Chapter 9

Xena’s POV

My father walked in, his tall frame filling the doorway, and the atmosphere in the shop instantly changed. Both Ryder and William straightened up, William immediately rising to his feet while Ryder carefully set down the paint can he was holding, preparing to stand.

Dad stood there, expressionless, watching them with that imposing stare. William and Ryder hastily extended their hands. Dad slowly reached out, shaking Ryder's hand first.

Ryder's demeanor instantly became respectful. "Ryder Nash, Alpha Benedict's son. Pleasure to meet you, Alpha Hank."

Then Dad shook William's hand. "William Millier, Ryder's future Beta."

Dad waved his hand. "Relax, boys. I'm just here to check on my daughter." He walked over to inspect my work, nodding with approval as he examined the Harley. "Nice work."

"How much longer will you be working tonight?" he asked, turning to me.

I shrugged, wiping my hands on a rag. "Not sure. I've finished the base coat and the main color. Just need to apply the clear coat."

"Good. I brought you dinner." Dad placed a bag on my desk.

"Thanks," I replied, focusing back on my work. The scent of burgers wafted from the bag, making my stomach growl. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

"No need to come to my office later," he added. I looked up, surprised. Really? No punishment?

Dad turned his attention to Ryder and William. "I shouldn't need to tell you boys to be respectful."

"Yes, sir," William replied promptly.

Dad gave a curt nod and left without another word.

I let out the breath I'd been holding, silently relieved to have escaped punishment. Dad must know about the incident with Luna Martha, but he wasn't going to make an issue of it. Maybe he realized she'd struck first, or perhaps he just didn't want to deal with more drama over a minor scuffle. Either way, I felt lighter.

William cleared his throat. "Mind if I order pizza to be delivered here?"

"Sure," I nodded, gesturing to the business cards near the register. "Address is on my card, but go outside to call. Signal's terrible in here."

William grabbed a card and headed outside. The moment the door closed behind him, Ryder turned to me. He reached out, his fingers gently touching my split lip. The unexpected contact startled me, sending a tingling sensation through my body. His green eyes studied me intently.

"Who hit you?" he asked, his voice low.

I pulled back slightly, not wanting to reveal my family drama. "Nothing you need to worry about."

"I've heard rumors," Ryder said carefully. "People say your father hits you."

My jaw dropped. "What? No!" I was genuinely shocked. "My father has NEVER hit me like that. Ever." I said it with such conviction that Ryder seemed to believe me.

"Your mother, then?" he pressed.

"She's not my mother," I corrected him. "My real mother died when I was little."

Concern flashed across his face. "Do you need help?"

I laughed without humor. "I'm fine. My brother and his friends are protection enough."

At the mention of Logan and the others, Ryder's intense gaze finally shifted away. He stood up and walked to the cabinet where I kept supplies, picking up an unopened pack of sandpaper. "Are you with Samuel?" he asked suddenly, his tone serious.

The direct question caught me off guard, but a small thrill ran through me. I decided not to give him a straight answer, wanting to see where this was going. "Like I said, no... but I'm not sure why you care."

He smiled, and damn if that smile didn't do something to my insides. He casually replied, "Just don't want to step on anyone's territory." He opened the sandpaper box and handed me a sheet.

I took it naturally, then countered, "Is Helen your girlfriend?"

He grimaced. "She wants to be. I don't."

Ryder sat down beside me again, his arm brushing against mine. I rolled my eyes. "You seem to let girls hover around you. What's your deal? Different flavor every week?"

His green eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable. "I'm actually very selective about who I date."

"How old are you?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Just turned eighteen last month," he replied.

"Found your mate yet?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"No," he said. "Still looking."

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Are you really looking? You seem busy with training."

"This training is only for a week," he explained. "After that, I'm home for good."

The door jingled as William returned. "Pizza's ordered. What are you two talking about?"

Something seemed to occur to Ryder. "When's your eighteenth birthday?" he asked me.

"Tomorrow, actually," I replied, focusing on my work.

"Happy early birthday," he said with a smile.

"Thanks. I'm still figuring out how to celebrate," I admitted.

Just then, Ama burst through the door, holding up the most revealing pink dress I'd ever seen. "Look what I got you!" she announced dramatically.

Ryder turned to look and burst out laughing. William's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"Absolutely not," I said firmly, glaring at her.

Ama grinned. "Just kidding! That's mine." She pulled out a black dress with a plunging neckline and side cutouts. "This is yours."

I nodded approvingly at the black dress. "That I can work with."

"Where are you ladies wearing these dresses?" William asked, eyebrows raised.

"Clubbing," Ama replied with a mischievous smile.

"I think I'll go tonight after all," I decided suddenly.

Ama looked surprised. "Really? That was easy."

I shrugged. "No punishment, so I'm free."

"Punishment?" William asked, confused. "For what?"

Ama started to say, "For hitting Luna—" before I shot her a warning look.

William's eyes widened. "You hit her? For real?"

"She hit me first," I defended myself.

Ama placed the clothes on the couch and headed to the bathroom. William's phone rang again, and he cursed at the poor signal, stepping outside once more to take the call.

Suddenly, Ryder placed his hand on my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. His thumb traced small circles on my thigh. The contact sent electricity shooting through me. I didn't stop him, but feeling a little defiant, I peeled off my right glove and boldly placed my hand on his chest.

His surprise was evident, but his smile widened. His chest was firmer than I'd expected. He wasn't bulky, but I could feel the lean muscle under my fingertips, his body fat clearly minimal. After a few seconds, I pulled my hand back, knowing it would be awkward if William or Ama caught us.

"Pizza's here!" William announced loudly as he returned, carrying the boxes. He set them down on the table and glanced at the bathroom door with an odd expression.

"What's wrong?" Ryder and I asked almost simultaneously.

William frowned, lowering his voice. "How old is Ama?"

"Eighteen," I answered.

He didn't respond, seeming lost in thought until Ryder nudged his arm. "Dude?"

He snapped back to reality, saying carefully, "I think she's my mate."

Ryder and I exchanged shocked glances.

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"Just a feeling I have," he replied, then looked at Ryder. "Dude, I think we're going out tonight."

Ama emerged from the bathroom, cheerfully announcing she'd brought makeup so we wouldn't need to return to the pack house to get ready.

"Did you tell Logan?" I asked.

"Yep! He said they'll meet us there. Can't exactly ride motorcycles in these dresses," she replied.

"You brought my shoes?" I asked.

"I brought everything, babe," she answered excitedly.

I reached out through my mental link to inform my father about our plans. Dad, we're going out tonight.

Stay close to Logan and be careful, he responded.

Thanks, Dad, I replied before cutting the mental connection. Getting his permission improved my mood considerably.

I turned to Ryder, my voice brighter than before. "The clear coat is done. Now we just need to remove the masking tape and touch up any uneven spots."

"Let me help you," he offered, putting on gloves and looking into my eyes with a smile that made my heart skip a beat.