Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 138

Don't Poke the Luna

Chapter 139

Xena's POV

I felt Ryder's hand settle on my back as he leaned forward in his seat his body heat radiating through the thin fabric of my dress. The warmth was comforting, but the tension in his muscles betrayed his unease.

"Mother, we've already discussed this, Ryder's voice carried that unmistakable note of finality that I'd come to recognize when he wouldn't be swayed.

I shifted slightly, creating just enough space between us to turn my gaze from him

to his mother. 'Discussed what exactly?" My eyes darted between them, trying to read the undercurrents of this conversation.

"That you'll continue your business and won't be giving up any of your work," he stated firmly, his eyes never leaving his mother's

face.

he was, defending my right to keep my shop, to maintain the independence I'd fought so hard for. After everything I'd been through, having someone stand up for what mattered to me felt...

and direct. "Yes, we did discuss how the shop takes up much of your time that would typically be devoted to duties here. However, Benedict and I have spoken, and we wanted to

response. Every subtle movement she made sent my nerves jangling Years of living

voice dropped an octave lower, that dangerous edge appearing that always sent a

against my back, a silent promise of protection. I leaned into his

Luna Kestrel's words fell heavily into the room. "I know we discussed him stepping down when you found your mate or when you were older. You've proven beyond doubt that you're ready, but with your mate apparently becoming a target, perhaps it's best to

my chest. Was she saying

hy

not go to the beach after graduation? Travel to Italy. Once you take on the

traveling."

to me, softening just slightly. "As for Xena's shop, we do hope you're interested in expanding it, hiring more artists, but as long as Luna duties are still fulfilled, you won't have

sharp and unexpected. "So I'm the reason Ryder isn't getting his Alpha position?" The words spilled out before I could stop them, raw and hurt. Logically, I understood what she was saying,

didn't want to be the thing that held him back, that kept him from claiming what was rightfully his. A profound sense of guilt began spreading through me

if none of this

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