Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 204

Xena's POV

"Are you ready?" Ryder asked, his voice cutting through the silence of the bedroom.

I inhaled deeply, trying to steady the storm of emotions raging inside me. Standing before the closet, I hesitated for several seconds before deciding on a simple t- shirt and shorts-uncomplicated, just like my resolve in this moment.

Ryder grabbed two shoulder straps and held them out to me. It took few minutes to adjust them properly, but I had to grudgingly admit they helped ease the stiffness in my shoulders. While Ryder made his final preparations, I stood before the mirror, examining myself.

The fire burning in my eyes reflected back at me-that determination that comes after being hurt, after being violated. From this moment forward, I was taking control of my destiny.

"Yes, I'm ready. Come What may.",

+

Let's go." Ryder placed his hand at the

quiet. I figured it was still school hours, but the unusual silence only made my nerves more taut. Each step felt like walking on the edge of a knife, my

office, I could hear his voice through the door. "Why are we

at me, and I stepped forward. Because I wanted everyone

seemed surprised as I brushed past him into the office without waiting for an invitation. Ryder was right behind me, and I could feel his

present. Alpha Benedict had

Good to hear your voice. How are you holding up?" Dad

not here for pleasantries. walked to the front of the room. Ryder moved to the side but stayed

going on?" Dad's voice revealed his uncertainty

I stated simply, looking directly into Alpha

not being told everything that's happening, and I've had enough of being told you'll handle it. With all due respect, your handling didn't prevent me from being kidnapped by Tatum. We won't be sidelined anymore. From now on, we will be involved in everything. Every decision and every piece of information

the room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. No one spoke. Dad remained silent. Alpha Benedict just narrowed his eyes, and Luna Kestrel looked shocked, sitting back in her chair. I couldn't see