Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 74

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

at 10 AM," Ryder

"Yeah..."

"Ama got you.a dress."

out a small laugh, thinking about how Ama always took care

these details.

together as a group. William and I will be in

that he wasn't insisting on staying

after,"

"Okay," I agreed softly.

Ryder stood up but didn't reach for my hand,

food made my stomach turn. Grief seemed to

His eyes

sighed and stood

night sky. When we entered the pack house, Ryder led me straight to the private dining room

"I'm done."

didn't argue, just

where he started looking for a

changed in the bathroom. When I came out, Ryder had

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Chapter 75

was wearing only shorts.

adjusted the pillows so he was half-reclined. He held out his arm and I curled up beside

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

it?"

"Dad."

"What time is it?"

"S:10."

wake myself up, feeling the heaviness of the

get up and shower.

thirty minutes," Ryder

to get up, but he caught me and pulled

"Not so fast."

I looked at him

had completed the mate bond

to ask."

my emotions, finding them too complicated to sort through. "I'm not sure. Sad... confused. Maybe guilty too." Each

cupped my face, looking directly into

avoided his gaze, guilt

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