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.

quietly, already dreading the

I need to go to the bank to handle some things,"

in confusion, my brow furrowing. "That's Dad's job..." We reached my locker, and

unlocking it.

kept scanning our

at any moment.

that?" I started banging around in my locker,

it,"

finally finished clearing out my locker, and just as I was about to close

hit me like a punch to the gut.

Alpha, aren't

in his eyes broke my heart.

washed over me. Dad's words echoed in my head as I started connecting

he looked at me. Ryder remained vigilant, scanning our surroundings,

1/2

Chapter 159

let's get out of here,”

Ama's locker, I muttered, my voice

about three years ago. Logan and I were in the