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

through this week. With any luck, Dad will

on

bit longer."

a long hug. The way he held me made me feel like

said, his eyes vacant in a way I'd never

up. "I will,” I promised Logan

the door

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

hand in his. "Easy. We'll figure

deep breath, trying to calm myself. "I still

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

funeral. I still think I'm the fucking reason

embrace warm and secure. "Listen" he said softly, "Samuel loved you and he loved his father. You were both the most important people to him. Only reconciliation will bring real redemption-for you, for his father, even for

What if he blames me again?"

brings. It's part of his process after losing his son." Ryder stroked my hair. "But I believe Logan is

up from Ryder's

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

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,