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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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,"

about Samuel?" The question felt heavy on my

said about the fight was

blow."

the beginning. Maybe Leonard is my

heartedly.

that," Logan's face

catch something

But seriously, Dorian is dangerous. He killed his

sent a chill down my spine. Killing your own mate?

If Dorian could do that to his own

of?

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

answer.

you get a change of scenery for a week," Logan

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Chapter 51

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

"Maybe you can help Ama adjust. Ryder said things aren't going as

stopped

been the type who could

things. Ryder thinks she's

know, but change isn't always easy,” Logan walked over

truly believe this is good for

have a good weekend,

full of concern and hope. Logan was always like this, seeing the

in the

promised, though my

happen," Logan picked up my bag

door.

been

usually right,"

your mate?" The question suddenly

I know my path in

body," Logan's

as we walked outside. He handed my bag

big hug.

you at

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Chapter 51

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

our

mental link.

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

say it to

have an image to maintain. Can't let people know I'm soft inside," I

gave my

dad a hug.

"Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked.

put my bag