Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 86

Xena's POV

The public pool at Ryder's pack territory wasn't anything special, but at least it was free.

An elderly caretaker sat at the entrance, barely glancing up as we walked in. We stored our belongings in the lockers before heading toward the water. The pool wasn't particularly large, but fortunately, it wasn't crowded today. A group of girls clustered in one corner, splashing and laughing among themselves.

At the edge of the pool sat a dark-skinned boy with a makeshift folding table in front of

him. The table displayed neat rows of homemade lemonade and simple

handcrafted bracelets. He wore a faded T-shirt and jean shorts that were slightly too small, with worn-

out sneakers on his feet.

I was curious why they allowed him to set up a stand by the pool. Before I could ask, Ama's voice answered my unspoken question.

"Two years ago, his father was killed in a Rogue attack. His mother died many years before

that, so now he's in the pack's foster care system."

Something about his story resonated with me-perhaps the early loss of his mother, mirroring my own experience. I couldn't help but whisper, "Poor kid. Maybe I could give him a job."

"Nolan's really good at drawing. You should see his work," Ama suggested.

my eyes still

our way, but none approached. A small pang of disappointment hit me. In my father's pack, people always came to greet me. Were they afraid? Nervous? Or did the

some lemonade?" I suggested

what you're doing," Ama winked, climbing out of the

two cups of lemonade, a smile

1/3

Chapter 86

She set the drinks on the poolside table and held up her right wrist

lounge chairs. I took a sip of the lemonade, letting the tart

mate?" The question left my lips before I could stop

She turned to face me, her eyes locking with mine.

her usually playful expression transformed

determined and serious.

never this indecisive. You've always been brave

and what

didn't answer, just gave a slight

make a bet. Loser gives fifty bucks,"

is pointless..."

"Fifty dollars!" she insisted.

be, I let out a resigned

then glanced

to go!"