Don''t Poke the Luna


    Xena''s POV


    I felt Ryder''s hand settle on my back as he leaned forward in his seat his body heat radiating through the thin fabric of my dress. The warmth wasforting, but the tension in his muscles betrayed his unease.


    "Mother, we''ve already discussed this, Ryder''s voice carried that unmistakable note of finality that I''de to recognize when he wouldn''t be swayed.


    I shifted slightly, creating just enough space between us to turn my gaze from him


    to his mother. ''Discussed what exactly?" My eyes darted between them, trying to read the undercurrents of this conversation.


    "That you''ll continue your business and won''t be giving up any of your work," he stated firmly, his eyes never leaving his mother''s


    face.


    Something warm unfurled in my chest. Here he was, defending my right to keep my shop, to maintain the independence I''d fought so hard for. After everything I''d been through, having someone stand up for what mattered to me felt... unfamiliar. Good, but unfamiliar.


    Luna Kestrel''s perfectly manicured hand waved dismissively in the air. "You misunderstand, Ryder. No, we don''t want her to stop her work. Her eyes locked with mine, piercing and direct. "Yes, we did discuss how the shop takes up much of your time that would typically be devoted to duties here. However, Benedict and I have spoken, and we wanted to discuss some things with both of you."


    She paused, shifting in her seat, and I felt my muscles tense in response. Every subtle movement she made sent my nerves jangling Years of living with Martha had taught me to read the smallest signals, to brace for what mighte next.


    "Like what?" Ryder''s voice dropped an octave lower, that dangerous edge appearing that always sent a shiver down my spine.


    His hand pressed more firmly against my back, a silent promise of protection. I leaned into his touch slightly, drawing strength from the connection.


    "Given everything that''s happened, Benedict isn''t ready to step down as Alpha yet.” Luna Kestrel''s words fell heavily into the room. "I know we discussed him stepping down when you found your mate or when you were older. You''ve proven beyond doubt that you''re ready, but with your mate apparently bing a target, perhaps it''s best to wait until things settle down."


    My heart stuttered in my chest. Was she saying what I thought she was saying?


    hy


    "We also think this would be a good time for you two to take a vacation together," she continued. "School ends in two we not go to the beach after graduation? Travel to Italy. Once you take on the roles of Alpha and Luna, you won''t have time for any


    traveling."


    Her gaze shifted to me, softening just slightly. "As for Xena''s shop, we do hope you''re interested in expanding it, hiring more artists, but as long as Luna duties are still fulfilled, you won''t have any interference from us. You''ve proven to us that you can handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously."


    Painnced through my heart, sharp and unexpected. "So I''m the reason Ryder isn''t getting his Alpha position?" The words spilled out before I could stop them, raw and hurt. Logically, I understood what she was saying, but emotionally, it felt like a knife twisting in my gut.


    I didn''t want to be the thing that held him back, that kept him from iming what was rightfully his. A profound sense of guilt began spreading through me like poison.


    Luna Kestrel''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Him getting the alpha title after finding his mate was never set in stone. Even if none of this had happened, Benedict would still want me to train you for months, perhaps years, before he stepped down."


    "Then why tell him he would get the title if you weren''t prepared for it?" I challenged, meeting her gaze steadily. My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn''t help it. After everything we''d been through, this felt like yet another roadblock thrown in our path.


    "Xena, you''re an alpha''s daughter. I''m sure you understand that things change daily? Her perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched slightly. "I believe your father originally nned to step down when Logan turned twenty-five. After Luna Martha''s several public... performances, do you really think he wouldn''t try harder to train Logan to be ready sooner?"


    I was already sitting straight, but her words made my back stiffen even more. I didn''t like her talking about this. It might be true, but that would mean if Dad broke the mate bond, he might lose his mate. Now, he could simply step down, but that wouldn''t get rid of Martha. The possible consequences were too awful to contemte


    "Children, listen." Luna Kestrel''s voice softened, bing almost maternal. "I know this isn''t what you wanted to hear. Xena, I''m thrilled you`re Ryder''s mate. You''ll make an extraordinary luna, and I think you''re a perfect match for my son. She leaned forward, her eyes earnest. "Being alpha and luna is an enormousmitment. We want you to have some fun before you''re tied down by the role. Travel and spend time getting to know each other. Learn each other''s habits and desires. Let Benedict and Hank handle Alpha Wiley. We won''t exclude you-you''ll both be involved in any and all information.


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