Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 157

"I'm serious, Ryder. I love these silk sheets. If you haven't noticed, I'm quite fond of my silk pajamas. We could upgrade the sofa and chairs. They're a bit old, and I prefer deeper couches. I'm not particularly fond of white, but red does balance everything dicely. We could put more pictures on the walls..." I spoke while imagining these possible changes, suddenly realizing I did have ideas-I just hadn't given them serious thought before.

"I'm glad you said that," Ryder snapped his fingers and walked into the closet. When he emerged, he was holding two massive paintings. As he turned them around, I saw they were pieces I'd drawn long ago-one of a wolf's head, the other of a bald eagle. “These were my favorites from your sketchbook. I had them framed and really wanted to hang them up."

My voice caught in my throat, momentarily speechless. Ife'd chosen erfect frames for them-a light gray weathered wood. The frames were substantial, made of real wood, which made every pencil stroke stand out more.

I walked over and picked up the wolf head drawing to examine it more closely. Memories flooded back of midsummer, when I rarely stayed at the pack house. Back then, I was lost, finding brief moments of peace only when I was drawing. Now Ryder had brought that memory back to me.

Looking around, I suggested, "How about over the dresser?" There was an empty space there that seemed perfect for the artwork.

"Sounds good," Ryder set down the paintings and went to the kitchenette, returning with a hammer and nails. He'd clearly planned this in advance. After helping him level the pictures, we stepped back to admire the result.

"They really do belong here," I said, gently wrapping my arm around his.

"I agree. They're beautiful pieces."

4

Just then, a knock came at the door. Ryder went to answer it.

cheerful voice announced as she entered. "Oh, you've already hung them up!" William followed Ama inside, immediately

down the food and looked up with

say it like that?" William

difficult to get right. She was grumpy for almost a month because it wasn't turning out how she wanted.

eyes are good, the whole piece is good," I protested. Ryder sat down beside me. William passed him his

did you choose?"

Been busy hanging artwork," I answered after taking

want a horror movie!" Ama

recommendations?" I

The Grudge 2."

haven't seen that

It's been ages since I've watched it," William said with his mouth full

1/2

Chapter 157

can you grab my stuff from school tomorrow too? I have a few things to take care of here," Ama

"Sure," I nodded.

did you suddenly call her Blade?" Ryder

we get to call you Blade?" William

you