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

be there in an hour." Ryder

to satisfy him, and

this place

to go home. Cancel

clutching it tightly to

such an urgent need to return

up my bag and watching as I locked up. I got

rode my motorcycle back home. The whole

we finally

the door. "X, go to my office and finish your work," Dad said seriously.

I realized that I had no means

danger, and I hated my weakness. Thinking

threatened to fall.

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

expression grave. I noticed the white

and I took a deep breath. I needed

I dialed the first

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

what time works." He was a

"Thursday at 4?"

"Sounds good. Thanks!"

up and called the next person. The situation

was human, which would be more

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Chapter 48

"Hello?" He sounded angry.

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

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

in, including Ryder, Benedict, William, and

the inconvenience, but this is unavoidable. Can