Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 43

Xena's POV

"Heading to bed?" he asked.

"Yeah, got school tomorrow." I leaned against my doorframe, feeling the exhaustion of the

day settle into my bones.

"Next week's a big one," Dad said, his tone casual but probing. I could tell he was fishing

for something.

"Is there something you want to ask me, Dad?" I questioned directly, too tired for

games.

His hand unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck-a nervous habit he'd had for as long

as I could remember. "Did you find a dress?"

"Yes." I kept my answer short, watching his reaction carefully.

"One that fits the theme?" Damn it...Logan couldn't have sold me out. My mind raced through possibilities, calculating my response.

"I bought two dresses," I said carefully. "One for my birthday and one for the dance." I wasn't lying-not completely anyway.

I waited for his interrogation, but after a pause, he simply said, "Wear whichever one you

before turning

guard. "Weird," I muttered to

the lights and settling into bed, my

ignore it and go to

all terrible Mondays. I hadn't even gotten out of bed yet, and I could already feel the day imploding. Martha would be frantic with

possibility of meeting my mate on Friday. If it turned out

1/3

Chapter 43

thought Samuel would be easy, uncomplicated. But since our last heart-to-heart,

was Ryder. He was an unpredictable variable I wasn't sure I could fully trust. The hottest guy I'd ever laid eyes on, with a kiss that left me breathless. But realistically, he seemed like a player with girls constantly flocking around him. We always argued, our tempers clashing like oil

to normal, but that feeling vanished when I saw

Hope your

6:45. I texted back a quick thanks

message.

is cleared and ready for

message was sent before I went to sleep. I

and took a quick shower. I could skip today entirely, but that

from Martha, so

couldn't be bothered with my hair, so I

This week was supposed to be scorching.

Ama before remembering

to school alone.

my bag and headed out of my

time you woke up," Samuel was

Christ!" My heart leaped into my throat,

"What are you doing