retaliation? Blow up a goddamn useless building! And now this!" polled at me, taking a few steps back as if afraid he might hurt me. "You could have died, and I took a deep breath, feeling emotions swirling in my chest. "I''m very aware of what happened to me. We need to be strategic. I want to kill them too, but we can''t just storm their territory. Remember, you were shot too, and they killed Samuel. This is bigger than what happened to me. Wiley is nning something, and we need to be prepared. Alpha Benedict hasn''t handled this well. It''s time for you to step up and do something." I could feel my own wolf rising, that primal, revenge-seeking instinct pumping through my blood. All the men around me nodded in agreement, the sa "The Luna is right!" I heard one of them say. determination and anger shing in their eyes. "We need to start by finding the third tunnel. Everyone spread out and search!" Imanded loudly, looking at Ryder. He was staring at me, trying to control his breathing. I could feel his struggle, caught between his wolf and his humanity. "William, send those photos to Ryder," I told him through our mind link, hoping the evidence would help us think clearly and determine the best course of action. "William," Ryder spoke after a few seconds, his voice regaining some control. "Xena and I need to talk to my father. Keep me updated on their progress." "Got it," William''s crisp response, and then we started walking back toward the pack house, to Alpha Benedict''s office. Only when we were out of earshot of the men did Ryder speak to me. "I''m sorry," he said softly, genuine remorse in his voice. "It''s fine," I said, not looking at him. I understood how his wolf sometimes took over, especially when it came to my safety. "No, it''s not," Ryder grabbed my waist, forcing me to turn and face him. "Xena, I''m sorry." "What are you apologizing for?" I asked, shifting my weight and crossing my arms as I looked at hit needed to know he truly understood. eded to hear him say it, I''m sorry my father didn''t avenge you. I''m sorry I lost control back there. I''m sorry we''re even in this mess. Ryder shook his head, self-recrimination and pain filing his eyes, I could see the weight on his shoulders, the burden of being the future Alpha. "We''re in this together. Let''s no focus on the past. We need to look oward our future and protect it. Right now, that starts with your father." As I spoke those words, Ryder''s eyes shed ck for an instant before returning to their beautiful green. That momentary transformation made my heart clench. "Come on." He took my hand, fingers tightly intertwined, and we walked together toward Alpha Benedict''s office. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW < SHARE Chapter 230 Xena''s POV "DAD! Ryder roared as he burst through the office door. I was shocked to see my father sitting in the office. "Dad?" I asked, confusion evident in my voice. "Xena." Dad stood up and gave me a hug. His face was flushed red with anger, and I knew they had been arguing. The tension in the air was suffocating. "This is a private meeting, Ryder," Alpha Benedict said firmly. "No. I''m done with you excluding me. I''m done watching you continue making questionable decisions for this pack and my mate. I don''t know what you''re involved in, but this ends now." Ryder mmed his fist down on Alpha Benedict''s desk. The thunderous sound made my heart race, adrenaline beginning to surge. I could feel the anger and protectiveness radiating from Ryder, which both moved and worried me. "What is he talking about?" Dad released me and walked over to face Ryder and Alpha Benedict. This formed a triangle of masculine confrontation. "Pen¨¦lope and Ama were able to find out through the damn inte that the mechanical shop is for sale-just an empty building. That entire attack was useless! Not only did we not get revenge for Xena, we lost our advantage! Now he knows we''reing for him!" Ryder''s voice was raw with fury. "All my intelligence told me that building was operational, one of their biggest assets!" Alpha Benedict roared back. "Who the fuck is giving you intelligence, because it''s obviously wrong," Ryder spat, his tone dripping with contempt. "That''s none of your concern," Alpha Benedict said in a dangerously low tone. "You said the phone was connected to that building, that you''d been watching him for a while. Why?" I asked. Alpha Benedict looked at me with surprise, clearly caught off guard by the question. "He was never an ally! I monitor all enemies!" He dismissed my question with a wave of his hand. My instincts told me there was something deeper here, something he was hiding. "Where is Gamma Tom?" I asked quickly. Alpha Benedict''s body tensed before he tried to rx. I nced at Ryder and Dad-they obviously noticed Alpha Benedict''s reaction too. "On a mission." "Is he undercover in Alpha Wiley''s pack?" Ryder asked the question directly. "Why would you ask that?" Alpha Benedict''s face reddened. Without hesitation, Ryder pulled out his phone and showed them the photo William had sent him. "Where did you get this?" Alpha Benedict looked at Ryder in disbelief asking urgently. "From my own sources. The man next to Tom-we believe he might be Penelope''s father," Ryder told my dad. "Exin. Now!" Dad''s face turned a shade of red I hadn''t seen in a long time as he red at Alpha Benedict, clearly leaving no room for negotiation. "Yes! I sent Tora on an undercover mission! I knew Wiley would be a problem eventually, and I wanted to gather all the information I could about him. Alpha Benedict''s face contorted with pain, and after hesitating for a moment, he said through gritted teeth. Although I had suspected it, hearing Benedict''s confirmation was stil shocking. "How long has he been there?" Dad asked. "Nine months!" Alpha Benedict grabbed his his hands. Gamma''s life at risk for "Nine months?" Ryder roared. "You put your life? What if they discovered him and forced him to give you wrong been living in torture every day!" ine damn months? What about his family? His mate? His own formation? They would have found him months ago, and he''s I could feel the prim anger radiating from Ryder, that impulse to destroy everything. "When was thest time you spoke with him?" Dad nted both hands on the desk, ring at Benedict. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 231 "Wemunicate through text messages. He sends me updates and his code word," Alpha Benedict began to sound anguished. "They could have broken him already and been using that code word Ryder punched the wall, creating a fist-sized hole. This obviously escted Alpha Benedict''s anger as well. "Ryder! Calm down!" I rubbed Ryder''s back, whispering soothingly. "What else are you hiding?" I asked as Alpha Benedict opened his mouth tosh out at Ryder. His eyes turned to me, narrowing into slits. "What? What right do you have to question me- "Answer the damn question, Dad!" Ryder stepped back in front of me positioning himself between me and Alpha Benedict. Dad looked at me, then at Ryder and Benedict. "Answer him, Benedict Dad''s tone seemed exhausted. "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Alpha Benedict muttered, turning to look out the window. "You do know, and you need to tell us now! It''s time for your damn secrets toe to light. Xena told you about the tonnels. Why has Wiley been nning an attack on us for years? Why did you ce a spy in his territory?" Ryder stood firmly in front of his father, arms crossed over his chest. The silence stretched between us like a taut wire. Alpha Benedict''s jaw worked as he stared out the window, his shoulders rigid with tension. ¡°Benedict,¡± Dad''s voice cut through the silence like a de. ¡°My daughter was kidnapped. My son-inw''s life was put at risk. Your pack members were evacuated from their homes. People could have died tonight because of whatever game you''ve been ying. You will tell us what''s going on, or I swear to God, I''ll-" "ENOUGH!" Alpha Benedict spun around, his face twisted with anguish and fury. "You want to know? Fine! Twenty-three years ago, Wiley and I were best friends. We trained together, fought together, nned to rule neighboring territories in peace." The admission hit the room like a physical blow. I felt Ryder''s body go rigid beside me. "But Wiley wanted more than just his territory. He wanted mine too. He wanted the resources, the strategic location, everything. When I refused to merge our packs under his leadership, he began nning ways to take it by force." "Twenty-three years?" Ryder''s voice was barely a whisper. "I''ve been watching him, waiting for him to make his move. Tom volunteered for the mission when I told him what Wiley was capable of. He knew the risks." Alpha Benedict''s hands shook as he spoke. "You knew he woulde after us eventually, and you said nothing? I found my voice, though it felt foreign in my throat. "I was protecting this pack! I was trying to stay ahead of him!" Benedict mmed his hand on the desk. "But he''s been smarter than I anticipated. Using his son to get to you, creating these borate tunnels, ying the long game while I''ve been scrambling to keep up." The building- - Dad started. "Was supposed to be hismand center. My information said he was coordinating everything from there. But apparently, he''s been feeding Tom false intelligence, or Tom has beenpromised, or- Benedict''s voice cracked. "Or you''ve been yed for twenty-three years," Ryder said coldly. very decision you''ve made, every move you''ve nned, he''s been man on the inside telling him exacly what you were thinking." one step ahead because he ha The truth of Ryder''s words settled over us like a shroud. All this time while Benedict thought he was the master strategist, Wiley had been manipting him, using his own spy against him. "The tunnels," I said suddenly. "If he''s been nning this for decade, those tunnels aren''t recent. They''re part of Chapter Comments ¤¢¤Ê LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 232 Xena''s POV We found the tunnel." William''s voice echoed through the mind link to all of us. Ryder and I exchanged shocked nces, the weight of the discovery itting us like a physical blow. "What?" Dad frowned, his voice sharp with concern. "They found the third tunnel," I exined to Dad, my hands clenching into fists, nails digging into my palms as I fought to control the surge of anger building side me. The tension in the room was suffocating. Everyone''s emotions were retched to the breaking point, like a wire about to snap. Alpha Benedict''s jaw tightened, his eyes shing with a dangerous fire. "Alpha Benedict, I think you need to consider stepping down. No, I''m going to strongly suggest you step down before thises back to destroy you, Dad said, staring directly into Alpha Benedict''s eyes with unwavering intensity. The air crackled with hostility. Alpha Benedict''s face darkened, his muscles coiling like a predator ready to strike. "What about you? Are you going to step down and give the position to your son?" Alpha Benedict snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "I will. Sooner than you think," Dad replied without hesitation, then turned to Ryder. "What''s the next step?" Ryder''s brow furrowed deeply, his muscles tensed like a beast ready for battle. I could see him struggling to control his rage, that primal urge to tear everything apart flickering in his eyes. "We need to rescue Tom. All current information is considered invalid. We need to reorganize and decide on a course of action. We''ll track the tunnels today and seal them. Hopefully by Monday, everyone can go home." "Good," Dad nodded in agreement. "Let Penelope and Ama do their part, see what they can discover when we go over there tomorrow," I said to Dad. "Alright." Dad walked over and gave me a hug, his embrace warm but brief. "Do you need toe home with me?" "No. I''m okay taking out the trash here." I hugged him onest time, then he turned and walked away. "I won''t have any more contact with you, Benedict. I''ll only deal with Ryder, or only with Logan. My agreement is with him now," Dad announced without waiting to hear what Alpha Benedict might say. He walked straight out of the office, mming the door behind him with a resounding crash. Benedict red maliciously at Dad''s retreating figure, muttering something under his breath that I couldn''t quite catch. The tension in the room reached its peak. I could feel the dangerous aura radiating from Ryder, making my skin prickle with goosebumps. "You need to carefully consider your next moves. I''m going to seal the tunnels, and I expect the right answers tonight," Ry threatened in a low voice without waiting for Alpha Benedict to turn around. Before I could see Alpha Benedict''s reaction, Ryder grabbed my arm, positioning me in front of him as we left the office. He didn''t even bother closing the door as we walked back toward the forest. "Alpha!" I heard someone calling for Ryder as we walked. We didn''t speak the entire way. I knew he was processing some personal emotions and would talk when he was ready. I could feel his tense muscles, sense the anger he was struggling to control. Every step was filled with suppressed power, like an enraged beast forcing itself to main calm. "Where is it?" Ryder asked, making no attempt to hide his fury. A warrior grabbed something, and a small door opened. It was a wooden door covering a hole in the ground, just like the other tunnels I''d been told about. It was pitch ck, leaving everything to the imagination. "Alright. We are going to be leveling these tunnels. We need some to string some explosives. Break off into three teams. I want this done by the end of today. Come find me before you blow them. As a general rule, all direction from here on out is toe from me directly," Ryder kept his head high as he delivered their instructions. "Yes, Alpha!" they said in unison before they started breaking off and figuring out how they were going to achieve this. "What is going on?" illiam asked as he walked up to us. "Not here," Ryder said, looking up at the sky. William looked at me and I just shook my head no. "Okay, well, we followed this one like we did the others and it was the same. When we blow it, there will be some ground changes so we will need to watch out for trees falling and any damage to the border. I''ll set up guys on each spot to monitor it," William took a deep breath and looked around. Most of the men had left to gather supplies. A few hung around to watch the opening. Ryder just turned and started walking away with his hands on top of his head. William gave me a questioning look. I mouthed ''it''s bad'' before I followed Ryder. He just kept walking, nowhere in particr. Eventually, he ended up sitting down in the gazebo that was in a garden. Sitting down next to him, I just waited until he was ready to talk. Ryder leaned back and put his arm around me. ¡°This isn''t how I wanted this to go," he said after a while. "I imagine not." Resting my head against his shoulder, I just looked at the emptynd. Usually there would be kids running around or people walking by. Today, there was no one. It almost felt abandoned. "Why is he making this so bad?" he asked, more to himself than to me. "Even though this whole situation is terrible, I don''t believe your father intentionally let things get to this point." "What do you mean?" Ryder looked down at me. "Ryder, you''re a reliable man. You know right from wrong, you''re strong and loyal. You fight for what''s right, not for what''s easy. You are who you are because of the man who raised you. I don''t believe this all started with the intention of developing to this extent. I think your father got caught up in something, and then it snowballed out of control. I think he''s embarrassed and ashamed of what he''s done, but doesn''t know how to get out of it. Does he need to step down? Yes. He''s so desperate to have everything resolved that he''s blind to the real threats." "I hope you''re right. I''m telling you right now, if we find out what he''s hiding is serious..." Ryder shook his head, seeming to struggle with getting the words out, "...I''ll challenge him on the spot.¡± Chapter 233 Xena''s POV Even though I didn''t want him to do this, I was beginning to think might be the only way to get him to relinquish control. He was a man spiraling out of control, and that was dangerous. "I understand. We sat there for a while longer until the sun hung high in the sky. should go check on my men, Ryder sighed. "I''ll go prepare lunch for everyone. I''ll mind-link you when it''s ready Ryder stood up and extended his hand for me to take. I epted it, and he pulled me close for a kiss. "That would be a nice gesture." ''I can''t promise anything fancy since I haven''t spent time in that kitchen yet, but I''ll do my best," I promised as we stepped into the sunlight. ¡°Nothing special needed. Just enough to keep us going." Ryder released my hand as we had to walk in opposite directions. "Take care," I called out to him. "You too." When I walked into the pack house, I really hadn''t expected Alpha Benedict to still be inside. I hadn''t even seen Luna Kestrel today, which was somewhat unusual. Still, not wanting to encounter him, I walked directly to the kitchen without greeting him and closed the door. Opening the refrigerator, I began examining the different options avable for preparation. It must have been recently stocked because it was filled with various ingredients. Finally, I decided on steak. I could slice them, and people could decide whether to put them on sds, eat the steak alone, or make burgers. I pulled out all the steaks. My first step was to take out the cast iron pan and season it with oil and salt. While it heated, I removed the steaks from their packaging and patted them dry. After seasoning both sides, I added some butter to the pan and ced one steak in. Opening the oven, I set it to warm, then gathered ingredients for colew. That was simple enough. Taking arge bowl, I emptied the package, added the dressing, then returned it to the refrigerator. Back at the steaks, using tongs, I moved the steak to sear all sides, then flipped it. I was aiming for medium-rare. Once the steak was finished, I wrapped it in foil and ced it in the oven. I continued repeating this process, setting out different options on the table for them to choose from. As I was nearly finished, the door opened. "That smells wonderful." My heart sank as I turned around. "Alpha Benedict..." My hands unconsciously tightened around the tongs I was holding, knuckles white from the force. I could feel my wolf growling within, warning me to be careful. This man had once treated me like a daughter, but now... now I wasn''t sure what he was anymore. Rx, I''m not here to cause trouble." Alpha Benedict waved dismissively, gesturing for me not to be tense. "Ryder... dinner''s ready, and your father just walked into the kitchen, I said through the mind link, struggling to keep my voice steady. On my way, Ryder responded, and I could feel his unease. "Dinner will be ready in just a fuinute. If you want to sit down first, bring the steaks out in a moment. I turned to grab oven mitts and removed the steaks from the oven. However, instead of walking toward the dining table, he stood by the door watching me slice each steak. I left them on the cutting board, then moved everything to the table. My hands trembled slightly as I sliced the steaks, feeling Alpha Benedict''s gaze following my every movement like a shadow. This sensation of being watched triggered my instincts, muscles tensing, ady to respond to any threat. Before I knew it, I was nearly finished with all the work. "Xena?" I heard Ryder calling. "In here!" I answered,pletely relieved to hear his voice. Ryder walked through the door and froze when he saw his father. "What are you doing here?" "Didn''t she tell you was here?" Alpha Benedict looked at Ryder with disbelief. "Why are you standing in the corner watching her work?" Ryder turned to face his father. Chapter Comments ? LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 234 I could feel the angry aura radiating from Ryder. wasn''t causing any trouble, I just wanted to make sure she was safe, Alpha Benedict said calmly, unfazed by Ryder''s anger. "After everything she''s been through, you think sitting in the corner watching her work would make her feelfortable? Ryder red angrily at his father, his voice rising with indignation. William and several other warriors walked through the door. They all looked between Ryder and Alpha Benedict, then decided to stand with Ryder. Seeing the warriors choose sides, my heart rate elerated. I nced at Alpha Benedict, whose previously calm face suddenly darkened, clearly displeased with the warriors'' choice. "Let''s all go eat in the kitchen," I said, trying to break the tension. "Good idea. Is there anything I can help with?" William immediately greed, walking to the stove and looking at me awkwardly, seemingly wanting me to assign him something immediately. Ryder and Alpha Benedict didn''t break their stare. "No need, everything''s on the table." I grabbed Ryder''s arm and pulled him away from his father. Everyone sat down, but Ryder took the Alpha''s seat, leaving no ce for Alpha Benedict. I watched this scene with mixed emotions. Ryder was asserting dominance, establishing his position in front of everyone. Alpha Benedict stood frozen for a moment. He seemed unprepared for Ryder to be so direct. His face expressionless, he mmed the table hard, causing the silverware at the edge to tter to the floor with a crisp sound, then stormed out. Ryder walked over, picked up the fallen silverware, ced it on the table, then returned to the Alpha''s seat. ¡°Let''s begin," he said, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "Alright, I''ve prepared steaks. You can eat them alone, make sds, or steak sandwiches. However you want to eat them is fine. Please, go ahead." I smiled as I spoke. No one said anything as we all picked up our tes and began preparing food. I had already made myself a steak sd, so I just picked up my fork and started eating. After a moment of silence, "This is really delicious," William said with his mouth full. "Swallow before you speak," I gave him a disapproving look. "Luna..." A young warrior looked quite ufortable. He kept looking at me, then back at his food. He appeared to be around my age but was quite thin. "What is it?" "You... um..." "Just say it, man," another warrior rolled his eyes. "Are you okay?" The question hung in the air like a physical weight, I set down my fork and looked around the table at all the concerned faces staring back at me. I''m... I started, then paused. "I''m getting better every day." The young warrior nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer, but could see in his eyes that he wanted to say more, Thank you for asking," I added softly. "It means more than you know that you all care." William cleared his throat. "We''re a pack. We look out for each other Exactly," another warrior chimed in. "You''re our Luna. Your wellbeing matters to all of us." I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away. These men were choosing to follow Ryder, choosing to support us even when it meant going against Alpha Benedict. Their loyalty wasn''t just to the title it was personal. "I know things have been tensetely," I said, my voice stronger now "With everything that''s happened, and with the... disagreement between Ryder and his father. I want you all to know that I appreciate your support more than I can express." "We''ve made our choice," the young warrior said firmly. "We stand wh you and Ryder." The others nodded in agreement, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. "Well then," I said, raising my water ss, ''to standing together." They all raised their sses, and William grinned. "To our Luna and future Alpha." "To family," Ryder''s voice came from behind me as he walked back into the kitchen. I hadn''t even noticed he''d left, but now he was back, and the tension in his shoulders had eased slightly. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 235 Xena''s POV Seeing that everyone had finished eating, Ryder stood up. "Ready?" "Yes, Alpha!" Their voices weren''t perfectly synchronized, but close enough. "Are youing out with us?" Ryder looked at me and asked as everyone stood up. "No, I''ll clean up the kitchen and then work in our office until you''re done." I sighed, standing up to start collecting tes. "We''ll help get everything to the kitchen," one warrior said, taking the tes from my hands. ¡°That''s too heavy for you," another said. Soon, they were all cleaning up and carrying things to the kitchen. Watching Ryder''s men help me, I felt a surge of immense pride from Ryder''s heart. "Thank you all!" I said as I followed them in. They even put away the food and loaded the dishwasher. With so many of them helping, it only took a few minutes to finish what would have taken me nearly an hour alone. As they left, they all bowed to me. One by one, they walked out the door to go outside and release some energy. "Go to our office and lock the door," Ryder said softly, then kissed my forehead. The kiss was light but carried deep protectiveness. "Okay." I didn''t argue, turning to hurry toward our office. There was no reason to linger there. For some reason, working in the office felt stifling. When I locked the door, all I could see were files. Papers were still scattered on the floor-we hadn''t finished examining everything on that phone yet. I closed my eyes, refusing to look at the papers on the ground, and walked straight to Ryder''s desk to sit down. Exiting the photo interface and opening the next folder was easy enough. "How''s it going?" I asked Ryder through our mind link. That was about twenty minutes after I felt the third explosion. The entire pack house shook when they detonated the explosives. When it first happened, I actually worried it was an earthquake. "Almost finished. What are you doing?" "Just finished going through the files. I didn''t find anything unusual. No matter how I studied them, nothing looked suspicious, nothing I thought could be a clue. I was sure these all meant something, but I had absolutely no idea what it could be. ¡°I didn''t think there would be. It''s almost like they gave us these things just to keep us busy. Not even sure this is everything that was on the phone," Ryder sighed, seeming to be moving something heavy. "I really wish I could get my hands on hisputer." I leaned back in my chair, looking at our messy office. "Has he left you alone?" "Yes, it''s been very quiet. Too quiet, actually. I don''t like it." "Hopefully things will get back to normal soon," Ryder said, but we both knew it was a lie. "Yeah, and Ama will stop crying about everything, stood up and started collecting the papers from the floor, organizing them in a certain pattern so we could piece them back together if needed. Damn," Ryder grunted quietly. "I''ll be right there. Stay in the office. I''lle get you, then we can go back to our room." "What about dinner?" "I ordered pizza for everyone," Ryder said. "You''ve done enough today "Alright." I epted calmly. Ryder didn''t respond, but he kept the link open. When I finished orgnizing the photos, I was able to clip them together properly. When I was done, I heard the door lock opening. "Hi," I said while moving thest chair back into ce. "What are you doing?" Ryder was covered in sweat and dift. "Cleaning up the office." I shrugged, turning off the lights and walking out through the door Ryder held open for me. "It was hot as hell in those tunnels," Ryder sighed. "Smells like it," 1 pinched my nose and made a face. "Very funny, Ryder tried to put his arm around me, but I dodged away. "No way, sir! You need a shower!" Iughed and ran away, putting distance between us. "You won''t be able to run away in our room," Ryder called out in a very seductive tone. "I''ll tell you what..." I leaned against our bedroom door as he closed the distance. "You shower first, and then I''ll show you what my tongue can do besides being sharp..." I looked up at him and winked. My heart raced as I felt the burning desire in his eyes. "I''m going to hold you to that promise," Ryder said in a low voice as he opened the door. I had tough because he didn''t hesitate to walk straight to the bathroom and start the shower. "When will the pizza arrive?" I asked, poking my head into the bathroom. "About fifteen minutes," he said as he stepped into the water. There was no steam, so he must have been taking a cold shower. "Are we going to meet the pizza delivery guy at the border?" I asked, "No, William will, along with another warrior. He''ll bring the pizza back here." "What do we do next? I have absolutely no idea what we should be doing, I feel like we evacuated everyone for nothing. So I feel. like we can''t waste this opportunity, but I don''t know what to do." Chapter Comments Visitor Please we need more chapters. invested in Ryder and Xena View 1 Comment > LIKE POST COMMENT Chapter 236 Xena''s POV That''s the million dor question. We''ll brainstorm over pizza tonight. Ryder sounded exhausted, his voice carrying the weight of everything we''d been through.. ¡°I don''t understand why we can''t find anything they own. Even underke names, they still need to transfer money somewhere. There has to be a money trail. Same PO. box or some bank. Has anyone thought about hacking into their phone systems?" "What?" Ryder poked his head out of the shower, water dipping from his hair as he stared at me. My heart raced as an idea formed in my mind. This could be the breakthrough we''d been searching for. "Well, all our banking is done over the phone and fax. There''s an app that can scan or photographny check to deposit it. I mean, I doubt Dad has stepped foot in a bank in decades. While we can''t track him, his phone will have all the numbers he''s called. We can figure out what bank he uses, what- buildings he calls, everything." "We''d have to infiltrate his tot to do that." Ryder said it like he was actually considering the idea. A thrill shot through me. "No. You can hack directly into whatever service provider he uses and get his records that way. Unless you want to tap his calls, in which case yes, you''d have to get into his territory." "There are only two major phonepanies here." Ryder said quietly "Yes, sir." Ryder shut off the water and stepped out, wrapping a towel around his waist before walking into our bedroom. "So we could get someone to hack into the phonepany and get his information. Then we could search those phone numbers and find out where they lead. I felt a surge of satisfaction that he was actually taking my suggestion seriously. "Theoretically, yes. If the numbers aren''t registered, then you run into other problems, but yeah. However, if the samepany services the unregistered numbers, you can look up that number too and find out who it belongs to." "How do we find the right numbers for their territory?" "They probably have a dozen, just like us. But it depends on location. If they''re cell phones, we can find that number and locate where it''s positioned. Physical addresses would be in their system though, because that''s how they know which wires to use for connection." I shrugged, watching him get dressed. Apparently, I''d gotten his mind so active that he''d forgotten our flirtation. "Interesting." Ryder seemed lost in his own thoughts. "You can look further into inte and data. If they only pay for data and use inte to make their phones work, you can track that too. You''d be able to know which devices-" A knock at the door interrupted me. "Don''t even think about it." Ryder walked over to answer it. "I brought the pizza downstairs." William stood in the doorway, hands shoved in his pockets. He was only wearing athletic shorts, nothing else. I started walking toward the door. "I''m starving." My stomach growled on cue. "You have a rough day?" William looked at me, raising an eyebrow. "Just staring atputer screens all day." I shrugged as Ryder locked the door behind us. "I guess my mouth will have to wait," I said through om mid link. pyder looked at me, narrowing his eyes. All he got In response was smile, Sounds awful, William said with sarcasm in his voice. *I would have much rather been blowing shit up all day." "You could have been blowing me..." Ryder grumbled through the mid link.. My cheeks burned as heat flooded through me. This man glways knew exactly how to make my insides twist. Ryder and I headed downstairs to the kitchen, pushing through the door to find warriors devouring pizza. Hurry up, Alpha! All the meat lovers pizzas are about to be gone! I really needed to learn these warriors'' names. How many times now had I spoken to them without having any clue what they were called? About twenty different men sat around the kitchen. Their ages ranged from what looked like eighteen to well into their fifties. However, every single one was muscled and looked dangerous "I do love meat," I said to Ryder through our mind link. He rolled his eyes at me as we walked toward the table with all the pizza. Ryder handed me a paper te before grabbing one for himself. Looking at my choices, I selected a slice of meat lovers and a slice of in pepperoni. Ryder took three slices of supreme. Following him, we made our way to the couch. Most of the guys had gathered around, but they''d left space on the sofa for the three of us. "What''s the n, Alpha?" a warrior asked. "Sorry, I don''t know everyone''s names. Could you tell me when you speak so I can get to know you all better?" I felt embarrassed having to ask this question. "Sorry. I guess we really haven''t had a chance to meet. I''m Novak." The warrior who''d just asked Ryder about the n answered. He was one of the younger ones. "Let him eat first, Novak." He shot Novak a disapproving look before turning to me. "I''m Jimmy." He was probably middle-aged. "It''s fine. Actually, Xena and I were just talking. She had an interesting idea." Ryder looked at me as I took a bite of pizza. "I mean, that was more of a sarcasticment, but sure, let''s call it an interesting idea." I couldn''t help myself. My smart-ass response earned several chuckles and smiles. "What''s the idea?" another warrior asked. I looked up to see who it was. "Bastian, Luna," he quickly answered without waiting for me to ask. "The thing is I swallowed my bite. "We don''t know what buildings he owns. Obviously, that''s been a difficult thing to figure out. So I suggested we tap his phone." "Tap his phone? That would mean we might have to get into his territory. That''s a terrible idea!" Novak sounded shocked. "Let her finish," Ryder said, looking at Novak with annoyance. "However, tapping his phone, while it would let us hear his conversations, wouldn''t actually find locations or any information. We need to hack into the phonepany, look up his address, and get into his n. You can get into that system and see every number every line has called. Same with the phonepany." *Well, damn." A warrior to my left sounded shocked. As soon as we made eye contact, he immediately gave his name. "Keir. He looked older, withpletely gray hair. "If he has data, we might be able to find where they''re actually located. We''d need someone with serious hacking skills. There would likely be tons of firewalls and other stuff." I took another bite of pizz. "Galen," several of the younger uys said simultaneously. Galen? Ryder looked around questioningly Chapter Comments Chapter 237 Xena''s POV "He''s not here tonight, Jimmy exined. "He''s been monitoring the cameras we set up at the tunnel entrances. Kid''s aputer genius though. If anyone could hack into a phonepany, it''d be him.". "Where is he?" I asked. ''Set up in the basement with about six monitors," Bastian said. "He''s been tracking everything since we sealed the tunnels. Paranoid as hell that they might try to dig them back out." "Smart," Ryder nodded. "We should talk to him." "The thing is," Keir spoke up, even if we get into the phonepany systems, how do we know which numbers belong to Alpha Wiley? They could be under any name." I''d been thinking about that too. "We start with the territory address. Every phonepany has to have a physical address for service. Even if the ount names are fake, the location has to be real for them to run the lines." "And if they''re using cell phones exclusively?" Novak asked. "Then we look for patterns. Heavy data usage in that area, multiple lines registered to the same fake addresses, billing information that doesn''t add up." I was getting excited talking through this. "Plus, if Galen''s as good as you say, he might be able to cross-reference with other utilities. Electric, water, inte providers." "Galen could do it," a young warrior I hadn''t met yet spoke up. "I''m Drake, by the way. And Galen''s taught me some basic stuff. Phonepanies aren''t as secure as you''d think. They''re more focused on keeping people from stealing service than protecting customer information." "How long would something like that take?" Ryder asked. Drake looked thoughtful. "Depends on how deep we want to go. Getting basic ount information? Maybe a few hours. Getting detailed call logs, location data, cross-referencing with other services? Could take a day or two." "We don''t have a day or two," William said. "Not with everything that''s happening." "Then we start with what we can get quickly," I suggested. "Basic ount info, recent call logs. See if we can identify any patterns or important numbers. Then we dig deeper from there." "I like it," Ryder said, finishing hisst slice of pizza. "It''s proactive instead of reactive. We''ve been ying defense this whole time." The warrior who looked oldest among them leaned forward. "If we find the location, we still have a considerable amount of explosives left over. We could move within hours. I have some that were mainly prepared for the tunnels but went unused." When he spoke, he looked directly at Ryder. "Good," Ryder stood up, his Alpha authority filling the room. "Drake, go get Galen. Tell him to wrap up whatever he''s doing with the cameras and get up here. We''re changing strategies." "Yes, Alpha, Drake jumped up immediately. Tll contact Penelope and Ama to start working with Galen on the hacking." Ryder said. We spent the next several minutes discussing what it would mean to break into the phonepany and how to do it. William stepped out of the room to call Ama. "...this can be done remotely. We don''t need to get into the lines to eate problems, Ryder was saying. "Is that true, Luna?" Novak asked. "We don''t need to sneak into the phonepany''s business premises and ce something on the wires? "What have you been watching, Ocean''s Eleven or something?" I tried to joke. "No, we can aplish everything without leaving here." "Hopefully Galen can pull it off," Ryder said. That reminded me. "William! Did you reach Ama?" I quickly contact him through our mind link. On the phone with her, why? "Galen needs a separate IP address. So it can''t be traced back to this group." "Okay, I''ll tell her," William said before cutting off themunication. "Luna!" Bastian called out loudly. "What? Sorry, I was just making sure William told Ama that Galen needs a different IP address to do this." I hadn''t been listening to their conversation at all. "No problem. I was asking about the information we get. We should receive phone numbers or a list of locations with service. How do we decide which ce to attack?¡± Bastian asked a reasonable question. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 238 Whichever makes the most sefer. If it were up to me, I d observe fits and see which attack would create the most We should act now! Not wait! A warrior from the back row stood up and started pacing I could feet byter getting angr The fury radiating from him made the air feel thick and heavy, "Okay," I said simply. "Exin your thinking? When he turned to look at me, I kept my expression neutral. "They didn''t wait when they attacked your shop! They dight wait when they kidnapped you! They took action. We look like cowards because we''re doing nothing? His face was flushed red, I took a deep breath, fighting to suppress the rage boiling inside me. His words hit the most sensitive spot in my heart-that feeling of helplessness, the humiliation of being beaten down passively. But knew anger would only cloud my judgment. "Your name?" I asked calmly. "Vigg He put his hands on his hips, breathing deeply to try to calm himself down. He looked about twenty-eight or twenty-nine, maybe thirty. His dirty blonde hair kept bothering him, and he constantly swept it away from his eyes. "Do you realize they probably spent nearly a year digging those tunnels? And my shop is a very public ce. The shooting and everything... they''ve been nning this for years. Years! This isn''t something they decided to do overnight. If that building was important, we would have made an impact already. Are you willing to risk your life, and risk your fellow warriors'' lives, to go knock on his door?" I kept my voice steady and firm as I spoke. Ryder leaned back on the couch, draping his arm across the back behind me. He crossed his ankle over his knee and just watched this interaction y out. "I just can''t sit here and do nothing!" Viggo sounded frustrated. "Making impulsive decisions based on emotions won''t get you the response or results you want. The best response is the optimal response. What do you think they''re thinking right now? If I were them, I''d be surprised to see me walking through his front door. Sometimes, not taking aggressive action is about thinking through why they haven''t attacked yet." "We moved our pack to another pack''s territory, and we''re waiting for their attack," another warrior added, supporting my point. "Exactly. They might be ready for a fight, and we''ll give them a fight. Just not today. We''ll attack when they least expect it, in the most painful way possible." I waspletely sincere about what I was saying. Everyone in the room could feel the killing intent in my words. I saw several warriors unconsciously straighten up, their eyes shing with awe and anticipation. Everyone was quiet for a moment before Viggo finally sat down. He still looked frustrated, or maybe just emotional, but we didn''t hear from him again. "Everyone start thinking about what other approaches we might need. If this phonepany hack doesn''t give us everything we need, what else can we try?" Ryder looked around the room. "We''re done ying Benedict''s games. From now on, we make our own ns and we execute them our way." A chorus of "Yes, Alpha" filled the kitchen, and I felt a surge of pride watching Ryder takemand. This was the leader these men needed. "One more thing," I said, standing up beside Ryder. "Whatever we find, we keep it between us for now. No one else needs what we''re nning until we''re ready to act on it." The warriors nodded in understanding. They knew exactly who I was talking about. "What''s the n for tomorrow?" Novak asked. "We''ll see what Galen can find tonight. Xena and I are going to Alpb Hank''s pack tomorrow regardless, and we''ll see what they''ve discovered. Depending on the situation, we''ll handle things ordingly, Ryder said, leaning forward, Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE Chapter 239 Xena''s POV so... do we have the day off tomorrow?" a young man next to Novak asked. You need to be ready in case something happens, but yes, you can rx, Ryder put his hand on my knee, as if to say it was time to go to bed. "Everyone get some sleep," I stood up and said. Ryder followed me out, and everyone said goodnight. "Why isn''t William back yet? I asked as we walked down the hallwa "I don''t know." Ryder''s hand settled on the small of my back as we climbed the stairs, his touch grounding me in a way that nothing else could. "I''ll mind-link him." "Okay." We reached our room, and Ryder paused at the door. "Still on the phone with Ama. She''s got Galen handling it, but it looks like it''s going to take a while." "That''s fine." The yawn escaped before I could stop it, my body finally catching up with the emotional exhaustion of the day. Tired?" His green eyes searched my face, concern flickering in their depths. "Yeah..." I shrugged, trying to y off how bone-deep weary I felt. Ryder unlocked our door and secured it behind us, the click of the lock somehow making the weight on my chest a little heavier. "Worried about tomorrow?" He moved to pour us both whiskey, the amber liquid catching themplight as I sank into the couch. "My father might die, and my brother will get the role he was born for." The words came out t, emotionless, but inside my chest felt like it was being crushed by stones. Each breath was a struggle against the suffocating weight of reality. "I think for someone in your father''s position, death might be a relief." Ryder sighed as he settled beside me, handing me the ss. His arm came around my shoulders, and I leaned into his warmth, taking a small sip of the burning liquid. "I''m going to miss him." "I know, but isn''t his happiness worth what he''s prepared your entire life for?" I looked at Ryder. He drained his whiskey in one smooth motion, his eyes never leaving mine. There was somethingplex in those green depths, something I couldn''t quite read. "It is, but Logan will be all the family I have left. Even though your parents are difficult... at least they''re alive. When you lose both parents, it feelspletely different." My voice tightened, the familiar ache of loss threatening to overwhelm me. "You still have Ama and Leonard. They''re like your siblings, and even though you and William constantly bicker, he seems like a brother too." "He is annoyingly brotherly." I let out a soft snort, grateful for the momentary lightness. Ryder leaned forward, setting down his empty ss. "Come on, let''s get some sleep." He stood and extended his hand to me. I epted it, downing the rest of my whiskey in one burning gulp. We walked to the bed together, and I went through the motions of undressing, pulling off my shorts, shirt, and underwear before grabbing one of his discarded shirts to sleep in. The fabric still carried his scent, warm and masculine a 1. fe. Sliding under the covers, I felt Ryder pull me against him, his strong arms wrapping around me like a shield against the world. ''Sleep, baby. You''re safe here. You''re loved here." His words were thest thing I heard before darkness imed me. The next morning arrived too soon, bringing with it all the anxiety managed to d escape in sleep. You ready?" Ryder called from the doorway of our walk-in closet. I already showered, curled my hair, and applied my makeup, but now I stood in my matching underwear, staring at the wall of clothes like they were enemybatants. Ryder looked incredible in dark jeans that hugged his perfect ass and a fitted athletic shirt that showed off every defined muscle. Even in my current state, I couldn''t help but appreciate how devastating he looked. my hands were shaking, my legs wouldn''t stop trembling, "I don''t know what to wear." The anxiety was hitting me full force now and I had to fight to control the sweat threatening to ruin my carefully applied makeup. My heart was beating so fast I was sure it would burst from my chest. "Wear a dress or one of those romper things." Ryder stepped into the closet, surveying my options with the same intensity he brought to pack business. "This one. I love how you look in this." "You mean the romper?" Ryder lifted a deep purple flowing piece from its hanger. It had bubble sleeves at the shoulders, a cinched waist, and the hem hit mid- thigh. The front featured a shallow V-neck that was ttering without being too revealing. Honestly, this outfit made my legs look amazing. As I slipped it on, I realized I''d definitely lost some muscle mass. "I really need to start working out again." "How do your shoulders feel?" Ryder asked, watching me carefully as I adjusted the fabric, "They feel normal." I studied my reflection in the full-length mirror, and it was like looking at a stranger. Six months ago, if someone had told me I''d be preparing for dinner with my father - possibly ourst - because he was choosing death, I would have called them insane. My hair was longer now, the tight muscles I''d worked so hard for had softened, and my skin was pale as a ghost. "You''re beautiful. Ryder''s arms came around me from behind, his warmth pressing against my back, but the chill inside me remained. "I look like I need six months of working out in the sun to look normal again." I rolled my eyes, grabbing my purse and walking out of the closet. I knew I was rejecting hispliment, but he didn''t seem angry about it. He''d been worried about me all morning, even though he''d been trying to hide it. I could feel his concern radiating off him like heat, a gentle light trying to prate the darkness that seemed to follow me everywhere. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW < SHARE Chapter 240 Xena''s Pov Ryder gave me that I''m still going to fuck you" look before opening the door. "You didn''t even tryst night," I reminded him as we walked out, Ryder closing and locking the door behind us. "You didn''t look like you wanted to," Ryder ced his hand on my hip as we walked toward the garage together. "I could have been persuaded." I gave him a yful smile. I''ll keep that in mind," Ryder rolled his eyes. "Will your parents being together?" I asked as Ryder opened the Cadic door for me. "No. After everything that''s happened, I don''t want them there," Ryder closed the door and walked around to his side. Once he got in, he started the car and pulled out of the garage. I nodded. ¡°Where did everyone go this morning?" "Probably sleeping in, since they finally have a free morning." My legs were trembling, shifting restlessly in the seat. Saying I was ufortable was an understatement. Ryder reached over and pressed his hand firmly against my thigh to still me. Almost instinctively, both my hands grabbed onto his forearm, gripping tightly. Ryder absorbed all my grip and more. The roads were unusually empty today, and we quickly arrived at Dad''s pack. "I was hoping I''d never have to see these gates again," I said softly as we approached. The guard saw me, nodded, then opened the gates to let us through. "Xena, I know this will be hard, but remember, this is his choice. He wants this. No matter how much you and Logan hurt, remember that his soul is finding freedom," Ryder said. His words hit me like ice water to the face. It was a dose of reality that helped me calm down slightly. I was able to take a deep breath. Logan and Penelope stood on the front porch steps. Logan had his arm around her, and Penelope waved enthusiastically at 1. us. I took onest deep breath, then Ryder opened my door. I''m not even sure when he got out of the car. "Xena! It''s so good to see you!" Penelope ran down the steps to hug me. It felt good to see her again. "How are you?" I managed a smile in response. She looked good - no sunken eyes or bruises. "Actually, I''ve had a really good week." I nodded. "Hey, sis," Logan approached, and I threw myself into his embrace. It felt good to be back in my twin brother''s arms. Even though I loved Ryder, Logan always had afort I couldn''t find anywhere else. "Hey." That was all I could manage to say. "How''s the shoulder? Logan released me and looked at my shoulder. "Feelspletely fine," I lifted my shoulder to show I had full range of motion. "Good," Logan stepped back and shook hands with Ryder, then gavem a half hug. Thanks foring, man. "Xena!" I heard Dad''s voice from the porch. Looking up, Dad and Martha came out to greet us. Dad walked several steps ahead of Martha. Thankfully, she stopped on the steps while Dad came down to give me a hug. Dad! Not as intense, but I still held onto him. "You look good, kid. How are you feeling? Dad released me and, like Logan, examined my shoulder. "I''m fine. Feeling great." Even if I wasn''t feeling well, I wouldn''t tell him. "Good!" Dad nodded, then gripped Ryder''s hand firmly. "Thank you for bringing her." "Thank Ryder wasn''t sure how to respond, his mouth opening and closing a few times. "It''s my honor, sir," he finally said. "Penelope prepared a beautiful pic for us in the garden," Logan said, breaking the awkwardness. I expected Martha to say something, but instead, she just turned and walked ahead of us. She held her head high, walking with an angry stride. Logan and Penelope walked in front of us. I saw Penelope ce her hand on Logan''s back, seeminglyforting him. My hand slid to Ryder''s arm, gripping it tightly. Not holding his hand, but clutching his forearm. Thankfully, Ryder didn''t try to move away or even question it. He allowed me to do what I needed to do. The walk to the garden was the longest walk of my life. Every day, sometimes more frequently, I would walk to this garden to escape my life. It had never felt this far. Ryder felt protective and tense, but he kept trying to project calm to me. Maybe those were emotions he was trying to take away from me, but I couldn''t tell the difference right now. "This looks amazing," I tried to keep my voice steady as we approached the pic area. Penelope had set up arge round table with an umbre in the garden. The tablecloth hugged the edges, and different fruits, sds, small burgers, and bread covered the table. "Thank you. I started cooking and wanted to try some new recipes. I hope you like them. You''ll have to tell me what you think," Penelope smiled warmly at me. I watched as Ryder and Logan positioned Penelope and me between them, while Dad and Martha sat on their other side. Logan sat directly next to Martha, but there was still enough space for one person between them. Dad didn''t sit very close to her either. "Where did you find these recipes?" Martha asked, wrinkling her nose. She leaned down to smell the small burgers. I also looked closely at the small burgers - there was something very familiar about them, but I couldn''t ce it. Penelope looked a bit ufortable. "It''s from a new recipe book I got." My back straightened as I stared at those small burgers. Were these my mother''s small burgers? A recipe book she found at Mom''s house? Chapter 241 Xena''s POV Xena Logan caught my attention, giving me a meaningful look. Logan had obviously noticed it too. But I was still caught up in various emotions at that moment, my mouth felt dry, and I had forgotten to respond to Logan entirely. "I think it smells amazing!" Ryder ced his hand on my lower back saving me from having to answer. I instinctively looked toward Ryder, who gave me an innocent smife. I reached out and touched hand resting on my back. "Let''s eat!" Dad said quickly, starting to put small burgers on his own te. Martha took one with an expressionless face, leaned down to smell it, then pushed it aside with a disgusted expression. I put some bread, sd, and pasta on my te until the small burgers were passed to me. Not sure how hungry I actually was, I put one on my te and continued passing them. Logan took three, as if he knew he loved eating them. "So, Ryder. Were you able to eliminate the tunnels?" Dad asked. I grabbed the small burger and took a bite. The moment the vors hit my tongue, recognition flooded through me like a dam breaking. This was it. This was that taste. My body remembered, even though my brain had blurred the details. The special vor of the BBQ sauce, the pepper seasoning on the bread... these were all Mom''s. Tears gathered in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. Once or twice, I saw Ryder nce at me. "We did it. It went much smoother than I expected. Obviously, we lost a few trees, but no damage to the walls. I might get some soil to fill the holes," Ryder answered. "I have some soil I can give you. Penelope started building a new pool, and we need to extend the old one," Dad said. "Ama wants to build a new pool too," I said, smiling at Penelope. I took a deep breath silently, adjusting my mood to continue the normal conversation. My heart was particrly fragile today, and if broke down now, I didn''t dare think about how I would manage "I know! She told mest night. She''s glowing!" Penelopeughed in response. "She looks sickly, not glowing," Martha snorted. Dad gave her a look that made her roll her eyes and look away. Not sure what he said to her, but it seemed to work. "What should we do next?" Dad asked, as if wanting to ignore Martha''s presence. ¡°Xena has a brilliant idea,¡± Ryder said, taking another bite of pasta and turning his gaze to me. I was about to bring a forkful of sd to my mouth when I suddenly stopped. Looking around, everyone was watching me, waiting for an answer, Putting down my fork, I suddenly felt ufortable being put on the spot like this. "Oh, um... didn''t Penelope tell you?" I asked. "She did, but I want to hear it from you," Dad gave me a smile, one that I used to hate. It was the look of someone testing me, but at this moment I found it somewhat touching. I tried to keep my voice normal as I began to exin: "If we hack into the phonepany, we can find his files based on his service location and download his call records. Then we can match locations with assigned numbers to find out where he''s been calling. From there, we can dig deeper. The rest goes without saying." "How did youe up with this idea?" Penelope asked. Actually, it was just a sarcastment 1 made, and Ryder turned into an actual Idea. Then it just snowballed from there." "It''s really quite good," Logan said with his mouth full of burger. Thank you. I hope it works. Has Galen found anything?" I asked, "He''s still working on it, but making progress. Because of the firewalls, he''s moving slowly, not wanting to leave traces, so it takes some time," Penelope nodded. "Where is he operating from?" Ryder asked. "Remember that abandoned coffee shop a few miles front downtown Logan asked. "Oh." I nodded, the image of that shop shing through my mind. Broken windows, peeling paint, little mice that had made it their home. Perfect ce ¨C no one would think to look for someone in that kind of hellhole. I looked toward Martha, who had barely touched any food, just pushing it around on her te. Her expression was rtively rxed, as if she was anticipating something. I finished eating, and so had everyone else. "It''s such a beautiful morning," Dad said, looking up at the sun climbing in the sky. "It certainly is," Penelope agreed. We all knew what wasing next. Our heads dropped slightly because we didn''t want it to happen. My heart began to race, and I felt a lump in my throat. "I thought you were going to give me a gift," Martha red at Dad. "You''re right. I did say that," Dad nodded. "Well, the children are all here. Even though they don''t appreciate everything I''ve done for them, you wanted them here. So where''s the gift?" Marthained in an aggrieved tone, crossing her arms over her chest. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 242 Xena''s POV ter one of entitlement made me want to vomit. What did she mean by everything we''ve done for us? What had she done besides make our lives worse? My fists clenched under the table as I fought to suppress the rage building inside me. Dad smiled at her. "We have to walk over there to see it. Let''s all take knew this was going to happen, and so did Penelope. I wasn''t sure if wasn''t prepared. I followed behind, the unease in my chest growing stronger. a walk. Dad announced and stood up. Logan acted like he wanted to know or didn''t want to know, but either way, I We walked behind Dad and Martha. Logan and Penelope were besides, walking quietly. Dad''s steps had a lightness I hadn''t seen in years. Martha was practically bouncing. She looked like a child waiting to unwrap presents. When we came to a small hill, there was a little archway. It was covered with white flowers hanging down. More white flower pots were arranged in rows, forming an aisle. Wedding setup? My heart sank. They wouldn''t be... "Did you do all this? For me? Are we going to renew our vows?" Martha said excitedly, looking at Dad and grabbing his arm. Leonard and Delphine stood on either side of the archway, waiting. I felt sick at Martha''s expression, but at the same time had a strange premonition that things might not be what I thought. "Something like that." Dad smiled brilliantly as we walked over. Logan motioned for us to sit on the left, and they sat on the right. Dad pulled Martha to the front. Standing face to face, he took her hands. Martha had a stupid big smile on her face, tears in her eyes. She really thought this was some romantic moment. I watched coldly, the rm bells in my head getting louder. But Dad''s expression... that wasn''t the look of love. "This is wonderful." Martha wiped her tears with her hand, saying with a trembling voice. "Please let me speak." Dad announced. She was obviously startled but calmed down. "I''ve prepared some words to say." "Okay." She straightened her back, looking into his eyes. Here ites. I held my breath, my heart sinking. "Martha, you were an old me who walked into my life when I neededpanionship most. I had lost my true mate and my only true love." My hand reached out to grab Ryder. I knew my nails dug into his skin, but he didn''t move, "I had my children and this pack that needed me. I needed to survive and you gave me that option." Martha began to frown, blinking several times as if trying to understand what he was saying. "I believed you would be a good stepmother to my children. I thought you would treat them as your own. Love them, teach them things, make memories with them." But she didn''t. My teeth clenched as years of anger and pain churned in my chest. She never loved us, never tried to understand us, never... Dad paused, seeming to let his words sink in. Martha hadpletely realized this wasn''t the ceremony she''d imagined. She tried to pull her hands from his, but he held them tightly. Hank... I don''t... I watched this scene, my heart founding, Finally, it was finally going to end. The fear deep inside was also getting closer. wrong in every way. You don''t love them. The only thing you ought them was fear and anger. Every chance you got, you abused my daughter, simply because she looked like her mother. Fortunately, I needed to stay alive to ensure they could live to adulthood and find their mates. I''m a smart man, and I''ve arranged their futures so that when I die, they''ll be taken care of. I know you wouldn''t do that. Now that they''re all grown up with their own mates, I''mpletely confident in doing what I should have done eighteen years ago." My chest felt so tight it might explode. My previous understanding of Dad was that he indulged Martha''s abuse of me, and I carried disappointment and hatred toward him. But his monologue now had cars welling in my eyes. Everything from before no longer mattered; I only wished time could go back eighteen years.... "No!" Martha was still trying to break free from Dad''s hands but failed. He gripped her hands tightly. It took almost no effort; he didn''t even move his feet. Martha was crying, her voice getting louder. "Please don''t! I love you! I''ve always loved you! I rejected my mate for you!" What? She rejected her mate? I felt a wave of nausea rise in my throat. What other lies did this woman have? "What do you want?" Dad seemed confused. That''s right! I rejected my mate before I came to you and proposed we pair up!" Martha stopped struggling, as if epting the fact. I stared at her, trying to read the truth from her expression. "Who?" "I''ll never tell!" Martha spat. Dad released one of her hands and stepped back slightly. "It doesn''t matter. What matters is that you chose toe into my children''s lives and make them miserable. You chose to hurt them when I wasn''t looking. You chose to be cruel to a little girl who had just lost her mother." "She was difficult!" Martha shrieked. "She never listened! She was always causing trouble!" "She was a child!" Dad''s voice thundered across the clearing. "She was a grieving child who needed love and guidance, not your cruelty!" I felt Ryder''s arm tighten around me as my whole body began to shake. Eighteen years of suppressed pain was threatening to overwhelm me. "Hank, please," Martha''s voice cracked. "We can work this out. I can change. I can be better." "You had eighteen years to be better," Dad said coldly. "Eighteen years to show my children even an ounce of the love they deserved. Instead, you chose to make their lives hell." Martha''s face contorted with desperation. "What about everything we built together? Our life? Our pack?* "Our pack?" Dadughed bitterly. "You mean the pack that watched you abuse my daughter and said nothing? The p your cruelty because they were too afraid to stand up to their Luna?" hat enabled I could see the wheels turning in Martha''s head, probably trying to think of another maniption tactic. "I gave you the best years of my life!" she screamed. "And I gave you eighteen years you didn''t deserve," Dad replied eve happiness." You can''t just throw me away!" Martha''s voice was bing hyste Chapter Comments LIKE POST COM Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 243 Xena''s POV Rights? Dad''s voice was deadly quiet now. "Did my daughter have rights when you locked her in the basement for hours? Did she have rights when you disciplined'' her with your fists? Did she have ghts when you made her feel worthless and unloved in her own home?" Each word hit me like a physical blow. He knew. He had always known. "I was trying to make her stronger!" Martha protested weakly. "You were destroying her," Dad said tly. "And I let you. That''s my sin to bear, and I had carried that guilt for so many years. But I won''t let you hurt her for one more day." *I, Hank Harris, Alpha of Nightcedar Pack, reject you, Martha Harris, Luna of Nightcedar Pack. Dad''s voice was steady and firm as he spoke those words. Marthe screamed in agony, clutching her heart as she copsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrobly. The sound tore through the room like a de, sharp and devastating. Dad closed his eyes, his jaw clenched tight as he endured the pain of the rejection. One or two tears had already fallen without permission, and I reached out with trembling hands to wipe them away with a tissue. Ryder''s hand found my back, steady and warm. Slowly, Dad opened his eyes and smiled at Martha with a look of pure determination. "I''ll get everything," Martha snarled through gritted teeth, her voice filled with venom and desperation. "No, you won''t. I''ve been nning this for a long time. Everything will go to my children." Dad''s voice wasn''t as strong as it had been at the beginning, but his resolve remained unshaken. "I ept your rejection, you spineless bastard!" Martha screamed, her eyes wild with despair and rage. I gripped the tissue tighter in my hand, fighting every instinct to rush forward and tear Martha apart with my bare hands. The hatred I felt for this woman burned through me like fire. Logan had already risen and walked toward Dad, helping him stand. Dad looked into his eyes with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "I, Hank Harris, Alpha of Nightcedar Pack, pass the Alpha title to my son, Logan Harris." "I, Logan Harris, ept the position of Alpha of Nightcedar Pack!" Logan''s voice echoed throughout the entire room with authority and strength. Pride and grief crashed over me simultaneously. My brother would make an excellent Alpha, but this meant Dad was truly leaving us. The finality of it hit me like a physical blow. "NO!" Martha wailed as she watched this exchange, her cries heart-wrenching and desperate. Dad bent over, and I watched as the power transferred to Logan, a visible shift in the air around them. "Take her to the cells," Loganmanded sternly, looking at the guards who grabbed Martha''s arms. They had to drag the king and screaming Martha away from us toward the holding cells. Watching her being dragged away, I felt a sense of relief, but it was quickly reced by overwhelming sadness. "Xena." Dad called my name in a weak voice, and the sound of it pierced straight through my heart like a needle. As if my feet had a will of their own, they carried me toward my dying father. ¡°What?¡± I answered with a trembling voice. I didn''t realize my eyes had filled with pars until I could no longer see Dad early. Closing my eyes, I felt the tears spill out, and then! could partially see him again. For you. These are for you." Dad''s trembling hand reached into his pocket and pulled out a string of pearls. "These were your mother''s. I wanted to give them to you at your Luna ceremony, but I won''t make it that long." When his shaking hand couldn''t reach toward me, he gave me a weak smile. I quickly grabbed his falling hand, pulling it toward me as I tremblingly epted the pearls. Mom''s pearls... I had never owned anything that belonged to her. Now, holding them in my hands, they still retained Dad''s warmth from his pocket. "Oh, Dad..." I couldn''t stop the tears that refused to slow down. Already streaming down my face, the tears dampened the pearls in my hands. Logan knelt down on the other side. "I love you, old man." Logan''s eyes were also filled with tears, his voice thick with emotion. We were all crying now. This strong man who had always silently protected us now looked so fragile and vulnerable. "I''m proud of both of you." Dad looked at us, slowly raising his hand to touch my head, then looked up at Ryder. "Take care of my daughter, I wouldn''t trust anyone else." His speech began to slow, his breathing bing shallow. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 244 We watched his eyes sh ck and then we watched his wolf die in his eyes. It will be my honor, Ryder''s firm voice came from above my head. Xena... I''m happy." Dad made several choking sounds. I realized these were his final moments. "Dad!" I screamed with a heart-wrenching cry as his eyes rolled back 1 love you." I buried my head in Dad''s embrace and whispered. I didn''t know if Dad heard my final confession. I felt his body lose it vitality, which broke my heart even more. I held him tightly.pletely releasing my sobs. I felt my tears had soaked Dad''s clothes, but I still didn''t want to get up. This was the first time in I don''t know how long that I had criedpletely. I felt Logan reach out and grip my shoulder. I wasn''t sure how long we sat there crying together, but eventually Ryder grabbed me and pulled me back. I watched as several warriors came over with a wooden stretcher. They carefully ced Dad on it and began to carry him away. I think my heart was sopletely shrouded in grief that I missed the pile of wood that had been gathered about a hundred yards away. Ryder helped me sit in a chair, and I leaned against his shoulder, still unable to ept the fact that Dad was gone. I don''t know how much time passed, but eventually I became aware of bustling voices outside. I slowly turned my head to look out the window. My old pack members and current pack members were all walking up the hill toward us. rent voice "Dad knew he wouldn''t live much longer, so he arranged his own funeral," Logan said, his voice hoarse with emotion. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. Dad had actually arranged his own death-that was just like him, always wanting to control everything, even his final goodbye. I didn''t know whether to feel proud of his strength or heartbroken that he had to bear this alone. Ryder held my arm tightly as we walked over to sit in the front row. I didn''t have the strength to look at everyone-all those people from my past and present. Penelope handed me a tissue before sitting down on the other side. There was no whispering or quiet conversation; everyone was silent and respectful. Only after everyone was seated did Logan begin to speak. He stood directly in front of Dad. Leonard stood to one side. When our eyes met, I realized he was crying too. "We are gathered here to honor my father, Alpha Hank." Some crying came from behind us, but it was mainly the sound of people blowing their noses. "I want to start with a story. When we were young, our mother died. In order to be able to live for us, Dad mated with Martha. He hoped Martha would be able to care for us as her own children. Obviously, we all know that wasn''t the case. However, he needed to ensure our future was secure while also making sure the pack wouldn''t fall into her hands." Logan paused, collecting his emotions. My stomach dropped. How Dad could have endured all of this, I would never know. "After we turned eighteen and found our mates, Dad began formting his exit strategy. All of this was arranged by him. He left us with a smile. To you, he was Alpha Hank. To us, he was Dad. To others, he was a friend. He left in his own way. I always thought he would die on the battlefield, but he was stubborn and liked to do things his own way." This drew someughter from the people around us. I rested my head on Ryder''s shoulder as he continued to stroke my arm with made sure of that. his thumb. Logan was right. If he was going to die, it would be on his own terms. Dad Even in grief, I had to acknowledge Dad''s wisdom. He knew how to protect us in the end, how to ensure our future. This deep love and sacrifice made my heart both broken and warm. I wanted to scream at losing him, but at the same time I wanted to thank him for everything he had given us. "With some things now in ce, it was the right time to move forward with his n and reject Martha, which killed him. He was also able to transfer the Alphe title to me, making Penelope your new Luna." Logan gave Penelope a small smile. The sadness in his eyes was still obvious. "With Lonard as my Beta, I swear to be as great an Alpha as my father was." Cheers erupted from the crowd, louder than I had expected, but Logan had been performing Alpha duties for some time now, so this washt a huge change. I watched as Leonard lit a torch and handed to Logan. Torn apart inside, I knew what was about to happen next. This made me slowly lower my head. I couldn''t bear to watch. The tears I thought had dried up began to well up in my eyes again. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 245 Xena''s Pov Logan walked toward the pile of wood where Dad''s bodyy. The tor flickered in the breeze, casting dancing shadows across his face. When he touched the me to the kindling, the fire caught immediately, crackling and growing with each passing second. "Goodbye, Dad," Logan whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the mes. I closed my eyes as the fire grew higher, the heat warming my face ven from this distance. The smell of burning wood filled the air, and I knew that soon there would be nothing left of the man who had shaped my entire world. Ryder''s arm tightened around me as my body shook with silent sobs This was really it. Dad was gone, and there was no bringing him back. Leonard approached carrying arge elm tree. After cing it into the pit, he finished the nting with his shovel. "We''re not moving his ashes. We''re letting them be one with thend where he died. This is what Dad wanted, Logan said as he walked over to sit beside Penelope. Leonard took a seat in the second row, next to Vi and his parents. Everyone sat quietly, watching the ashes dance in the wind before settling into the earth. A low rumble in the distance told us a storm was approaching. How perfect that his body would seep into the soil, truly bing one with the earth we all came from. One by one, people began to rise and return to their homes or safe ces. Logan and I just sat there, watching what little remained of Dad until the mes died out. Leonard stood and began digging a pit to bury the bones that hadn''tpletely burned in the fire. Only after Dad waspletely buried did Logan finally stand up. "Come on, sis." I finally tore my gaze away from the freshly dug grave to look at Logan. ¡°I have a few things for you in the office." I just felt numb. Not sad, not angry, just a nk emptiness. Part of me wanted Ryder to hold me, but my pride stopped me. Instead, I gripped his hand and stood up, following Logan. My pace was much slower than Logan''s, so I fell behind as we quietly walked down the hillside toward the pack house. Ryder never tried to make me walk faster, didn''t even try to take charge. He just stayed beside me, being my anchor. I''m not sure if it was out of habit or what, but when we climbed the steps, my heart started pounding violently. More than once I reminded myself that Martha wasn''t here, that I was finally safe here. I could safelye back to visit my brother, to see my old pack members, friends, and any children they might have in the future. Logan left the office door open since he and Penelope had arrived a few minutes before us. When we walked in, he was doing something on theputer. Penelope sat in an armchair, so I took the other one. Ryder stood behind me as we waited to hear what my brother had to say. Logan sighed, ran his fingers through his hair, then rubbed his face before looking at me. "Dad left you this letter. He wrote it this morning. Logan handed over a vani-colored envelope that clearly contained more than just paper. "What else is in here?" I asked as I took it. Keys and some other misceneous things." The pearl strand was still wrapped around my wrist. Logan''s gaze fell on it. "Mom wore those at her Luna ceremony. It took him months to find those. He refused to put them in the envelope-he wanted to give them to you personally." "Can I see her house?" I asked, my voice quiet but steady. "Of course," Penelope said. "Actually, I have some things I want to offer you. Since I''ve been living there, away from Martha, I''ve organized and cleaned the house. I''m guessing you already discovered from the food that the recipes are in your mother''s house. I made copies for you, but if you want the originals... I would understand. Chapter 246 It took me a minute to understand what she was saying. I was somewhat annoyed that she was offering to give me anything. These had all been mine to begin with, but Dad had indeed left everything to Logan in his will, including all items in the house, She probably felt she was doing a good thing, doing the right thing by offering things to me. But the problem was, she had picked through things she wanted before I had even seen them. Xena, we can walk through the house together and decide together what you want to keep and what we''ll keep. Penelope only took out things like your baby nkets. Things you might want to give to your own children someday, things Mom picked out for you." Logan must have read the expression on my face. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to push down my emotions and keep my face expressionless. "Okay." I couldn''t even remember having baby nkets. Over the years, I thought those memories had been washed away by time. But hearing Logan say this now, a sourness rose in my heart for no reason. I didn''t know if I was ready to face those items, those objects that carried my mother''s love. "Like my father, I''ll work directly with you," Logan said, looking at Ryder. "Understood. I''ll handle things on my end. I''m ready to do whatever it takes to protect my pack, Ryder replied firmly. I could see Logan read the subtext after ncing at me. "If you need anything, tell me," Logan said as he stood up. Following his movement, I took onest look around Dad''s office. Logan would probably change some things, but this would be thest time I''d see it as it was now. Ryder took the vani envelope from my hands and stood beside me. "Do you need anything before we go to the house?" Penelope asked somewhat timidly. "No... thank you," I said as I grabbed the door handle and gently closed the door. Ryder wasn''t holding my back as we walked, so I reached out and grabbed his arm as we went down the stairs. People moved around, doing their work. Watching these people continue their daily lives, I suddenly realized the world wouldn''t stop turning because of my pain. They had their own responsibilities, their own lives. But somehow, seeing life continue so peacefully made me feel a strange sense of istion. "We need to drive there. If you want to follow us, that would be great," Logan said to Ryder. "Of course," Ryder nodded. He guided me toward our car and opened the door for 1. me. Sliding into the driver''s seat, he ced the envelope on the dashboard, then started the car. He didn''t ask me any questions or even try to make me talk. Instead, he started the car and followed Logan. He ced his hand on my thigh as I watched the pack house gradually disappear from view. His hand was warm and steady. This simple gesture was worth more than a thousand words. He knew I didn''t want to talk right now, didn''t needforting words, just needed to know he was here. Sometimes Ryder understood me better than I thought. We drove through the small town that had been developing until we reached the suburbs. I clearly remembered how dense the brush in this area had been when I was little, but now it had been cleared. When Logan turned into a small driveway, it was partially hidden. Ryder drove slowly as we admired the stunning scenery around us. Dense, lush trees untouched by humans filled the entire space until the space opened up and a beautiful two-story house appeared before us. The paint was peeling, but the structure looked solid. Wooden shutters nked each window, some hanging slightly askew, giving the house a weathered but dignified appearance. "It''s beautiful," I whispered, my first words since leaving the cemetery. Ryder squeezed my thigh gently. "It is." Chapter 247 Xena''s POV Ryder parked the car a short distance away so I could see the entire House and take it all in. It looked like if had weathered years of storms and neglect. My heart started pounding as we approached. A white screen door stood in front of the wooden front door. As I got out of the car and started walking toward it, I noticed brushes and various tools scattered on one side of the porch. The bushes had been trimmed back, and fresh flowers were nted the flower beds. No doubt Penelope had been out here working in the midday sun. There was even a decent-sized tree with small baby swing hanging from one of its branches. The swing was stained from umted rainwater and years of neglect, but knowing my mother had hung it there for Logan and me to use someday felt heartwarming. Logan and Penelope didn''t speak, just watched as I wandered around observing everything carefully. Trash bags were filled with scraped paint and cobweb- covered rags, and there was a distinct smell of bleach in the air. Next to the trash bags were moldy cushions. Looking at the porch, they must have reced the moldy ghes with new ones. What caught my attention was that Penelope had chosen fabric almost identical to what my mother had originally selected. Penelope''s thoughtfulness made me feel both grateful and sad. She was trying to maintain my mother''s taste, to keep the feeling of this ce intact. This attention to detail showed she truly wanted to honor my mother''s memory rather than simply remodeling ording to her own preferences. If I had any tears left to cry, I probably would have broken down right there. Instead, I was mechanically processing these emotions. As I climbed the steps, Logan opened the front door for me. Penelope had already gone inside and was standing in the living room. To my left was a closet, with the wall extending past where a TV hung mounted on the wall. The living room opened up to my right. It was a fairly spacious living room with two dark gray sofas positioned opposite each other, and two matching ck recliners directly facing the television. A ss coffee table sat between the sofas. A gray and white rug was spread between the two sofas but didn''t extend to the recliners. The hardwood floors looked original, with narrow nks. Everything showed signs of use but was still in good condition. My first impression was warmth. This was the kind of house where you could walk in and put your feet up on the couch without worrying about anyone getting upset. Pictures hung on the walls. I recognized my mother''s parents from other photos Dad had shown us. Since Mom was an only child, I assumed those older baby pictures were of her. Photos in gold frames sat on the mantelpiece, which I guessed were of Mom growing up. One was of her at about nine months old, then one of her around five or six years old. Next was her high school prom photo, and finally one of her and Dad with her pregnant belly. They looked so in love. "I kept everything exactly as I found it. I wanted you to see it before we make any changes," Penelope said, pulling my attention away from the photos.. "If there''s anything you want to take with you, just tell me," Logan said, walking up beside me. He picked up the photo I''d been looking at and held it in his hands. "I won''t throw anything away, but I''ll put it somewhere safe." "You''re right. This is exactly how I imagined it would be," I said softly, looking around. The longer I looked, the more details I noticed. The white ceiling fan had gold trim designs. The curtains were pure white sheer material covering wooden blinds. Even the faded white paint on the walls desperately needed a fresh coat. "The kitchen''s this way, and there''s a small bathroom down the hall, Penelope said, emerging from the kitchen. The doorway was wider than a traditional doorway but still just a doorway. The kitchen had an L-shapedyout with cabs lined along the left wall, right after another doorway leading to the hallway. Arge ind sat in the middle with three bar stools, and a sn positioned against the right wall. ble was Don''t Poke the Luna Chapter 248 I could see and smell the wood estorer Penelope had used to clean the light oak cabs. The gold handles gleamed. Even the floral wallpaper coveting the kitchen, though faded, had been cleaned. The hardwood floors extended into the kitchen and, from what I could see, continued down the hallway. More photos of Mom and Dad or our grandparents hung on the walls. There was one photo with many people that I wasn''t sure who they all were. "That''s Mom''s family," Logan said, walking up beside me. "Dad told me who everyone was. Not sure 111 remember, but he said it was written on the back. There''s Mom." Logan started pointing people out "That''s her parents and siblings." "There''s about twelve..." I counted, saying. "Yeah, Grandma had eleven brothers and sisters. The women all left with their mates. Penelope''s been trying to track them down to see if we have any other family out there." "Dad doesn''t know?" I looked at Logan. Eleven siblings? I was internally shocked beyond words. This meant we might have a bunch of distant rtives scattered somewhere, and we knew nothing about it. "He''s not too sure. It wasn''t a priority for him at the time, and when things got bad, he had to close this ce off to keep it safe." and I could only nod in understanding. Things must have gotten really bad for Dad to feel the need to protect this ce. My chest suddenly tightened-what exactly had he gone through? The front door opened, and Leonard walked in. The moment his eyes locked on mine, I rushed toward him and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back, wrapping both arms around me firmly. Seeing Leonard made all my suppressed emotions pour out like a flood. In that moment, I realized how much I''d missed him, missed our friend group, missed eating pizza at the pizza ce, missed going to clubs. Those simple, happy times now seemed so precious, so unreachable. "Hey, Xena," Leonard smiled as he released me. "It''s been so long since I''ve seen you," I tried to give him a smile. "I know. You''ve been... busy,¡± Leonard said, reaching out to pull Vi to his side. "Vi, it''s good to see you," I immediately felt guilty for hugging Leonard so impulsively. Damn, how could I be so thoughtless? I knew it was hard for her to ept Leonard, and seeing him hug another girl couldn''t be easy, especially someone like me whom she''d only met twice. I should have been more considerate of her feelings. This realization made the emotions in my heart settle slightly-at least I could still recognize my own recklessness. "I''m doing well. I really like it here, and Leonard and I have reallye a long way in this short time," Vi looked up at Leonard. "I''m sorry for your loss," she said after a moment, then looked back at me. After a brief silence, Penelope spoke up: "Would you like to continue the tour?" Ryder just stood in the corner with his hands in his pockets, quietly letting me process everything. Leonard walked over to Ryder and shook his hand while I followed Penelope down the hallway. He was always like this, giving me space to handle emotions. But sometimes I really wished he would be more pro me what he was thinking. I was such a contradictory person, always at odds with myself. at least tell "That''s the bathroom, Penelope said, turning on the light. It was right behind the kitchen wall. It was a basic bathroom, also with hardwood floors. The vanity was light blue with a white countertop and blue sink. The toilet was light blue, and so was the bathtub. She had decorated it with a water theme, with shells and seahorse patterns on the shower curtain. "This is the master bedroom with an ensuite, and here are the stairs Penelope said. Next to the bathroom was a door. When she opened it, it revealed a huge bedroom. There was a four-poster bed with whitece hanging down. The bed was made with a whiteforter, and there were probably a dozen pillows in front, all hand sewn. Looking at this bedroom, my emotions becameplicated. This should have been my parents'' room, where they had rested, talked, and maybe nned our future. Now everything was covered with ayer of dust, quietly waiting for owners who would nevere. I picked up one of the pillows and smelled it. It didn''t have any scen "Do you want to keep that? Logan asked. Chapter Comments LIKE Chapter 249 Xena''s POV Looking at it, I traced the letters with my finger. "No, it should stay ore. I''m not a Harris anymore." I set it down and noticed the double doors. They were open enough to see it was a closet, and I was sure the bathroom was under the stairs. Saying those words brought a strange mix of relief and loss. The Haris name represented my past, and now as Ryder''s mate, I had a new identity, a new belonging. But abandoning the past didn''t mean forgetting it these memories were still part of me. Logan opened the door leading to the stairs. Only Penelope and Ryder followed me up. I noticed Leonard and Vi sitting on the couch, as if wanting to give us space. The L-shaped staircase led to a living area with a sofa and several rocking chairs, along with pink and blue baby toys. Matching y mats were arranged along the walls,plete with matching teething toys and rattles. The only difference was that one set was blue and one was pink. Huge windows overlooked the backyard and forest.. Pink and blue... This meant Mom knew she was carrying twins, one boy and one girl. She had prepared specific colors for each of us. Looking at these toys that had never been used, my heart felt heavy with mixed emotions. The hardwood floors continued up here but were covered by arge colorful rug. The rug had patterns of rainbows, numbers, and various toddler items. It seemed our mother had designed this as our yroom. Her excitement had led her to buy things we didn''t need yet. It was like looking at a life we could have had. If things hadn''t happened the way they did, Logan and I would have grown up here, ying and learning in this loving environment. We would have had normal childhoods, with parents''panionship and family warmth. Instead of seeing what should have been our home for the first time as adults. Anger and sadness surged simultaneously, but I tried to suppress these emotions-throwing a tantrum wouldn''t change the past. "There are more bedrooms downstairs," Logan said, walking out of the room into the hallway. We followed him to the first bedroom. The room was painted in soft pink, with a dark wood crib against the far wall. A changing table and dresser upied opposite walls, with different flower stickers decorating the walls. The crib set was in pink-purple floral patterns, with a matching nket draped over it. Like the rest of the house, arge rug covered the center, continuing the floral theme Mom had obviously chosen for me. "Those boxes contain clothes and nkets she picked out for you. I packed them up, and you can take them if you want. You don''t have to, but if you want to use them for your own children, you can take them. I left this nket here just because that''s how she had it arranged, but obviously, all the bedding and the crib are yours. Everything in this room is yours," Penelope said softly. Looking at those carefully prepared baby items, my chest felt constricted. Mother had once prepared these with such anticipation... She must have imagined what kind of mother I would be, what kind of grandchildren I would give her. Now these thingsy quietly in boxes, as if waiting for a future that would nevere. I wanted to be angry, to smash all these things, but at the same time I wanted to hold them tight, because this was thest love Mother had left for me. "Let''s take everything. We can put it in storage, and when we have children, you can decide what you want?" Ryder moved to my side, cing his hand on my lower back. "Okay." I was grateful he stepped up to answer for me. I wasn''t sure what to think, what to say, or even what to feel. "My room is basically the same, just blue," Logan said, walking toward another room. I followed him, but instead of floral patterns, this had wolves or animal themes. Arge wolf sticker was ced behind the wooden toy chest. His room was mainly blue, gray, and ck, but the furniture was the same. "There''s a bathroom across the hall, and the guest room is at the end. That''s the room I''ve been staying in," Penelope said. When I heard Logan''s stomach growling, I realized howte it had gotten. Penelope looked at him and smiled, and he put around her. "Are you going to Florida to see what that key reveals?" Logan asked. arm "Yes, once things are settled here." Hopefully sooner rather thanter. Logan walked out of his old boom toward the hallway. I followed him but stopped onest time in my room. "Do you want me to take these ownstairs? Ryder asked. Yes, please. Ryder and Logan both took a box and went downstairs. There was nothing on the dresser-I guessed Penelope had put everything in the boxes. I picked up the nket and followed them downstairs. "Leonard, go get the other box," Loganmanded as he walked out the front door. "Would you like to stay for dinner? Penelope asked as Leonard got from the couch to go upstairs. "Oh... um..." I wasn''t sure if I wanted to leave. My heart was in fierce internal conflict. Staying meant facing more emotional impact. After some consideration, I gave her a smile. "Thank you, but I think just want to go home and watch a movie." Penelope gave me an understanding look. "I understand. The door is always open for you. You don''t need an invitation toe over. I n to live here permanently instead of at the pack house. Your mother wanted to raise you both here, so I decided to raise our children the same way. I hope any children Logan and I have can have the childhood your mother wanted to give you. Her words surrounded me like a warm embrace, and I felt a warmth flow through my heart. "Thank you." That was all I could manage to say. The men came back. "Galen is still trying to figure this out. You can stay for dinner, or stay as long as you want, or I can call you when he figures something out," Logan said, standing inside the doorway. "Call me when you have news," I said, taking onest look around. "Sure you don''t want to stay for dinner?" Logan walked toward me. "I''m sure. I want to order takeout and lie on the couch watching movies." Logan nodded and gave me a hug. "I love you, sister," he said softly. "I love you too," I whispered back. I felt his smile. As we walked out, Ryder followed me to our car. When he opened the door for me, I stopped to take onest look at the house. I knew I woulde back, but it might look different when I returned. Finally, I got into the passenger seat, and Ryder closed the door. After he slid into his seat, he started the engine. As we drove away, I felt like I was leaving part of my heart in that house. But at the same time, I was also taking something with me -hope, and perhaps the possibility of healing. Chapter 250 Xena''s POV Really?" he asked, giving me onest chance to stay behind. "Ready." I reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling my legs up to my chest. His hand gripped my right thigh as I rested my head against his shoulder. We drove toward home. "What do you want for dinner?¡± he asked gently. "Something spicy." ''Chinese?" Ryder asked after a second. "Sounds good." Trees flew past as we drove back to the pack. The radio was off, everything felt so peaceful. "How much further?" I asked, my voice sounding muffled in the enclosed car. "Ten minutes, fifteen at most." I looked out the window at the familiar scenery rushing past-dense pine forests, asional rocky outcroppings, and that winding creek. Everything looked normal, but something deep inside was stirring restlessly. The road ahead began to climb, and the trees gradually thinned. I knew that after one more turn, the border checkpoint woulde into view. There should be guards patrolling, routine inspection procedures, there should be- Ryder suddenly hit the brakes. The car slowly stopped on the hillside, the engine''s idle sound unusually loud in the sudden stillness. Neither of us spoke, just stared ahead. The border checkpoint was there, but it shouldn''t look like this The gate-that heavy iron gate that was always tightly closed-nowy twisted on the ground. The frame was warped and deformed, as if torn apart by enormous force from the inside. The metal surface was covered in scratches, some so deep you could see the steel reinforcement underneath. "Where are the guards?" I whispered, though I already knew the answer. No one was in sight. No patrolling figures, no sounds of routine checks, not even lights from the checkpoint. The entire border station looked like an abandoned ruin, lifeless. I took a deep breath and immediately regretted it. The air was filled with a nauseating sweet metallic smell-the scent of blood, mixed with the rust of metal and something deeper, more terrifying. That terror wasn''t emotion, but an actual smell, as if fear itself had seeped into every inch of soil on thisnd. Una began howling uneasily, her ws scratching at the depths of my consciousness, letting out warning whimpers. "Something''s wrong." His voice was barely audible. He floored the elerator. The engine roared angrily as the car shot Chapter 250. forward. Gravel scattered under the tires, and I was pressed bat against the seat by the sudden eleration. "What''s happening- Armed men," Ryder said through gritted teeth, "at least three,ing out of the woods." Through the rearview mirror, I saw them-three men in camouge uniforms carrying automatic rifles, emerging from the ruins behind the checkpoint. Their movements were well-trained and coordinated, clearly having been waiting for us. The car raced along the winding path, but I knew we couldn''t get far. The road ahead was narrowing. If they had set up a roadblock ahead- Sure enough, a fallen treey across the road,pletely blocking our way. This was no ident-the trunk''s cut was clean and smooth, obviously freshly sawed. Ryder was forced to brake, the car stopping a few meters from the roadblock. We were trapped. "Get out! Hands up!" Harsh shouts came from all directions. I counted at least five or six armed men emerging from cover, all weapons pointed at our car. Their faces were painted with camouge, their eyes cold and professional. Ryder and I had no choice but to slowly raise our hands and push open the car doors to get out. The moment my feet touched the ground, the scene before me nearly suffocated me. The houses within pack territory weren''t just damaged-they werepletely destroyed. The walls of the main building were riddled with bullet holes, one corner of the roof had copsed. All the windows were shattered. More terrifyingly, I saw bodies. Three corpses in border guard uniformsy in the clearing in front of the checkpoint, their blood congealed into dark red stains. Their uniforms were tattered, clearly having gone through intense battle. One still gripped a radio in his hand. We were toote. Toote. As I was pushed forward, I saw an even more shocking scene. Our own warriors were all kneeling on the ground, hands bound behind their heads. Their faces were covered in bruises and blood. Luna Kestrel was among them. She maintained the same position, all of them looking at us with expressions of defiance. Just as I was about to ask what had happened, a familiar and disgusting voice reached me. "Where have you been? You missed all the fun!" Tatum! He emerged from behind the ruins, wearing that nauseating smile-a mixture of smugness, cruelty, and sick pleasure. The moment I saw him, Una let out an angry roar, wanting to break free and tear his throat out. That disgusting bastard. Just seeing his smile made me want to kill him. Tatum strode toward me, his hand roughly grabbing my arm. His touch made me nauseous, like poisonous snakes ling on my skin. "Did you think you could escape?" he whispered in my ear, his voice low and malicious. "We''re much smarter than you think." He dragged me forward, and I heard the metallic sound-the distinctive click of weapons being loaded. I turned to look, my heart nearly stopping. An armed man was pressing a ck Glock pistol against Ryder''s temple. The barrel was pressed tight against his skin, and I could even see the veins pulsing at Ryder''s temple. "What are you doing here?" I asked firmly. I need to buy time, find their weakness. "We came to raid, but it seems you''ve already abandoned ship. Alpha Wiley looked around, appearing annoyed. "You want me," I said, avoiding Ryder''s eyes. His hands were bound, forced to kneel beside his warriors. Seeing Ryder treated like this made my wolf roar, wanting to rush out and tear these bastards apart. But logic told me that acting impulsively now would only get everyone killed. "Indeed," Tatum grabbed my face, forcing a kiss toward my lips. I still had control of my body, so I did what I''d always wanted to do. Lifting my knee, I drove it hard into his groin. "Fuck!" he screamed, doubling over in pain. SLAP! A warrior angrily walked over and pped me, splitting my lip. "You little bitch!" Tatum straightened up, wiping blood from where he''d bitten his tongue. "You''re going to regret that." "The only thing I regret is not kicking you harder," I spat, tasting blood on my lips. Chapter Comments Chapter 251 Xena''s POV The gunshot exploded through the air, and in that same second blood sttered across my face. As a body copsed on top of me, I realized the warrior who had been hitting me was now dead, his blood coating my skin. "How many times do I have to tell you bastards not to touch her! Alpha Wiley looked absolutely furious. "Get up. embarrassing yourself." He kicked Tatum''s leg. "Take me and leave all of them alone," I snarled at Alpha Wiley shouting with every ounce of strength I had left. You''re A warrior approached Ryder and sprayed something in his face, Even though he tried not to inhale it, he was forced to breathe it in. The rage in his eyes was unmistakable, but they were no longer ck. Wolfsbane! They had used wolfsbane on him, stealing away his wolf. Looking around, they had done the same to all the warriors. "No! Stay the hell away from him!" I screamed in fury. ''Calm down, my dear. It seems Benedict doesn''t know how to attack, but I certainly do." Alpha Wiley pointed his gun at Mike with a yful smile. "I just killed one of my warriors for you, so now I must kill one of yours to make it fair, don''t you think, dear?" The smile on his face grew more and more uncontainable, almost maniacal by the end. Mike''s eyes widened, filled with helplessness and terror. Bang! Another gunshot rang out, blood sttered everywhere, Mike''s brains scattered, and his body fell to the ground. Fear filled my warriors'' eyes, they couldn''t even make a sound. Ryder''s agonized roar pierced the sky, "I''m going to fucking kill you!" Ryder tried to break free from the rope restraints, but couldn''t manage it at all. Tatum walked up to Ryder with an evil smile and kicked him hard in the stomach. "No!" I looked at Alpha Wiley, speaking through my pain. "Just take me. I''m the one you want. Take me. What kind of Alpha shoots unarmed people after stealing their wolves? Coward." I spat. The smile remained unchanged on Alpha Wiley''s face as he slowly walked toward me. I stared at him intently. This made me feel afraid, but I could only try to maintain outward calm. "You know what, you''re right. I do enjoy fighting, and this is too easy." He raised the gun butt and, without giving me time to react, struck my face. I staggered and fell, intense pain shooting through my cheek. I red at him viciously. "You know what, you can''t negotiate with us, you little slut." Alpha Wiley brushed his hair back. He pointed the gun at Luna Kestrel. 11 The gunshot rang out too quickly for me to react. The bullet hit her abdomen, and she fell forward, gasping desperately. My heart nearly stopped beating. This all happened too suddenly. "No!" I screamed with everything I had, wanting to rush over to check on Luna Kestrel''s injuries. Two warriors restrained me, pressing me to the ground, tying up my hands and feet with rope. Ryder''s heart-wrenching cries filled my ears. I barely managed to lift my head to see Ryder kneeling on the ground, crying out. My heart shattered into countless pieces. *Let''s go! Bring her!" Tatum grabbed my arm, dragging me forward. I barely managed to look back at Ryder onest time before being roughly shoved into the trunk, the door mming hut heavily. The engine started, and within seconds we were speeding away. Darkness surrounded me, but my heart was burning. Anger, fear, despair-all emotions churned in my chest. I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. I screamed like a matwoman, using all my strength to kick at the trunk with my feet. After just a few minutes, I felt a shift in power. I sensed Luna Kestrel''s death, which also made me the Luna. My heart sank as I could feel Ryder''s pain and anger. A powerful force began entering my body, and my wolf immediately became stronger. I felt my strength multiply beyond what it had been before. I knew this was Moon God-giving me an opportunity in this desperate situation. For Ryder, for my pack, for my father, I had to seize every chance I could grab. I stopped my previous frantic behavior, lying quietly, conserving my strength, waiting for the right moment to counterattack. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 252 Ryder''s POV XENA! I roared at the retreating vehicles, my voice tearing from my throat like shards of ss. It took me two agonizing minutes to break free from the ropes that bound me, my wrists burning as I struggled against the restraints. The moment I was free, I stumbled toward where my mothery crumpled on the ground. The sight of her broken body sent a wave of nausea through me, but I forced myself to keep moving. "Ryder..." Her voice was barely a whisper, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. I dropped to my knees beside her, carefully lifting her head into myp. "Mom, don''t talk. Save your strength." My hands shook as I tried to apply pressure to the wound in her abdomen, but blood continued to seep between my fingers. "Listen to me," she gasped, her fingers clutching weakly at my shirt. "Your father... after you and Xena left the pack... he took some warriors to search for clues... he wanted to protect you both..." Tears blurred my vision as I leaned closer to catch her fading words. "Promise me..." Her grip tightened with what little strength she had left. "Find him... protect Xena... protect the pack... I believe in you..." "I WILL, Mom! I WILL!" My voice cracked with grief and determination. "I''ll find Dad, I''ll protect everyone!* A faint smile touched her lips, and for a moment she looked like the woman who used to sing me lubies when I couldn''t sleep. Then her hand went limp, and her eyes became vacant, staring at nothing. "Mom... MOM!" I shook her shoulders desperately, but she was gone. The woman who had bandaged my scraped knees, who had taught me to be strong, who had loved me unconditionally - she would never hold me again. I cradled her cooling body against my chest, feeling her warmth slip away like sand through my fingers. The world around me seemed to tilt, reality bing a nightmare I couldn''t wake from. Then it hit me a pain so excruciating it felt like my soul was being ripped in half. The mind link with my father suddenly severed, leaving a hollow emptiness where his presence had always been. Dad''s wolf was gone. "No..." The word escaped as a broken whisper. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging crescents into my palms until they bled. He was dead too. That bastard Wiley had killed both my parents, torn away the two people who meant everything to me. Grief and rage erupted from somewhere deep in my chest, a volcanic explosion of raw emotion that threatened to consume me entirely. I gentlyid my mother''s body on the ground and rose to my feet, my face turned toward the darkening sky. "AHHHHHHHHH!¡± The howl that tore from my throat shook the very foundations of the earth. It was the sound of a son''s anguish, of fury beyond measure, of a heart shattered into a million pieces. Birds fled from the trees, and somewhere in the distance, wild animals answered with mournful cries of their own. "WILEY!" His name became curse on my lips, a promise of vengeance that echoed across the territories. I swear on my e hands! I will make you suffer as you''ve made them suffer! You will know parents'' blood, I will tear you apart with my bare pain beyond imagination!" The tears on my face felt like acid, each drop carrying the weight of my loss and the fire of my determination. That''s when I felt it - the Alpha power beginning to flow through my veins like molten metal. This should have been a moment of triumph, the culmination of years of training and preparation. Instead, it tasted of ash and blood. The power crashed over me in waves, connecting me to every member of our pack. I could feel their terror, their grief, their desperate hope that I would somehow make this right. The weight of their expectations settled on my shoulders like a mountain, threatening to crush me under its burden. I had lost the two most important people in my world. But I would not could not- lose Xena too. "Take... take the bodies to the morgue," Imanded, my voice rough and hollow. I couldn''t look at my mother''s face again, couldn''t bear to see her lifeless eyes staring at nothing. My warriors moved with careful reverence, lifting Luna Kestrel and Mike''s bodies with gentle hands. I could see the grief in their faces, the way they struggled to maintainposure in the face of our losses. Twice. She had been kidnapped twice now, and both times I had failed to protect her. The failures cut through me like knives, each one a reminder of my inadequacy as a mate, as an Alpha. "Alpha..." One of my warriors approached, and without thinking, I spun around and drove my fist into his jaw. The crack of impact did nothing to ease the rage burning in my chest. "What the hell happened here? Were you all asleep when they broke through our defenses? You don''t have so much as a scratch on you!" I stalked toward the garage, my vision tinged red with fury. "Get the fucking cars, NOW!" Everyone scrambled toward the vehicles, but I was done waiting Done being reactive. Done being one step behind while the people I loved paid the price. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 253 Xena''s POV My foot never left the gas pedal, tires screaming as I tore out of our territory. When I crested the hill, the wheels weren''t in some ces. I only hit the brakes as I approached the gates of Logan''s pack. even touching the ground t Every second of dy was driving me more insane. Xena was in their hands, and I was here wasting time. I could feel her fear, her pain, transmitted through our bond. The sensation was nearly driving me mad. "My men areing through. Don''t stop them," I barked harshly, then gunned it forward. Logan and Leonard came running out of the pack house as my warriors pulled in behind the. "What happened? Where''s Xena?" Logan demanded urgently. I didn''t answer him. Instead, I got out of my car and walked toward one of the warriors who was climbing out of his vehicle. Grabbing him by the throat, I dragged his ass over and threw him down at Logan''s feet. This warrior''s ipetence made me want to tear something apart. Their failure had allowed Wiley to infiltrate the pack. But I also knew that rage alone wouldn''t solve this. I needed information. I needed to know exactly what had happened. "Tell him what the fuck happened!" I roared. He looked both ashamed and terrified as he bowed his head. My other warriors came over and knelt down as he began to speak. "We were rxing on the porch. Alpha Ryder and Luna Xena had been here all morning, so we didn''t have much to do... Hearing his excuse made me angrier. I punched him in the temple, and he went down, unconscious. "Your turn, but this time don''t make fucking excuses," I said with dangerous calm to the next warrior''s face. "Our sentries were killed first by Alpha Wiley. They attacked us from different directions. Gunfire erupted everywhere, and we couldn''t react in time. They used drones overhead to spray something on us that took away our wolves," he said quickly, keeping his head down, not daring to look at me. "Wolfsbane, Alpha," the warrior beside me said. Penelope heard this and rushed back into the house urgently. "He tied us up and brought Luna Kestrel before him. He kept asking where everyone in our pack was, why the ce was empty. He kept asking where Luna Xena was. Luna Kestrel and everyone present refused to tell him anything. Then Alpha Ryder and Luna Xena returned. They sprayed Alpha Ryder with the stuff and took away his wolf. Luna Xena jumped in front of the gun, demanding to be taken in exchange for our lives. Alpha Wiley killed Mike and Luna Kestrel. Finally, he took Luna Xena." My fists clenched tight, nails digging deep into my palms., Thadn''t realized we''d drawn a crowd. Several gasps and cries came from the gathered people. "Alpha Wiley took my sister," Logan said with dangerous calm. "Yes, we''re going after her immediately," I snarled, mming my fist down on the car''s hood. ¡°Where the fuck is William?¡± I asked, realizing he wasn''t here. "Alpha Wiley knocked Beta William unconscious and put him in the trunk of another car," the warrior replied. Chapter 253. I couldn''t control my rage. Twas able to take down three men before two others grabbed me and pulled me off my subordinates. They were all taken. The most important people to me were in enemy hands. Fury made my vision blur. "Here!" Penelope came running out with a ck bag. She ran straight to me and stopped. I was still being held back, but she didn''t seem to care. She pulled a bottle from the bag and held it to my mouth, forcing me to drink. The liquid disappeared the moment it touched my tongue. Searing pain exploded along my spine, and I dropped to the ground. On one knee with one hand supporting me, I felt my wolf emerge. He was furious beyond measure, and nothing could stand in his way. I knew my eyes had turned ck. Finally... I felt the power return. And because of inheriting the Alpha position, the strength was now greater than before. "Warriors, prepare for battle," Logan roared. 1 looked up at him his expression was cold. He nodded at me and turned to leave, but another car came racing in. More trouble? My muscles tensed, ready for fight, but when Ama got out of the driver''s seat, I rxed. A young boy got out of the passenger side. "Logan!" She ran forward. I could see how much her belly had grown. Seeing Ama safe lifted a weight from my chest. "What is it, Ama?" Logan showed incredible restraint. Ama stopped and looked around at the scene before her. When she looked at me, words caught in her throat. There were tears in her eyes, but she probably only knew that my parents were dead and I was now her Alpha. "Alpha Logan! I broke through the firewall! I''m in!" This kid must be Galen. This was incredibly helpful for our current situation - it meant the odds of rescuing Xena had just improved significantly. Logan ruffled Galen''s hair, then surveyed everyone with his eyes. Logan nced at me, indicating I should follow, then turned and walked into the house. Ama, Galen, Leonard, and I all followed him into the office. POST COMMENT Chapter Comments Heather Hudson Leonard, not William. It said that William was taken away in another car when Wiley attacked View 1 Comment > LIKE Chapter 254 Xena''s POV Come on! It''s time to see what I''ve prepared for you!" Wiley''s voice carried a twisted excitement that made my skin crawl. Hands grabbed my arms and dragged me from the trunk. The parking garage was dimly lit, shadows dancing across concrete walls. I caught sight of another figure being pulled from a second trunk. It took me a moment to realize it was William, but he was unconscious. A warrior threw him over his shoulder like a sack of grain while Tatum gripped my arm, forcing me to follow alongside them. Despite my efforts to look around for any identifying features, nothing stood out to tell me where we were. By my calctions, we''d only been in the car for an hour or two at most. We''d passed some railroad tracks, but when they''d taken a turn too sharply and I''d been thrown against the other side of the trunk, I''d lost track of our location entirely. My head had struck something metal during that turn, and I could feel blood trickling down my temple. "Wee to our researchboratory." Alpha Wiley seemed proud of this revtion. The moment he opened the door, I was blinded by harsh fluorescent lighting. Everything was white-floors, walls, ceiling, even the lights themselves were a brilliant, sterile white. The people inside wore full protective suits that covered them from head to toe, leaving only their eyes visible behind clear face shields. Theb stretched out before us, filled with gleaming equipment,puter terminals, and rows of ss containers filled with various colored liquids. The antiseptic smell was overwhelming, mixed with something chemical and wrong that made my stomach turn. "What is all this?" I asked, the acrid chemical smell in the air making me uneasy. "Different forms. This one is a wolf poison spray we use to quickly subdue werewolves." Alpha Wiley pulled ontex gloves and picked up what looked like a ck bath bomb. "We also have various poisons, and ourtest creation..." He held up the dark sphere with disturbing pride. "This little bomb releases deadly toxins into your drinking water. Just drop this into a water tank, and everyone in the city dies the moment their lips touch water." My blood turned to ice. They were manufacturing weapons of mass destruction. I fought to keep my expression neutral, but rage burned through me like wildfire. These lunatics wanted to poison innocent humans. "What''s inside it?" I stared coldly at Wiley. "That''s a family secret." Alpha Wiley nced at me with a look that told me I needed to stop asking questions. Tatum pulled me from that room toward the hallway. "We''re researching many things. This one, I know Ryder would be most interested to learn about." Alpha Wiley stopped in front of another door and opened it for me to see inside. Several men were bent over welding tables, wearing protective masks. At first I didn''t understand what I was looking at, and until I stepped closer and realized it was a copsible drone. "Now do you see? This little guy flies to its target explodes. The deadly sleeping powder it releases will knock people unconscious for hours... or forever." e pulled a My heart nearly stopped beating. I stared at Alpha Wiley in shock as he seemed to enjoy my expressi remote control from his pocket, and what had appeared to be a solid gray wall suddenly became transparent, revealing an entire wall covered in shelves. Hundreds of drones sat silently, waiting for their missions. Dizziness washed over me. The sophistication of these weapons was staggering, and it made me realize just how dangerous our enemy truly was. They weren''t just a group of thugs-they were organized, technical, and methodical terrorists. My fists clenched Involuntarily. "The next room might interest you even more." Tatum smiled as he pulled me from that room toward the next one. Alpha Wiley opened the door and Tatum shoved me inside. On the table sat something that looked like a bird. Directly in front of me was a ck screen disying nothing. The left wall showed apleteyout of our pack territory. They''d done the same thing I had-used photographs to map everything out. They''d circled the three tunnel locations. Each position wasbeled with names like "swimming pool or "pack house." But what disturbed me most was that bird. Wiley nodded to a technician, who immediately began typing on a keyboard. The bird slowly rose into the air, circling the room. The screen in front of us gradually lit up, disying the room''s view from above. My breathing became rapid and shallow. Even if we were looking for drones, no one would question a bird in the sky. Their biotechnology and engineering capabilities were beyond anything I''d imagined. Even with Logan''s pack fighting alongside us, we wouldn''t stand much of a chance in directbat. My heart sank as the cruel reality hit me like a falling boulder. "Impressive, isn''t it?" Wiley''s voice was filled with sick pride. "We''ve been perfecting this technology for years. Perfect surveince,pletely undetectable." The technician continued typing, and suddenly the screen split into multiple views-different angles, different locations. I recognized some of them. Our pack house. The training grounds. The border patrol routes. "How long have you been watching us?" I demanded, though I wasn''t sure I wanted to know the answer. Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 255 Xena''s POV Long enough. Wiley walked closer to me, his presence making my skin crawl. "Long enough to know every weakness, every routine, every blind spot in your precious pack''s defenses, Tatum''s grip on my arm tightened as I instinctively tried to step away from Wiley. "You see, Xena, this isn''t just about revenge anymore. This is about the future. About evolution." "Evolution?" I spat. "You mean genocide." "I mean progress." Wiley''s eyes gleamed with fanatical fervor. The old ways are dying. Pack territories, traditional leadership, the moon god-all of it is obsolete. The future belongs to those who embrace technology, who use science to enhance what nature gave us." "You''re insane." "Am I?" He gestured around the room. "While your precious pack relies on ancient rituals and territorial disputes, we''ve created an army. We''ve weaponized the very air you breathe, the water you drink. We can kill from miles away without ever setting foot on yournd." Let the real show begin," Alpha Wiley said as he stepped out the door and walked deeper into the hallway. From the expressions on their faces, I wasn''t going to like what was about to happen. The hallway was dark, but I could hear footstepsing from down the corridor that sounded more urgent than I wanted to hear. I expected to hear screaming or shouting, but there was nothing. Tatum opened the door, and Alpha Wiley put his finger to his lips, signaling for me to stay quiet. The room was pitch ck except for a single chair positioned in the center. "Alpha Wiley, you wanted to see me?¡± an unfamiliar male voice called out. "Yes, Roderick. Pleasee in. I believe you know our guest," Alpha Wiley replied casually. There was a heavy thud before the lights came on. William was thrown to the ground,nding face up. "Actually, you might not know this youngdy, Xena. Let me introduce you, after all, she''s your Luna now." Alpha Wiley grabbed my hair and yanked me into the light.. My heart pounded wildly as fear and rage battled in my chest. His rough grip made my scalp burn, but I forced myself to stay calm and not make any unnecessary movements that might provoke him further. I looked at the bearded man in front of me and recognized him as Tom. After a brief moment of eye contact, I looked away, Tom stood before me, maintaining a calm expression throughout. "I don''t know these people," he said in a confused tone. Alpha Wiley nodded to his warriors, who grabbed/Tom and dragged him to the chair. It was an electric chair, and the warriors violently tore at Tom''s clothes, connecting electrodes to his nipples, his head, and his dick. "I was hoping this would go smoothly." My heart sank. Though I had considered this possibility before, still couldn''t ept the reality that Alpha Wiley was 1/ much smarter than we had imagined. "What are you doing?" Tom shouted in panic. Roderick..." Alpha Wiley began. "Dad... don''t forget his real name," Tatum said. He was standing behind me. I hadn''t even realized he was there, so when he spoke, I jumped. Tatum looked down at me and smiled. His find grabbed my ass, pulling me toward him. "Don''t worry, baby. This will be over soon, and I''llfort you," he whispered in my ear. His touch made me sick to my stomach. I closed my eyes, fighting the urge to hit him. When he pressed a light kiss to my neck, my lips began to tremble, but my fists clenched tight. Anger was taking over. I could feel his dick getting hard as he pressed himself against me from behind, grinding against me. Una roared in my mind, and just as my patience reached its limit, Alpha Wiley''s sharp rebuke cut through the air. "Dumbass, don''t act like a dog in heat." Tatum was clearly startled by Alpha Wiley''s harsh scolding. He stepped back, his hands leaving my ass. I guessed his dick had probably gone soft from fear. "Right. Tom..." Alpha Wiley''s attention returned to Tom, and he pped his hands as if this were some kind of performance. After Tom was secured, a warrior sprayed something in his face that made his wolf disappear. Tom''s face didn''t pale, but he grew angry. "What the hell is going on here?" His demanding voice echoed through the room. Chapter Comments POST COMMENT NOW LIKE Chapter 256 Xena''s POV Alpha Wiley circled the chair slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey. "Tom, Tom, Tom. or should I say... Gamma Tom of the Boneath Pack?" The sweat drained from Tom''s face. His eyes darted between Alpha Wiley and me, realization dawning. You see, my dear Tom, I''ve known about your little undercover mission for quite some time now. Did you really think you could infiltrate my pack without me noticing?" Alpha Wiley''s voice was smooth, almost conversational. "I don''t know what you''re talking about, Tom said, but his voicecked conviction. Alpha Wileyughed, a cold sound that made my skin crawl. "Oh, but you do. You''ve been feeding information back to Alpha Benedict for nine months now. Nine long months of you thinking you were so clever." Tatum moved closer to me again, his breath hot against my ear. "This is where it gets interesting, princess." I tried to step away, but his hand mped down on my shoulder. "Don''t you want to see what happens to traitors?" Alpha Wiley gestured to one of his warriors, who moved to a control panel beside the chair. "You see, Tom, I''ve been giving you just enough real information to make you feel useful, while feeding you exactly what I wanted Alpha Benedict to know." Tom''s eyes widened in horror. "You''re lying." "Am I? Tell me, Tom, what did you report about our mechanical shop? About our operations there?" Alpha Wiley''s smile was predatory. Tom''s mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. That''s right. You told them it was our main hub, our biggest money-maker. And what did they do with that information?" Alpha Wiley turned to me. "They blew up an empty building, didn''t they, dear?" I said nothing, but my silence was answer enough. "You yed them perfectly," Tatum said with admiration. "Dad''s always ten steps ahead." Alpha Wiley nodded to the warrior, who flipped a switch. Electricity coursed through Tom''s body, and he screamed in agony. The sound echoed off the walls, making me flinch. Alpha Wiley watched Tom convulse with detached/interest. "Stop!" I shouted. Tom''s scream cut off as the electricity stopped. He hung limply in the chair, breathing heavily, "Please," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the horror churning in my stomach. "You''ve made your point. He understands now." Alpha Wiley turned to me with raised eyebrows, as if genuinely surprised by my intervention. ¡°Oh, how touching. The Luna pleading for mercy." "You wanted me here. You have me. There''s no need to torture him further." I met his gaze directly, refusing to show the fear that was wing at my in Tom lifted his head weakly, looking at me with confusion and something that might have been gratitude. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth where he''d bitten his tongue during the electrocution. ''She has a point, Dad," Tatum said, his hand still gripping my shoulder possessively. "We got what we needed from him. The rest of the information we can extractter." Alpha Wiley studied me for a long moment, his cold eyes calcting. Then he smiled - that same twisted expression that made my skin crawl. "Very well. I suppose we can pause our little demonstration. He nodded to the warrior, who stepped back but remained ready to resume at a moment''s notice. You see, Tom, Alpha Wiley continued conversationally, "your new Luna here has fust saved you from further... difort. For now. He walked over t where I stood, getting close enough that I could smell his stale breath. "But don''t mistake this for weakness, dear, I''m simply choosing to be, mencint Tom slumped in the chair, still breathing heavily. I thought you and Helen were helping with kidnapping me? I didn''t want their attention to shift back to Tom while they were in a good mood. Ineeded to gather more information while I had the chance. Ah, your brain truly is special." Alpha Wiley walked toward me, patting my head like a parent would, which made me feel sick. "We did have help. You see Tatum is actually Helen''s mate." I gasped and stepped back from Tatum in shock. How was this possible? Helen... and Tatum? My mind raced through all the details, trying to understand this shocking truth. "Why are you so surprised? Helen is a decenty, but she''s in love with Ryder, and I want you. It really worked out well for us. She told us about that existing tunnel. Since our tunnels weren''t 100% finished and we hadn''t collected all the data we needed, we used the one she rmended "We couldn''t let the other tunnels be discovered so early. That would have ruined our ns." Alpha Wileyughed as he walked back to the machine. I felt nausea rising in my throat. I had always thought Helen was just misguided, but she was actually part of their n all along. "Did you and Helen reject each other?" I asked. Chapter Comments 1 Chapter 257 Xena''s POV "No. Neither of us wanted to risk hurting our wolves. As long as she stays away from me, I don''t care what she does. Though I hear she''s in your cells now, so she can''t go around fucking whoever she wants anymore. It really is the best oue. I get to keep my wolf, don''t have to suffer through the pain of her. sleeping with others, and I can still have you. Tatum looked directly at me. The way he spoke made me want to vomit. This coldness, this attitude rush forward and tear that smug expression off his face. treating people like objects... I clenched my fists, struggling to control the urge to "Since you already know the truth, would you like to punish him? I mean, as a penalty for hisck of vignce," Alpha Wiley gave me an evil smile, Tatum and several warriors seemed amused by this cruel joke. "No," I said, backing against the wall. "Very well. Alpha Wiley took the remote control from a warrior''s hand and increased the voltage. Tom''s face turned purple as he screamed in agony. His whole body convulsed, his underwear soaked with urine, filling the air with the smell. I clenched my fists tighter, watching Tom being tortured while I stood powerless. My heart sank to the bottom. "Do you have any other questions?" Alpha Wiley pinched his nose, frowning as he asked, drawing my attention away from Tom. "Those Rogues. Why did you send them to kidnap me?" "My stupid son still has a lot to learn about getting things done." Alpha Wiley shook his head at Tatum. "Why me? It can''t just be because you like how I look." I kept looking back and forth between the two men. Upon hearing this question, they both turned to look at me with smiles. Those smiles made my blood freeze. This wasn''t an ordinary smile ¨C this was the expression of predators looking at perfect prey. "We have a special situation that needs handling, and you''re going to be the perfect person to help me solve it." Alpha Wiley threw the remote control to one of his warriors. "Wrap things up here and clean everything. I don''t want to see any stains." Tatum grabbed my arm and dragged me out. No one helped William up; they just left him on the floor. Alpha Wiley closed the door,pletely muffling Tom''s agonized screams. We wound through several corridors, turned several corners, and entered a room with a massive screen that upied an entire wall from floor to ceiling. It disyed pictures of different buildings, different people, and even blueprints of other inventions, Almost everyone I loved or knew had their photos posted on the wall, along with text I couldn''t understand. Seeing this wall made my stomach drop. This wasn''t just surveince - this wasplete vition. They had been watching all of us, studying us like specimens in aboratory. "These high-tech cameras allow me to get high-resolution video of anything I want. In this case, my target is someone closer to my heart." Alpha Wiley walked to the console and typed on the keyboard a few times. Penelope''s photo filled the entire screen. "What?" I gasped in shock. ¡°Beautiful, isn''t she? Your brother certainly has good taste." Alpha Wiley''s voice carried a disturbing fondness as he stared at the image. "Did you know she''s been living in your mother''s house? Going through all her things, cooking with her recipes, sleeping in her bed..." My blood ran cold. ''Don''t you dare touch her." Alpha Wiley seemed satisfied with my reaction. He nodded approvingly. "You see, I''ve learned a few things over the years. I currently don''t have a mate. Not because she died or anything, but because she never marked me back. I marked her, so the bond formed enough for me to survive, but she never marked me back, so I still have my free will. She''s safe, don''t worry, but that''s not what''s important right now. What''s important is what happened in the first year we discovered each other." ''Stupid bitch, Tatum muttered as he sat down. He looked like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Anyway..." Alpha Wiley took a deep breath, ignoring his son. "Do you know the name Alpha Can? "Isn''t that your father? I asked, struggling to remember. "Close, but no. That''s the mostmon misconception people have. Alpha Can was actually my mate''s father. Tansy was Alpha Can''s only child. When he met with an... unfortunate death, Tansy took over the Alpha position. However, since I was her mate, she eventually agreed to transfer the Alpha title to 1. me. Hearing him say the word "agreed" made me feel sick to my stomach. Knowing what kind of person he was, he probably abused her emotionally, physically, and mentally. ''Oh no," I whispered. "You got it!" Alpha Wiley snapped his fingers. "However, Tansy had some boyfriend or whatever bullshit she was deeply in love with. When I met her, she was already five weeks pregnant. To protect her unborn child, she tried to pass the baby off as mine. However, when the child was born, to my surprise, this baby looked exactly like her real father." Alpha clicked another button, and a man appeared on screen alongside Penelope. She looked exactly like the female version of him. Their resemnce was uncanny. I remembered the photo of Tom and him at the bar - my judgment had been correct. "Do you know werewolfw, Xena?" Alpha Wiley''s voice changed. He was no longer telling an amusing story. "The first born of alpha blood is the sole heir to the title," I said in a t voice. This made Penelope the rightful heir to the Darkthorn Pack. If Penelope was alive, Tatum could never truly own that pack. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 258 Xena''s POV "Exactly right. I ordered that baby killed. My biggest regret is that I didn''t do it myself when I saw the little bastard, but that''s another story wear. Taney managed to notify her boyfriend, and together they got the child out. It took me years to find that child and be able to track her down I''m confused. If you were after Penelope, why dig tunnels to Alpha Benedict''s pack?" "Well, that''s the key question." Alpha Wiley stood up and began pacing. "You see, Penelope''s father was working with that lovely spy. They''ve been working together for Alpha Benedict for decades. Sneaky little bastards. When my stupid son wanted to use Rogues, he asked Tom to hire some people to create an impact. Tom was still ying both sides, having Jericho - that''s his name, by the way organize an attack to kidnap you. We were originally going to use you to trade for Penelope, but..." Alpha Wiley red angrily at Tatum. "This is why we don''t fucking use rogues!" "Let me get this straight. The tunnels were built as a future n to take down Alpha Benedict when the time was right, because you''ve been trying to catch Jericho for years. So you decided to kidnap me to trade for Penelope, kill her, and let Tatum take over the Alpha position? That would draw out lencho for you to kill, and since Penelope is now mated to Logan, you''d get three packs." "Years of nninging together beautifully, isn''t it wonderful?* "ns change," Tatum stood up. "After seeing you, I want you as a mate. If I kill Ryder, I''ll be appointed Alpha of that pack right now without having tounch a full attack, or we can still do it that way." "So in short, kill Penelope, Ryder, and Logan to gain this entire region for yourself," I rified. "Correct. Alpha Wiley smiled. "I need your blood serum, my dear. You possess Alpha bloodline, exceptional intelligence, and you''re a future Luna. You''re simply the perfect candidate." My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared at him in disbelief. "What the hell do you need my blood serum for?" I''ve developed a super soldier serum," he exined with the enthusiasm of a mad scientist. ''It can be injected into warriors to enhance all aspects of their capabilities strength, speed, endurance, intelligence. The serum requires both Alpha and Luna blood to be effective. Our experiments have been failing consistently, and I believe the problem lies with the quality of the other Luna serums we''ve been using." Tatum stepped closer, his chest puffed out with pride. "This is groundbreaking work, Xena. You should feel honored to be part of it." I couldn''t help butugh, the sound sharp and mocking in the room. "Let me guess the Alpha serumes from your brilliant son here?" I jerked my chin toward Tatum. Before Alpha Wiley could respond, Tatum jumped in eagerly. "Yes! That''s right! My blood is the foundation of this entire project!" His face practically glowed with arrogant satisfaction. Myughter became even more derisive. "So you automatically assume it''s not the Alpha serum that''s wed? How convenient. The sarcasm dripped from every word like acid. Both Alpha Wiley and Tatum''s faces darkened, their expressions turning murderous. Tatum''s hands clenched into fists, and I could see the vein pulsing in Alpha Wiley''s temple. §á§â§Ú§ã After a tense moment, Alpha Wiley forced his fake smile back into ce, though his eyes remained cold as winter. "You know, Xena, I have a proposition for you. Be my son''s mate. When we conquer all three packs, you can rule alongside us. Think of the power, the influence you''d wield." "Yes!" Tatum moved closer, his hands reaching for my waist. "We''d be unstoppable together. You''d be a Luna queen." His touch made my skin crawl, and when his fingers started wandering lower, something inside me snapped. I couldn''t stand Tatum'' anymore. This crossed the line of my tolerance. My hand moved faster than my brain could think - L pped Tatum hard across the disgusting hands off me!" I snarled. This time, Alpha Wiley didn''t intervene. He simply watched with interest as Tatum''s face contorted with rage. "You little bitch!" Tatum roared, and before I could react, his fist drove into my abdomen with brutal force. ess harassment Jet your The air rushed from my lungs as agony exploded through my torso. I doubled over, gasping, my knees hiffing the cold floor. Pafn radiated from the impact point, making my vision blur with tears I refused to let fall. "Now, let''s see how long your defiancests," Alpha Wiley said casually. The screens around the room flickered to life, and my blood turned to ice. The first screen showed Tom still strapped to the electric chair, his body convulsing as electricity coursed through him. His skin was burned and blistered, sweat and blood mixing on his tortured face as silent screams tore from his throat. His eyes had rolled back, showing only the whites. Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 259 Xena''s POV My heart plummeted as Alpha Wiley''s is grin widened with sick satisfaction. He nodded to Tatum, who switched to another camera food, This screen revealed William bound to a bench, lying t with a towel covering his face. A''figure stood over him, slowly pouring water from a bucket omo the cloth covering his mouth and nose. William''s body jerked and strained against his restraints, his chest heaving desperately as he fought the semnation of drowning. The sight of them being tortured while I stood here unharmed tore at my soul. My hands shook as rage and helplessness warred within me. They were suffering because of me, because Alpha Wiley wanted to use me as some kind of breeding stock for his twisted experiments. Every instinct screamed at me to fight, to tear these monsters apart with my bare hands. But the rational part of my brain knew that any aggressive move from me would only result in more torture for Tom and William. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to think through the implications. If I agreed to this insane n, would Alpha Wiley really stop torturing them? Could T trust him to keep his word? And what would happen to Ryder, to Logan, to everyone I loved if I becameplicit in this madman''s scheme? But as William''s muffled cries of distress reached my ears through the speakers, and as Tom''s burned flesh continued to smoke on the other screen, 1 realized I had no choice. I couldn''t watch them suffer. I couldn''t let them die. The decision felt like swallowing ss, each word I was about to speak cutting my throat on the way out. "Stop," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Alpha Wiley cupped his ear mockingly. "I''m sorry, what was that?" I lifted my head, meeting his cold gaze with all the hatred I could muster. "I said stop. I''ll do it. I''ll give you what you want." Tatum''sughter echoed throughout the entire room as he approached me again, but this time he didn''t grope me-it seemed the earlier p still had him rattled. "Choose me, Xena. Bear my pup, not Ryder''s. We won''t mark each other-I''vee to realize that doesn''t matter. I''d rather your wolf not die, so you can give me what I want." The bile rose in my throat, and I had to swallow hard to keep from vomiting. Every instinct screamed at me to tear his throat out, but I forced myself to think strategically. This was my chance-when he was most vulnerable, most confident in his victory, that''s when I could strike. "JUST STOP HURTING HIM! I screamed, realizing that William and Tom were close to death. ''Now we''re getting somewhere." Alpha Wiley walke to the control panel and spoke into the microphone. "Stop." Tom''s body went limp in the chair, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. "What about William?" I managed to ask, my voice shaking with barely controlled rage. "Your Beta will live, as long as you cooperate." Tatum''s hand reached out to touch my face, and I had to use every ounce of willpower not to bite his fingers off. "I guess not having your wolf is making you unsteady." His assumption that I''d been sprayed with wolfsbane was the only advantage I had left. Una was still there, coiled and ready, waiting for the right moment. I let myself stumble slightly, ying into his belief. "Where are you taking me?" I asked, deliberately swaying on my feet while scanning the room for anything I could use as a weapon. e willing to be. And if "I''ve prepared a special ce for us." His grin was predatory, disgusting. "Somewhere you can show me just how... cooperati you disappoint me, well-" He gestured toward Tom in the screen, who was still slumped in the chair. "Dad can always resume his work." I closed my eyes briefly, Ryder''s face shing in my mind, telling me all I needed to do was stay alive. This wasn''t the end of my story, I wouldn''t let it be. When Tatum grabbed my arm and started/pulling me toward a side door, I didn''t resist. "Here we are! Tatum''s voice was filled with sick excitement as he suddenly mmed me against a wall, knocking the breath from my limesc His lips covered mine as his hand tipped my romper. Exposing my bra, his hand painfully griped me. I could feel his dick pressed firmly against med, Chapter Comments 1 POST COMMENT NOW Chapter 261 Xena''s POV "Don''t you think... we should go inside?" My voice trembled, barely above a whisper, as I tried to keep myposure. Tatum''s mouth curved into a smirk against my skin. "Oh, you''re right. I want you under me." His words dripped with intent as he pushed the door open and shoved me forward. I stumbled into the room, my eyes darting around. A bare mattress sat in the center, stained and sagging. Chains hung from the wall, glinting faintly in the dim light. The air reeked of mold and decay, a stench that clung to my throat. My pulse quickened as I scanned the space, searching for anything I could use, any way out. Before I could process it, Tatum''s hands were on me. He grabbed my shoulders and threw me onto the mattress. The impact knocked the breath out of me. and the rough fabric scratched against my skin. My bodysuit tore as he yanked at it, the ripping sound sharp and jarring. Panic surged through me, hot and overwhelming, as his hands roamed over my body, rough and unyielding. I wanted to scream, to fight, but I swallowed it down, my mind racing for a n. "No!" The word burst from my lips, loud and raw, as he forced my legs apart. His face was inches from mine, his breath hot and sour, He froze, his eyes narrowing. "What?" His voice was low, dangerous, a twisted smile pulling at his lips. "You saying no to me?" His handshed out, striking my face with a force that sent stars exploding behind my eyes. Pain seared through my cheek, and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. I turned my head, ring at him through the haze of pain. "I''m not saying no," I forced out, my voice steady despite the throbbing in my face. I licked the blood from my lip, thinking fast. "L... I just want to be on top." Tatum''s eyes gleamed with something predatory, but he nodded. "Alright." He stood, peeling off his shirt and tossing it aside. His pants followed, then his underwear, until he stood naked before me. I kept my expression neutral, hiding the disgust twisting in my gut. My eyes flicked to his every move, watching, waiting for an opening. "Come on, then," he said, lying back on the mattress. "Show me what that mouth can do." I moved closer, my movements slow, deliberate, as if I were c¨®mplying. My hand brushed against the cold metal of the chains on the wall. "I want to use these,¡± I said, my voice soft but steady, my fingers grazing the links. His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with crushing force. A sharp crack echoed in the room as pain exploded through my arm. I bit back a scream, cradling my injured wrist, the agony radiating up to my shoulder. "Don''t y games with me," Tatum snarled, his eyes shing with menace. "Suck it," he ordered, his hand tangling in my hair and yanking my head down. His dick brushed against my cheek, and nausea roiled in my stomach. His fingers dug into my hip, nails raking down my thigh, leaving trails of fire in their wake. Blood welled up, warm and sticky, as the pain burned through me. I couldn''t let this go further. My hand closed around him, and I forced myself to act, sliding his dick into my mouth. His head tipped back, a low groan escaping him, and his grip on my hair loosened just a fraction. My heart pounded, tears stinging my eyes, but I held on, waiting for the moment he let his guard down. He pushed harder, forcing his dick deeper, and I gagged, my throat constricting. But I felt it-the moment his control slipped. My fangs extended, sharp and ready, and I bit down hard. The taste of blood flooded my mouth again, but this time it wasn''t mine. Tatum''s body jerked violently, a guttural cry tearing from his throat as he tried to throw me off. I held on, my jaw locked, until his fist mmed into my ribs, the impact stealing my breath. Pain radiated through my chest, but I didn''t let go until he finally wrenched my head back, tearing me away. Blood poured from the wound, stark against his skin, as he clutched himself, his face contorted in agony. Tatum''s fist connected with my face with such force. Blood filled my mouth, the metallic taste mixing with the rage that had been building in my chest. But as his second blownded, something inside me finally snapped. My wolf had been wing at my consciousness, rage building like a storm. She''d watched me suffer, watched me be beaten and humiliated, and she''d had enough. I felt my eyes begin to glow. "What the fuck?" Tatum stumbled backward, his face shock as my ws extended. But my wolf wasn''t just powerful-she was devastated. Every hit I''d taken, every moment of helplessness, every person we''d lost had been building inside her like poison. When she lunged forward, it wasn''t just with strength-it was with the umted anguish of everything we''d endured. My ws tore into his chest, but instead of a clean kill, she made him suffer. You want to hurt me? Ifer voice came throught my thrust, broken and Let me show you real pain." She didn''t go for his heart immediately. Instead, she dragged her ws across his ribs, letting him feel every inch of agony as his flesh fore. His dreami echoed off the walls, but all I could think about was Luna Kestrel''s lifeless eyes, Mike''s blood on the ground, William unconscious and helpless "Please-Tatum gasped, his hands trying weakly to push me away. "Did you listen when I begged? My wolf''s voice was hollow, empty of everything except grief turned to violence. ''Did you stop when Luna Kestrel bied? Finally, she plunged her ws into his chest and squeezed his heart until it burst in her grip. But even as his eyes rolled back and his body went limp. I felt no satisfaction¡ªonly the crushing weight of everything we''d lost. Chapter Comments Visitor will there be more chapters View 1 Comment > ¡Þ0 1 Xena''s POV I knew Alpha Wiley sold Laen that his son was deadl Dropping Tatums beast, my first tonight way in getmi of this room. isteking the door, I could hear footsteps running down the hall. There was a dor across the hill that 1 tan to with the one amount of hack I had, it was undebel Quickly shoting the door, I was able to lock it before 1 hem "She''s gone!" an angry male voice erupted. Tatum is dead" Anothermotion, another angry male soire Tood her! I want her alive! Alpha Wiley''s heat vending mat echoed between the walls, and the door handle began to shake silently. "Searth ery mom! She can''t have gone fart" I heard thonning as everyone scattered in different directions. When the footsteps gradually faded away, was finally able to fuck around, I coulda 1 stay here any longer - I had to leave. Although I desperarely wanted to escape, I couldn''t abandon Wilham. And then there was that damned super soldier serum. If I pat ran away now, Wiley would seely seek revenge, and if the serum was sessfully developed, no one would be able to match them. This was my except for three office chairs and a folding table. There was nothing useful, not even after that could be used as a 1 pressed my cat to the doce- no sounds or footsteps outside. Slowly unlocking the door, I carefully peered out. At this moment, there was no fear beart, only anger. My wolf wanted to take control of my body. After quietly slipping out, I began tiptoeing down the hallway. I was acutely aware that I was only wearing underwear and a bra, not even shoes. My heartbeat elerated as I walked carefully. The adrenaline was working now, making me extremely sensitive to every sound. When I reached theer, something red caught my attention. I carefully observed my surroundings, thinking about how much of an escape opportunity the rm would per me calling the route I had taken to get here. After making up my mind, I reached out to pull the fire rm. My palms were sweating and my mouth went dry. BEEP BEEP The rm immediately sounded, and red lights began shing and coating. Shouting from men came from the distance as they ran out of too. I tried a quietly retrace the route Tatum had brought me along, but there were peopleing and going everywhere. Every time I hid in a gap, someone would m around the corner. More than once, they can right past me. My heart was pounding, but they were more focused on other things and didn''t notice their surroundingi "Where is she?" I heard Alpha Wiley''s voice echoing through the hallway. Damn it! I grabbed a door, my hand trembling as I tried to open it, but the door was locked, Moving to the next door - also locked. "Damn it!" I whispered. That bitch better not mess with my business again" His footsteps sounded like they were just around the corner. He was too close. If he caught me, it would all be over. I needed to stay calm, needed to find a way out. "Sir! Movement on the north perimeter." An urgent male voice called out loudly, and Alpha Wiley''s footsteps stopped. Alpha Wiley asked in a dangerously calm voce Movement on the north side. The front cameras picked up something 31 "Do I have to do everything myself?" he roated Find her, or 11 kill you." With that, I heard his footsteps gradually fade away. My will extended her ws, seming a warrig about to appear around the contr. Sure enough, he turned around and was stunned when he saw me However, I was faster and shed his throat. His scraps was choked by blood, and blood sttered all over me. He fell to his knees, and I just left him there. Their was no way to clean off all this blood now. The smell of blood would give away my position -1 had be hurry I walked back in the hallway outside Toma room. I avmembered that Tom room had windows on the south side, and from the screen, William''s room I looked around, ist whether it was the Moon God finally starting to faen 26, the killers wat is partible. Grabbing the die handle, thank Gout the dam woont locked Timmedanty entam wanting thanding there was a harchall at ?n feligh telight, his price hear "What the Fack!" The warring wong the karball trvine (to reach his radio! - saw the warrim a fee haid movime texmed the walkir and grabbed bicket jost at his fingers imich ipped to hit belt. My heart pronded, fencing the din. Me struggled, both of me fighting for conted of the Tehand you Wim warned as the wartier swung the bat again. 1 released his wrist and rolled to the side, feeling the bat shooth past my ear. The mmement sent another was of to bite back a scream. Blood was beginning to seep through my shirt where the injury had reopened. The warmor red the radio to his mouth Without thinking, I shifted. My wolf form struggling to amodate the damaged ribs. Una bowled in fury as she took control, down on the warrior''s throat before he could finish his transmission. The taste of blood filled my mouth as I bit down harder, feeling his windpipe copse beneath my teeth. His hands d ¨²rspriately toote. The radio ttered to the floor as his body went limp. When I shifted back. I was gasping for breath, my human form crumpling to the floor beside the warriors still body hen some mine. My ribs Felt like they were on fire, each breath sending sharp spikes of pain through my chest. I dragged myself across the floor toward the door, leaving a small trail of blood behind me. My hands took as I mached up and named the lock, the metallic click echoing in the sudden silence. "Xena," William & voice barely a whisper. "Are you okay?" I couldn''t answer immediately, too focused on trying to breathe without screaming. The adrenaline was wearing off, and the full extent of my bing clear Chapter Comments 3 Chapter 262 have to gert... ma of here. Hard the words thigh gritted teeth, dasting though my zile with every breath. "Where are we?" Willian''s voter wat hourse, barchy whorer a whispen, 1 on know. Using the door handle for support, I fought against my boden protests as I stood. Every movement sent fresh waves of agony through my boken ribs, but I couldn''t and to show weakness now. Once I found my bnce, I stumbled toward William to untie his restraints. My fingers fumbled with the chains, slick with Bond and sweat. It took Imger than I wanted, but finally the metal nked to the floor, William copsed forward, chitching his chest as he fell to his hands and knees, his face pressed om the old concrete. Fuck..." he groaned, his voice muffled against the flor Come We need to get you to a hospital. I extended my hand toward him, biting down hard on my tongue to keep from trying out in the movement pulled at my damaged ribs. "How do we get out of here?" William asked through clenched teeth, struggling to look up at me. "Fast 1 helped him to his feet, his weight heavy against my injured side. Every step was torture, but I forced myself to keep moving 1 mean, which was do we go?" My hand found the door handle, and I paused. "I don''t know, but we can''t stay here." Looking at William, both of us barely clothed and covered in blood supporting each other''s broken bodies, the reality of our situation hit me. "Ready?! "As ready as I can be. William nodded, and 1 turned the handle The hallway stretched out before us, dimly lit and eerily quiet. I chose left lestinctively, and we began our desperate escape. With each step. I felt sharp objects cutting into my bare feet, leaving bloody footprints on the cold flour. The pain was excruciating but I didn''t stop. I couldn''t stop. "There she is?" The shout came from behind us, echoing off the walls "Don look back, keep running!" William yelled, his breath raged. Ahrad, I spotted a sign for stairs. We didn''t slow down, hitting the heavy door with ourbined momentan, Thee of it caught us both off guard, and we stumbled, nearly falling down the steps that appeared much closer than I''d expected. "Down!" I shouted, and William and I began our descent. We''d only made it down one flight when the door above us exploded open, mming into the wall with such force that concrete dust rained down on u "They went down!" A voice crackled over a radio. "She''s on the stairs, moving toward the third floor!" I didn''t stop. We kept going down, taking the steps as fast as our injured bodies would allow. But exhaustion and pain were taking their tall. When I missed a step, Williams lost his bnce, his weight pulling both of us down several stairs in a tangle of limbs. The sound of something snapping echoed thmuch His ankle was twisted at an unnatural angle, and he crumpled to the flour. My knees hit the concrete hard, sending fresh shockwaves of pain through my already battered body. "Shit!" William grabbed his ankle, his face contopted in a back into ce. "I''m sorry, William." Without hesitation, I wrapped my hands around his ankle and spapped it back into ''Jesus Christ, Real William roared, but I was already pulling him to his feet. The guards were getting closer, their footsteps echoing down the stairwell. I dragged William the rest of the way to the dout marked withrge red letters: "EXIT." "Run, William!" I shouted as we threw onbined weight keiner the dona The night wit hit was like a stap, cold and unforgiving. Wind shipped through my hair, stinging the open wounds dis my face and body stretched a harrow alley lined with packed eat and dumpsters, but no pest reset. Chapter Comments Pam Walker Don''t like this at all Heather Hudson *send your son to rapes them. Certainly, nobody was sent to rap him View All 2 Comments 3 SHARE POST COMMENT $ The Lna 263 We''d only made it twenty yards when the done hebind us burst open zw. "Dear Hutle Xena." Alpha Wiles''s voler seat ice through my veins. ¡°Stop!" top ismand cut through night air the de. We rere immediately. When I turned to face him, I one the guns. Multiple weapons pointed directly at es, held by men whose faces showed no mercy. "I must admit, I didn''t expect you to do that." Alpha Wiley stood sutrennded by his men, all of them waiting for his signal. "You killed my son." Bu face twisted with grief and rage. You killed Tatum?" William stared at me in shock.. 1 ripped his heart out with my hate hands, I guess you should make sure everyone gets sprayed with that shit before you send them to rape pour son." 1 uld feel Alpha Wiley''s hatred sadating off him like bent from a furnace. "When I take your life, I won''t show you any mercy Alpha Wiley''s eyes were cold as death as he raised his AK-47, the sound of the bullet chambering eching in the alley. "If you kill William or me. won''t help you. I yed my only remaining card, the one bargaining chip I had left. Alpha Wiley paused, then began tough. The sound started low but grew louder and mer unhinged with each second. "You''re aming," he said through his maniacalughter, "We''ll see about that Alpha Wiley nodded to someone behind us. Four armed men approached, roughly cuffing our hands behind our backs and pressing gun barrels to our heads. Since William couldn''t stand properly. another warrior grabbed him and began dragging him forward. My mind raced, searching for any possible escape n. I could shift into wolf form, but that wouldn''t be enough to kill all these men. I''d just be a bigger target, giving them more surface area to shoot, William waspletely defenseless, bring dragged in front of me with his ankle barely bealed and unable to support his weight. While I was distracted watching William''s struggle, I tripped on the first step leading back into the building. "Stupid bitch!" the guard snarled, then drove his fist into my already broken ribs. Even though I''d seen iting, the impact knocked the wind out of mepletely. My wolf was slowly trying to take control. Alpha Wiley knew I had Her, when the warrior looked at me, I didn''t try to hide her fury. Una took over. She didn''t shift, but she extended her ws. As the warrior reached down to roughly pull me to my feet, she struck out with lightning speed, shing his throat open. Mure blood sprayed across my already blood-soaked body. The moment I killed him, I realized I''d made a terrible mistake. "Xena I heard William shout. I spun around to gee Alpha Wiley already in front of me, raising is gun. The butt of the rifle connected with my temple before I could dodge. Everything spun wildly. I fought desperately to stay conscious, but the pain and concussion made thinking nearly impossible. The world became a blur of shadows and spinning lights. Though I didn''tpletely ck out, darkness danced at the edges of my vision as I felt Alpha Wiley hoist me over his shoulder and carry me back up the stairs. Despite my efforts to focus, it was useless, Blood dripped steadily from my head, leaving a trail behind us. In my dated state, I was thrown onto the fear, the rough carpet beraking my fall but doing nothing to cushion the impact against my injured ribs. The Lna 264 Xena''s POV A bucket of ice-cold water mmed into my face, the shock of it driving straight into my bones. I gasped, choking on the water that filled my mouth and nose. Before I could fully process what was happening, two sharp ps cracked across my cheeks, the stinging pain cutting through the fog in my head like a de. My eyes snapped open to find Alpha Wiley''s face inches from mine, his expression twisted with barely controlled rage. His hand wrapped around my throat, squeezing just hard enough to make breathing difficult, and he delivered two more vicious ps that made my ears ring. I need your blood serum. Now. His voice was hoarse, almost frantic, and there was something unhinged in his eyes that made my blood run cold. In his ce stood someone who looked like he was teetering on the edge ofplete madness. I forced myself to look around the room, taking in our new surroundings despite the throbbing in my skull. Medical equipment lined the walls-monitors with blinking lights, IV stands, and machines I couldn''t identify. The sterile smell of antiseptic burned my nostrils. In the center of the room sat a metal surgical table with leather restraints hanging from its sides. I didn''t give him the satisfaction of a response. Instead, I met his gaze with the coldest stare I could muster. Alpha Wiley''s brow furrowed at my silence. Without a word, he stood and nced at one of his warriors. The man immediately bolted from the room. Two minutes. When the door opened again, my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. They dragged Tom in like a broken doll. He was barely conscious, wearing nothing but his underwear, his body covered in burns and cuts. His head lolled forward, too heavy for his weakened neck muscles to support. I tried to rise, desperate to help him, but the cold barrel of a gun pressed against the back of my skull forced me back to my knees. Alpha Wiley calmly loaded bullets into his handgun as he walked toward Tom. He grabbed Tom''s hair brutally, yanking his head up so that Tom''s unfocused eyes met mine. Tom''s lips moved slightly, trying to form words, but only weak mumblings escaped. The pain in my chest was unbearable. BANG! The gunshot exploded through the room. Tom''s brain matter sttered across the white walls, painting them in red streaks. Alpha Wiley''s face and clothing were covered in blood, as was the warrior standing nearby. The sudden violence stunned me into silence-I couldn''t process what had just happened. Tom''s headless body crumpled to the floor with a wet thud. The ringing in my ears from the gunshot mixed with my own screams as I let out a sound of pure anguish. "WHAT are you FUCKING DOING! Alpha Wiley''s expression remained unchanged. A flicker of contempt crossed his eyes as he wiped blood from his face with the back of his hand. Without missing a beat, he strode toward William''s unconscious form on the floor. Another bucket of ice water crashed over William, followed by brutal kicks to his ribs and stomach. William jerked awake with a gasp, his body convulsing as consciousness returned along with the pain. Blood trickled from his mouth as he struggled to breathe. Alpha Wiley grabbed William''s face, forcing him to look directly at me. "I need your blood serum," Alpha Wiley said, his voice dripping with impatience. "Cooperate with me, or he dies."/ My heart sank to the bottom of my chest. "NO! Don''t hurt him!" The words exploded from my throat before I could stop them. William''s hands iled weakly at his sides as he fought against his restraints. "Don''t... don''t listen to him, he managed to rasp out, his voice hoarse and broken. BANG! Another gunshot. William''s scream of agony tore through the air as Alpha Wiley''s bullet shattered his shinbone. I could see the bone protruding through his skin, blood pooling beneath his leg. Tom''s death was still burning in my vision, and I couldn''t watch another person I cared about die because of me. My heart was being crushed in a vine guilt and helplessness. I struggled against my restraints, every fiber of my being wanting to tear Alpha Wiley apart. But seeing William''s agonized face, knowing that my defiance would only bring him more pain, I forced myself to nod slightly. "No... don''t do this," William gasped out through gritted teeth. "Ryder will-" Alpha Wiley stood and delivered a vicious kick to William''s temple. William''s protests cut off as his eyes rolled back and he went limp, unconscious once again. ''You fucking asshole!'' I roared, my voice raw with fury. ''I already agreed!" Alpha Wiley ignored my outburstpletely. He walked calmly to one of his warriors, his voice cold and detached as he gave his orders. "Tell Abner to bring his team. We''re extracting the blood serum now." The warrior nodded respectfully and ran from the room. I stared at Tom''s headless corpse, at William''s broken body, at the blood covering the white walls. The weight of their suffering pressed down on me like a physical force. Chapter Comments Angie wow I hope they get them View 1 Comment > 12 The Lna 265 Xena''s POV Three figures in medical scrubs burst through the door, carrying toolboxes that clinked ominously with each step. Two warriors grabbed my arms and dragged me toward a cold metal surgical table. Alpha Wiley stood expressionless in the corner, his eyes following my every movement. The medical team worked with clinical efficiency, their gloved hands securing leather restraints around my wrists and ankles. The straps bit into my skin as they tightened them, ensuring I couldn''t move even an inch. My heart hammered against my ribs as one of the doctors approached with arge syringe. "Anesthesia won''t work on werewolves," the lead doctor said. "She''ll be conscious throughout the entire procedure." Terror wed at my throat as the reality hit me. My breathing became rapid and shallow as panic threatened to overwhelm me. The first needle pierced my arm, and I bit back a scream. They inserted tube after tube, turning me into nothing more than a blood bank. I could feel the warm liquid leaving my body, flowing through transparent tubes into collection bags that hung like macabre decorations around the table. Ryder. I closed my eyes and tried to picture his green eyes, the way they crinkled when he smiled, the warmth of his arms around me. I had to survive this. I had to get back to him. We were supposed to have a future together, children, a life filled with love instead of this nightmare. The extraction continued, and my strength ebbed away with each passing minute. My father''s face shed before my eyes - Dad, who had just sacrificed everything to free us from Martha''s tyranny. He had died believing Logan and I would be safe, that we would build something beautiful from the ashes. I couldn''t let his sacrifice be meaningless. My pack needs me. The thought gave me strength even as my vision began to blur. Ryder was newly Alpha, still finding his footing. William was broken and bleeding in this hellhole. They all depended on me to survive, to fight, to find a way out of this madness. But as more blood left my body, I felt myself growing weaker. The world seemed to tilt and spin around me. I could hear my heartbeat slowing, bing irregr. Am I going to die here? The question terrified me more than the physical pain. Time stretched endlessly. I had no idea how long they''d been draining me, but it felt like hours. My lips were dry and cracked. The bags hanging around me were full to bursting with my blood. Through my haze of weakness and pain, I heard raised voices. Arguments. Alpha Wiley''s voice cut through the chaos with cold authority. Then came the sharp sound of a door mming, followed by heavy footsteps retreating down the hallway. The sudden quiet was almost more frightening than the chaos had been. "Xena, are you okay?" William''s voice cut through the fog in my mind, weak but unmistakably him. I wanted to answer, to tell him I was alive, but my consciousness felt like it was floating just out of reach, Sleep called to me, promisin It would be so easy to just let go, to drift away into that peaceful darkness. end to the pain. But William''s voice kept pulling me back, an anchor in the storm of my fading awareness. Xena, stay with me. Don''t you dare give up. Fight, damn it!" The word resonated through my dying body. I had always been a fighter. Even as a child, when Martha''s cruelty threatened to break me, I had fought back. When the shop exploded, when they kidnapped me the first time, when everything seemed hopeless - I had fought. Una stirred weakly in my mind, her presence barely a whisper but still there. I forced my eyes to focus, to take in my surroundings despite the exhaustion that threatened to drag me under. The three doctors were hunched overputer screens, their fingers flying across keyboards as they analyzed my blood. My attention turned to the IV stand beside me, still connected to my arm by a thin tube. The blood bags hanging from it were swollen, containing what looked like far more than the standard 600 milliliters they took during normal blood donations. The realization hit me like ice water: they weren''t just taking what they needed for their serum. They were nning to drain mepletely. To kill me. Terror and rage warred in my chest. I reached out through our mind link, my mental voice barely a whisper. "William." "Thank god, his relief flooded through our connection. I thought I''d lost you." Chapter 265 "We need to get out of here." Una stirred again in my mind, her howl of fury giving me strength. Stay calm. 1 studied the room with new focus, my mind beginning to work despite my physical weakness. The doctors were absorbed in their work, their backs turned to us. The equipment around me could be weaponized if I was clever about it. "William, I reached out through our mind link again. "I have an idea." His voice came back strained but alert. "I''m listening." ''I''m going to create a distraction. When I do, I need you to take out the other two doctors." "Xena, we''re both too weak for this," William''s concern bled through the link. "It''s too risky." I looked at the blood bags again, at the pale skin of my arms where needle marks dotted my flesh like a connect-the-dots puzzle. ''We''re dead if we don''t try. This is our only chance." Silence stretched between us through the mind link. Finally, William''s voice came back. "Okay." Chapter Comments 52 POST COMMENT NOW The Lna 266 The Lna 266 Xena''s POV I gathered every ounce of strength I had left and pulled violently on the IV tube connected to my left hand. Pain shot through my arm as the needle tore free, and the metal stand crashed to the floor with a tremendous tter. I immediately closed my eyes and let my body go limp, frowning and trembling as if I were having some kind of medical emergency. The noise immediately caught the doctors'' attention. They turned from theirputers, speaking in rapid, panicked voices. "What happened?" *Her vitals are spiking!" "The IV came loose she''s lost too much blood!" One of them rushed over to assess the situation, reaching down to lift the fallen IV stand. As he bent over me, I let my hand shift partially, extending my ws just enough. In one swift motion, I shed across his throat, opening his windpipe in a spray of arterial blood. His eyes went wide with shock and terror, his hands flying to his neck as he tried to stem the flow of blood. But it was toote. He copsed backward, crashing into the cab beside the surgical table and sending medical instruments ttering to the floor. The noise immediately alerted the other two doctors, who spun around with expressions of horror and disbelief. "What the hell-" "She''s awake! She''s-" They bolted toward the door, but William was already moving. Despite his injuries, he had crawled behind them while they were distracted. His ws extended fully as he drove them into both doctors'' backs, piercing through their scrubs. Their screams of agony echoed off the walls as they copsed, blood pooling beneath their bodies. William stumbled after them, his movements weak but determined. He knelt beside each fallen doctor and drew his ws across their throats, ensuring they couldn''t raise an rm. "Nice work," I managed to say through our mind link, offering him a weak smile. William returned the smile, his face pale but triumphant. He began crawling toward me, using thest of his strength to drag himself across the floor. When he reached the surgical table, he extended his ws once more and cut through the leather restraints binding my wrists and kles. The effort seemed to drain thest of his energy, and he copsed beside the table, his eyes rolling back. "William!" I called out through our mind link, but there was no response. I forced myself to sit up, my head spinning violently from the movement. When I looked at William more closely, I was horrified to see the trail of blood he''d left across the floor. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway outside, growing closer by the second. Alpha Wiley was returning, probably with reinforcements. My heart sank as realized our situation had gone from desperate to hopeless. I scanned the room frantically, looking for anywhere we could hide. But the space was filled with medical equipment and overturned furniture from our fight. There was nowhere to conceal us. My gaze fell on theputer desk where the doctors had been working. Various vials and test tubes containing different colored liquids were scattered across its surface. Fighting against the dizziness and nausea that threatened to overwhelm me, I slid off the surgical table. My legs nearly gave out immediately, and I had to grip the edge of the table to keep from falling. ck spots danced at the edges of my vision, but I forced myself to keep moving I stumbled toward the desk, gathering as many vials as I could carry. I had no idea what any of them did, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Just as I crouched behind the desk, trying to make myself as small as possible, the door exploded inward. The wooden frame splintered as Alpha Wiley''s boot connected with it, and he stormed into the room with murder in his eyes. Chapter Comments Visitor Damn, I am anxious Visitor nervous! View All 2 Comments > The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!