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."

some kind of weird attachment to you." I began. Xena's eyes immediately narrowed, and I could feel through our bond that she knew she wasn't going to like what

see if we could defuse the situation" I

rolled her eyes, looking out the window. The sunlight streaming through illuminated her

basically said that what happened

whipped her head back toward me in shock. I held up a finger and continued, “...he said his son has taken an interest in you and there's no harm in

be kidding me..." Xena stared at me, astonished.

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

just staring at me. "That's insane,"

you from doing any work

"Obviously."-

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

1/2

Chapter 120

soft and warm against

me on this. Logan, your dad... basically everyone agrees on this. I... I

don't fight me on this. I grabbed her hand,

seemed to work because Xena didn't immediately respond. Instead, her eyes dropped to our joined hands. She was having an internal battle. I could see her

something when she stood up and moved to straddle my lap. My hands went to her hips, and she placed hers on either side of my face. Her touch was gentle yet