Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 23

Xena's POV

The moment I slid into Samuel's car, I could feel his anger radiating off him like heat from a furnace. His jaw was clenched tight, knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. The atmosphere was so thick with tension I could barely breathe.

"What's wrong?" I asked, though I already had a pretty good idea of what was bothering him. I could sense his disappointment and frustration, the feeling of being overlooked practically seeping from his pores.

Ama, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward. "Today is Saturday! Club night! If you're feeling up to it," she said excitedly, completely oblivious to the tension. Her green eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at me questioningly.

I weighed my options in my mind. On one hand, I desperately needed to relax and forget about all the bullshit in my life. On the other hand, my ribs were still throbbing with a

dull ache. "We'll see how I feel later,” I replied.

"You're not seriously considering going out tonight?" Samuel demanded, his tone harsh

enough to make me flinch. His attitude was starting to grate on my nerves.

"I've gone dancing with a broken foot before. A few bruised ribs aren't going to stop me," I shot back, my voice carrying a.defiant edge.

He didn't respond, just pressed harder on the gas pedal, speeding all the way back to the

⚫ pack house. Ama glanced between us repeatedly, but wisely kept her mouth shut.

When we arrived, Samuel parked the car and stormed off immediately, slamming the door

hard enough to make the entire vehicle shake. Thankfully, Ama grabbed my dress bag, and

we headed upstairs to my room together.

"What's up with Samuel?" she asked, carefully hanging up the dress on my closet door.

I sighed, easing myself onto my bed, feeling the dull throb in my ribs. "Apparently he's caught feelings and can't handle the fact that we might not be mates. He wants me to revolve around him no matter what." As I said it, a wave of complicated emotions washed over me-guilt, confusion, and a touch of irritation.

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Chapter 23

that?" Ama's mouth dropped open in

that was the gist of it. He told me he has feelings

me." I opened my salad container and started eating, hoping the food

all saw it coming. How did you not notice?" Ama asked, perching on the edge

desk.

I chose not to see it," I admitted, feeling a stab of shame. "Being with him was my way of forgetting about Martha. Honestly, I used him as a distraction, which makes me an asshole. My only defense is that

me-l

Ryder?" Ama raised an eyebrow, giving me a knowing

replied, not wanting to tell her about the kiss. That unexpected, electric kiss that

thought

her hands as if asking

choose for me," I evaded, though I couldn't help wondering: what would it be like if fate paired me with

fight. Then next Saturday is the dance," Ama reminded

dress I didn't wear on my birthday, I'll save

the red one. Let everyone see what they're

I rolled my eyes. After finishing my salad,

finish eating as well.

I asked,

I want to ride the motorcycle," she

with your ribs?" she asked, concern flashing

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Chapter 23

jumped up excitedly while I stood slowly,

was screaming at some

gathered, she'd missed

SMACK!

slapped the girl hard enough to send her sprawling to

out. At the same time, I reached out through our

way,