Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Xena’s POV

“Alpha Hank.” Alpha Benedict said as he walked into the room.

I tried to stand up, but he placed his hand on my shoulder, gesturing for me to stay seated. “Don’t get up. How are you feeling?”

“She’s fine,” Martha suddenly interjected, answering for me. Everyone looked at her in

confusion, not understanding why she’d speak on my behalf. I chose to ignore her.

The three girls followed in behind Ryder, William, and Ama. Ama walked directly to my

side.

“Are you okay?” she asked softly, crouching beside me.

“Much better. Can you help me braid my hair?” I smiled, stroking her face.

“Of course.” Ama stood up and began working on my hair.

I looked at the three girls–broken nose, missing teeth, black eyes. They looked far worse

than I did, and I felt a small sense of satisfaction at the sight.

“Seems like even three against one wasn’t enough advantage for you,” my father mocked

them.

“First, I want to apologize for their behavior. They will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate,” Alpha Benedict said.

“My daughter has already challenged that one to a duel,” my father stated firmly.

“Stupid girl!” Martha muttered under her breath. Everyone in the room could hear it, and Logan shot her a murderous glare.

“Perhaps you should check on the garden?” My father sensed the tension rising in the room and walked over to Martha, ushering her out.

“The sooner you all realize she’s just trash, the sooner we can be rid of her!” Martha shouted as my father pushed her out.

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Chapter 17

“Go on, the garden needs tending,” my father said wearily.

I was so accustomed to this kind of talk that I didn’t even blink. Years of this had numbed

me to the sting–both Martha’s hatred and my father’s enabling of it.

Ryder and Alpha Benedict looked at me with sympathy. I could almost read their thoughts: “No wonder you hit her.” This pity felt worse than hostility.

“So, shall we set it for next Saturday?” Alpha Benedict asked.

“Perfect,” I said coldly, looking at Helen. She appeared frightened but still had anger smoldering in her eyes.

“And there’s also the matter of this young lady who will be mating with our future Beta.” Alpha Benedict gestured toward Ama as he spoke to my father.

“Ah, yes. Miss Ama Gonzalez. Daughter of our finest warrior. She will be missed,” my father replied with a smile.

“Could we have the young people leave and discuss matters privately?” Alpha Benedict asked.

“Certainly.”

We all stood and walked toward the hallway. As William and Logan escorted the girls to the cells to await punishment; I turned to Ama.

“What are your plans today?” I asked.

“Nothing special, I guess. Maybe moving my things.”