Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Xena’s POV

“That’s enough, boys,” Benedict stood up to separate them.

“She needs a real alpha male to fight Tatum for her, not a beta,” Ryder said with

conviction.

Samuel looked completely enraged. “You son of a bitch,” he snarled, fist clenched and

ready to strike Ryder.

Logan quickly grabbed Samuel’s arm. “ACE!” my father commanded, “Go cool down!”

Samuel stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Leonard followed him out, but Logan stayed behind.

“That was out of line, man,” Logan said to Ryder, his voice tight with disapproval.

“I didn’t say anything wrong. To defeat an alpha, you need alpha bloodlines. I’m her best option,” Ryder replied confidently.

“Assuming you’re her mate,” my father said, leaning back in his chair.

“Yes, sir,” Ryder said without hesitation.

“You truly believe you are?” my father pressed.

“I’ll know for certain as the week progresses, but for now, yes.” Ryder didn’t even glance in

my direction as he spoke.

I mentally cursed. Damn, why is he making decisions for me?

“The choice is yours, Hank. Mate or not, she’s your daughter,” Benedict shrugged, looking

at my father.

“I’ll assign a warrior to protect her. Too many hormones involved if you boys do it,” my father said firmly. Then he turned to me, “If anything happens, you stay until Friday.”

“Fine,” I reluctantly agreed. Some protection was better than none.

1/4

Chapter 50

“You kids can go. Benedict and I will contact Wiley,” my father dismissed us.

“X?” Ama asked softly, concern evident in her voice.

“I’m fine, sister,” I said, pulling her into a hug.

We walked out arm in arm, with the boys trailing behind us. We settled on the porch

swing while the boys either leaned against the wall or the railing.

“Beautiful day today,” Ama commented, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

“How have you been?” I asked, eager to shift the focus away from myself.

“Everything’s good, but different. Being a future beta female means I have a ton of

responsibilities to learn. I never realized how much there was to do!” she exclaimed.

“You’ll do great. You were born for this kind of thing,” I assured her.

“Thanks. William’s mom has been amazing, but I really miss you,” she said wistfully.

“Aw, I miss you too.”

“Do you think I could come over Friday to help you get ready?” she asked hopefully.

“Absolutely! I still wasn’t sure who was going to help with my hair and makeup,” I said,

relieved. If Ama hadn’t offered, I wouldn’t have asked. Everyone has their own

responsibilities.

“I know. William says it’s fine. He and Ryder will meet me here. I’ll come early so I’ll be sitting with them when you and Logan make your entrance.”

“Not looking forward to that moment,” I sighed.