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

at 10

"Yeah..."

"Ama got you.a dress."

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

these details.

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

I genuinely appreciated that he wasn't insisting on staying by my

to me after," Ryder sighed, his possessiveness

"Okay," I agreed softly.

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

food made my stomach turn. Grief

Please?" His eyes were

I sighed and stood

When we entered the pack house, Ryder led me straight to the private dining room where two plates of pasta were waiting. I managed about a quarter of mine

"I'm done."

Surprisingly, Ryder didn't argue, just stood

to the bedroom, where he started looking for a

in the bathroom. When I came out, Ryder had chosen a

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Chapter 75

was wearing only shorts.

Ryder adjusted the pillows so he was half-reclined. He held out his arm and I curled up beside him, my head resting on his chest as he pulled me close before

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

it?"

"Dad."

"What time is it?"

"S:10."

tried to wake myself up, feeling the heaviness of

up and shower. When

minutes,"

down, I started to get up, but he caught me and

"Not so fast."

looked

completed the

to ask."

emotions, 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 directly into

I avoided his gaze, guilt