Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 274

Xena's POV

Consciousness crept back slowly, like swimming up from the bottom of a dark ocean. The first thing I noticed was the sterile smell-antiseptic, clean sheeti that unmistakable hospital scent that seemed to cling to everything. My mind felt foggy, wrapped in cotton, but gradually the fog began to lift. I was alive Somehow, impossibly, I was alive.

I struggled to open my eyes, the bright light stabbing through my skull like needles, Sunlight streamed through a window, painting golden squares across the white hospital room. As my vision cleared, I became aware of a weight beside my bed. Someone was there, slumped forward with their head resting on their arms.

With tremendous effort, I lifted my head slightly to get a better look.

Ryder.

My heart stopped for a moment before hammering against my ribs. He was asleep, his blond hair falling across his forehead, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. The sight of him here, real and breathing. My world, which had been nothing but pain and darkness, suddenly burst back into color.

had survived. I was looking at the person I had missed

me like a tidal wave, so pure

onto the hospital pillow. I tried to turn my head away, not wanting to

me with such tenderness it nearly broke me all over again. That was it-the dam burst completely. I began sobbing, all the pain and relief I'd been holding back pouring out of me in

flickering across his features as he scrambled for tissues on the bedside table. His hands shook as he

a tender kiss to my forehead, and I felt some

much,"

IV lines and monitors, holding me against his chest like he was afraid I might disappear. I melted into his embrace, feeling safe and whole for the first time since this nightmare began. His heartbeat was steady

Logan's teasing

just managed to control came crashing back. Fresh tears pooled in my eyes as I looked at Logan

crybaby," Logan said, grinning at

protested through my tears, which only made Ryder and