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

a look that said she understood my reaction. A small smile flickered

just as William was heading out to dispose of the trash bag. He placed the

begin his own work. Ama

said after about

looking up from the flooring samples I was

this look like to you?" She handed me

Ryder and me having sex in

Heat rushed to my face as

at her, trying to

mean, behind you guys. Is that

area was part 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 exciting. Yet this photo had been taken during that time, with a hand visible in the background. My blood ran cald, a chill of fear crawling up

up, my voice trembling despite

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

heart raceds that familiar panic began to set in, the same feeling I'd

confirmation made my fear

sharpening with alertness. "I'll investigate this. Don't leave this room. Understand? I'll have a

leave. "Could you... have someone else posted out front?" I asked hesitantly, but I could feel myself starting to panic. The

watching us, took me back

William come

I nodded, grateful for

before you go, okay?" I hated sounding so dependent, but

his eyes full of understanding and

down and picked up my scissors. My hands were shaking, but I continued cutting. Ama seemed to notice my distress but didn't

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

"Got it."