Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 186

Xena's POV

A ripped shirt hanging off a garbage can with a basketball resting where a head should be made me slam on the brakes. My heart leaped into my throat as I stopped my motorcycle suddenly, knowing exactly what that looked like from a distance.

Ryder pulled up beside me, while William had already yanked off his helmet and was rushing to Ama's side. She was shaking, her face pale as paper. I couldn't blame her-for a split second, I'd thought it was a body too.

After a moment, Ama gave me a small nod, composing herself. William returned to his bike, helmet back on.

"Let's keep moving," I said firmly, and we all revved our engines. Even though we'd taken an alternate route, we made it back to the pack house in two hours. No Rogues attacked us, but my nerves were still firing on all cylinders. My heartbeat hammered in my chest,

palms slick with cold sweat inside my riding gloves.

"Why don't you girls go change, then meet us in the office?" William suggested, pressing a

gentle kiss to Ama's forehead.

"Okay,” Ama agreed, hurrying up the stairs.

I turned to Ryder, my voice tight with concern. "You should send warriors to scout the route, make sure it's safe for humans."

"Already on it," he nodded, heading into his office.

As I walked toward the bedroom, I heard soft sobbing. Rounding the corner slowly, I found Ama crouched on the floor, her shoulders shaking. Seeing her like this-so vulnerable and

broken-sent a shock through me. This wasn't the strong, vibrant Ama I knew.

"Ama? What's wrong?" I knelt down beside her, my voice gentle.

"I'm sorry," she choked out between sobs. "My hormones are so unstable lately. I'm usually the brave, strong girl, but lately I don't even recognize myself." Her voice trembled, tears streaming down her face. My heart clenched seeing her this way,

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I said, gripping her shoulders and helping her to her feet. I walked her to her room, and she fumbled

who you need right now," she said, her eyes red and swollen, filled with guilt. Her words struck a chord in me, reminding me of my own moments of weakness, that feeling of helplessness I knew all

you to be anyone but yourself," I

This much stress during pregnancy isn't healthy for you. Maybe you

off?"

her

that?"

I be?" I asked, surprised

we all need to be present, but we were

it," I encouraged with a

deep breath. "Can I work reduced hours? With

stress." She shook her head. "I need

control."

“།

agree,

still need William, but you can stay in bed. Hell, you can work from bed if you want. I don't mind at all. I just want this baby healthy." As I spoke, I

friend-she was family.

Ama said, wiping away her tears and

you too. You're like a sister to me. I'd

wear that pink swimsuit?" Ama joked, a hint of her

closet and grabbed

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Chapter 186

"Okay, I'll wait here."

room, I headed upstairs toward mine, just in time to catch Ryder walking

I said, jumping

took you so long?" he asked, closing the

to ask if we could reduce her workload, make

my black swimsuit. As I spoke, I felt

for putting so much on

asked, pulling his