Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 113

Xena's POV

"Wow!" Ryder dodged my punch with surprising agility.

He grabbed my wrist in one swift motion, pinning me against the wall and kicking the door shut behind us. "That's not very friendly, he murmured, his lips hovering dangerously close to mine, his breath hot on my face, making my heart race. uncontrollably.

His body pressed firmly against mine-damn it, my body was betraying me, the electric currents from our soul bond making my knees weak, stirring a longing deep inside nie that I couldn't explain way.

"Fuck you," I whispered breathlessly, trying to push him away but finding my body responding to his touch, becoming weaker by the second.

"Mmm, I'd be honored." I felt the change in his body, that distinctly male part of him hardening against me. Using every ounce of strength I had, I finally managed to push him away-though my wolf instincts protested loudly at the action.

"I can't believe you!" My voice trembled, anger and betrayal mingling together in a toxic cocktail. "First, I find out you've been having meetings about Viola behind my back, then I walk in on you having a private meeting with Helen! Your father opened the challenge to everyone, but you stormed off this morning without saying a word to me! Did I miss anything else?" By the end, I was practically snarling at him.

Ryder just stood there, infuriatingly sexy, arms crossed over his chest, eyes slightly narrowed as he watched me continue my tirade. His calmness only infuriated me more-why could he stay so composed while I was falling apart like a madwoman?

hummed, which

like a subordinate!" I started pacing the room, trying to expel the fury building inside me, but with each step, I could feel his eyes tracking me. "I told you from the beginning I'd rather be single than treated as less than! Just because I don't regret initiating the challenge, you think you have the right to

At first, I tried to push him away, but it was completely futile. One hand pressed against my waist, the other cupping my face. His thumb moved slightly, as if threatening to grip my throat, and the gesture

"Ready... to listen... now? His hands had moved to my ass. Moving lower, he lifted my

sensation nearly driving me insane. He picked up my other leg, rrying me toward the couch. Setting me down, he trapped me between the sofa and himself. Even if I

to go.

my hands and held them above my head. "Let me

Ryder waited until I met his

explain the betrayal I felt today." I used my

I hated this

because Helen was your girlfriend and you just

1/2

Chapter 113

gripping my wrists while the other cupped my face. His thumb stroked my cheek gently, the tender gesture almost making me forget my anger. "I broke up with her the day she disrespected you at the pizza place. I was never that invested in her. The moment I kissed you at the club, I knew you were my destined mate. I love you, Xena. I'm concerned about your safety. I've never seen you fight, only seen you get hurt over and over again. Every day, you experience physical or emotional pain. I just