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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actually said that?" Ama's mouth dropped open

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

us started getting attached, but he never told me." I opened my

all saw it coming. How did you not notice?" Ama

desk.

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

washed over me-l never meant to hurt

raised an eyebrow,

player who's focused on his Alpha training," I replied, not wanting to tell her about the

thought

her hands

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

is your birthday party. Saturday is your fight. Then next Saturday is the dance," Ama reminded me, counting off

dress I didn't wear on my birthday, I'll save it for the dance," I

wear the red one. Let everyone see

I rolled my eyes. After finishing my salad, I waited for

finish eating as well.

I asked, standing up

want to ride the motorcycle," she replied, bouncing on

you even ride with your ribs?" she

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Chapter 23

Ama jumped up excitedly while I stood slowly, feeling my mood

Martha was screaming at some poor maid.

missed a

SMACK!

girl hard enough to

out through our mind link: Logan,

my way,