Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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 looked completely enraged. "You son of a bitch," he snarled, fist clenched and

ready to strike Ryder.

Logan quickly grabbed Samuel's arm. "ACE!" my father commanded, "Go cool down!"

Samuel stormed out, slamming 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 glance 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."

I reluctantly agreed. Some protection was better

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Chapter 50

I will contact Wiley," my father

concern evident in

said, pulling her into

arm, with the boys trailing behind us. We settled

boys either leaned against the wall

day today," Ama commented, clearly trying to

been?" I asked, eager

different. Being a future beta

never realized how much

great. You were born for

has been amazing, but I really miss you," she

I miss you

think I could come over Friday to help you

I still wasn't sure who was going to help with my

offered, I wouldn't have asked. Everyone

and Ryder will meet

with them when you and

to that moment," I

wearing that red

today, I absolutely will," I

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

of showing Martha and everyone

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Chapter 50

devil," Ryder muttered, nodding toward the

being brought

be in trouble?" Ryder asked me, concern evident in his voice. "No," Logan

Dad, at least," I added, watching Martha get

was becoming more prominent, and there was even

me as she walked inside. "Maybe X

but it depends on what Logan and Alpha Hank think

Thursday night?" Ama

didn't want to be apart from her for even one night.

a laugh. "It's okay. We'll figure out a good time. Maybe after things calm down," I said to

Ama conceded, swinging gently on the