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,"

question

Ryder said about the fight was right. Even if it was

blow."

beginning. Maybe

heartedly.

don't say that," Logan's face scrunched

going to catch something one day," I added

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

sent a chill down my spine. Killing

If Dorian could do that to his own mate, what else

of?

my mate?" I asked tentatively, part

answer.

of scenery for a week," Logan consoled

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Chapter 51

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

heart. "Maybe you can help Ama adjust. Ryder

stopped packing

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

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

but change isn't always easy,” Logan

in the eyes. "I truly believe this is good

a good

and hope. Logan was always

the worst

will," I promised, though my heart was still

will happen," Logan picked up my bag and pulled

door.

always been

right,"

more worried about your mate?"

course I'm nervous, but I know my path in life." "Damn firstborn," I tried

better looking and have a better body," Logan's comment made me roll my

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.

three words tumbled through my mind. How many times had I wanted to say

say it to my

people know I'm

gave my

dad a hug.

"Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked.

Ryder had already put my bag in