Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Don't Poke the Luna

Chapter 95

Xena's POV

"No, Ryder, I'm not okay," I said wearily, leaning against the bathroom counter.

"I don't like this situation either. I could have-"

"No, Ryder," 1 cut him off, my voice sharp. "I'm not okay because everyone seems to think they need to keep things from me. I'm a fucking adult now, and the Luna of this pack. Mates shouldn't have secrets. You had no right to hide that from me. We're supposed to be equals! I expected this from them, but not from you."

Ryder took my reprimand with appropriate shame spreading across his features. "You're right. I'm sorry."

I didn't answer. My reflection stared back at me, anger still evident the tightness around my eyes, the slight downward pull of my lips. Ryder moved closer, his hands gently running up and down my arms. He stood behind me, meeting my gaze in the mirror, his eyes filled with apology. "I just wanted to protect,you."

"Some things, you can't protect me from," I replied, feeling my anger begin to recede. Deep down, I understood his intentions, but that didn't make his actions right.

"I know. I'll remember that."

Iturned to face him, and Ryder pulled me into his embrace. "I'm still mad at you," I muttered against his chest, though I could

already feel my anger dissipating like morning mist.

"I know," Ryder said, tilting my face up and placing a gentle kiss on my lips. That kiss felt like a promise, an assurance that he would be honest from now on.

"Ready to go back to brunch?" he asked.

"Yeah."

hand in hand back to the dining room. Thankfully, they had moved on to a different

found a new beta yet?" Alpha Benedict

promote Leonard, but we need to have a conversation about it," Logan

bit."

tonight," Dad said with a sigh. It wasn't unheard of

all the pressure

coming to clear out

said, thinking of the few items that had

as possible, so anything left behind is getting trashed," Logan warned. The mention of Martha sent a wave

me gone.

1/3

Chapter 95

finish eating?" I asked Ryder, already mentally cataloging what

too long there, but it's your birthday, so

but he also didn't want me

with you guys. That way I can keep anything you don't want to take but don't want Martha to throw away, Logan

take the call. My eyes followed him, a flicker of

if I come?" Logan

just doesn't like Martha," I

looked shocked at

sorry! That just slipped

head, but

funny?" Ryder asked as he walked back

answered, taking another bite

to meet us at your pack house. She says we missed

"What thing?" I asked.