Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

"Logan?" Penelope's voice floated through the open doorway, Logan cooped up the photo album filled with memories and stepped outside to meet her.

I lingered behind, watching their interaction from my bedroom. Penelope's forehead was creased with concern as she asked, "What's wrong? You look worried."

"Just thinking about tonight's party," Logan replied, his voice carrying a casual tone that didn't quite mask his anxiety.

"Everything's coming along perfectly!" Penelope's face lit up with enthusiasm.

"I have no doubt. You're always excellent at whatever you do." The warmth in Logan's voice as he spoke to her made my heart swell. I left them to their conversation, returning to gather the remaining items I wanted to take with me.

Logan had placed a cardboard box in front of my bookshelf earlier. I methodically transferred my books into it until it was stuffed to capacity, feeling the weight of each memory as I packed away pieces of my life.

Without a word, Ryder moved the box to the doorway, his movements fluid and natural. "Anything else you want to bring?" he asked, those intense green eyes scanning the room.

think that's it," I said, surveying what remained. There wasn't much left. I'd always known I would leave someday, so I'd never accumulated many possessions.

The realization left a bitter taste in my mouth. Over eighteeen years of life, and everything I truly valued could be carried away in a few trips. What did that say about my existence here?

Ryder gently cupped my face between his hands. "Are you okay?" His ability to sense my emotions was uncanny, but he respected my boundaries, never pushing too deep without permission.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... I suddenly realized I never really put down roots here. I always knew this was temporary, and everything

carried in

together," Ryder said softly, placing a

future. Maybe, just maybe, home wasn't a place

two are so sweet." I turned to see Logan with his arm around

smiles.

Ryder dropped his hands. "We should go. Did you

toward the box of

door. Ryder picked up the box but

the air. "Her? You chose her over me?" Keira stood

the air was palpable, and I felt a flash

1/3

Chapter 97

emotional state.

mate, so yes," Logan

to Penelope, her glare venomous before she

Logan turned Penelope to face him, concern etched

together for so long. This must be so hard for

The thought of what Keira might do in retaliation sent my protective instincts into overdrive. I couldn't let sweet Penelope walk into potential danger. 'Maybe after you've completed the bond," I added

didn't look entirely

link. "I don't