Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Ryder's POV

"Alright, I'm off to work. See you later, kids!” Mom smiled at us as she walked out the door.

Xena turned in her seat, swinging her leg over to straddle my lap. Care to tell me why you're lying?" Her blue eyes locked with mine, blazing with determination.

"Can't there be a little mystery in our relationship?" I sighed, standing up and bringing her with me. I knew I shouldn't keep things from her, but my instinct to shield her from any harm was overwhelming. I grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

"No, there can't be," she replied-firmly, her voice carrying that edge finality I couldn't resist.

I led her up the stairs to my library, our hands still connected.

"Why are you bringing me here?" Xena asked, herreyes taking in the shelves of books lining the walls.

I closed the door behind us and locked it. "It's a relaxing place, and since I know you're not going to let me handle this on my own, I wanted to tell you here." I sat down on one side of the sofa and patted the other side for her to join me. My heart raced, uncertain how to begin this difficult conversation.

"I don't like this feeling," Xena said, sitting across from me with one leg tucked under her. She rested her arm on the back of the couch, supporting her head with her hand. Her beautiful face was etched with wariness, and I could practically feel her tension.

"I don't either, but I told you we're equals, and I meant it. Honestly, I'd rather not tell you this at all, just because I want you happy and unburdened." I tried to keep my voice steady.

"I appreciate that, but spit it out."

of weird attachment to you." I began. Xena's eyes immediately narrowed, and I could

see if we could defuse the situation" I

looking out the window. The sunlight streaming through illuminated her profile, highlighting

said that what happened at Viola was

shock. I held up a finger and continued, “...he said his son has taken an interest in you and there's no harm in that. He essentially ended by saying, may the best man win." I delivered the

me, astonished. Shock

gist. He meant that Tatum won't respect the fact that you're my mate, but will try to win

mouth fell open, just staring at me.

from doing any work on his bike. That goes without

"Obviously."-

a bodyguard with you at all times." Xena opened her mouth to argue, but 1 pressed my

1/2

Chapter 120

soft and warm

even try to fight me on this. Logan, your dad... basically everyone agrees on this.

can't lose you, Xena. Please don't fight me on this. I grabbed her hand, being as

to our joined hands. She was having an

she stood up and moved to straddle my lap. My hands went to her hips, and she placed hers on