Chapter 50
Xena’s POV
“That’s enough, boys,” Benedict stood up to separate them.
“She needs a real alpha male to fight Tatum for her, not a beta,” Ryder said with
conviction.
Samuel looked completely enraged. “You son of a bitch,” he snarled, fist clenched and
ready to strike Ryder.
Logan quickly grabbed Samuel’s arm. “ACE!” my father commanded, “Go cool down!”
Samuel stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Leonard followed him out, but Logan stayed behind.
“That was out of line, man,” Logan said to Ryder, his voice tight with disapproval.
“I didn’t say anything wrong. To defeat an alpha, you need alpha bloodlines. I’m her best option,” Ryder replied confidently.
“Assuming you’re her mate,” my father said, leaning back in his chair.
“Yes, sir,” Ryder said without hesitation.
“You truly believe you are?” my father pressed.
“I’ll know for certain as the week progresses, but for now, yes.” Ryder didn’t even glance in
my direction as he spoke.
I mentally cursed. Damn, why is he making decisions for me?
“The choice is yours, Hank. Mate or not, she’s your daughter,” Benedict shrugged, looking
at my father.
“I’ll assign a warrior to protect her. Too many hormones involved if you boys do it,” my father said firmly. Then he turned to me, “If anything happens, you stay until Friday.”
“Fine,” I reluctantly agreed. Some protection was better than none.
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“You kids can go. Benedict and I will contact Wiley,” my father dismissed us.
“X?” Ama asked softly, concern evident in her voice.
“I’m fine, sister,” I said, pulling her into a hug.
We walked out arm in arm, with the boys trailing behind us. We settled on the porch
swing while the boys either leaned against the wall or the railing.
“Beautiful day today,” Ama commented, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
“How have you been?” I asked, eager to shift the focus away from myself.
“Everything’s good, but different. Being a future beta female means I have a ton of
responsibilities to learn. I never realized how much there was to do!” she exclaimed.
“You’ll do great. You were born for this kind of thing,” I assured her.
“Thanks. William’s mom has been amazing, but I really miss you,” she said wistfully.
“Aw, I miss you too.”
“Do you think I could come over Friday to help you get ready?” she asked hopefully.
“Absolutely! I still wasn’t sure who was going to help with my hair and makeup,” I said,
relieved. If Ama hadn’t offered, I wouldn’t have asked. Everyone has their own
responsibilities.
“I know. William says it’s fine. He and Ryder will meet me here. I’ll come early so I’ll be sitting with them when you and Logan make your entrance.”
“Not looking forward to that moment,” I sighed.
“Please tell me you’re wearing that red dress?” Ama asked excitedly.
“I am. Especially after today, I absolutely will,” I said with determination.
That red dress had started as just a whim, but now it was my armor. If I had to face Tatum’s challenge, I’d make sure everyone saw my courage and determination. It was my
way of showing Martha and everyone else that I wouldn’t cower.
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“Speak of the devil,” Ryder muttered, nodding toward the driveway.
Martha was being brought back.
“Are you going to be in trouble?” Ryder asked me, concern evident in his voice.
“No,” Logan answered sharply.
“Not according to Dad, at least,” I added, watching Martha get out of the car.
The bruise on her jaw was becoming more prominent, and there was even a cut on her lip.
“You’ll pay for this, you little bitch…” Martha glared at me as she walked inside.
“Maybe X could stay with me?” Ama suggested, looking between William and Ryder.
“That would definitely be fine, but it depends on what Logan and Alpha Hank think is best,” Ryder answered diplomatically.
“Maybe I could stay here Thursday night?” Ama looked at William hopefully.
He frowned. I guessed he didn’t want to be apart from her for even one night. I had to stifle a laugh. “It’s okay. We’ll figure out a good time. Maybe after things calm down,” I said to Ama with a smile.
“Alright…” Ama conceded, swinging gently on the swing.
“Remember when you made this dent?” Ama touched a dent under the swing.
“Ha, yes!” I laughed.
“So stupid,” Logan sighed, shaking his head.
“What happened?” William asked curiously.
“She was wearing a dress like a princess. Martha forced her to wear it. It was an ugly dress, so we got out the sewing machine and altered it. But the dress was too long, and she tripped on it and fell, catching her chin,” Ama explained.
“It really was a terrible dress,” I said, waving my hand dismissively with a grimace.
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The memory made me smile despite everything. Even under Martha’s torment, Ama, Logan and I still found ways to have fun. Life was simpler then, no mate ceremonies, no pack politics, no life–or–death challenges… how I wished we could go back to those times.
The front door opened, and my father and Benedict walked out.
“It’s not good,” Benedict sighed heavily.
“We all need to stay on high alert,” Dad said, clearly struggling to contain his anger.
“Martha’s back,” Logan pointed out.
“Yes, and she’s angry,” Ama added.
“Is X safe here? I mean, from Martha?” Logan asked.
“Why do you ask?” Dad looked confused.
“Maybe she should stay with Ama for the week. It might put a target on you, but at least
she won’t face Martha’s retaliation,” Benedict suggested, looking at Logan suddenly.
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