Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 48

Xena's POV

"Shouldn't you still be abroad for another year?" Logan asked bluntly.

"I'm back. Received a birthday party invitation." Tatum answered flippantly.

I silently cursed Martha in my head. Why did she have to send them invitations? "Heard you've already found your mate," Ryder said.

"Unfortunately, she didn't qualify. I'm looking for a replacement." His eyes raked over me like knives, sending chills down my spine. "That's right." He licked his lips, looking me up and down, the possessiveness in his gaze making my stomach churn.

"She's not even 18 yet," Logan said.

"Neither are you, at least not until Friday. I'll be waiting to see who challenges me for her.” With that, he stood up, and the three men walked out of my shop. Silas deliberately bumped into William on his way out, and William immediately moved to hit him but was held back by Ryder. They climbed into their sports car and sped away.

I stood frozen, his words echoing in my mind: "challenges me for her." Fear spread like ice from the soles of my feet through my entire body. What did his return mean? What would happen to my future? A suffocating sensation enveloped me, as if invisible ropes were tightening around me.

"X!" Logan grabbed my shoulders and shook me, pulling me out of my daze. I finally looked up at him.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My tongue felt dry, my nerves taut, my

strength seemingly drained. Logan simply pulled me into a hug.

"When the fuck did he come back?" Leonard was furious.

"This isn't good," William agreed with a frown.

"Can you guys come over for a meeting?” Logan asked Ryder.

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Chapter 48

hour."

nod. That seemed to satisfy him, and then they

escape this place and return

home.

grabbed my appointment book, clutching it tightly to my

such an urgent need

watching as I

back home. The whole

finally made it

go to my office and finish your

thoughts were in chaos. I realized that

faced with danger, and I hated my weakness. Thinking about

threatened to fall.

at myself. I glanced out the window

noticed the white

I took a deep breath. I needed to focus on my own tasks

book, I dialed the first person's number.

reschedule. Something's come up, and Dad wants me present." I tried to speak in a normal

alright. Just let me know what time works." He was a pack member, so he couldn't disobey

"Thursday at 4?"

"Sounds good. Thanks!"

see you then." I hung up and called the next

human, which would

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Chapter 48

"Hello?" He sounded angry.

reschedule your appointment for today because something's come up, and I won't be at the shop." My voice had

already paid, and I want my customization done as soon as

everyone else walked in, including Ryder,

apologize for the