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

an hour." Ryder looked at me. "Are

seemed to satisfy him, and then they left.

lead, and all I wanted was to escape this place and return to the safety

go home. Cancel your appointments," Logan

my appointment book, clutching it tightly

felt such an urgent need to

my bag and watching as I locked

home.

we finally made

my office and finish your work," Dad said

chaos. I realized that I had

and I hated my weakness. Thinking about his lustful gaze,

threatened to fall.

growled at myself. I glanced out the window

grave. I noticed the white strands in his

I needed to focus on my

dialed the first person's number.

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

time works." He was a pack member, so he couldn't

"Thursday at 4?"

"Sounds good. Thanks!"

hung up and called the next person. The situation

was human, which would

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Chapter 48

"Hello?" He sounded angry.

is Xena. I need to reschedule your appointment for today because something's come up, and I won't be at the

my customization done as soon as possible. I have

in, including Ryder,

apologize for the inconvenience, but