Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

"Don't you dare hug that bitch!" Martha's shrill voice filled the room her eyes burning with hatred as she glared 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 replaced 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."

I shot him a grateful look. Martha stood there, mouth agape, then turned to look at

the couch and let us finish this meeting," my father sighed, his voice heavy

couch. She deliberately sat as far away from us

saying," Alpha Benedict continued, turning back to my father, "the

felt all eyes in the room shift to me in

father's confusion was evident

extracted. I've had warrior training and been involved before. I've been in combat, I've killed before, and clearly beating people isn't uncommon for me. I

stood, patting

Kestrel's eyes widened, but she kept her mouth shut. Martha, thankfully,

murmured to his

crossing her

Benedict gestured for me to lead the

1/2

Chapter 145

for me. As we walked out of the pack house, halfway down

this, X?" The concern in his

trying to erase any doubts he might have about