Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 205

Xena's POV

"You support this?" Alpha Benedict glared at Ryder, his voice sharp a blade cutting through the tension in the room.

"Absolutely. We should never have been excluded. This affects our lives, and Xena nearly died." Ryder's voice was firm, unwavering as he stood his ground against his father.

Alpha Benedict's expression remained stoic as shifted to me then to my injured shoulder. "Of course, I'm glad you're

unharmed, but don't you think you need proper rest and recovery?"

Anger surged through me like wildfire. This again. Always this. They forever treated me like some fragile doll needing protection. My arm might be in a sling, but my brain and determination weren't injured.

"No. That's not how this works." Ryder stepped forward, facing his father directly. "I shouldn't have allowed you to push us aside from the beginning. Every decision you've made has only made things worse. We need to be involved. Xena has more than enough intelligence to solve problems, Use her abilities."

My heart swelled. Ryder was fighting for us-for me. He was finally standing up against the old ways of thinking that had been holding us back.

"Dad, what do you think?" I asked firmly, turning to my father.

"I'm surprised they've been kept out of the loop. Why not let them be informed about what's happening?" Dad's response was measured but clearly supportive.

"You didn't know Luna Kestrel spoke with us about leaving and letting them handle everything?" I felt my pulse quicken-another

behind

voice

they're involved. They will not be excluded, and I'm shocked this has happened." His authority

Benedict looked toward Luna Kestrel "Let

ready."

like a raging inferno. "With all

me as an excuse to avoid handing the Alpha position to

SLAP!

on the table and jumped

raced, adrenaline surging

protectively. "We've had this exact conversation before, you and I. I never repeated any of it to Xena. She figured it out entirely on her own. You will not speak to her that way. I've already told you where I stand. I'm prepared to challenge you if necessary,

was stunned that Ryder had mentioned challenging his father, but didn't dwell

It could just

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Chapter 205

the room. Let Benedict and me talk. Dad's voice was tight

to bak eye contact with Alpha Benedict, determined to stand my ground. Given their efforts

my eyes locked with Alpha Benedict's, trying to communicate my determination through my gaze. Even if he was an Alpha, even

they got me out of the room, I felt the adrenaline fading,

man? You'd challenge him?" Logan

excuse after nother. I don't want to challenge him, but he keeps making decisions that affect