Chapter 23
Xena’s POV
The moment I slid into Samuel’s car, I could feel his anger radiating off him like heat from a furnace. His jaw was clenched tight, knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. The atmosphere was so thick with tension I could barely breathe.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, though I already had a pretty good idea of what was bothering him. I could sense his disappointment and frustration, the feeling of being overlooked practically seeping from his pores.
Ama, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward. “Today is Saturday! Club night! If you’re feeling up to it,” she said excitedly, completely oblivious to the tension. Her green eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at me questioningly.
I weighed my options in my mind. On one hand, I desperately needed to relax and forget about all the bullshit in my life. On the other hand, my ribs were still throbbing with a
dull ache. “We’ll see how I feel later,” I replied.
“You’re not seriously considering going out tonight?” Samuel demanded, his tone harsh
enough to make me flinch. His attitude was starting to grate on my nerves.
“I’ve gone dancing with a broken foot before. A few bruised ribs aren’t going to stop me,” I shot back, my voice carrying a.defiant edge.
He didn’t respond, just pressed harder on the gas pedal, speeding all the way back to the
⚫ pack house. Ama glanced between us repeatedly, but wisely kept her mouth shut.
When we arrived, Samuel parked the car and stormed off immediately, slamming the door
hard enough to make the entire vehicle shake. Thankfully, Ama grabbed my dress bag, and
we headed upstairs to my room together.
“What’s up with Samuel?” she asked, carefully hanging up the dress on my closet door.
I sighed, easing myself onto my bed, feeling the dull throb in my ribs. “Apparently he’s caught feelings and can’t handle the fact that we might not be mates. He wants me to revolve around him no matter what.” As I said it, a wave of complicated emotions washed over me–guilt, confusion, and a touch of irritation.
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“He actually said that?” Ama’s mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Not in those exact words, but that was the gist of it. He told me he has feelings now. We
agreed to stop if either of us started getting attached, but he never told me.” I opened my salad container and started eating, hoping the food would distract me from my thoughts.
“We all saw it coming. How did you not notice?” Ama asked, perching on the edge of my
desk.
“Maybe I chose not to see it,” I admitted, feeling a stab of shame. “Being with him was my way of forgetting about Martha. Honestly, I used him as a distraction, which makes me an asshole. My only defense is that he knew from the start. It was just making out, nothing
more.” Guilt washed over me–I never meant to hurt anyone.
“What about Ryder?” Ama raised an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look.
“Nothing. He’s just a player who’s focused on his Alpha training,” I replied, not wanting to tell her about the kiss. That unexpected, electric kiss that still made my heart race
whenever I thought about it.
“Ryder or Samuel?” She held up her hands as if asking me to choose.
“In six days, the Moon God will choose for me,” I evaded, though I couldn’t help wondering: what would it be like if fate paired me with Ryder? That damn guy.
“Blade, Friday is your birthday party. Saturday is your fight. Then next Saturday is the dance,” Ama reminded me, counting off on her fingers.
“That dress I didn’t wear on my birthday, I’ll save it for the dance,” I decided.
“I think you should wear the red one. Let everyone see what they’re missing,” she
suggested with a mischievous smile.
“Martha would ‘love‘ that…” I rolled my eyes. After finishing my salad, I waited for Ama to
finish eating as well.
“Ready to go?” I asked, standing up carefully.
“Yes. I want to ride the motorcycle,” she replied, bouncing on her toes.
“Can you even ride with your ribs?” she asked, concern flashing across her face.
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“Let’s find out.” Ama jumped up excitedly while I stood slowly, feeling my mood lifting…
Until we reached the foyer. Martha was screaming at some poor maid. From what I gathered, she’d missed a spot while vacuuming.
SMACK!
Martha slapped the girl hard enough to send her sprawling to the floor.
“Martha!” I couldn’t stop myself from calling out. At the same time, I reached out through our mind link: Logan, get to the foyer now. Martha just hit the maid.
On my way, he responded immediately.
“Well, look who it is. The pathetic daughter. Have you finished your chores?” Martha sneered, her eyes filled with malice as she slowly walked toward me.
“Leave her alone, Martha.” Logan, Leonard, and William rushed through the front door. Logan’s voice was dangerously low as he positioned himself in front of me. William grabbed Ama and pulled her back, while Leonard did the same with me.
“This isn’t your business. This little bitch needs to be taught a lesson. She can’t keep interfering,” Martha spat, each word dripping with venom meant to pierce my skin.
“You know you can’t hit the staff,” Logan said in that dangerous, calm voice that meant he was barely containing his anger.
“Just wait. He won’t always be around to protect you,” Martha narrowed her eyes at me before muttering something under her breath and walking away.
“Is she always like this?” William asked, still holding Ama’s hand.
“Only with me. I look too much like our mother,” I explained as Leonard released his grip and stepped back.
“Where are you ladies headed?” Leonard asked, changing the subject.
“I have a few appointments at the shop. Ama’s going to help me since my arm still hurts when I lift it,” I said, looking at William. He nodded in understanding.
“Okay. We’ve got a few things to finish up here,” Logan said, his voice softening.
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“I want to go to the club tonight,” Ama announced, looking up at William with fluttering
eyelashes.
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