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 10 AM,"

"Yeah..."

"Ama got you.a dress."

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

these details.

you can sit together as a

for understanding." I genuinely appreciated that he wasn't insisting on staying by my

after," Ryder sighed,

"Okay," I agreed softly.

need to eat something before bed." Ryder stood

hungry." The thought of food made my stomach turn.

His eyes were full

I sighed and stood

house, Ryder led me straight to the private dining room where two plates of pasta were waiting. I managed about a quarter of mine before setting my fork

"I'm done."

Ryder didn't

he started looking

and changed in the bathroom.

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Chapter 75

was wearing only shorts.

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

was asleep before the title appeared. The next morning, I woke to the sound of text messages on Ryder's phone. He rolled over to

it?" I mumbled

"Dad."

"What time is it?"

"S:10."

tried to wake myself up, feeling the heaviness

"I should get up and shower. When is

minutes,"

get up, but he caught

"Not so fast."

looked at

completed the mate bond

to ask."

Sad... confused. Maybe guilty too." Each emotion ebbed and flowed like waves, making it impossible to settle on

your fault,” Ryder cupped my face, looking

gaze, guilt