Chapter 59
Xena’s POV
“Aren’t you jealous?” William asked Ama.
“I don’t really like it, but you’re a beta, you need to manage the pack. That responsibility includes talking to girls. I know if I say something, you’ll make space for me,” Ama replied, looking into William’s eyes with sincerity.
William pulled Ama close, planting a kiss on her forehead. The tenderness in that simple gesture made my heart ache a little.
“I have to get to school now. Come say goodbye to me,” William said, tickling Ama before playfully smacking her butt as she got up.
“I’ll walk you out,” Ama said, following him. I watched them rush off together, an involuntary smile spreading across my face despite the twinge of longing in my chest.
“I’m glad she’s happy here,” Ryder suddenly said, his deep voice pulling me from my thoughts.
“She’s never smiled like that before,” I replied, standing up to stack our dishes and silverware together.
“Really?” His green eyes studied me with curiosity.
“Yeah.” I gathered our trays and utensils, taking them to the return window. “I can tell you why.”
“Why?” he asked, following me with his own tray.
“William needs to let her do things her way, not his mother’s way. She’s talented, and all he does is diminish her abilities. She feels like her voice isn’t being heard,” I explained, the words flowing naturally as I thought about my best friend.
“She told you that?” Ryder asked as we walked together toward his office.
“I can see it in her,” I answered simply, not elaborating on the years of friendship that had taught me to read Ama like an open book.
He opened his office door for me. I sat at one end of the couch while he took the other. The distance between us felt like an uncrossable chasm, though we were only feet apar
Aren’t you jealous?” he asked suddenly, his green eyes fixed am me with an intensity th made my skin tingle.
II took a deep breath, my heart racing unexpectedly. Was he reilly asking me this? A
mixture of irritation and hurt surged through me.
First of all, you haven’t actually approached me. Secil, were mot mates yet, so I’m ju
a regular girl sitting next to you. This isn’t good. Peunite will think we’re a couple. You s I’m just a business transaction,” I replied, keeping my voice level despite the emotions churning inside me.
Ryder glared at me. “You should know it’s not actually like that.”
“Well, then I’ll just wait for you to parade me around, I said sarcastically, crossing my
arms over my chest.
“The Ice Princess wants a parade?” Ryder chucked, the mickname stinging more than I
wanted to admit.
“No, just to be accepted and needed,” I said softly, a rare moment of vulnerability slippi through my carefully constructed defenses.
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