Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Don't Poke the Luna

Chapter 171

Xena's POV

"There, I did it." I pushed away the will, feeling a strange sense of urease wash over me, like I'd been forced to touch a secret that shouldn't belong to me. "I need to go, but Samuel's father wants you to call him."

Logan stood up, gathering his things, exhaustion evident in every movement.

"Do you think that's a good idea?" Ryder asked Logan, tension lacing his voice.

"I think he's ready to apologize and forgive. He needs this final good ye. The tree's been planted, and I had a plaque made saying it was from you. So, if he thanks you, that's what happened."

I studied my twin brother's face-the dark circles under his eyes, the tight line of

his mouth. 'Are you okay? You're under so much pressure right now."

み

to get through this week.

on

bit longer."

The way he held me made me feel like he thought this might

now," he said, his eyes vacant in a way I'd

stood up. "I will,”

left. As soon as the door closed behind him, rage erupted through

and slammed my fist into the wall. The pain shooting through my knuckles was hot and sharp, but nothing compared to the helpless fury

hand in his. "Easy. We'll figure

trying to calm myself.

father. Even if he says he's forgiven me, I still remember

I still think I'm

his father. You were both the most important people to him. Only

if he blames me again?"

piece. Accept whatever emotion he brings. It's part of his process after losing his son." Ryder stroked my hair. "But I believe Logan is right- he's truly ready

and nodded, straightening up

hovering over the screen hesitantly. Ryder seemed to sense my reluctance; he gave me an encouraging smile before

my contacts and found Samuel's home number. My finger trembled slightly as I hit the call button and held the phone to my ear. The phone rang twice before someone answered, each ring seeming to stretch my