Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 25

Xena's POV

"You didn't reply to my text." Ryder's voice broke the silence as he leaned against the counter of my shop.

"No, I didn't." I moved past him, organizing the tools in my cart, the metal clanking as I put each one in its place.

"How are you feeling?" he pressed, his green eyes tracking my every movement.

"Just fine." I kept my voice neutral, focusing on my task rather than the way his presence seemed to fill the entire space.

"Damn it, Xena, can't you just give me a straight answer?" His voice rose in frustration, causing William and Ama to pause their flirting and look over at us.

I slammed a wrench down harder than necessary. "What do you want from me, Ryder? I'm fine. A few broken ribs isn't anything new to me. As a warrior, I go through this kind of thing every other week. I'm not some fragile girl who's going to fall apart or needs a man hovering over her. You disappeared after dropping me off at home. Maybe you're the one who should be explaining yourself."

The words burst out of me with more force than I intended, my anger rising to the surface. Ryder fell silent, and I refused to look at him as I aggressively wiped down my work cart. In my fury, I twisted too quickly, sending a sharp pain radiating through my ribcage. I had to brace myself against the wall, breathing deeply until the stabbing sensation subsided.

"Need some ice?" Ama's voice was soft, uncertain.

“I'm fine.” Not wanting them to see the tears pricking at my eyes, I hurried to the bathroom.

It was a mixture of pain and anger. The pressure of my upcoming birthday and finding my mate was making me irritable. The anxiety was like an invisible hand, squeezing my throat until I couldn't breathe. I pulled open the drawer and found the Tylenol. Two 500mg pills would help.

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Chapter 25

Eventually, the tears dried, and I fixed my face. Part of me hoped they would be gone when I returned, but they were all still there.

and have a picnic

full of concern.

the Rogue attacks?" I doubted the guys would agree to

take you

waist.

thing." I said, thinking how some time alone would

to leave you,"

you out,"

head, looking at me with

go. Enjoy your time

done much," Ama

have. Really, go.

the deal, and William took Ama's hand, both of them leaving with the excitement of kids

candy store.

the sink. “What work do you have to do?" Ryder asked, now standing in the bathroom doorway, his frame blocking most of

exit.

sort of thing." I didn't meet his eyes as I pushed past him, heading

left?" He

three words per minute, pretty much all of it. But it'll only take me an hour." I opened my

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7:23 pm Chapter 25

any appointments?"

Both just finishing touches. Won't take long. You don't have to stay."

giving a harsh edge to

I guess Samuel isn't up for the job." Ryder seemed

fingers paused over

didn't