Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Xena’s POV

“Now that everyone is here…” Alpha Benedict gave Ryder a meaning look. He seemed completely unbothered, just leaning against the wall. “Viola, please come sit in front of me.” He pointed to the achair directly in front of his desk.

She was terrified, her entire body trembling like a leaf in the wind. could feel her fear, like a small rabbit facing a cheetah.

Viola visibly shook as she stood and walked to the chair, sitting down with her head lowered the entire time, not daring to make eye contact with anyone. “Yes, Alpha,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Leonard was staring daggers at her. His eyes looked like he wanted to devour her alive. My god, how did he expect her to let her guard down with him looking at her like that? This was not how a mate should act.

“Leonard, can we talk outside for a moment?” I asked, keeping my tome questioning.

Alpha Benedict and Ryder looked at me in surprise, but Dad and Logan pointed toward the door, signaling him to go out. I didn’t wait to see if he would follow–I knew he would.

As soon as the door closed, I turned on him. “What the hell are you doing, Leonard?”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “My problem? Are you serious?” He laughed incredulously, clearly not expecting my attack.

“Yes, your problem! She’s your mate!” I fired back.

“I know! A mate who’s terrified whenever I touch her! A mate who was raped or at least abused, but won’t tell me anything!” Leonard’s voice was too loud.

“Look at yourself! I wouldn’t tell you anything either! You look like you want to kill her! Your entire aura radiates hostility and fear. She needs love and compassion. All you’re showing is anger. I could tell she was afraid of you after three seconds of interaction!”

“I’ve never touched her!” Leonard roared back.

“Lower your damn voice. You’ve done nothing but terrify her! Think about how you looked in there. Arms crossed, glaring at her as she walked to the chair. Let me guess… because she’s afraid, you’ve lost your temper with her more than once.”

He opened his mouth several times, but nothing came out. Instead, he let out a deep growl that seemed to vibrate the walls of the

hallway.

“This isn’t how I imagined things would be,” he said dejectedly.

“I know. I’m sorry this is your reality, but the girl in that room is terrified. She’s your mate and she shouldn’t be afraid of you too. You need to be her rock, her voice. You need to understand her and control your emotions,” I softened my tone.

“Damn it!” Leonard put his hands on top of his head and stepped back. “X, what am I supposed to do?”

“Patience and understanding. You becoming her mate wasn’t an accident. Trust that the Moon God paired you for a reason. Be the man she needs, and she’ll become the woman you need,” I said gently.

“This is karma for how I used to treat women,” Leonard said with a humorless laugh.

“I mean… I wasn’t going to say it, but…” I wasn’t one to kick someone when they were down, but the thought had crossed my mind.

“Alright, alright. Let’s go back,” Leonard took a deep breath.

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Chapter 115

“Ready?” I asked, grabbing the door handle.

“Yes,” Leonard sighed.