Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 135

Xena's POV

Ryder walked into the closet as I was fastening my bra, his eyes lingering on my nearly-dressed form.

"Your wounds are healing nicely," he observed, his voice carrying that same deep timber that always made my skin tingle despite my best efforts to ignore it.

My gaze dropped to the marks that had dominated my skin just days ago. They looked like old injuries now, almost completely healed. I could barely feel them anymore, which surprised even me. The supernatural healing abilities of our kind never ceased to

amaze me.

"Don't dodge my question," I said, glaring at him. I grabbed a light jumpsuit and pulled it on quickly, then fumbled with my sandal straps, my fingers betraying my impatience.

"Logan texted asking when you'll be there," Ryder, replied, holding up his phone.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "Did you tell him about the Rogues" If Logan knew, everything would become exponentially more complicated. He'd go into overprotective brother mode, and I couldn't handle that right now.

"No, I didn't." He extended his phone toward me, showing me the screen. "See for yourself."

anything about the Rogues. Relief washed over me in a wave so powerful it almost made me dizzy.

said, the ice in my tone thawing

Ryder asked, his green eyes

for his hand. Physical contact had never been my default mode-not with anyone. When I saw Ryder's startled expression as he looked down at our

fingers tightened around mine as he closed the bedroom door behind us.

thought we were meeting your mother?" I asked, confusion

Ryder released my hand to open

of sandwiches, fresh fruit, and flowers hit me immediately. Luna Kestrel had transformed the

she exclaimed, stepping forward

stunned I almost forgot to return the hug. Until now, my interactions with her had been minimal at best. This sudden warmth caught me completely off guard-I'd never

on my face, even as I trembled inside. The feeling of being cared for was so foreign that I didn't know how to process

your ceremony! So I thought I'd take the opportunity to prepare brunch, and we could spend some time getting to

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Chapter 135

in the beautiful arrangement she'd so carefully prepared. The bowls of fruit, platters of salads, and various dishes. There was even table

on the small of my back, the electric feeling of his touch snapped me back to reality, making me jump slightly. "Um, t-thank you.

took my hand and pulled me to the sofa. Ryder followed, sitting on my other side