Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 176

Xena e Pov

Ryder stood there, motionless, staring at me. His expression was cofpletely unreadable, and I couldn't feel a single emotion radiating from him.

I wished he would speak first, maybe ask "What do you think? Something to break this tense standoff between us. After a few more moments of uncomfortable silence, I sighed and decided to just get back to work.

I knelt down on the floor, grabbed the instruction manual, and started unpacking. Even though I tried my best to ignore Ryder's presence, he just stood there watching me until finally, be moved away. He picked up some rags and began wiping down everything in sight. We worked like this for almost an hour, the silence between us thick and heavy, until there was a knock at the front door.

I had just finished assembling a chair when I realized my order had arrived. Ryder put down what he was working on and went to answer. After signing for the delivery, three men started bringing in different boxes, placing them in the center of the shop. This was clearly more than just some paint-way more than I had expected.

After they left, I looked around at all the packages. "What the hell did she buy?" I muttered to myself. I grabbed scissors and started opening everything. There were bathroom tissue holders and other bathroom supplies. A bookshelf for my non-existent portfolio. Penelope had basically furnished my entire office.

I continued unpacking while Ryder organized the paint supplies. At one point, he stepped outside to make a phone call. I wasn't sure how to feel about him anymore, but I was starting to feel lonely I wanted to make up with him, wanted a hug, but I was too

make the

for recycling. When I returned to the shop, Logan was standing in

I asked, stealing a glance at Ryder. Neither man showed any

a small smile, but

concerns.

Is Penelope okay?" My voice trembled slightly with

leave, and I visit when I can. This way, she's not on pack territory but not too far

house? I didn't even know we still had

so many questions, but I couldn't voice a single one. Instead, I looked between the two men, trying to make sense of it all. "I consider myself

finally said. My

my brother because I got mad at

right now, but not from me," Ryder replied, his tone somewhere between annoyed and resigned. "All the documents are ready, copies made. Nothing else to do now. It's a waiting game. The only thing we're looking