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

course. We'll be there in an hour." Ryder looked

only nod. That seemed to satisfy him, and then they left. My

escape this place and return to the safety of

to go home. Cancel

clutching it tightly to my chest. "I'll handle

urgent need to return to

bag and watching as I locked up. I got

Samuel rode my motorcycle back home. The

finally made

waiting at the door. "X, go to my office

in chaos. I realized that I had

and I hated my

threatened to fall.

I growled at myself. I glanced

expression grave. I noticed the white strands in

deep breath. I needed to

dialed the first

and Dad wants me present." I

alright. Just let me know what time works." He

"Thursday at 4?"

"Sounds good. Thanks!"

then." I hung up and called the next

was human, which

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Chapter 48

"Hello?" He sounded angry.

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

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

in, including Ryder, Benedict, William, and

for the inconvenience,