Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 106

Ryder’s POV

“Let my mother take you to the bathroom to clean up, then you can join the party,” I commanded. Not ideal, but there weren’t many options left.

“Come along, dear. My mother wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulder, and we followed behind them. As they entered the women’s restroom, Xena and I walked into the men’s.

Leonard was washing his hands. His back suddenly straightened as

approached the sinks. “What’s that smell?

Xena and I exchanged puzzled glances. “Blood,” she shrugged. She was about to place her hands under the faucet when suddenly her back slammed against the wall. Her claws and fangs instantly appeared, a threatening growl escaping her throat.

“Damn it, Leonard, what are you doing?” I asked, preparing to intervene.

Leonard ignored Xena’s hand gripping his throat, leaning in to directly scent her palm. That’s when it clicked

“Shit.” Xena retracted her claws and dragged him out of the bathroom.

Without even knocking, she thrust her head into the women’s restroom. My mother looked utterly shocked. “What the hell, Ryder, what are you doing?”

“Bring the girl out,” I said, my voice filled with authority. I watched them exchange confused glances before walking toward us. Logan stood nearby, arms crossed. The commotion we’d caused had already stopped the music, drawing a crowd. Xena stepped forward, shock washing over her face when she saw my hand still firmly gripping Leonard’s throat.

“Ryder?”

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I held up one finger, signaling for her to wait. My mother and the girl emerged, and the moment they saw each other, they both exclaimed, “Mate!” Leonard tried to lunge toward her, but she remained frozen in place. I grabbed her arm and dragged them both

outside.

“Ryder! Wait!” my mother called out, probably concerned about what I was planning to do. Unfortunately, the crowd followed us out.

“Everyone! Get back inside!” I roared in frustration. Everyone except my mother, Xena, Ama, William, Logan, Penelope, and our parents retreated.

“Let me go!” Leonard demanded.

“Shut up,” I growled at him. My authority was enough to make him stop struggling. The girl just stood there. I released her, maintaining several feet of distance between her and Leonard.

“Leonard, listen. She was just attacked by several people. She’s frightened and needs some space,” I tried to explain.

“We’ve already dealt with those people,” Logan stepped forward to say.

Leonard stopped fighting against me. Logan nodded at me, and I released him.

“Leonard is the Beta of the Nightcedar Pack, a member of Logan’s pack. You’ll be safe there. He’ll treat you well,” I told the girl gently

She hesitantly took a few steps toward Leonard. He held out his hand, waiting for her to touch him. Trembling, she stretched out her hand, lightly touching his fingertips before quickly withdrawing.

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Chapter 106.

“What was that?” she asked, looking around in feat.

“The mate bond, Xena stepped forward and said, placing her hand my back..

The girl tried again, extending her entire hand into Leonard’s. She slowly moved closer until her arms were wrapped around him. Leonard gently pulled her into an embrace, holding her tight.

“What’s going on here?” Tatum appeared in the doorway. “Viola?”

“Y–yes, Alpha?” She stepped back. few paces,‘ kneeling before him. had to control myself to keep my claws from extending.

“It appears she’s my Beta’s – Leonard’s – mate,” Logan said through gritted teeth.

Xena’s grip on my hand tightened.

“Is that true?” he asked Viola gently.