Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 51

Xena's POV

My jaw nearly hit the floor. "What-"

"If Ryder is her mate, it will keep her by his side," Benedict stated with certainty.

"Mate or not, I would lay down my life for justice," Ryder swore solemnly.

"X, please, stay with us?" Ama's voice was soft as she pleaded with me.

My heart raced, and I felt a tightness in my chest.

"I won't force you, but I do think it's what's best for you," Dad said, looking directly into my eyes. I could see the worry there, that deep protective instinct of a father for his

daughter.

"We would be happy to welcome you," Benedict smiled at me.

His smile seemed genuine, but I remained cautious inside. I wasn't used to trusting

outsiders, especially Alphas from other packs. No matter how kind Benedict appeared, he

was still an Alpha, and Alphas always had their own agendas.

"I'll go pack then," I said with a slight edge to my voice as I rose and headed inside.

I expected Ama to follow me, but it was Logan who accompanied me. We walked

in silence to my bedroom until he spoke.

"I'm sorry I can't protect you here," he said.

"I know," I sighed, feeling conflicted. I understood Logan's helplessness, but part of me felt abandoned. Since we were kids, Logan had been my protector, my solid support. Now, I had to leave this safety zone and face a strange environment alone.

"Remember to be polite."

"No shit, Logan," I rolled my eyes, pulling out my black duffel bag and beginning to pack

what I'd need for the week.

My movements were rough, shoving clothes haphazardly into the bag. It was my way of

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Chapter 51

dealing with anxiety-masking my unease with an appearance of carelessness. Going to Benedict's house? With Ryder? And that awful Helen? This was the beginning of a disaster.

"You can skip the formal wear. Dad scheduled your entire day," Logan said. "What about you?" I asked.

"I have a schedule too, but a completely different kind of day," Logan leaned against the wall by the door, grinning smugly.

His smile made me want to laugh, though I felt a pang of bitterness at the same time.

"Do you think Ryder really is my mate?" I asked while selecting shoes, trying to keep my choices simple.

way," he

about Samuel?" The question felt heavy on

about the fight was right. Even if it was

blow."

screwed by fate from the beginning. Maybe Leonard is my mate!"

heartedly.

Logan's face scrunched up

is going to catch something one day," I added with

Dorian is dangerous. He killed his own mate," Logan's tone turned serious.

a chill down my spine. Killing your own mate? That violated the

do that to his own

of?

mate?" I asked

answer.

at least you get a change of scenery

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Chapter 51

was trying to make things look better. I knew that,

"Maybe you can help Ama adjust. Ryder said things

That surprised me. I stopped packing

like her. Ama had always been the type who could find happiness

she keeps forgetting things. Ryder thinks she's homesick."

easy,” Logan walked

in the eyes. "I truly

a good weekend,

concern and hope. Logan was always

the

you, I will," I promised, though my

up

door.

always been the

right,"

aren't you more worried about your mate?"

worried about you. Of course I'm nervous, but I know my path in life." "Damn

better looking and have a better body," Logan's

outside. He handed my bag to

big hug.

you at school tomorrow,

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4:12 pm

Chapter 51

him back tightly, as if my life depended on it. "I love you," I

our

mental link.

times had I wanted to say them out loud, only to be

say it to my face?"

Can't let people know

gave my

dad a hug.

"Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked.

put my bag in the