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

Ryder said about the fight was right. Even if it

blow."

fate from the beginning. Maybe Leonard

heartedly.

that," Logan's face scrunched

catch something one day," I added

But seriously, Dorian is dangerous. He killed

spine. Killing

could do that to his own mate, what else was

of?

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

answer.

of scenery

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Chapter 51

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

"Maybe you can help Ama adjust.

stopped

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

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

easy,”

"I truly believe this is good

a good weekend,

Logan was always like this, seeing the

the

will," I promised,

Logan picked up my bag and

door.

always been

right,"

more worried about your mate?" The question suddenly burst from

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

a better body,"

walked outside. He handed my bag to Ryder, then pulled me into

big hug.

at school

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4:12 pm

Chapter 51

if my life depended on it.

our

mental link.

my mind. How many times had I wanted to say them

say it to my

to maintain. Can't let people know I'm soft inside," I replied as

gave my

dad a hug.

"Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked.

sir," Ryder had already put my