Xena’s Pov
While she’s been staying with your pack, she’s been kidnapped, shot, and had pictures taken of her without consent My dad words hit Alpha Benedict like a physical blow, leaving him speechless My heart pounded in my chest as I felt the anger and fast resonating through my father’s voice.
“You have one goddamn hour to tell me what youre going to do about this! I want to talk to her right now? Dad’s roat through the phone was so loud it seemed to make the air in the room vibrate.
“I’m here, Dad,” I said firmly making sure my voice was loud enough to project confidence.
“Xena? Is your wolf back?” His tone softened slightly, concern edging in.
“Yes, she is,” I confired, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Good. We’ll make sure they pay for what they did to you.” Dad’s voice was ice cold before he hung up, leaving me with a pit in my stomach. I was worried about my dad’s mental state lately–this whole situation was fucking awful. I needed to talk to him soon.
Ryder’s hand came to rest on my waist, a gesture both protective and possessive. “Warriors, let’s go find that tunnel. Alpha Benedict clearly has some shit he needs to sort out.” The venom in Ryder’s voice was unmistakable as he stared directly at Alpha Benedict before turning to leave the room. I had to jog to keep up with him as all the warriors followed us out of the house. No one spoke, but I could feel their displeasure and irritation rolling off them in waves. The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on.
Ryder marched toward the forest like a man on a mission. I wasn’t even sure he knew where he was going. “Ryder?” I called softly. my voice cutting through the silence.
“What?” he snapped through clenched teeth. I could practically feel the heat of his anger forming a barrier around him.
“Where are you going?” I asked simply. He stopped so suddenly that crashed right into him, bouncing back slightly.
That ignited my own temper. “Fuck!” I shouted at him. “You’re going the wrong fucking way.” I glared at him before turning left and starting to walk away.
“Damn it,” Ryder cursed under his breath. I could feel his regret, but also heard the men trying to hold back their laughter, clearly amused by Ryder’s predicament. The anger felt welcome–I felt my attitude returning, which was a strange relief, like finding a piece of myself again. Still, I didn’t say anything as we approached the area where the tunnel was supposed to be according to the map.
“Alright. Everyone spread out. Look for anything unusual,” Ryder commanded. Everyone immediately obeyed and began moving vegetation with their feet.
“Xena!” I heard William calling my name as he ran to catch up with us.
“Just wake up?” I said with an attitude.
“Damn, I see we’re back to our old self.” I gave him a look that he laughed off before pulling out his phone. “Look.”
William handed me his phone. It showed a Google search of a property. The Darkthorn Mechanic shop was being sold. All operations had been moved to a different location.
I felt Ryder walk up beside me. He was looking over my shoulder, so moved so he could read it too. “FUCKING BULLSHIT!” Ryder growled before punching a tree. It was a small tree that completely snapped in half. I wasn’t sure what to say either. Last night had been a complete waste.
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Chapter 228.
“How did you find this? I asked William. I noticed all the warriors head stopped searching and were watching our exchange…
“Penelope found it. She was doing some digging after Ama got there was hesitant to tell Ama at first, but I figured she’s capable of helping us, so I did.*
“Good,” I nodded, not elaborating further. I knew better than to question Ama’s abilities–1 didn’t want to be protected forever, and neither did she. “What else did they find?‘ I handed him back his phone.
If two 19–year–old girls could find that out, why was Alpha Benedicto off with his information? Voicing that thought would only make the situation worse.
William frowned and flipped through some stuff. He showed the a picture of Gamma Tom laughing at a bar with a man who looked eerily similar to the one Ame
and I had spotted behind the tree in those photos. This image was clearer, and I was now even more convinced it was Penelope’s dad.
My jaw dropped. I couldn’t remember seeing Gamma Tom around here much at all. Occasionally I would see Beta Ulysses and Beta Ophelia, William’s parents, but they usually just made sure the pack ran smoothly.
It wasn’t how my dad operated, but not everyone worked the same way, so I’d never questioned it. I looked over at Ryder, who was struggling to control his rage. I held out the phone for him to see.
“William, get ready,” I warned under my breath, feeling my heart racing in my chest and sweat forming on my palms. The men seemed to understand immediately, shifting into defensive stances, muscles tensed and eyes alert.
watched as Ryder took the phone, then witnessed his eyes rapidly turn black–a sign his wolf was about to take over. My heart sank as I realized the situation was spiraling out of control. He threw William’s phone back to him, and I desperately tried to keep Ryder present.
“Ryder! Look at me!” I grabbed his shoulders and shook him hard, but he seemed completely unaware of my presence, consumed by a terrible rage. I could feel his wolf fighting to take control.
“Luna! Step back!” I heard several men shout.
SLAP!
My palm connected with Ryder’s face with enough force to make him step backward.
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2/2
Don’t Poke the Luna
