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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helping her to her feet. I walked her to her room, and she fumbled with the door handle before pushing it open. We made our way to her bed, and I

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

need you to be anyone but yourself," I told her softly.

This much stress during pregnancy isn't healthy

off?"

washing over her

that?"

I asked, surprised by

all need to be present, but

it," I encouraged with

deep breath. "Can I work reduced hours? With

her head. "I

control."

“།

agree,

can work from bed if you want. I don't mind at all. I just want this baby healthy." As I spoke, I felt a fierce protectiveness rise within me. Ama wasn't just

friend-she was family.

love you," Ama said, wiping away her tears and wrapping

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

wear that pink swimsuit?" Ama joked,

and grabbed the sexiest

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Chapter 186

"Okay, I'll wait here."

just in time to

I said, jumping

took you so long?" he asked, closing the

if we could reduce her workload, make

out my black swimsuit. As I spoke, I felt a twinge

putting so much on my friends'

did you say?" Ryder asked, pulling his shirt off over