Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

I wasn't sure if "shocked" adequately described what I was feeling. Though I understood what she was saying, I couldn't control the sting in my chest. They were preventing Ryder from becoming Alpha simply because Tatum wanted me. My gaze fell on her half-empty cup of tea, the murky brown liquid perfectly mirroring my turbulent emotions.

"What else aren't you telling us, Mother? Ryder asked, his voice firm with an edge of anger I'd never heard before.

"Mind your tone." Luna Kestrel glared back coldly. "The fact is, Tatum wants Xena. Benedict and I are concerned he'll challenge you for her. If you're Alpha and Luna, that challenge might include the position. We don't want him able to challenge for both. If he wants to challenge for Alpha, that's one thing, but if she's Luna..."

Then it would include the entire pack. It felt like a slap across my face. My heart sank to my stomach, a profound sense of guilt encompassing me. My existence had become his weakness, and that knowledge spread through me like poison.

"Anyone can challenge for that position at any time," Ryder's tone hadn't softened. I could feel his anger through our connection, hot and intense.

"Why isn't dad part of this conversation?" I asked, my voice barely audible though my mind was screaming.

"Sometimes your father can be... too aggressive. This conversation wasn't meant to anger either of you, but we did want to be transparent with you both. You deserve at least that much. I'm sorry we're in this situation. My greatest wish is to see you two take over the pack and live happily. We still have a pack to manage and protect. This isn't what I would want for either of you, but we're trying to make the best of the situation. You want to travel, we'll cover the expenses. Please consider it, won't you?" Luna Kestrel stood up. "I'll respect your choice regarding the mating ceremony. We'll need to try on dresses soon. Let me know your decision."

out of the library, gently closing the door behind

his hands on his hips as he began to pace. Each

know?" I asked softly, my voice almost

sure about the travel because we never discussed it, but I told them you'd continue working." Ryder turned to look

sorry."

walked over and knelt in front of me, taking my hands in his, his eyes searching mine. I could feel his sincerity and his pain, but my heart couldn't be calmed. A trapped feeling surrounded

up, stepping around him. She was right, but it still felt like a knife in my back. My brain was a mess as I tried to sort through what I was feeling and how I

along?" I finally said, trying to find

didn't say anything, just rose and opened

to do. Taking the vacation they offered seemed wrong. Though I desperately wanted to look at Ryder, I kept my gaze

the headrest, forcing my emotions to shut down. I didn't want

1/2

Chapter 140

cars parked on the street, Ryder had to park at the end of the block. As soon as he stopped, I opened the

air walked briskly toward my shop,