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."

1/5

Chapter 75

at 10 AM,"

"Yeah..."

"Ama got you.a dress."

course she did." I let out a small laugh, thinking about

these details.

separately. Ama will pick you up early, you can sit together as a group. William and I

I genuinely appreciated that he wasn't

to me after," Ryder sighed, his possessiveness

"Okay," I agreed softly.

to eat something before bed." Ryder stood up but

not hungry." The thought of food made my stomach turn. Grief

His eyes were full

I sighed and stood

the private dining room where two plates of pasta were waiting. I managed about a quarter of mine

"I'm done."

didn't argue,

went directly to the bedroom, where he started looking for a

in the bathroom. When

2/5

Chapter 75

was wearing only shorts.

the foot of the bed. Ryder adjusted the pillows so he was half-reclined. He held out his arm and I curled

I woke to the sound of

is it?" I mumbled

"Dad."

"What time is it?"

"S:10."

myself up, feeling the heaviness

up and

thirty minutes," Ryder

I started to get up, but

"Not so fast."

I looked at

had completed the mate

to ask."

to sort through. "I'm not sure. Sad... confused. Maybe guilty

my face, looking directly into

his gaze, guilt

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255