Don’t Poke the Luna Chapter 94

Xena’s POV

"I know, babe." Ryder gently stroked my back, his touch both tender and soothing.

"How many terms of endearment are you going to try?" I asked, the corner of my mouth lifting slightly.

"None of them feel quite right for you," Ryder murmured, his eyes shining with concentration.

"Finally, let's welcome Xena and her mate, the future Alpha of the Boneash Pack, Ryder Nash!"

At the announcer's introduction, Ryder and I stepped out to the loudest cheers of the evening. Blinding lights illuminated us as we waved and walked down the red carpet. I could clearly hear the whispers about my dress rippling through the crowd.

"That dress!"

"So beautiful!"

"Oh my god! I love her gown!"

"It's a 'fuck you' work of art."

The last comment made me laugh internally. Yes, that was exactly the effect I'd wanted. I'd chosen to make a statement on this important night, letting them all see a confident, powerful future Luna.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest, a mix of nerves and excitement. We continued down the red carpet, with Dad and Martha seated in the middle, Logan and Penelope moving to the left, while Ryder and I moved to the right.

Finally, I could see the entire room. Other ranked wolves sat in the front rows. Far on the right side was Tatum with his high-ranking wolves. His gaze pierced me like a dagger, and when our eyes met, a chill ran down my spine. I quickly looked away, focusing on the announcer's instruction.

"Dinner will now be served. Please enjoy."

At the command, everyone sat down, and servers emerged with food. Ryder helped me into my seat before sitting down himself. Thank God my father was seated next to me; his presence provided some comfort.

"What would you like to drink, Luna Xena?" I recognized him as a member of my father's pack.

"Dr. Pepper with whiskey, please."

"And for you, Alpha Ryder?"

"Whiskey on the rocks."

"Thank you," I said, watching as he turned to my father.

The server placed down a plate of smoked turkey, roasted asparagus, and a generous heap of creamy mashed potatoes. The aroma of all the food wafted up, making my mouth water.

"Looks good," Ryder said quietly to me.

"It really does," I agreed, taking a bite of turkey. The rich juices flowed down my throat, making me hum with satisfaction.

"Please don't make those moaning sounds or I'll lose control," Ryder whispered in my ear, his voice so low no one else could hear.

"I'll save it for later," I shot back, taking another bite.

"You're such a—" Ryder was about to say when our drinks arrived.

"Thank you." I took a sip, feeling the alcohol slide smoothly down my throat. Way too easy to drink.

A photographer came by to take pictures of us as a couple, then moved on. Throughout, people kept coming up either wishing me happy birthday or congratulating us on our mating. By the time my plate was half empty, I was just pushing food around. Next came the cake cutting and first dance, but what I really looked forward to was the party afterward, when the DJ would really turn it up.

Ryder leaned back in his chair, draping his arm over mine and crossing his ankle over his knee. When I leaned back too, he pulled my chair closer.

"What would help you relax?" Ryder asked through our mind link.

I grabbed the whiskey and took a large swig, the heat of the alcohol helping me unwind slightly. "Not sitting here would be good."

"Young lady! Sit up straight at the dinner table and show some manners!" Martha hissed across my father, her controlling nature making me mentally roll my eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to cut the cake!" Logan stood up announcing.

He gave Martha a smile that infuriated her even more, then came around to me. I let Ryder hold my drink as I accepted Logan's outstretched hand. We walked over to the cake table. Logan picked up the knife and handed it to me. I shook my head, so he began cutting.

He cut a small piece. But when he pulled out the cake, I saw it was lemon flavored. I absolutely hate lemon cake. Taking a deep breath, I decided not to make a scene. Logan frowned, looking toward Dad. Following his gaze, I saw Martha sporting a bright smile. This was clearly her little trick to create a small disappointment on my birthday.

"I almost forgot!" Dad suddenly said loudly. He held up a finger and ran off the stage. Logan and I were both confused until Dad came back with a smaller all-chocolate cake with big digits representing my age.

"This is my last chance to spoil my little girl!" Dad joked, and the whole tent laughed. Martha wore a half-smile, but her eyes were filled with rage.

My heart warmed at Dad's gesture. He still remembered my preferences, how much I loved chocolate and hated lemon. This is what family means, isn't it? I snuck a glance at Ryder, whose small smile told me he completely understood what this moment meant to me.

Under Martha's glare, I felt a sense of triumph.

"Enjoy," Dad kissed my forehead and gave me a hug. Logan cut me a piece and handed it over. We each took a bite, and the room erupted in applause. Everyone returned to their conversations, and as Logan was about to lead me to the dance floor, someone intercepted us.

"Happy birthday!" Tatum's voice made me instinctively step back. Logan immediately pulled me close.

"Ryder!" I called through our mind link. He didn't respond, but I could feel his anger.

I took a deep breath, trying to remain composed. What was coming was inevitable.

"Thank you. We appreciate your attendance tonight," Logan said with forced friendliness.

"It's my pleasure. I was hoping to share a dance with you, Ms. Harris."

I felt Ryder's arm circle my waist. His touch instantly calmed me.

"Thank you for the offer. I'll be having my first dance with my mate, Alpha Ryder, but I'm sure we'll have a chance to speak later," I said, taking Ryder's hand.

"Hmm, yes." Tatum didn't seem angry; he dismissed it easily. His gaze lingered on my mark, but as the music started, we walked away.

In the center of the dance floor, Ryder held me tight against him, my arms wrapped around him.

"I'm going to kill him," Ryder muttered, his eyes scanning the room.

I pulled his head down to mine, resting our foreheads together. "We play this smart. This is our territory. Now, let's dance."

I don't want anyone to ruin this night, especially someone like Tatum. Tonight belongs to us, only us. My heart beat in rhythm with the music and Ryder's breathing.

"Anything for you," Ryder hummed contentedly as my thumb stroked his neck.

"You look damn good tonight," I said, fingers twirling his tie to pull him closer.

"You look quite delicious yourself."

"This dress needs to survive the night. I want to wear it again."

"No promises." Ryder's hand rested lightly on my hip.

"Ryder?" Butterflies danced in my stomach. Remembering my conversation with Ama, I decided to make a change.

"Yes?"

Looking into his eyes, "I love you," I said as sincerely as possible.

Three simple words, yet they carried all my feelings. I never thought I'd become so dependent on someone, need someone's presence so much. This feeling came suddenly, yet it felt like destiny.

His eyes searched mine. His surprise quickly transformed into happiness.

"You have no idea how much I love you," Ryder placed the sweetest kiss on my lips.

Suddenly, someone forcefully tapped Ryder's shoulder. We broke the kiss and turned. Martha stood there with Tatum beside her.

I felt anger building in my chest, but I forced myself to remain calm.

"I told Tatum he could have the first dance with you," Martha stated.

"That wasn't your promise to make," I said bluntly. "I'll dance with him later."

"You selfish slut, why do you only think about yourself? Think about the pack, think about your father!" Martha's angry voice came through the mind link.

"This isn't your business, I'll handle it," I snapped back, not bothering to use the mind link.

"How dare you!" Martha grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from Ryder.

Before I could react, Ryder slapped Martha's hand away and pulled me behind him.

"I suggest you walk away, or you won't like what happens next," Ryder threatened openly.

"Martha, you're making a scene," my father growled, approaching us.

"I'm sick of this bitch acting like she can do whatever she wants!" Martha's tone was sharp, her voice rising.

The music stopped, and everyone's attention turned to us, some faces even wearing amused smiles.

I knew my birthday was ruined again. Enough! I'm fucking done with this bitch! It's my fucking birthday, and who does this bitch think she is? She ruins every important occasion in my life again and again! I'm really fucking done!

I'm not sure what took control of me. I just exploded. Red clouded my vision, and I started speaking loudly:

"I am no longer a member of my father's pack, and therefore not under your control. I am the Luna of the Boneash Pack! Either accept that and show me the respect I deserve, or get the fuck out of my party. I will not dance with Tatum. Any promises you made to them are hollow and unfounded. You have no authority over me. You'd better back off, or I'll put you in your place."

Ryder gripped my hand tighter than before.

Logan and everyone I could see had "oh my god" expressions. After a few seconds of silence, Ama started clapping.