Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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 slapped her with all my strength.

Arms immediately pulled me back. No one moved to comfort Martha. She lay bleeding on

the floor, but Logan stood between us.

I didn't fight against whoever was holding me, but my fangs and claws 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. I command you not to tell anyone what happened," Dad sighed, still seated.

Dad wouldn't take her side and left the room crying, throwing

one

gone

me.

1/3

7:41 pm E

Chapter 49

both hands, looking into my eyes. "Calm down. Deep breath." Dad nodded, and whoever

vacated seat.

realized it was Samuel who'd restrained me. He stared at the

heart still raced in my

we can do right now," Dad

war. We need to appear

unpredictable," Alpha Benedict began.

them!" William

don't want war. We need to handle this correctly. So far, it's just verbal threats. He violated the treaty by entering your

sighed.

X's safety?"

go to school. Continue with what you're doing. So far, aside from threatening to challenge her mate, he hasn't directly threatened

No! She can't go to school!" Logan

can and

room fell silent as everyone turned to look at 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.

me, eager to prove

some frightened little girl. No,

about this,"

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