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.

1/4

Chapter 48

be there in an hour." Ryder looked

could only nod. That seemed to satisfy him, and

escape this place and return to the safety

home. Cancel your appointments,"

tightly to my chest. "I'll handle

need to return to the pack

watching as I locked up. I

Samuel rode my motorcycle back home. The whole process took about

finally made it

to my office and finish your work," Dad said seriously.

I realized that I had no means to protect

faced with danger, and I hated my weakness. Thinking

threatened to fall.

I'm not fucking crying," I growled at myself. I glanced

expression grave. I noticed

a deep breath. I needed to

dialed the first person's

come up, and Dad wants me present." I tried to

time works." He was a pack member, so

"Thursday at 4?"

"Sounds good. Thanks!"

and called the next person. The situation was

which would be more difficult to

2/4

Chapter 48

"Hello?" He sounded angry.

appointment for today because something's come up,

I've already paid, and I want my customization done as soon as possible. I have a date this

else walked in, including Ryder, Benedict, William,

I apologize for the inconvenience, but