Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 290

Xena's POV

After my shower, Ama helped me blow-dry my hair and used a straightening iron to style it. She found some bras that would work with my cast and underwear that still had tags on them from her closet. With basic shorts and a t-shirt, I felt more like myself again.

After Ama and I chatted for a while longer, I could see how desperately she wanted to be by William's side. I encouraged her to go, telling her I was ready to walk around on my own for a bit.

The entire atmosphere of Nightcedar Pack felt different now. Children were laughing and running around freely. Mothers chased after them, scolding them or simply smiling at their antics. Everyone had drinks in their hands and looked genuinely relaxed.

Seeing all of this lifted my spirits considerably.

"Hey, Luna Xena! Do you need anything to drink? We're handing out coffee, tea, or water. We have lemonade for the kids. I can grab you something else if you'd like," Harlow, one of my old pack members, approached me carrying several

empty

cups.

"No, thank you. How is everything going? Do you need help with anything?" I asked.

"Obviously we're busy, but it's wonderful. Everyone's helping everyone, so it's manageable. I think Luna Penelope might. need some help in the kitchen though," Harlow whispered the last part to me conspiratorially.

"Alright, I'll go check on her," I smiled back at her. She nodded and continued walking around asking if anyone needed

drinks.

I had to dodge several children to make it to the kitchen. Watching these kids run around freely filled my heart with

warmth.

"...nightmare!" Penelope's panicked voice carried through the door.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I closed the door behind me.

"I don't think we have enough food for everyone!" Penelope looked like she was about to cry.

Seeing Penelope this anxious immediately shifted me into problem-solving mode. "Okay. What do you have?"

"We have deli meats, some pasta, salad, fruit, but I don't think it's enough." I could hear the worry in her voice.

here than Penelope realized. She just wasn't seeing the full picture under pressure,

women were starving. They won't eat very much. Second, there are boxes of mac and cheese on that counter over there. Make that for the kids." I started checking the refrigerator. "You have plenty of cheese and tortillas, maybe some people would want quesadillas. There's some leftover shredded chicken and steak in here. Plus, I'll call Ryder to see when they're arriving. If he's getting ready to come over,

relieved. The kitchen staff started working while I took her phone and

1/3

Chapter 290

the porch.

phone rang three times before he answered. 'Alpha Ryder," I said in

didn't recognize my voice at first, then responded with surprise, "Xena?

don't know where my

quite a talent," he joked. "So, what happened?" he asked, becoming

long until

"Why? Are you okay?"

Happy, actually, but

in a few minutes.

that's easy to serve?" I asked, glad he

Did you

here, and Ama's with

the

here," I sighed as I sat down on the porch

When he called me sweetheart, there was always that

chest.

"Bye," I said.

"Bye."

you reach him?" Penelope said, startling

jumped up

Sorry!" Penelope started

hell out of me. Yes, he'll be here in about thirty minutes."

shove as

1. me.

you're

stubborn," I replied, not wanting to get into a deep emotional

should thank you,"

I

take it Name of