Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 28

Xena's POV

A soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts before it opened and closed quickly.

"X, what's going on?" Logan asked, his voice laced with concern.

I buried my face deeper into my pillow, trying to escape reality. My eighteenth birthday was approaching fast, and my mind was a storm of anxiety and fear.

"Why does turning eighteen have to come with so much pressure? I don't want a mate. Mates mean emotional entanglements, and men are basically overgrown babies,” I mumbled into the pillow, frustration evident in my voice. The mere thought of the mating ceremony at my coming-of-age party made my chest tighten, like an invisible hand was squeezing the air from my lungs.

Logan tried to hide the amusement in his voice. "Is this about Ryder? I saw how he looked at you. No wonder Samuel is so pissed."

"Samuel knows our arrangement-no feelings involved. He's the one who broke the rules. I'm just sticking to the plan, so he has no right to be angry with me." The memory of Samuel's disappointed eyes sent a pang through my chest, but it quickly transformed into irritation. "Ryder told me I was just a job to him. That stung. I'm not a fucking task to be completed."

"Who would've thought you'd have relationship problems,” Logan chuckled, lying down beside me. "If it makes you feel any better, neither of them deserves you."

"What do you think will happen?" I didn't need to elaborate-he knew I was talking about our eighteenth birthday ceremony.

"We'll find our mates, and for you, it'll go one of two ways."

I gazed out the window, watching sunlight filter through the curtains, creating dappled patterns on the floor. Two possibilities-either I'd find my destined mate and start a new chapter, or no mate would appear and I'd continue facing this cruel world alone.

"Are you going to break up with Keira before then?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

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Chapter 28

talked about it many times. I told her I'd be attending the party as a single man and

not

she'd enter with her friends so it doesn't look

will be walking in

which, I have

"Oh?"

black, one

the red one. It'll be like a slap in the face to Martha,"

look at him, finally allowing a small smile to

same page."

about it. Just say you

one. I'm saving it for prom."

had control over

downstairs

I have to?" The thought of facing Martha brought

no choice." Logan gave

want to leave this place, I'll miss you,"

see what happens, okay? Promise me you'll talk to me

leave?"

my honesty. The thought of leaving him made my heart clench. For years,

felt like a

change and come

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Chapter 28

"Fine."