Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 158

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Don’t Poke the Luna

Chapter 158

Xena’s POV

“I have my ways to convince you,” William joked, walking over to set up the movie.

“What is it?” I asked Ryder through our mind link, noticing his sudden tension.

He didn’t answer, just handed me his phone. Taking it, I saw an emai displayed on the screen.

“Ryder, I’m requesting a meeting with you tomorrow afternoon to discuss my promotion opportunities within the pack. There are several positions available, and I’d like to apply for them and get your guidance. If 3 PM works for you, please let me know. Love,

Helen

Helen again. She always found ways to get close to Ryder. I shook my head, no longer angry about her tactics, just weary of them.

“How did you respond?” I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Ryder ook the phone back, swiped a few times, then handed it to me again.

“Helen, 3 PM works. Luna Xena and I will both be present. Alpha Ryder”

I nodded in approval. “Why don’t you have your own office?”

“Never really needed one,” Ryder shrugged, lying down behind me. William turned off the lights as the movie began.

“I think we should have our own office. I need somewhere to handle my shop’s accounts, and considering all the new responsibilities I’m taking on, having a space to organize everything would be nice.

“Okay, I’ll look into it,” Ryder wrapped his arm around me, pulling me tightly against him.

The movie started slow, like every horror film. I gradually lost interest and turned over, resting my head against Ryder’s chest. As he gently stroked my back, I closed my eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

“Come on, wake up!” My body was being shaken, but I refused to acknowledge I was awake. In my foggy state, I just wanted to sink back into that peaceful darkness.

“I know you’re awake and can hear me,” Ryder laughed.

“I don’t want to be awake. How did I get here?” I mumbled, my eyelids still too heavy to lift.

“I carried you. You wouldn’t wake up, completely passed out.” The mattress shifted as I felt Ryder stand up.

“Why are you waking me?” I asked irritably, my voice full of annoyance. I hated being dragged from good dreams, especially when I was enjoying comfortable sleep.

We need to go to school.”

“I changed my mind. Let me sleep.” I grabbed the blankets and pulled them over my head. Just as I found a comfortable position, the blankets were viole yanked away from me. Cold air assaulted my body, and I sat up quickly.

“What the hell? I nearly screamed, shocked by the sudden chill.

Rise and shine, sleeping beauty.” Ryder laughed at my expression but turned and walked into the closet.

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Chapter 158

I was angry but had no choice except to get up and shower. However feeling particularly childish, I locked the bathroom door. To my satisfaction, I heard the doorknob rattle, knowing Ryder had noticed the locked door. This small act of defiance gave me a petty sense of revenge, though I knew it was immature.

The hot water felt wonderful and definitely helped wake me up. The warm stream from the showerhead washed away my morning grumpiness. After drying off, I started doing my makeup and hair.

“How much longer are you going to be?” Ryder called through the door, impatience evident in his tone.

I turned on the hairdryer, pretending not to hear him. Eventually, he walked away, and I was able to finish straightening my hair.

When I went to the closet, Ryder hadn’t returned, so I put on a romper and was fastening my sandals when he walked in.

“Hi, I said with a small smile.

“Talking to me again?” Ryder placed a cream cheese bagel in front of me.