Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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.

to maintain the independence I'd fought so hard for. After everything

Kestrel's perfectly manicured hand waved dismissively in the air. "You misunderstand, Ryder. No, we don't want her to stop her work. Her eyes locked with mine, piercing and direct. "Yes, we did discuss how the shop takes up much of your time that would typically be devoted to duties here. However,

muscles tense in response. Every subtle movement she made sent my nerves jangling

what?" Ryder's voice dropped an octave lower, that dangerous edge appearing

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

"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

stuttered in my chest. Was she saying what I thought she

hy

good time for you two to take a vacation together," she continued. "School ends in two we not go to the beach after graduation? Travel to Italy. Once you take on the roles of Alpha and Luna, you won't

traveling."

do hope you're interested in expanding it, hiring more artists, but as long

before I could

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

Even if none of this had happened, Benedict would still want me to