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

on. What Ryder said about the fight

blow."

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

heartedly.

say that," Logan's face

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

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

words sent a chill down my spine. Killing

werewolf instinct. If Dorian could do that to

of?

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

answer.

get a change of scenery for a

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Chapter 51

better. I knew that,

help Ama adjust. Ryder said things aren't going as well as

stopped

her. Ama had always been the type who could

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

change isn't always easy,” Logan walked over and

looking me in the eyes. "I truly believe this is good for

have a good

were full of concern and hope. Logan was always

in the

you, I will," I promised,

Logan picked up my bag and pulled me

door.

always been the

usually right,"

your mate?" The

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

a better body," Logan's comment made me roll my eyes.

He handed my bag

big hug.

you at school

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Chapter 51

him back tightly, as if my life depended on it.

our

mental link.

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

say it to

maintain. Can't let people know I'm

gave my

dad a hug.

"Ready?" Alpha Benedict asked.

put my bag in