Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 233

Xena's POV

Even though I didn't want him to do this, I was beginning to think might be the only way to get him to relinquish control. He was a man spiraling out of control, and that was dangerous. "I understand.

We sat there for a while longer until the sun hung high in the sky. should go check on my men, Ryder sighed.

"I'll go prepare lunch for everyone. I'll mind-link you when it's ready

Ryder stood up and extended his hand for me to take. I accepted it, and he pulled me close for a kiss. "That would be a nice gesture."

'I can't promise anything fancy since I haven't spent time in that kitchen yet, but I'll do my best," I promised as we stepped into the sunlight.

“Nothing special needed. Just enough to keep us going." Ryder released my hand as we had to walk in opposite directions.

"Take care," I called out to him.

"You too."

really hadn't expected Alpha Benedict to still be inside. I hadn't even seen Luna Kestrel today, which was somewhat unusual. Still, not wanting to encounter him, I walked directly to the kitchen without greeting him and closed the

options available for preparation. It must have been recently stocked because it was filled with various ingredients. Finally, I decided on steak. I could slice them, and

step was to take out the cast iron pan and season it with oil and salt. While it heated, I removed the steaks from their packaging and patted them dry. After seasoning both sides, I added some butter to the pan and placed one

to warm, then gathered ingredients for coleslaw. That was

the steaks, using tongs, I moved the steak to sear all sides, then flipped it.

the steak was finished, I wrapped it in foil and placed it in the oven. I continued repeating this process, setting out different options on the table for them

"That smells wonderful."

as I turned around. "Alpha

feel my wolf growling within, warning me to be careful. This man had once treated me like a daughter, but now... now I wasn't sure what

not here to cause trouble." Alpha Benedict waved dismissively, gesturing for me

father just walked into the kitchen, I said

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Chapter 233

my way, Ryder responded, and

to sit down first, bring the steaks out in a moment. I turned to grab oven mitts and removed the steaks from the oven. However, instead of walking toward the dining table, he stood

slightly as I sliced the steaks, feeling Alpha Benedict's