Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 75

Xena's POV

"I would stay with you, but you seem like you need space. Logan said to give you space." Ryder's voice carried uncertainty as he stood a few feet away.

I bit my lip, emotions churning inside me. What I needed wasn't distance, but

understanding. “Not that kind of space. Just... physically be near me, but wait for

me to

reach out for comfort when I'm ready."

"Oh."

I caught the flash of hurt in his eyes and immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"I'm just learning how to help you. Really know you. Don't apologize," he said, his green eyes sincere as he carefully sat beside me, leaving enough room between

us.

I gave him a small smile. "You're doing fine."

We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the gentle evening breeze rustling through the trees surrounding the training field.

"How's your arm feeling?" he broke the silence.

"Hurts a bit, but it's okay."

Ryder sighed, interrupting my thoughts. "A birthday party on Friday seems inappropriate given everything."

I forced myself back to reality. "It'll give people something to look forward to after Samuel's funeral." Even saying it made my heart ache. Life and death, joy and grief, all coming so suddenly.

"I didn't send flowers," I frowned, the realization hitting me suddenly.

"Logan took care of it. I asked," Ryder replied.

He always thought of things I missed. "Thank you."

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Chapter 75

funeral's tomorrow at

"Yeah..."

"Ama got you.a dress."

did." I let out a small laugh, thinking about how Ama always

these details.

you can sit together as a group. William and I will

appreciated that he wasn't insisting on

you come back to me after," Ryder sighed,

"Okay," I agreed softly.

something before bed." Ryder stood up but

made my stomach turn. Grief seemed to swallow

His eyes were

sighed and

house, Ryder led me straight to the private dining room where two

"I'm done."

Ryder didn't

the bedroom, where he started looking for a

of silk pajamas and changed in the bathroom. When I came out, Ryder

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Chapter 75

was wearing only shorts.

half-reclined. He held out his arm and I curled up beside him, my head resting

before the title appeared. The next morning, I woke to the sound of text messages on Ryder's

is it?" I mumbled

"Dad."

"What time is it?"

"S:10."

feeling the heaviness

up and shower. When

thirty minutes," Ryder

Ryder put his phone down, I started to get up, but he caught

"Not so fast."

I looked

you feeling? I wish we had completed the mate bond already so I wouldn't

to ask."

finding them too complicated to sort through. "I'm not sure. Sad... confused. Maybe guilty too." Each emotion ebbed and flowed like waves, making it

cupped my face, looking

avoided his gaze, guilt still