Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 122

Chapter 122

I increased the barbell weight to 250 pounds and ducked under it. It was my turn to do eight squats, and only after I finished did I let her continue with her next set. I could feel my muscles burning, but I had to complete it. Breathing heavily, I racked the barbell and gave her a thumbs up.

She reset the weight to 150 pounds and did another eight squats, looking effortless. However, when she came out, she adjusted my weight to 275 pounds.

“Can you lift this much, Sir Alpha?” She pressed her tongue against her teeth, both flirting and challenging me.

“Easily,” I said. It was indeed slightly more difficult than before, but dared not show any strain. In return, I set her weight to 160 pounds. “Your turn to show off.”

“No problem.” She narrowed her eyes with a “fuck you” smile and bugan her squats. It was obvious she wanted to maintain a poker face throughout, but the involuntary trembling of her thighs gave her away.

“Easy,” she said after exhaling deeply. This stubborn streak inexplicably excited me.

“Good, let’s do some presses,” I said, leading us to the Reverse Hack Squat Machine. We were both approaching our limits, our legs uncontrollably shaking during the last few reps of each set, but neither of us was willing to be the first to admit fatigue.

We went to the free weight area to work on our calves, then each stretched on a yoga mat. When it was all over, Xena’s chest was heaving as she lay on the yoga mat.

“Here,” I walked over and grabbed two bottles of water from the cooler, handing her one.

“Thanks,” she sighed again.

“I was thinking about walking around the pack territory boundary. It would be a good idea for you to come along so you can get familiar with the layout,” I said. Xena met my gaze. We both knew that meant walking several miles.

“Sounds like a good idea,” she said, her eyes blinking slightly, refusing to yield.

“Won’t be too sore?” I asked, trying to give her an out.

“Nope. I could even jog for a bit,” Xena held her head high. I almost wanted to applaud her. It excited me.

“Good idea, let’s go,” I shrugged and smiled softly at her. When we got outside, it was already a damn hot day. I had to slow my pace to let Xena walk beside me as we headed toward the edge of the forest.

After throwing my empty water bottle in the trash, I waited for her to finish hers and do the same. “It’s fucking hot out here,” Xena said, looking up. I noticed the sweat glistening on her skin.

“Yes, it is. Ready?” I raised an eyebrow questioningly. She looked at the forest as if it were her enemy.

“Anytime,” she said. Damn, she was stubborn as hell. But I estimated she’d give in after five miles at most. We started jogging until we reached the wall surrounding our pack.

“This is the boundary. It goes around the entire pack territory,” I said,

“What? No lasers or other protective measures?” Xena bent over, supporting her side. Her breathing was rapid, her cheeks flushed.

“No, just bombs and poison darts,” I said, amused. “Need a break?”

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FTI May

Chapter 122

“No, just admiring this beautiful scenery, Xena straightened up and walked past me.