Chapter 29
Xena’s POV
Thankfully, Alpha Benedict ignored her provocation.
“I find it quite impressive. You should be proud of yourself. Ryder mentioned you also manage dances, spelling bees, and various activities while taking advanced courses,” he
said.
I stole a glance at Ryder, whose expression remained impassive. My heart quickened
involuntarily, wondering why he’d mentioned these things to his Alpha.
“Yes, sir. I like keeping busy. I honestly wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I had too
much free time,” I offered him a polite smile.
“I can think of a few things you could be doing…” Martha muttered under her breath.
Everyone continued to ignore her, and I inwardly smirked. The woman was insufferable,
but at least everyone had the sense to recognize her jealousy for what it was.
The meal service had been completed. An open–faced roast beef sandwich with mashed
potatoes made my mouth water. Despite the tense atmosphere, my stomach honestly reminded me that I was hungry.
“I heard you’re exceptionally intelligent. Is that true?” Ah, he was probing.
“I appreciate your interest, but I’d prefer if you’d just ask what you really want to know… sir.” I met his eyes, my tone even but firm.
“Xena Harris! So disrespectful!” Martha stood up to scold me.
Alpha Benedict just chuckled. “Calm yourself, Luna Martha. She’s not being disrespectful, just direct. Very well, I wish to know your IQ.”
My insides churned with discomfort and irritation. Always this question, always the number and not the person.
“If you don’t mind, I’d rather not discuss this,” Dad interjected. “I allow Xena to walk her own path. Yes, most rumors are true–she could have skipped to university, but she chose
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Chapter 29
to attend normally to have the same experiences as her peers. I’ve granted her a certain degree of independence because she’s proven herself capable of handling it. That’s all I’m willing to share unless she ultimately mates with someone from your pack.”
The room quieted, and I continued taking small bites of the over–salted gravy. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me.
“I understand and respect that. I would protect her too, if she were mine,” Alpha Benedict
finally responded.
The conversation gradually died down, and I was finally left alone. William and Ama were lost in their own little world. It was hard not to stare at their happiness.
“I’m sorry,” Samuel leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“It’s fine,” I gave him a small smile before turning back to my wine glass. This was dinner, and it was almost 9 PM now; going out did sound fun.
“Hey, Ama,” I said through our mental link. She hadn’t officially transferred packs yet, so
we could still communicate.
“What’s up?”
“I want to dance.”
“Oh?”
“Well, at least have a drink.”
Ama smiled at me, then whispered something in William’s ear. Whatever she said, he agreed with. William whispered in Ryder’s ear.
“Do you kids have something to share?” Alpha Benedict caught on.
“They want to go dancing,” Ryder shrugged.
“Try not to get into fights this time,” Alpha Benedict shook his head. With the Alpha’s blessing, the mood instantly lightened.
“Well, my children won’t be going,” Martha’s sharp voice sliced through the jovial
atmosphere as she stood up.
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“What?” Logan spoke first. “Since when are we your children?”
Oh shit. My heart raced, feeling the tension building in the air.
“Since I started raising you little brats!” Martha shot Logan a venomous look.
“It’s fine. They can go,” Dad didn’t even look up from his plate.
“No! She hasn’t been punished yet!” Martha pointed her finger at me.
My heart sank, feeling a stab in my chest. Did she really hate me that much? Why did she always want to see me suffer?
Logan pulled out my chair, helping me stand. He guided me toward the door. “I’ll look
after her.”
Samuel stood up, and Leonard rose too. Ryder, William, and Ama followed closely behind. Their gesture gave me goosebumps, making me feel infinitely supported and warm.
“No time to change. Get in the car,” Logan opened the door, ushering all of us inside.
“What a horrible stepmother,” William muttered as Logan sped away.
I sat in the back, forcing the guys to sit shoulder to shoulder. The pressure in my chest gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief and subtle excitement. Escaping that place, getting away from Martha and her hostility, felt like freedom.
“Did you say you own that club?” Ryder asked.
“Technically, the club is owned in the pack’s name, but yes, we run it together,” Logan
nodded toward me.
“It’s more his than mine. I’m just the brains that make it operate,” I clarified. Logan had
the club, and I had my motorcycle shop. We each had our own territory, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment.
“Is there anything you two don’t do?” William shook his head in question.
Turning, I gave him a genuine smile. “I can’t pee standing up…”
“Smart ass,” William muttered as Ama burst into laughter.
