Chapter 13

*****Ryder's POV*****

After Renee and I left college in my car, I saw the clouds change, and I sighed, but I never even wanted to go back there. The only thing I would always get in return was hateful words and insults from Xena.

I saw the look in her eyes when she saw how Renee held me. I couldn't even tell if it was a look of jealousy or disgust. Xena was really the hardest woman I had ever encountered.

Renee in the driver's seat suddenly turned to me with a smile, "Baby, let's go to your house."

I glanced at her, irritation flashing in my eyes as I heard those words from her.

"Don't call me that," I warned and focused my gaze on the windy road.

"I called you baby," she repeated and I scoffed, "Renee, we broke up," I remembered and she just rolled her eyes.

"So what? I see you still have feelings for me." She said shamelessly and I almost hit the brakes in anger.

"Such a bimbo." I heard Jeremy scoff in my head and I hummed in approval.

"Renee, I have better things to think about," I said instead and she just shrugged.

"I'm one of those better things, Ryder, let's go back to your house and I'll give you a good ride after this one." She winked at me as my gaze collided with hers. She ran a hand through my arm on the wheel and I groaned.

"Let go, Renee. You don't want to die, do you?" My words worked magic because she let me go immediately.

She huffed as she adjusted her miniskirt, "You act so cold with me these days and avoid me, but then you suddenly call me over as if to continue our relationship." She nagged and I rolled my eyes.

"How did you even fall for this brat?" Jeremy asked in disdain and I growled at him, "I never fell for her, I only kept her around for fun. Or did you forget who my heart yearns for?"

He sighed before responding, "Of course not, I remember who keeps embarrassing us on a daily basis." He said in anger and I sighed this time.

Xena's actions weren't only affecting me, but also affecting Jeremy. It turns out that each time I felt angry and sad, Jeremy would suffer in anguish too. I pitied him a lot for that.

Being an Alpha wolf, it would be extremely difficult for him to cope.

"Don't worry about me, you make me look weak," Jeremy grumbled and I raised my white flag.

Renee who had been quiet was patiently going through her phone and giggling from time to time.

I glanced at her and just shook my head exhaustedly. She was indeed a bimbo, nothing like my Xena.

And we're back to Xena.

I glanced at the weather as we pulled up before the packhouse and I saw that the sky had darkened even more. I knew it wouldn't be easy for her to go home.

Before I left college, I saw that her car had broken down and she looked worried.

I just had to ignore her and act like I didn't care, but deep down, I was dying to help her.

I saw the hurt that flashed in her eyes when I ignored her, but why would she feel hurt when she asked me to stay away from her in the first place?

I just couldn't understand Xena.

I tossed the car keys to the guard on duty, then made my way into the house as Renee followed behind me.

I ignored everyone as I made my way upstairs to my room. I wasn't in any mood for talks, but knowing Renee, she would not let me have that desired rest.

Once we went into my room, I went to slump on the bed while she tossed her school bag on the sofa.

"Time for some fun!" She announced and pounced on me. She straddled me and leaned in for a kiss which I subconsciously obliged.

A smile broke out on Renee's face as she pulled away to look into my eyes.

"I knew you still loved me." She murmured and leaned in again for another kiss. But this time, I didn't give in.

I moved my face away, in a way of telling her that I wasn't interested in the act anymore, but she didn't get the hint and just continued to pepper open-mouth kisses on my face.

"Gross," Jeremy commented and I almost laughed at that.

Now he found her gross?

"Ryder, I was thinking_" And there we go again.

"Now that you became Alpha, what are your plans on getting a Luna?" She asked and I froze.

I knew exactly where she was heading and I wasn't going to disappoint.

"It has nothing to do with you." I returned and she frowned.

"What do you mean?! We've been together for two years now and we love each other. Everyone loves me, your sis, your parents, and even the pack! I think even your wolf loves me and I'm fit to occupy that position." She said and batted her fake lashes.

"Who says I love this bitch?!" Jeremy yelled and this time, I was so close to laughing.

"That's a pure lie!" Jeremy added in disgust.

"Renee, we might have been a thing in the past and everyone ended up liking you, but I don't see you as my Luna. Besides, I already found my mate." I announced to her hearing and her eyes grew wide.

"What?!" She shrieked and climbed off me.

I shrugged.

"That's a lie, right?" She asked and I chuckled. "Why would I lie to you? Who do you think you are?" I asked mockingly and her face grew grave.

"Who is she?" She asked, steam coming out of her ears.

"As if I would tell." I snorted and tried to get up to my feet, but before I could stand straight, I felt a certain coldness pass through me, followed by a sudden warmth.

I frowned in confusion at this.

"Jeremy, any idea on what just happened?" I asked and he hummed lazily.

"Our mate is sick and shivering."

My eyes widened at those words. Xena hadn't recovered and she was alone. I better go over to her house.

I pushed Renee off my way and ran out of the room.