Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 204

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.“,

+

“Good Let’s go.” Ryder placed his hand at the small of my back, guiding me toward the door.

The pack house was unnervingly 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 heart racing in my chest.

As we approached Alpha Benedict’s office, I could hear his voice through the door. “Why are we here, Ryder?” His tone was already agitated.

Ryder turned his head slightly to look at me, and I stepped forward. Because I wanted everyone here,” I said firmly.

Alpha Benedict 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 authoritative aura expanding slightly. The door closed softly behind us.

Alpha Benedict, Luna Kestrel, William, and Logan were all present. Alpha Benedict had activated the speakerphone; my father was on the line.

“Hey, Xena. Good to hear your voice. How are you holding up?” Dad asked.

“We’ll discuss my condition later, Dad. I’m not here for pleasantries. walked to the front of the room. Ryder moved to the side but stayed close, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes never leaving me.

“Well then, what’s going on?” Dad’s voice revealed his uncertainty about whether he wanted to hear what was coming

“I’ve had enough,” I stated simply, looking directly into Alpha Benedict’s eyes.

“I’ve had enough of being sidelined. I’ve had enough of 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 will go through us. I’m the one with the genius IQ. We won’t be hiding away on some stupid vacation while the packs are in trouble. I will not be the luna who hides when things get tough. Tatum and Wiley need to be eliminated.”

I maintained my expressionless face, my eyes never leaving Alpha Benedict’s as I stated each point. When I stopped speaking, 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 the expressions on William’s, Logan’s, or Ryder’s faces, but I could feel Ryder’s satisfaction radiating from where he stood.

Are you sure that’s what you want?” Alpha Benedict finally asked after a long pause.