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.

the club and have a picnic in the forest instead?" Ama suggested,

full of concern.

Rogue attacks?" I doubted

take you girls," William

waist.

couple thing." I said, thinking how some time alone would help clear my head.

to leave

not. I'm kicking you out," I replied with

tilted her head, looking at me with those

your time together. I'll

done much," Ama

have. Really,

my car," Ryder said quietly, tossing his keys to William. His offer seemed to seal the deal, and William took Ama's hand, both

candy store.

you have to do?" Ryder asked, now

exit.

order. Balancing accounts. That sort of thing." I didn't meet his eyes

much do you have left?" He followed close

types about three words per minute, pretty much all of it. But it'll only take me an hour." I opened my laptop, ready to finish what Ama had

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7:23 pm Chapter 25

appointments?" Ryder checked

just finishing touches. Won't take long. You don't

a harsh

Logan I'd stay with you since the Rogues have gotten too close to town. I guess Samuel

my fingers paused over the

that didn't escape Ryder's