Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 99

Xena's POV

"Are you doing okay?" Ama pulled out a tissue, then dug into her bag and produced a white silky loose-fitting shirt with matching shorts. The back of the shirt had "Luna" emblazoned across it in elegant script.

"I have a matching set too, but mine doesn't say Luna! Ama held up her version, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I love it," I whispered, feeling a rush of warmth spreading through my chest. It wasn't just the gift itself, but how Ama always seemed to know exactly what would resonate with me. Being Luna was still a new identity I was adjusting to, and this gift felt like an affirmation of that transition.

"Great! Now I'm going to shower, and we'll open the rest of the gifts when I get back!" She dashed out of the room before I could respond.

I grabbed the lotion and started moisturizing, slipping into the soft pajamas while my skin was still damp I was blow-drying my hair when Ama returned, her skin flushed from the hot water.

"Oh good, you've started already," she

"You wouldn't let me open presents," I replied, feeling a childlike anticipation bubbling inside me while simultaneously enjoying the suspense.

"Actually, we can wait until everyone's here."

"Fine." I smiled, knowing that gift-giving was Ama's love language, and I didn't want to ruin her excitement.

"Sit here." Ama pointed to the chair. I finished drying my hair and sat down. She started curling my hair, her fingers working with practiced precision.

A knock on the door interrupted us. Ama ran to answer it. A kitchen staff member stood there with a tray of fruit and vegetables.

"Alpha Ryder asked me to bring you ladies some snacks," she said, her voice respectful.

"Thank you," I replied.

"You're welcome, Luna Xena. If you need anything else, please let me know."

called Luna, I still

"Odessa."

Odessa." I smiled at her as

thoughtful," Ama said, popping a strawberry into

hair, she

here?" The question emerged from

me.

What's wrong?" Ama looked at me through the mirror, concern etching lines between her

quickly, and. My voice trailed off, uncertain how to

1/3

Chapter 99

fear of commitment showing again. I thought you were happy with Ryder. He treats you like a princess." Amak

And I like it here. It's just... everything is to new. I twisted the hem of my new shirt between

you love him? Her eyes met mine in the

I answered

really told him? Not just 'I

I searched my memory, and in every instance,

I had simply echoed the sentiment. i had never initiated that expression of my deepest feelings. The

is. What do you need to make this

being separated from him left

isn't going to disappear. It'll be a change, but it'll be

we sat in comfortable silence. She gave me a smoky eye with perfect winged liner. My red lips would match my dress perfectly. Black earrings completed the look. Ama took down my curls, leaving a few strands to frame

and don't mess up my artwork," Ama joked, then started

grabbed some watermelon and sat down to watch her work. She left most of her hair

as she finished her makeup, the door opened. The boys walked

look beautiful," Ryder said as he walked over to me. My heart raced-every time he looked at

her makeup!" Ama shouted as Ryder leaned in to

made me forget all my worries, making me want to stay in this