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

that was the gist of it. He told me

attached, but he never told me." I opened my salad container and started eating, hoping the food would distract me from my

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

desk.

forgetting about Martha. Honestly, I used him as a distraction, which makes me

me-l never meant to

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

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

thought about

Samuel?" She held up her hands as

will choose for me," I evaded, though I couldn't help wondering: what

next Saturday is the

on my birthday, I'll

Let everyone see what they're missing," she

my eyes. After finishing my salad, I

finish eating as well.

go?" I asked, standing up

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

you even ride with your ribs?" she asked, concern

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Chapter 23

up excitedly while I stood slowly,

foyer. Martha was screaming at

missed a

SMACK!

the girl hard enough to

calling out. At the same time, I reached out through our mind link:

my way,