Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

1 tilted my head, giving him an exasperated look. "Are you giving me psychology lesson?"

"Maybe." He shrugged, his eyes teasing. "But it's working, isn't it?"

I didn't respond, just exhaled softly.

Logan patted my shoulder, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Though

I have to say... that throw was badass. Total alpha move. Even if you looked like a crazy woman ready to murder someone.*

"Rude!" I playfully punched his shoulder.

Logan laughed and pulled me into a hug. "You need to focus. Helen as combat training, and you can't fight like a jealous girlfriend. You can beat her easily, but only if you keep your head clear."

"Fine... fine." I said reluctantly. "How are you so good at this? You just found your mate yesterday too?"

to Dad about this stuff more than you have. You've been busy with your shop, never had time to discuss mate dynamics. Plus, we weren't sure

your positions!" Alpha Benedict's

someone was demonstrating moves to Helen. My eyes found my father, standing

gave me one last

Adrenaline began pumping through my veins, excitement building once more. Una prowled within me, baring her fangs. She

at Ryder, smiling at him. Following her gaze, I saw Ryder's eyes fixed only on me. I felt him trying to connect with my mind, but I shut that door firmly. I needed to concentrate, and nothing he could say would help now. This fight was for me. Anyone who dared ambush

rang out, and Helen lunged at

well-she feinted left but attacked from the right. I raised my forearm to block, countering with my left

her momentum to drop down, sweeping my legs

my body in time to land on my hands and knees. Helen immediately pounced, landing a punch to my kidney. We'd practiced this move countless times, and my response was instinctive. I wrapped my arm around her neck and flipped her off me. We rolled together, and she landed a hard punch to the back of my head. I pinned her down and delivered a precise

wanted everyone to know I wasn't done. Helen rolled over and sat up, wobbling

that all you've got?"

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