Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

"Werewolves having territorial instincts is completely normal. We're naturally possessive about our territory. I'd be more concerned if she wasn't showing any jealousy at all," Benedict interjected, leaning forward in his chair.

I nodded in agreement, turning my attention to William. "William just needs to make you feel included. Like when he's talking with other pack members, pull you into the conversation or ask for your opinion."

William seemed to consider this, his eyes darting briefly to Ama who was watching him with a small smile playing on her lips.

"You could also be a bit more jealous," Ryder joked, nudging Williard with his elbow.

"In your dreams," I rolled my eyes, having already finished my food. The room filled with laughter at my reaction, and we all leaned back in our chairs, relaxed.

Logan glanced at his watch, his expression becoming more serious. "Ready to go get your things? I've got stuff to do today."

“What stuff? It's your birthday too," I said, raising an eyebrow

at

my win.

"Yeah, but I'm a man and the future Alpha. I don't get to enjoy a day off and be pampered like you do," he replied with a hint of sarcasm, though there was no real resentment in his voice.

"Sometimes it's good to be a girl," Ama whispered, holding out her fist. I bumped it with mine, sharing a conspiratorial smile with

her.

said, standing up. Following his lead, we walked

keys from his pocket. "No need. I don't have that much stuff," I replied, mentally cataloging the few belongings I wanted to

smug smile as he unlocked a cherry-red Corvette convertible. "Let's take

the moment. Ryder started the engine, and I positioned myself against the seat back. He slammed on the gas, taking the lead as we pulled out. The feeling of the wind rushing through my hair was exhilarating, freeing in a way I hadn't felt in a long time. By the time we reached our destination, my

a bird's nest!" Logan teased as he pulled

check my hair in the side mirror, but it seemed

had been less than a week, returning

Ryder's posture became noticeably tense. He kept his arm firmly around my waist until we climbed the stairs. Only when we entered my room did he finally

you want to take?" Logan asked, leaning against

I removed two photos from the wall, clutching them tightly. One showed my mother holding me as a baby before she passed away, the other was of Dad, Logan, and me at the park. Dad was hugging us tight, all three of us wearing bright

1/3

Chapter 96

to fix my half and partly y to gather my toiletries Thankfully, I had a bag large enough to fit

wave of melancholy washed over me. These photos were my only connection to the past, especially the one with my mother-I had almost no memories of her, just

a knock sounded

I

her gaze landing directly on Logan. They almost simultaneously whispered "mate," and then Penelope dropped everything she was

when he saw my expression, he moved to my

within their rank or close to

"Yeah?"

Ryder finally understood my

emotions. On one hand, I was genuinely happy that Logan had found his soulmate; on the other hand, as a member