Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 96

Xena’s POV

“Werewolves having territorial instincts is completely normal. We’re naturally possessive about our territory. I’d be more concerned if she wasn’t showing any jealousy at all,” Benedict interjected, leaning forward in his chair.

I nodded in agreement, turning my attention to William. “William just needs to make you feel included. Like when he’s talking with other pack members, pull you into the conversation or ask for your opinion.”

William seemed to consider this, his eyes darting briefly to Ama who was watching him with a small smile playing on her lips.

“You could also be a bit more jealous,” Ryder joked, nudging Williard with his elbow.

“In your dreams,” I rolled my eyes, having already finished my food. The room filled with laughter at my reaction, and we all leaned back in our chairs, relaxed.

Logan glanced at his watch, his expression becoming more serious. “Ready to go get your things? I’ve got stuff to do today.”

“What stuff? It’s your birthday too,” I said, raising an eyebrow

at

my win.

“Yeah, but I’m a man and the future Alpha. I don’t get to enjoy a day off and be pampered like you do,” he replied with a hint of sarcasm, though there was no real resentment in his voice.

“Sometimes it’s good to be a girl,” Ama whispered, holding out her fist. I bumped it with mine, sharing a conspiratorial smile with

her.

“Let’s go,” Ryder said, standing up. Following his lead, we walked toward the parking lot.

“Should I prepare the truck?” Ryder asked, fishing his keys from his pocket.

“No need. I don’t have that much stuff,” I replied, mentally cataloging the few belongings I wanted to bring with me to my new life.

Ryder’s lips curved into a smug smile as he unlocked a cherry–red Corvette convertible. “Let’s take the convertible.”

“Awesome!” I jumped into the passenger seat, ready to enjoy the moment. Ryder started the engine, and I positioned myself against the seat back. He slammed on the gas, taking the lead as we pulled out. The feeling of the wind rushing through my hair was exhilarating, freeing in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. By the time we reached our destination, my hair was a wild, tangled mess.

“That looks like a bird’s nest!” Logan teased as he pulled up beside us.

“Yeah, I’ll fix it later,” I attempted to check my hair in the side mirror, but it seemed beyond salvation at this point

My heart filled with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. Although it had been less than a week, returning to what had once been my home felt strange–both familiar and foreign at the same time.

As we entered the house, Ryder’s posture became noticeably tense. He kept his arm firmly around my waist until we climbed the stairs. Only when we entered my room did he finally relax.

“So what do you want to take?” Logan asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“My sketchbooks, my jewelry box.” I removed two photos from the wall, clutching them tightly. One showed my mother holding me as a baby before she passed away, the other was of Dad, Logan, and me at the park. Dad was hugging us tight, all three of us wearing bright smiles.

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Chapter 96

I placed the photos on the coffee table and walked into the bathroom, partly to fix my half and partly y to gather my toiletries Thankfully, I had a bag large enough to fit everything.

A wave of melancholy washed over me. These photos were my only connection to the past, especially the one with my mother–I had almost no memories of her, just that loving smile in the photograph reminding me that she had once existed,

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” I called out.

The door opened slowly, and Penelope walked in, her gaze landing directly on Logan. They almost simultaneously whispered “mate,” and then Penelope dropped everything she was holding and flung herself into Logan’s arms.

Ryder smiled, but when he saw my expression, he moved to my side What’s wrong?” he asked through our mind link.

“People usually find mates within their rank or close to it,” I responded silently.

“Yeah?”

“Penelope was an orphan when I hired her.” Ryder finally understood my meaning as we watched them passionately embrace.

My heart filled with complicated emotions. On one hand, I was genuinely happy that Logan had found his soulmate; on the other hand, as a member of the family, I couldn’t help but consider the political implications of such a union. A girl matching Ryder’s status couldn’t possibly be an orphan without a story behind it.

Finally, they broke apart. Tears glistened in Penelope’s eyes. “Xena?”