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

We'll be there in an hour." Ryder looked at me. "Are

him, and then they left. My legs

to escape this

home. Cancel your

grabbed my appointment book, clutching it tightly to my chest. "I'll handle it

an urgent need to

and watching as

rode my motorcycle back home.

finally made it

my office and finish

were in chaos. I realized

my weakness. Thinking

threatened to fall.

I growled at myself. I glanced out the

I noticed

I needed to focus on

I dialed the first

need to reschedule. Something's come up, and Dad wants me present."

Just let me know what time works." He was a pack

"Thursday at 4?"

"Sounds good. Thanks!"

then." I hung up and

was human, which would

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Chapter 48

"Hello?" He sounded angry.

for today because something's come up, and I won't be at the shop."

I want my customization done as soon as possible. I

in, including Ryder, Benedict, William, and

and I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is