Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 183

Xena's POV

"Why not?" Ryder flashed me a smile as I headed to the bathroom to clean myself up.

I quickly rinsed off in the shower, feeling his eyes on me even through the closed door. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, I announced, "I'm ready."

"Come here," Ryder said, leaning back against the couch. I crossed the room and settled onto his lap, resting my head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady and reassuring beneath my ear.

"Tell me," he said, his voice gentle as his fingers traced circles on my back, "why are you so uncertain about becoming a mother?"

I took a deep breath, the question hitting a tender spot I'd been avoiding. "With all these kidnapping threats and everything else going on, I'm worried something might happen to the baby if I'm in an unsafe situation. I don't plan to put myself in danger, but if I'm

pregnant, I can't shift. What if a Rogue flips our car again and I have to fight in human

form?"

A chill crept up my spine at the thought, and Ryder must have felt it because he pulled

me closer.

"First of all, you could be attacked by Rogues any day," Ryder said, his hand continuing its

if it makes you feel better,

things settle down."

whispered, looking up at him. He placed a soft kiss

ass, making

looking for us," Ryder said as we

for the door.

I might be pregnant already. So this conversation might be pointless." I kept my voice low, checking the stairwell was

continuing.

Ryder Jr.," he said, savoring the

1/3

Chapter 183

laughed as we entered

when he

laugh at the look Ryder shot me. There was pretend anger

hours in there," Ama agreed,

Ryder a kiss before mounting my

put on

led the way out. God, it felt amazing to

body, leaning into the natural curves of the road-this sense

worries, living only in the