Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 14

Xena's POV

"What's Ama short for?" William asked, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Amara," she replied, her voice softer than I'd ever heard it.

“Such a beautiful name." William's fingers brushed lightly against her cheek, and I swear I

could see Ama melting under his touch.

I leaned closer to Ryder and whispered, "Is he always like this?" My movement caused Samuel to snort beside me. I could feel his disapproval radiating through our pack link.

"No, he's acting weird today," Ryder replied, his green eyes studying his friend with

curiosity.

"You think they're mates?" I asked, watching the pair who seemed lost in their own world.

"We'll know soon enough." Ryder showed me his watch. Fifteen minutes until midnight- when Ama would officially turn eighteen and would know for certain if William was her

destined mate.

"Let's dance!" Cindy exclaimed excitedly, already tugging on Leonard's arm. He stood up, allowing her to drag him away. He threw a questioning glance at Samuel and me. "X!

Samuel!"

I shook my head, declining his invitation without looking at Samuel's expression. Leonard frowned slightly before following Cindy into the crowd.

"Don't want to dance?" Logan asked, looking at me curiously.

"I do, but I'm more interested in seeing what happens here." I nodded toward William and Ama, who were still completely absorbed in each other.

"Me too!" Keira bounced excitedly in her seat. "What if we're destined mates? We'll know

soon!"

I felt Logan's discomfort at her words. He tugged at his collar nervously. Ryder leaned

"He doesn't

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Chapter 14

a polite smile but didn't answer.

Luna standards," Ryder nodded in

a bartender approached our table, looking stressed. "Ms. Xena, I'm so sorry to bother you, but we have

it?" I

beer tap system is malfunctioning, and we can't figure out how

minute, I'll be right there." She sighed with relief and

anything you can't do?" Ryder asked suddenly, leaning in

mockingbird," I said, meeting his intense green eyes with a

the cherry from my drink and placed it

feel Ryder's gaze on me, an electric current flowing between us. I wasn't sure why I was flirting

common sense. For a moment, I forgot where we were, forgot that we barely knew each other. I just wanted to know what would happen if I crossed that

interrupted my thoughts. William was staring at Ama intently. "Mate," he said, his voice thick

she echoed softly, and then they were

intensity, but they

said, starting to slide out

you going?"

bar equipment?" I replied, confused by his

with you." Logan sighed, starting to

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Chapter 14

want to dance!" Keira complained, pouting

annoyed.

her. I promise, I'll protect her," Ryder offered, easing the

saving," I muttered irritably as I left the booth. The word 'protect' grated

nerves-I'd never needed anyone to protect

to?" Ryder caught up quickly, grabbing my arm at the first corner and whispering in

I managed to

deceiving me?” The gleam in his

words. My body was gravitating toward him against my better judgment. Deep down, a voice was

me to move closer. There

invisible