Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Xena’s POV

“Shouldn’t you still be abroad for another year?” Logan asked bluntly.

“I’m back. Received a birthday party invitation.” Tatum answered flippantly.

I silently cursed Martha in my head. Why did she have to send them invitations?

“Heard you’ve already found your mate,” Ryder said.

“Unfortunately, she didn’t qualify. I’m looking for a replacement.” His eyes raked over me like knives, sending chills down my spine. “That’s right.” He licked his lips, looking me up and down, the possessiveness in his gaze making my stomach churn.

“She’s not even 18 yet,” Logan said.

“Neither are you, at least not until Friday. I’ll be waiting to see who challenges me for her.” With that, he stood up, and the three men walked out of my shop. Silas deliberately bumped into William on his way out, and William immediately moved to hit him but was held back by Ryder. They climbed into their sports car and sped away.

I stood frozen, his words echoing in my mind: “challenges me for her.” Fear spread like ice from the soles of my feet through my entire body. What did his return mean? What would happen to my future? A suffocating sensation enveloped me, as if invisible ropes were tightening around me.

“X!” Logan grabbed my shoulders and shook me, pulling me out of my daze. I finally looked up at him.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My tongue felt dry, my nerves taut, my strength seemingly drained. Logan simply pulled me into a hug.

“When the fuck did he come back?” Leonard was furious.

“This isn’t good,” William agreed with a frown.

“Can you guys come over for a meeting?” Logan asked Ryder.

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Chapter 48

“Of course. We’ll be there in an hour.” Ryder looked at me. “Are you okay?”

I could only nod. That seemed to satisfy him, and then they left. My legs felt heavy as lead, and all I wanted was to escape this place and return to the safety of my pack.

“We need to go home. Cancel your appointments,” Logan said.

I grabbed my appointment book, clutching it tightly to my chest. “I’ll handle it at home.”

I’d never felt such an urgent need to return to the pack house.

Logan nodded, picking up my bag and watching as I locked up. I got into Leonard’s car

while Samuel rode my motorcycle back home. The whole process took about 40 minutes

before we finally made it back.

Dad was already waiting at the door. “X, go to my office and finish your work,” Dad said seriously. I nodded and rushed off.

On the way, my thoughts were in chaos. I realized that I had no means to protect myself

when faced with danger, and I hated my weakness. Thinking about his lustful gaze, tears

threatened to fall.

“No, I’m not fucking crying,” I growled at myself. I glanced out the window and saw my