Don’t Poke the Luna Chapter 97

Ryder’s POV

"Let my mother take you to the bathroom to clean up, then you can rejoin the party," I commanded. Not ideal, but there weren't many options left.

"Come along, dear." My mother wrapped her arm around the girl's shoulder, and we followed behind them. As they entered the women's restroom, Xena and I walked into the men's.

Leonard was washing his hands. His back suddenly straightened as we approached the sinks. "What's that smell?"

Xena and I exchanged puzzled glances. "Blood," she shrugged. She was about to place her hands under the faucet when suddenly her back slammed against the wall. Her claws and fangs instantly appeared, a threatening growl escaping her throat.

"Damn it, Leonard, what are you doing?" I asked, preparing to intervene.

Leonard ignored Xena's hand gripping his throat, leaning in to directly scent her palm. That's when it clicked.

"Shit." Xena retracted her claws and dragged him out of the bathroom.

Without even knocking, she thrust her head into the women's restroom. My mother looked utterly shocked. "What the hell, Ryder, what are you doing?"

"Bring the girl out," I said, my voice filled with authority. I watched them exchange confused glances before walking toward us. Logan stood nearby, arms crossed. The commotion we'd caused had already stopped the music, drawing a crowd. Xena stepped forward, shock washing over her face when she saw my hand still firmly gripping Leonard's throat.

"Ryder?"

I held up one finger, signaling for her to wait. My mother and the girl emerged, and the moment they saw each other, they both exclaimed, "Mate!" Leonard tried to lunge toward her, but she remained frozen in place. I grabbed her arm and dragged them both outside.

"Ryder! Wait!" my mother called out, probably concerned about what I was planning to do. Unfortunately, the crowd followed us out.

"Everyone! Get back inside!" I roared in frustration. Everyone except my mother, Xena, Ama, William, Logan, Penelope, and our parents retreated.

"Let me go!" Leonard demanded.

"Shut up," I growled at him. My authority was enough to make him stop struggling. The girl just stood there. I released her, maintaining several feet of distance between her and Leonard.

"Leonard, listen. She was just attacked by several people. She's frightened and needs some space," I tried to explain.

"We've already dealt with those people," Logan stepped forward to say.

Leonard stopped fighting against me. Logan nodded at me, and I released him.

"Leonard is the Beta of the Nightcedar Pack, a member of Logan's pack. You'll be safe there. He'll treat you well," I told the girl gently.

She hesitantly took a few steps toward Leonard. He held out his hand, waiting for her to touch him. Trembling, she stretched out her hand, lightly touching his fingertips before quickly withdrawing.

"What was that?" she asked, looking around in fear.

"The mate bond," Xena stepped forward and said, placing her hand on my back.

The girl tried again, extending her entire hand into Leonard's. She slowly moved closer until her arms were wrapped around him. Leonard gently pulled her into an embrace, holding her tight.

"What's going on here?" Tatum appeared in the doorway. He had changed his pants, maybe got from one of his pack members. "Viola?"

"Y-yes, Alpha?" She stepped back a few paces, kneeling before him. I had to control myself to keep my claws from extending.

"It appears she's my Beta's - Leonard's - mate," Logan said through gritted teeth.

Xena's grip on my hand tightened.

"Is that true?" he asked Viola gently.

"Yes, Alpha," she answered, head bowed.

"Well, this is interesting indeed," Tatum murmured with a half-smile.

"Needless to say, she'll be coming home with us," Logan stated.

"What about your personal belongings?" Tatum ignored Logan, asking Viola softly.

Viola trembled with fear.

"We have a tradition where newly bonded members receive an entirely new wardrobe," Xena suddenly spoke up. Looking back, she stood in front of all the women, even including my mother.

Tatum's eyes seemed to sparkle, and his voice was no longer gentle as he commanded authoritatively, "Tell you what. If you dance with me—one dance of my choosing—I'll allow her to go home with Leonard."

My anger ignited instantly.

Xena's back straightened, but her gaze remained fixed on Viola.

In the silence, everyone waited for her answer.

Chapter 100(R18)

Ryder’s POV

"Dance with me once, and I'll behave." I narrowed my eyes at Xena, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the rage building inside me.

"Fine, let's go." Tatum extended his arm toward her, a smug smile playing on his lips.

Xena avoided my gaze as she took his arm. Something dark and primal twisted in my chest, clawing to get out. Just then, I felt a hand on my arm.

"You'd better let go," I said, my voice dangerously low.

"Stay here. I'll handle this," Logan insisted, his grip tightening.

"I'm fine." I yanked my arm away, just in time to see the music change to a tango—the most fucking sensual dance possible. My fury threatened to burst through my skin as Tatum's hand settled dangerously close to Xena's hips.

As they moved across the floor, Tatum leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Even from across the room, I could see Xena's face harden, but Tatum didn't seem to care. His thumb kept stroking the back of her hand in slow, deliberate circles.

I could feel the crowd's judgment washing over me, their whispers suggesting I was some fucking failure who couldn't protect his own mate.

When Xena spun in a circle, Tatum caught my eye and shot me a challenging look. The wolf inside me howled, demanding I tear him apart, limb by limb.

"Ryder..." William and Ama approached cautiously.

"You'd better keep your distance," I growled, snatching William's drink and downing it in one gulp.

William guided Ama away, but Logan remained stubbornly at my side.

"I don't need a fucking babysitter."

"Wherever you go, I go," he replied, his voice as strained as mine. But he couldn't feel what I felt—the waves of disgust and revulsion rolling off Xena. I could sense her emotions as clearly as if they were my own.

"We're leaving as soon as this dance ends," I said through clenched teeth.

"So are we," Logan agreed.

As the music faded, Tatum dipped Xena low. I set my glass down and strode toward them, my vision tunneling. He was kissing her hand when I reached them.

"Just thanking her for the dance," Tatum said with a smirk.

I pulled her to my side, my arm locking around her waist. "Viola will ride back with Leonard," I stated firmly.

"Deal." Tatum flashed Xena another smile.

I turned and led Xena away, pausing only briefly at our table. "We're leaving. Now." Then I continued walking without looking back. Xena didn't protest, just matched my pace step for step.

The car was already waiting outside—William's doing, I assumed, though I couldn't care less at that moment. I yanked open the driver's side door. "Out," I commanded. I needed to drive. A quick glance confirmed everyone was in their respective vehicles. William and Ama sat silently in the back seat.

I slammed the door and floored the accelerator. "Fuck!" I half-shouted, half-growled, slapping the steering wheel. Xena placed her hand on my thigh. I gripped the wheel tighter, the car speeding down the highway. As the distance grew, my emotions began to simmer down, but I was still fucking furious.

"Open the damn gate," I commanded through the mind link. The gate had barely cracked open wide enough when I sped through. Gravel sprayed as I slammed on the brakes.

I didn't waste a second—there was only one thing on my mind now.

Xena didn't wait for me, running straight inside. I took the stairs two at a time until we reached the bedroom door. After punching in the code, I had barely closed the door before pushing Xena against the wall.

My lips crashed into hers, but her hands were already working to remove my clothes. I hitched up her dress while she unbuttoned my pants. Stepping out of them, I slid my fingers inside her.

"Ah!" Xena's eyes rolled back as she clutched me tightly. I couldn't wait any longer. She was already wet, and I needed her. My cock thrust inside her, my hands supporting her ass as her legs wrapped around my back. She pressed against me, matching my rhythm perfectly.

"I'll make it up to you," I groaned.

"Harder, Ryder!" she demanded.

"Say my name," I commanded.

"Ryder!" she moaned.

"Again!"

"Ryder!" She gasped.

"Again!"

"RYDER!" she cried out.

"That's right, you're fucking mine!" I growled, her moans driving me wild as I pounded into her harder. When she came, she bit down hard on my mark, and I emptied myself inside her.

"RYDER!" she screamed, her body shuddering as I felt a sharp sting in my shoulder. I gently laid her on the bed. My desire had subsided somewhat, but the night was far from over.

Xena’s POV

I woke up sore all over my body. Still, it had been the best night of my life. Ryder's arm was wrapped tightly around me, making me feel secure and protected.

"You're awake," Ryder whispered, not a question but a statement.

Lying in his strong arms, I reflected on everything that had happened last night, my emotions a complicated mix. While dancing with Tatum, I'd been filled with disgust—every touch making my skin crawl. I could feel Ryder's burning gaze on us, knew he was watching, his anger nearly setting the ballroom aflame.

Yet there was something strangely satisfying about seeing him jealous, seeing him angry for me. It was in that moment I truly understood that to him, I wasn't just a mate—I was an essential part of his soul. When he forcefully led me away, I didn't resist because I knew we both needed this confirmation of our connection.

In the car, as his anger still burned, my touch seemed to be the only thing that could soothe him.

And when we finally reached the bedroom, that desperate need, that primal possessiveness, consumed me completely. When he demanded I call his name, I shouted it with all my heart, as if it was the only word I could remember.

"Mmm, yes, I am," I replied softly, nestling deeper into his embrace.