Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 21

Xena's POV

"Around 11:30, I think," Ama said, struggling to remember. "Why do you ask?"

"No reason. Just wondering why he was so pissed off."

"Who knows." She shrugged.

I sat up in bed, stretching with a yawn. "What's the plan for today?"

"Do you have any appointments at the shop?" Ama asked, already bouncing with energy despite the early hour.

"One in the afternoon. Morning's free."

"Perfect! Let's get you dresses for tonight and your birthday party!" Ama clapped her hands, looking way too excited for a shopping trip.

"Oh great. Can't wait," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

I climbed out of bed, carefully testing my range of motion. Better than yesterday, but still

sore. My phone buzzed as I headed toward the bathroom. I glanced at the screen and saw

two messages.

Samuel: Hey, how are you feeling today?

Ryder: Sorry about last night.

I'm not ready to deal with either of these, I thought, especially Samuel's message.

I can't let myself fall any deeper. If we're not mates, these feelings will only make separation more painful. And Ryder... his sudden appearance just complicates everything.

I decided to focus on getting ready instead. Too tired to put much effort into my

appearance, I threw my hair into a messy bun and pulled on sweatpants and a crop top.

"So sexy," Ama teased, looking me up and down.

"I'm too tired to care." I grabbed my wallet as we headed for the door.

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Chapter 21

so excited!"

hallway, Logan, his friends, and my dad were there. I was

two going?" she

birthday dresses," I

one of the boys should go with you," Dad said, concern

needs a nice dress." Martha looked me up and

her eyes.

I could join you for a bit?" Logan

snapped, frustration building. "I've

her name with disgust, "might need it. If she

hate her. She always finds ways to

said, stepping forward and patting my shoulder. I felt betrayed that he was siding with

Dad announced, and my heart sank. Space

needed right now.

to

the doorframe. His

go," Ama said, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort as she dragged

door.

announced, walking

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Chapter 21

climbed into the back seat, leaving me the front passenger seat. Just great... "To

chatted away in the backseat, it felt like Samuel and I were alone

Samuel's voice came through our

forced me out of bed. I'm feeling okay, still sore but

wasn't a question; I

I deflected, turning

showed up. Is there something between

about turning eighteen,

and if we're

you feel

conversation I've been avoiding, my heart

We had an agreement, just kissing, nothing

us developed feelings, we

I wanted to hear

well know I do, he growled,