Xena’s POV

“What’s up?” I asked, crossing my arms as I approached him.

Ryder shifted his weight, his green eyes serious. “I wanted to talk to you about Helen.”

Of course. His girlfriend. “What about her?” I kept my voice neutral.

“She’s got a bit of a temper,” Ryder admitted, running a hand through his light blonde hair. “But she’s transferring soon, and I don’t want any problems at school before then.”

I raised an eyebrow. Was this his way of asking me to play nice? After she’d been nothing but hostile?

“As long as she knows her place,” I replied coolly. “If she doesn’t, I’m sure she’ll figure it out quickly.” I didn’t phrase it as a threat, but we both knew it was a promise.

He nodded slightly, his face still indifferent. “Why do they call you ‘Blade’ at school?”

A small smile crossed my lips. “Because I’m sharp. I’m not the warm, friendly type.”

Before Ryder could respond, I sensed a familiar presence behind me. Samuel approached, his grey eyes taking in the scene with quiet assessment.

“Everything okay here?” he asked, his deep voice rumbling with an underlying protective edge.

Ryder’s eyes darted between us, misinterpreting. “Your boyfriend?”

I didn’t bother correcting him. “Not even close,” I replied flatly. “See you tomorrow.”

I turned away, feeling Ryder’s gaze on my back as Samuel and I walked into the crowded restaurant. The sound of his motorcycle roaring to life outside moments later confirmed he’d left.

Logan, Leonard, and Ama still seated at the booth, plates of half-eaten food scattered across the table. Logan’s eyes immediately locked onto mine, the twin connection letting him sense my mood instantly.

“What did he want?” he asked, sliding over to make room.

I shrugged, stealing a fry from his plate. “Just warning me to play nice with his girlfriend Helen.”

Leonard nearly choked on his drink. “What’s the deal with his girlfriend? What happened between you two?”

“She’s a werewolf too. That bitch seems to really care about Ryder,” I said, my voice getting quieter when I mentioned Ryder’s name.

“How did you respond?” Logan asked with concern in his voice, leaning forward.

“I said as long as that bitch knows her place, I won’t start anything,” I replied, wiping my hands with a wet wipe.

“Your reputation should be enough to keep her away,” Ama laughed.

“It’s not my fault I have a reputation,” I said, leaning back in the booth. “One little fight and suddenly I’m the school bad girl.”