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.

that way,"

question felt heavy on my

What Ryder said about the fight

blow."

from the beginning. Maybe Leonard

heartedly.

say that," Logan's face scrunched

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

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

sent a chill down my spine.

to

of?

if Ryder isn't my mate?" I asked tentatively, part of me hoping for

answer.

get a change of scenery for

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Chapter 51

things look better. I knew that, but it didn't

you can help Ama adjust. Ryder

stopped packing and looked

well? That didn't sound like her. Ama had always been the type who could find happiness in any environment. If even she was

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

isn't always easy,”

eyes. "I truly believe this is

a

full of concern and hope. Logan was always like

the

promised,

happen," Logan picked up my bag and pulled me toward

door.

always been

usually right," he

about your mate?" The question suddenly burst from my

course I'm nervous, but I know my

body," Logan's comment made me roll

outside. He handed my bag to Ryder, then pulled

big hug.

at school

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4:12 pm

Chapter 51

my life depended on it. "I love you," I said

our

mental link.

tumbled through my mind. How many times had I wanted to say them out loud, only to be stopped by my own

it to my

an image to maintain. Can't let people know I'm

gave my

dad a hug.

"Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked.

Ryder had already put my bag in