Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 166

Xena’s POV

It took longer than we expected, but we finally finished. The seating chart was complete and emailed to the committee for approval. I’d signed my name to it, which meant it wouldn’t be changed. After multiple calls between both sides, the preparations for the dance were completely set–all that remained was for the vendors to arrive and decorate.

I exhaled deeply, feeling the tension slowly leave my shoulders. This seating chart had consumed so much of my energy, with every detail requiring careful consideration. My muscles ached from hunching over the laptop for hours.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

I glanced at my phone–4:50 PM.

“I’m guessing that’s Nolan,” I said quietly as Ryder walked over to open the door.

“Luna, Alpha Ryder asked me to see you,” Nolan said as William let him in. He shot a nervous glance at Ryder before approaching me, his shoulders hunched like he was trying to make himself smaller.

“Hey, Nolan. Did you bring the sketches?” I asked, keeping my voice calm and friendly to ease his obvious nervousness.

“Y–yes, Luna.” He handed me his sketchbook with trembling hands.

“Why are you so nervous?” I asked while accepting the sketchbook and beginning to flip through it. The drawings weren’t bad, but he needed to work on his shading techniques.

“Being called to the Alpha’s office usually doesn’t mean anything good… Luna.”

Fair point, Nolan. I smiled inwardly.

“These are pretty good. What are your plans for the summer?” I handed the sketchbook back to him.

“Oh, um, not sure. Maybe warrior training by the end of summer.”

“Why don’t you intern with me, improve your skills, and maybe learn some responsibility to help you grow? Most importantly, for decent pay.”

This seemed to surprise him. “M–me? Why?”

“Well, you seem like a good kid. I’ve hired many people who started as troublemakers and are now top of their class with promising careers. I think you have potential to grow and learn under my guidance. Gain some experience, really show Alpha Ryder and the world what you can be when you focus.”

“Yes, Luna.” Nolan gave me a small smile.

“Great, write down your phone number, and I’ll call you when you can start. Hopefully next week.”

Nolan did as I asked. “Thank you, Luna!” He grinned at me, then turned to leave.

He paused at the doorway, hesitantly turning to look at me. “I can… go, right?” he asked awkwardly.

“Yes, you can go,” I replied.

He bolted out, nearly slamming the door behind him..

1/3

Chapter 166

“He’s been through a lot, good kid but difficult,” William remarked with a smile as he sat next to Ama.

“Yeah, when I found Ama, she was a handful too,” I joked. I had to quickly jump up to avoid her swatting at me. I laughed as I moved to the armchair.

My phone dinged, alerting me to an email. Opening it, I saw it was from the school, informing me they needed in–person testing and wanted to schedule for Thursday.

“Guys, we need to take the school exams on Thursday with the teacher present, but we can do it here.”

“No problem,” Ryder shrugged.

I dialed Logan’s number, and it rang three times before he answered

“Hello?”

“Is everything okay?” Something in his voice immediately set off alarm bells in my head.

“I’m a bit busy. What do you need?”

“Oh, call me back when you can talk.” I could sense something off in his tone. I knew my twin’s voice too well, and this wasn’t normal Logan.

“I’ll be at your pack in an hour. We can talk in person.”

“Okay.”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. See you soon.” I hung up.