Chapter 101
Xena’s POV
William wrapped his arm around Ama’s shoulder, pulling her closer, they were lost in their own little world, completely oblivious to our existence. I couldn’t help but smile at their obvious happiness.
Ryder kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting comfortably on my thigh. I traced my fingers over his palm, a small smile playing on my lips. The feeling of contentment in this moment was so real, so tangible that it felt like the entire world had brightened.
“What are you thinking about?” Ryder asked through our mind link.
“Just how happy I am,” I answered through the connection, still amazed at how naturally we could communicate this way.
“Good. One simple words, yet they melted my heart completely.
The car rolled to a stop in front of my pack house. We spotted Logan and Penelope standing outside, waiting for us.
“What?” Ama shouted, clearly shocked by the unexpected pairing.
I jumped out of the car and ran toward them, excitement bubbling inside me. “I’m so happy for you guys!” I threw my arms around Logan in a tight embrace. Ama came up behind me and hugged Penelope. Both of them had fresh marks–mating marks–on their necks. They had completed the ceremony and were officially mates. My heart swelled with genuine joy seeing their happiness.
“X?” Dad’s voice called from inside the house.
I was about to run in when Logan grabbed my arm. Looking at him, he shook his head slightly, then handed my arm to Ryder.
“Watch her,” Logan said in a low voice.
Ryder pulled me firmly against him just as Dad walked out. An uneasy feeling crept up my spine.
“X! You look beautiful!” Dad came over and gave me a hug, then shook Ryder’s hand. That’s when Martha emerged from the house.
“What are you wearing? I have strict dress codes!” Martha trembled with anger. My heart sank. Here we go again–always finding something to criticize about me.
Both Logan and Ryder moved closer to me, instinctively protective.
“Martha, don’t. She looks beautiful. It’s her birthday, after all,” Dad said. His voice carried a hint of weariness.
Martha ignored him and walked toward me. I held my head high, determined not to appear weak or intimidated, but Ryder decided she was close enough and stepped forward, blocking her path. A warmth spread through my chest at his protective gesture.
“Move aside, boy!” Martha shrieked.
“No. That’s far enough.” Ryder’s tone was dangerously calm. His stance was unwavering, his eyes flashing a warning.
“Let’s go, Dad said as Leonard walked out.
After surveying the situation, Leonard calmly moved to stand behind me. Dad grabbed Martha’s arm and pulled her away. Logan led Penelope, following Leonard. Ryder and I were right behind them, with Ama and William bringing up the rear,
We all got into our respective golf carts and headed toward the community center. The carts formed a line as people filed into the
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Chapter 101.
building. Outside, a massive banner read “Happy Birthday, Logan and Xenat
“Wow,” I said as we got out. Part of me was surprised by the grandness of it all, while another part felt uncomfortable with all the
attention.
Ryder kept his arm around me as we walked in. Turning right, we had to wait to be announced. Leonard went in first, taking seats with Ama and William.
Now, only Logan, Penelope, Dad, Martha, Ryder, and I remained in the small room. The tension in the air was suffocating. My heart raced, and I took deep breaths to stay calm.
“Why can’t you be a good daughter for once in your life!” Martha snapped at me.
I ignored her. Ryder’s face darkened, his arm tightening around me.
“Martha, I don’t want to fight! It’s her birthday–either don’t talk to her or fucking leave.” Dad’s face turned red with anger.
“You always take her side!” Martha pretended to dry. I mentally rolled my eyes. After all these years, her act hadn’t changed–still as
fake and dramatic as ever.
“Because you always act like a bitch! Honestly, if I had known it would be like this, I wouldn’t have mated with you, but now that Logan has a mate, I don’t fucking care anymore.” Dad’s words shocked me slightly–it was the first time I’d heard his true feelings.
“After everything I did to prepare for tonight, this is the thanks I get?” Martha’s previous facade of innocence vanished instantly. Her eyes widened, her hair seemed to stand on end, and her face contorted with rage. She glared at my father, about to continue her
tirade.
“Are you ready? They’re about to start,” a staff member with a headset peeked in.
“Yes, we’re ready,” Dad said firmly. He turned to glare at Martha one more time.
“Great, please line up.” The staff member instructed.
Dad cared most about ceremony and appearances, and Martha knew it. Despite her twisted expression, she complied with the staff’s direction. Dad and Martha stood at the front. Logan was next, then me.
“Please welcome, Alpha Hank and Luna Martha!” the announcer proclaimed. Everyone cheered as Dad and Martha walked down the red carpet to their seats.
“Future Alpha Logan and his mate Penelope!” The cheers grew louder as they made their exit.
“I hate this part,” I whispered to Ryder. “I don’t like being the center of attention.”
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