Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 159

Xena's POV

*Here! I found these two. Hopefully they'll work!" Luma Kestrel approached me with a warm smile, holding out two duffel bags.

"Perfect! These will come in handy. Our stuff wouldn't fit in just my backpack. I really appreciate it," I said, genuinely grateful for her help.

"Anytime, dear. I need to get going though."

"So do we," Ryder said, practically shoving me toward the door. "Bye I called out, waving to his mother as Ryder nodded curtly and slammed the door behind us.

Our car was already waiting out front. As we drove away, I noticed Ryder's posture becoming increasingly rigid. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel, his eyes taking on an intensity that would make most people cower. I could sense this wasn't just about being late-we weren't even running behind. I placed my hand on Ryder's thigh, the tension in his muscles obvious beneath my fingertips.

Ryder pulled into the school parking lot at exactly 8:30. Logan was waiting by the entrance, his stance alert and watchful.

"Hey, X, Logan said, pulling me into a hug that felt different than usual-heavier somehow, filled with an emotion that immediately set off alarm bells in my head.

"How are you?" I asked, trying to disguise the worry in my voice.

"Had better days." Logan sighed, draping his arm protectively over my shoulders as we walked inside. The gesture reminded me of when we were kids, how he'd always shield me whenever danger lurked nearby.

Penelope?" I asked quietly, already dreading the

I need to go to the bank to handle

brow furrowing. "That's Dad's job..." We reached my locker, and I began

unlocking it.

and Ryder kept scanning our surroundings, like they were

at any moment.

you doing that?" I started banging around in my locker, the uneasiness growing heavier

about it,"

out my locker, and just as

me like a punch to the gut. "You're

Alpha, aren't

in his eyes broke my heart. "It's in

over me. Dad's words echoed in my head as I started connecting the dots. My heart raced, my finger

jaw as he looked at me. Ryder remained vigilant, scanning our surroundings, though occasionally

1/2

Chapter 159

Grab your stuff and let's get out of

still need to go to Ama's locker, I muttered, my

in silence until we reached it. I'd known her combination for years. Opening her locker and clearing it out was easy. But tucked in the corner of the door was a photo. It was all of us from about three years ago. Logan and I were in the middle. Ama stood