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." I said

not my mother," I corrected him. "My real mother died when I was little." Concern

fine. My brother

away. He stood up and walked to the cabinet where I kept supplies, picking up

not to give him a straight answer, wanting to see where this was going. "Like I

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

it naturally, then countered, "Is

grimaced. "She wants to be. I

mine. I rolled my eyes. "You seem to let girls hover around you. What's your deal? Different

green eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable.

are you?" I

turned eighteen last month," he

I

he said. "Still

skeptically. "Are you

training is only for a week," he

William returned. "Pizza's ordered. What are you two

occur to Ryder. "When's your

actually," I replied, focusing on my

early birthday," he said

I'm still figuring out how to

Ama burst through the door, holding up the most revealing

"Look what I got you!" she

burst out laughing. William's eyes nearly popped out

said firmly, glaring

mine." She pulled out a

and side cutouts. "This is

at the black

ladies wearing these dresses?" William

Ama replied with a mischievous

tonight after all," I

looked surprised. "Really?

shrugged. "No punishment, so

asked, confused.

"For hitting Luna-" before I shot her a

"You hit

first,"

headed to the bathroom. William's phone rang again, and he

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

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