Chapter 104
Xena’s POV
“Martha, if you don’t listen to me right now, I will remove you from his pack. That’s a promise! Dad’s voice was low but carried enough authority to make my skin tingle. His eyes were colder than
rage.
ever seen them, his jaw clenched tight with barely controlled
Martha’s expression crumbled instantly, tears welling in her eyes. “Hank, I’m only doing this for you, for the entire pack-
“Enough! Get out of here! Now!” Dad cut off her trembling excuses with brutal efficiency.
Martha nodded vigorously, and for once, she didn’t throw me a hateful glare before leaving. She just kept her head down, wiping tears from her eyes as she hurried out of the hall.
“Perhaps this isn’t the right time. I’ll come back later to invite Ms. Harris for a dance,” Tatum said with that infuriating smile of his. He walked away with casual confidence that made my blood boil.
Dad watched Tatum leave, forcing a tight smile. “X, enjoy your night, he said before heading toward the exit.
I nodded, watching his retreating figure. He seemed older somehow, shoulders slightly more hunched than I remembered.
“That was epic!” Ama rushed over, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.
“I’m not even sure what just happened.” I was genuinely shocked by my own display. The feeling was both foreign and familiar, like something dormant inside me had suddenly awakened.
“That’s your inner Luna blood showing,” William said approvingly as he pulled Ama back to his side. “Your authority was challenged, and your wolf doesn’t like that.”
Ryder immediately wrapped his arm around my waist, and we followed William to his table. Leonard was holding some girl I didn’t recognize, Mike was doing the same, and Logan had just arrived.
“Penelope! Congratulations!” Ama embraced Penelope warmly.
“I still can’t believe it!” Penelope couldn’t stop smiling.
Ryder handed me a drink just as the music changed. The younger crowd started dancing like they were in a
nightclub.
“Now this feels like a party!” Leonard took a sip of his drink, his eyes meeting mine. There was something shadowy in his gaze, something that made my stomach twist uncomfortably. Leonard was usually so carefree, but tonight he seemed unusually somber. I guessed he was thinking about Samuel, and the thought made my own mood darken.
“I have surprise for you,” Ryder whispered in my ear. He led me out of the hall to a tent set up near the playground, where a beautiful arrangement of flowers sat on a separate table next to a large portrait of Samuel
“Thank you,” I said, wrapping my arm around his waist as I gazed at the photo. In that moment, I felt a sharp wave of grief and longing wash over me, followed by a warmth I couldn’t quite explain Ryder always seemed to understand my deepest needs, even ones I hadn’t acknowledged myself.
I still can’t believe he’s gone,” Leonard said, coming up behind us.
“I know. I keep expecting him to walk through the door,” I replied, my voice catching slightly.
“You did good, man,” Leonard extended his hand to Ryder.
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Chapter 104
I can’t imagine what you’re an going through. If there’s anything I can do, just say the word. Ryder gripped Leonard’s hand firmly.
“Thanks, just take care of our girl. She’s like a sister to me.”
“She is special,” Ryder agreed, his eyes filled with tenderness and protectiveness that made my heart skip.
Ten minutes later, we were back in the hall. Ryder sat in his chair with me perched on his lap.
“That dress is amazing,” Penelope complimented me.
“Thanks! It felt right,” I said, taking a sip of my drink and shifting slightly.
“Let’s dance!” Ama said as Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” started playing.
I grabbed her hand and jumped up, letting the music take over as I moved my body, temporarily leaving all my worries behind.
Ryder’s POV
After the girls went to dance, I turned to the guys at the table. “I want Tatum out of here tonight.”
Logan, William, Leonard, and Mike all leaned in. Leonard had sent his date to dance so we could talk.
“What’s the plan?” William asked.
“I don’t fucking care. Xena can’t see him again.” My voice was low and threatening.
“I’ll handle it,” Leonard stood up and walked into the crowd. Logan watched him go
“Your brother good?” I tried to mask just how fucking furious I was.
“He’ll manage,” Logan said confidently.
“There’s been enough drama already,” I finished my drink. I needed another.
“Bring me one too,” Logan drained his glass as well.
but
didn’t stop him.
I knew my expression wasn’t friendly. I only realized how bad it was when everyone started clearing a path for me.
“A–Alpha Ryder? What can I get you, sir?” the bartender stammered.
ns
“Two whiskeys on the rocks and one whiskey with Dr. Pepper.” He nodded and started making them.
“Lovely evening, isn’t it?” Tatum’s playful voice sounded right next to me.
My fists clenched. “What the fuck do you want, Tatum?”
Just one dance.” He handed his glass to another bartender.
“Over my dead body, I said coldly.
“I’m sorry, Alpha Tatum, we’re out of Jameson. Can I offer you some im Beam instead?” the bartender asked respectfully.
‘Fucking bar. Fine.” Tatum slammed his hand on the counter, drawing attention from everyone around the bar.
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Chapter 104
The bottle was already open, though I noticed an unopened bottle of Jameson sitting in the corner of the counter on my side. The bartender poured him a glass and handed it over.
“Good evening, sir, the bartender said as he gave me my drinks, nodding before walking away.
“Careful. People might think we’re enemies,” Tatum took a large gulp of his Jim Beam.
“We’re certainly not friends,” I had to restrain my anger.
“I have a feeling we’ll be spending more time together, Tatum had barely finished speaking when his stomach started to rumble.
“Sounds like you need the bathroom,” I smirked inwardly. Punching him would have been too obvious, and poison would have started a war, but laxatives would keep him in the bathroom.
“What did you do to me?” His eyes widened, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.
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