Don’t Poke the Luna Chapter 106

Ryder’s POV

"She didn't buy it at all," I said to Logan, frustration coursing through my veins. Xena always saw through our schemes.

"I knew she wouldn't believe it easily, but I'm surprised she didn't argue with me about it," Logan sighed, turning toward Alpha Hank. His eyes held a concern I rarely saw from him, which only heightened my unease. "We absolutely cannot let Tatum get near her."

"Agreed. His stunt at the party was nothing short of a direct challenge," Alpha Hank finally showed his true emotions.

"What do you suggest? We can't send warriors to beat him up. They're no match, and Tatum will certainly have his men with him. That would be tantamount to declaring war," my father leaned back in his chair.

"He walked into her shop and demanded Xena customize that piece of junk motorcycle of his," I told everyone in the room, my voice trembling slightly despite my efforts to control it. The memory of him standing close to Xena made my blood boil.

"The fuck he is!" Logan exploded, slamming his fist on the table as he rose to his feet.

"I agree, she absolutely cannot accept his appointment. This whole mess started because of that," Hank's voice was firm.

"I think we need to call Alpha Wiley and discuss this matter concerning her. That's a starting point," my father sighed. "This way we can lay the groundwork."

"Call him now," I said, perhaps too forcefully. My father gave me a warning look, signaling me to calm down, but Logan spoke up.

"I agree. I want to hear this call." Logan stated firmly, looking toward Alpha Hank. Alpha Hank gave a slight nod.

My father sighed and picked up the phone. "Put it on speaker," I added as he dialed, my heart racing.

Ring!

Another ring!

"Alpha Benedict. Surprised to get your call." Alpha Wiley's voice echoed through the room, his superior tone making my blood boil.

"I believe a conversation between us is necessary," my father said in an authoritative, professional tone. I knew he was controlling his anger. "Some matters have come to my attention that I find deeply concerning. I hope we can find a solution."

"What issues?" Alpha Wiley sounded bored, as if our concerns were trivial, his arrogance making me clench my fists.

"Xena Harris."

"Ah, yes. My son has told me quite a lot about her." This made my heart race, my chest tightening painfully.

"That's precisely the problem. She is mated and marked to my son. She has no interest in your son, and I'm calling to demand that he stay away from her. He is not to enter her shop or speak to her for any reason," my father's voice was calm but resolute.

Alpha Wiley laughed dismissively. "Alpha Benedict, they only crossed paths by chance a few days ago. He's spoken to her a total of twice. If his influence on her already has you intervening, I must question: why would that be? Perhaps he has indeed affected her emotionally?"

This motherfucking asshole I cursed inwardly.

"I assure you, that's not the case. She actually finds him repulsive, and his little trick at the party last night was equally disgusting. I don't think I need to tell you that what your pack members did to Viola was seriously crossing the line."

"Alpha Benedict, boys will be boys. Viola is now with Alpha Hank's pack, so I see no reason to discuss Viola further. As for Xena, my son is a young man who saw someone he was interested in. You can't tell me Ryder or Logan have never flirted with girls. Logan's gamma, Leonard is it? Isn't he something of a... what do the kids call it... player? I'm surprised he would want to mate with Viola!"

I could feel Logan also suppressing his rage, his breathing becoming rapid.

"Alpha Wiley, listen carefully, Tatum needs to stay away from Xena, or next time there won't be a polite conversation," my father's voice grew low and dangerous, carrying an unmistakable threat.

"Is that a threat?" Alpha Wiley's voice deepened.

"Take it however you want, but I'm protecting the future of my pack, and I will not take lightly to harassment of our future Luna."

"May the strongest prevail." Alpha Wiley said dangerously before hanging up.

"Fuck!" My anger finally erupted as I drove my fist through the wall.

"Our next move must be a clear statement," Logan was shaking with anger.

"Xena can't move around without guards," I said with a dark tone.

"Agreed. She may not like it, but she has no choice," Alpha Hank nodded, speaking slowly. Martha made no effort to hide as she rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to say something, but wisely closed it after a look from her mate.

"Fine. You can go home now. Alpha Hank, I'll call you in a few hours with the specific location." My father stood and extended his hand to Hank.

"Sounds good." Hank took my father's hand.

I walked over to open the door for them. Alpha Hank walked out, followed by Leonard, but Logan stopped in front of me.

"Protect my sister," it wasn't exactly a threat, but it carried threatening undertones. Still, I understood his position.

"With my life," I answered quietly.

I walked with Logan to the kitchen. As we approached the door, I could hear laughter coming from inside. My mother's voice was the loudest, but I could still distinguish Xena's laughter. Something inside me relaxed slightly.

My gaze fell on them, all gathered around the table. Even Viola was smiling as my mother and Xena told stories. Penelope was shaking her head, her face flushed.

"Ladies," I announced our arrival. I noticed Viola immediately shut up, her expression falling. I kissed the top of Xena's head before sitting beside them. "What's so funny in here?"

"I was telling them about the time Penelope face-planted at the school carnival," Xena smiled at me.

Her smile is like sunshine, dispersing the darkness inside me. Every time I see her smile at me, I fall in love with her all over again.

"That must have been entertaining," I agreed.

Logan sat next to Penelope. "I remember that!" Penelope blushed and turned away from him.

"Did you get the information you needed?" I asked Xena.

"Yes. The cabinets and flooring will be installed tomorrow. Sounds like they still need more paint work done, so I'm heading over there to do that now."

Alarm bells rang in my head. Let her go out alone? In this situation? Absolutely not.

I glanced at Logan. He frowned. "I can get some people to do that. I was thinking maybe we could have a day just for you and me."

Xena's body stiffened, and she looked at me. Her eyes knew something was off. "Is that so?"

"Yeah, maybe put some new loungers on the balcony." I teased her. It worked; her skin turned red.

"Oh my god. Well, thanks for coming over today!" Xena changed the subject, looking at the others.

Leonard stood in the doorway, watching us. Logan stood up, pulling Penelope's hand to help her up.

"It was delightful! I'll keep in touch. Everything for the dance is pretty much ready. I called yesterday to confirm everything," Penelope said, and Viola stood as well.

"Fantastic. You're really irreplaceable," Xena sighed, knowing she was losing an excellent assistant. Honestly, from what I'd seen, she would make an excellent luna. However, Xena would still be the best.

"I know. I'm amazing!" Penelope gave her biggest smile.

"My little girl is all grown up," Xena pretended to cry.

"Alright then," Logan rolled his eyes, pulling Penelope along.

"Bye, brother!" Xena called after Logan.

"Let me know, Ryder," Logan said, nodding to Xena.

Viola raised her hand in a stilted, uncertain gesture that barely resembled a wave. "Thank you, L-Luna Kestrel and Luna Xena." She managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You have my phone number. Call me anytime," Xena gave her a smile.

Viola turned toward Leonard. He didn't move, his arms crossed over his chest. Viola looked back at Xena, then turned back and tremblingly placed her hand on one of Leonard's arms. His eyes flickered to her hand, then up to her eyes. His body visibly relaxed as he uncrossed his arms, and Viola slid her hand into his. They walked out together.