Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 209

Xena's POV

I looked at Ama, a wave of gratitude washing over me despite my underlying concern. The pallor of her face worried me more than I wanted to admit.

"Do you need a snack? Fruit? Nuts? What would you like?" I asked, unable to mask the worry in my voice.

Ama glanced up at me, her eyes tired. "Oscar Mayer."

I shifted my gaze from her to Ryder. He nodded once before leaving the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

We worked for about fifteen minutes in relative silence. I was focused on the design samples for my shop when suddenly, Ama lurched forward and vomited into her trash can. William returned at that exact moment, witnessing the scene without flinching.

Without a word, he handed her a bottle of water and grabbed the garbage bag. His movements were so natural, so practiced, it made me wonder how long she'd been feeling this way.

"Have you tried Gatorade? I asked, my mind immediately going to solutions.

William looked at me, confusion crossing his features. "What do you mean?"

Electrolytes. She needs electrolytes. Gatorade or even Pedialyte would work," I explained, my voice taking on that clinical calmness I used whenever I needed to hide my true feelings.

William turned to Ama. "What flavor would you like?"

"Oh, um,

lemon," she replied weakly.

I couldn't help but scrunch up my face. "Lemon?" The disbelief was evident in my tone.

ned, my

right now." Ama gave me a look that said she understood my reaction. A small smile flickered

heading out to dispose of the trash bag. He placed the food on the table near

to the desk to begin his own work.

said after about five

up from the

does this look like to you?" She handed me

a picture of Ryder and me

he leaned against a tree. Heat rushed to my face

a good time?" I asked, looking at her, trying to

behind you guys. Is

of the forest we hadn't explored yet. It was on the edge but deep enough that no one should have seen us. The risk of being discovered was part of what had made having sex there so

I stood up, my voice trembling despite my attempts to

moved to my side immediately. "What is it?" His voice was steady and firm, but I could tell he

a hand to you?" I pointed it out. My heart raceds that familiar panic

His confirmation made my fear more

"I'll investigate this. Don't leave this room. Understand? I'll have a guard posted out

someone else posted out front?" I

watched, of not knowing who was watching us, took

William

grateful for

he gets here before you go, okay?" I hated sounding so dependent, but in this

He agreed, his eyes full of understanding

of my vulnerability. While I wouldn't let the kidnapping experience defeat me, I couldn't lie and say I wasn't afraid. I slowly sat back down and picked up my scissors. My hands were shaking, but I continued cutting. Ama seemed to notice my distress but didn't speak, just continued

here with the girls. I need to check on something, and don't let Xena out of your sight no matter what," Ryder commanded. I could hear the

"Got it."