Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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. "Relax, 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 placed 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 to come to my office later," 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."

Ever."

"My real mother died when

laughed without humor. "I'm fine. My brother and his friends are protection

intense gaze finally shifted away. He stood up and walked to the cabinet where I kept supplies, picking up an unopened pack of sandpaper. "Are you with Samuel?" he asked suddenly,

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

and damn if that smile didn't do something to my insides. He casually replied, "Just don't want to step

naturally, then

grimaced. "She wants to be. I

rolled my eyes. "You seem to let girls hover around you.

green eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable. "I'm actually

old are you?" I asked, changing

last month," he

yet?" I asked, trying to sound

he said.

"Are you really looking? You seem busy

training is only for a week," he explained. "After that,

as William returned. "Pizza's ordered. What

to occur to Ryder. "When's your eighteenth birthday?"

Friday, actually," I replied, focusing on

birthday," he

out how to celebrate,"

burst through the door, holding up the

ever seen. "Look what I got

to look and burst out laughing. William's eyes nearly popped out of

I said firmly, glaring at

mine." She pulled out

side

the black dress. "That I can

ladies wearing these dresses?" William

replied with a mischievous

think I'll go tonight after all,"

surprised. "Really? That was

punishment, so

William asked, confused.

hitting Luna-" before I

"You hit

hit me first," I defended

the bathroom. William's phone rang again, and he cursed at the poor signal, stepping outside

small circles on my thigh. The contact sent electricity shooting through me. I didn't stop him, but feeling a little defiant,

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