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."

the door behind us. We walked hand in hand back to the dining room. Thankfully, they had moved on to

you found a new beta yet?" Alpha Benedict

a conversation about it," Logan sighed, "He needs to adjust his approach

bit."

find your mate tonight," Dad said with a sigh. It wasn't unheard of to become Alpha without a mate, but having one made

pressure is on me

clear out your room?" Logan

I want," I said, thinking of the few

determined to turn it into a guest room as quickly as possible, so anything left behind is getting trashed," Logan warned. The mention of Martha sent a wave of

me gone.

1/3

Chapter 95

finish eating?" I

course. We can't spend too long there, but it's your birthday, so whatever you

could feel Ryder's reluctance to go there, but he

I can keep anything you don't want to take

at it, then stood and walked out of the room to take the call. My eyes followed him, a flicker of doubt crossing

mind if I come?"

fine with it. He just doesn't like Martha,"

looked shocked at

sorry! That just slipped

head, but

so funny?" Ryder asked

answered, taking

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

"What thing?" I asked.