Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 68

Xena's POV

"You're angry at me? You actually blame me?" I glared at William, my voice tight with barely controlled rage.

William's face flashed with shame, but he didn't back down. I could feel my wolf stirring beneath my skin, responding to the challenge in his posture.

Ryder placed his hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Blade, calm down. Everyone's on edge right now. He almost lost his Alpha."

Blade? That was the first time Ryder had called me that, but it did nothing to soothe the fire of anger and hurt burning inside me.

"He almost lost? But he fucking didn't, did he? Because I saved you! It's not your pack that lost someone! If you need a goddamn tampon to control your emotions, you can dig through my bag, but you'd better get out of my sight!" I turned my head away, refusing to look at William any longer.

William seemed infuriated by my words and was about to retaliate when Logan stood up. "William, you should leave now."

Ryder glared at William, then turned his attention back to me. "X, baby, look at me." He tried to draw my focus away from William. I didn't respond, still keeping my back to them.

I heard Benedict rise and push William out. Ryder wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. His touch felt like a soothing current, seemingly calming the storm raging inside me. But that was only on the surface.

"That's the fastest I've ever seen her wolf settle," Logan muttered.

a hint of pride in his voice,

anymore." Logan sat down in front of me,

"What?" I answered listlessly.

1/3

Chapter 68

"Look at me."

mind consumed by self-blame. "He's right. This is my fault. They wanted me. Ryder got hurt because they were trying to kidnap me." Il

isn't your fault, and Ryder would agree

fault," Ryder

just need to rest. Come on, lie down on the couch." Logan helped me to

eyes and get

jjust numbly complied. Logan stroked my

Ryder's POW

I had already fallen

irritated

Friday to know she

and it matche what I was feeling now. Damn William, he'd made her angrier than Id ever seen. Her ey had

isn't her fault," Logan whispered to

never thought it was." His protectiveness toward he was intense, but

special. I just didn't like