Chapter 37
Xena’s POV
“Miss Xena! It’s been forever!” The waitress exclaimed the moment I walked into the
restaurant.
“I know, right?” I smiled back at her.
“Come on, I’ve got a table for you.”
“Thanks, Yara!”
“Don’t mention it!” She waved as she walked away. I hated sitting with my back to the door, but it seemed Ryder’s Alpha status required him to take that position. I sighed and
sat down.
“You come here often?” Ryder raised an eyebrow as he looked at me.
“Sometimes.” He tried to hand me a menu, but I shook my head. “I’m a creature of habit. I
like what I like.”
“Alpha Ryder, sir, it’s so nice to see you again. How are you?” A waitress I’d never seen
before placed her hand on his shoulder, completely ignoring my existence. Another girl bedazzled by the Alpha aura.
“Wren,” Ryder’s tone was notably displeased. He moved her hand away and asked, “When did you start working here?”
“I just turned 18, came to visit my grandmother. They’re making me go to some spoiled Alpha brat’s birthday party next Friday. Apparently, I need to find my mate.”
I raised my eyebrows at this. Decided to have a little fun. The mischievous part of me stirred, making me curious to see this girl’s face when she realized the truth.
“Birthday party? I’ve heard about that. Do you know who they are?” I leaned back in my chair, feigning interest in the topic.
Wren finally noticed my existence. She squeezed in next to Ryder, “No idea. I heard there are two of them, twins. A boy and a girl. Apparently, the girl is super smart but quite the
1/3
Chapter 37
bitch. The boy is supposedly hot and a total player.”
That sounded pretty accurate. I thought to myself. It seemed my reputation had spread, albeit somewhat distorted, but the general outline was correct.
“A bitch?” I probed, suddenly interested in how others perceived me.
“Yeah, I heard she beat up some girls in a bathroom. They caught her flirting with their man, and when they asked her to stop, she went ballistic. Total ticking time bomb. Though I heard she’s ugly as sin, so probably doesn’t matter. There was a challenge issued and the one girl said she plans on cheating to win.”
That surprised me. “How do you cheat in a challenge?” I asked, increasingly curious.
Wren continued, “She’s being watched now.”
I glanced at Ryder, noticing his demeanor had changed. But Wren was completely
oblivious to the shift in atmosphere.
“What else have you heard? This is juicy stuff.” I pretended to gossip.
“That’s about it. Oh! I also heard she’s hooking up with the future Beta. Supposedly, he’s been sleeping around behind her back!” Wren made a face like this was some explosive
news.
“Interesting. Where did you get all this information?” I leaned forward, feigning interest.
“I can’t reveal my sources!” Wren said with a laugh.
Yara walked over, looking nervously at me. “Um, Wren?”
“What do you want?” Her tone immediately turned rather nasty.
“Do you know who she is?” Yara whispered, leaning in close.
“Just some wannabe girl with no chance now that I’m back in town!” She fake–smiled at
- me.
I extended my hand, putting on my best bitchy expression. Inside, I was laughing coldly, finally waiting for this moment of revelation. “Hi, I’m Xena. The girl twin and the one with the birthday on Friday. I’m assuming you’re a member of Ryder’s pack, and I think
2/3
Chapter 37
he’ll agree with my request
They’ll want to talk to you.”
–
report to Alpha Benedict’s office first thing tomorrow.
Wren’s face drained of color. She hesitated before extending a trembling hand. “I… I’m really sorry…”
“Save it. I honestly don’t care what you said. Not all of it was true, but I’d really like to order now.”
“I think I’ll take over,” Yara said. Wren walked away with her head down.
“Damn it,” Ryder cursed under his breath.”
“I’m so sorry, Xena!” Yara looked nervous.
“Don’t worry about it. She actually gave us some information,” I reassured her.
“The usual?” Her voice still carried tension.
“Yes, thank you! But lemon tea today.”
“Alright, and you, Alpha Ryder?”
“I’ll have the brisket special. Water is fine.” He was trying to control his anger.
“Coming right up.” Yara walked toward someone I assumed was the manager. She had her hands on her hips, glaring at Wren.
“You have girls everywhere,” I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest, my tone carrying a hint of jealousy I didn’t even recognize. Though I hated to admit it, seeing so many girls fawning over Ryder did bother me internally, even if I kept telling myself it shouldn’t matter.
Chapter Comments
