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."

Relief washed over me in a wave so powerful it almost made me dizzy. At least in this, he hadn't betrayed

you," I said, the ice in my

asked,

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 joined hands, combined with the shock I

as he closed the bedroom door behind us. To my surprise, he led

your mother?" I asked, confusion evident in my

released my hand

and flowers hit me immediately. Luna Kestrel had transformed the library into a brunch and

timing!" she exclaimed, stepping forward to embrace

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 had a

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

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

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Chapter 135

open, finable to form words. My eyes took in the beautiful arrangement she'd so carefully prepared. The

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. I am

pulled me to the sofa. Ryder followed, sitting on