Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 40

Xena's POV

"Yeah. I just find it hard to open up," I finally said, breaking the silence between us. "I

want to. I want you to hold me and kiss me and tell me everything will be okay. But what happens when Friday comes and you can't give me that anymore because you've found

your mate? Where does that leave me?"

My voice trembled slightly despite my efforts to keep it steady. I'd never been this

vulnerable with anyone before. It felt like I was cutting open my chest and showing him

my heart, not knowing if he'd protect it or crush it in his hands.

Ryder sighed, turning to face forward, hands resting on his knees. "I'm sorry."

up, ready to leave, to run away from this suffocating feeling of

before I could take a

me off guard. One arm circled my waist, pulling me toward him; his other hand wrapped around my neck, fingers tangling in my hair,

experienced.

his lips touched mine, I melted into him. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as I surrendered to his embrace. A soft moan escaped my throat, my eyelids

never felt with Samuel. It sparked hope within me - hope that Ryder could be my destined mate. Deep inside, a certainty I'd

thighs. He lifted me up, pressing me against a nearby tree. The rough bark against my back was a stark contrast to the softness of his lips as they moved

I managed to say, though everything in my

his head, pulling him back up to my lips for

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Chapter 40

between us, enticing him. I could feel his hardness. pressing against me, and it took every ounce of

braced one hand against the tree above my head, supporting himself, while his other hand

regret it. I've never felt this

of me with a sincerity that surprised even myself. Ryder didn't respond verbally, but he gave me several gentle kisses, each one like a silent promise