Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 239

Xena's POV

so... do we have the day off tomorrow?" a young man next to Novak asked.

You need to be ready in case something happens, but yes, you can relax, Ryder put his hand on my knee, as if to say it was time to go to bed.

"Everyone get some sleep," I stood up and said. Ryder followed me out, and everyone said goodnight.

"Why isn't William back yet? I asked as we walked down the hallwa

"I don't know." Ryder's hand settled on the small of my back as we climbed the stairs, his touch grounding me in a way that nothing else could. "I'll mind-link him."

"Okay."

We reached our room, and Ryder paused at the door. "Still on the phone with Ama. She's got Galen handling it, but it looks like it's going to take a while."

"That's fine." The yawn escaped before I could stop it, my body finally catching up with the emotional exhaustion of the day.

Tired?" His green eyes searched my face, concern flickering in their depths.

Ryder unlocked our door and secured it behind us, the click of the lock somehow making the weight

to pour us both whiskey, the amber liquid catching

and my brother will get the role he was born for." The words came out flat, emotionless, but inside my chest felt like it was being crushed by stones. Each breath was a struggle against the

beside me, handing me the glass. His arm came around my shoulders, and I leaned into his warmth, taking a small sip of the burning liquid. "I'm

but isn't his happiness worth what he's prepared

in those green depths, something I couldn't quite read. "It is, but Logan will be all the family I have left. Even though your parents are difficult... at least they're alive. When you lose both parents,

siblings, and even though you and William constantly bicker,

a soft snort, grateful for the momentary lightness. Ryder leaned forward,

get some sleep." He stood and extended his hand to me. I accepted it, downing the rest of my whiskey in one burning gulp. We walked to the bed together, and

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Chapter 239

felt Ryder pull me against him, his strong arms wrapping around me like a shield against the world. 'Sleep, baby. You're

words were the last thing I heard before darkness claimed

with it all the anxiety managed to d escape

I already showered, curled my hair, and applied my makeup, but

that hugged his perfect ass and a fitted athletic shirt that showed off every defined muscle. Even in my current state, I couldn't help but appreciate how devastating he

me full force now and I had to fight to control the sweat threatening to ruin my carefully applied makeup. My heart was beating

dress or one of those romper things." Ryder stepped into the closet, surveying my options with the same