Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 7

Xena's POV

I hadn't noticed how crowded the campus had become. The first bell rang, letting us know we had five minutes to get to class.

Samuel frowned as we both stood up to head inside. I felt someone watching me and turned to see Ryder staring at me from across the quad. Helen was practically glued to his side. I wanted to smack that smug look off her face, but I turned and headed to class instead.

The morning dragged by slowly. The teachers' lectures were mind-numbingly boring. I was taking all advanced classes, which actually required me to pay attention, but I couldn't focus.

My last class before lunch was Advanced Calculus. The door opened, and Ryder walked in with another guy I didn't recognize. Ryder scanned the room, spotted me, and sat on the opposite side. His sexy friend sat next to him. I was in the back row-I couldn't concentrate in the front. Not knowing what was happening behind me made me anxious, so I always sat in the back.

Occasionally, I'd feel his gaze on me, but I tried to focus. The teacher was reviewing last semester's material, so I pulled out my sketchpad and continued working on my phoenix design. Most people didn't know my IQ was off the charts. Three years ago, I tested out of high school, but I didn't want to be a freak, so I chose to stay and go year by year.

All the teachers knew, which is why they never called on me or worried when I skipped. Not to mention they were all werewolves who knew exactly who I was. Dad and the other alphas had ordered them not to tell anyone about my intelligence. It wasn't something I wanted to share anyway.

When the bell finally rang, the teacher called out, "Miss Harris, could you come here for a moment?"

Everyone left except Ryder and his friend. "Hello, Ms. Johnson. I'm Ryder, and this is William. I wanted to introduce myself," he said smoothly.

"Ah yes, Alpha Benedict's son?" she looked at him.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied.

"Pleasure to meet you. I should mention that even Alpha's sons aren't exempt from homework," she said, giving him a stern look. I stood awkwardly to the side.

he said, clearly

can I count on you again this year?" she asked,

the smug smile that crossed my face. "Yes, ma'am. Looking forward

email you the

said

Ryder jogged to catch up with me. "Xena, this is William.

is Alpha Hank's

meet you," he

an eyebrow at his professionalism. "Likewise. If

leave. My stomach was

for this afternoon?" Ryder called

looking back. I could feel

quickly grabbed my tray, scanning the cafeteria for familiar faces. Like always, each group had claimed their territory, wolves sitting with their

from our usual spot. I made my way over, ignoring the whispers that followed me. My reputation had a

lip doesn't look too bad," Ama commented as I slid

flashed with sympathy, but she knew better than to push the subject. Being surrounded by

protection, but there

talk to Dad?" Logan asked, his

The bland cafeteria food tasted like cardboard in my mouth,

her blonde curls

another bite, forcing myself to eat despite

tasks waiting for me-homework, the shop, designs for Ryder's bike. I barely registered the conversation

you going to the club with us tomorrow?” he asked, his gray eyes

we