Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Ama?" I asked in surprise when I opened the door to find her standing there.

"You look fucking amazing!" she said, looking me up and down.

Hearing those words from Ama, I knew my choice was right. Her eye for fashion

was always spot on.

"What do you think?" I asked, giving her a little spin.

"Absolutely! Ryder sent me to come check on you." Ama's smile was so wide it

looked like it might split her face.

"Why?" I asked.

"You really did pick the perfect dress," Ama said, grabbing my arm and pulling me

toward the hallway.

"Why?" I was even more confused now. Her expression was too excited.

"Just smile and keep walking," Ama said, pulling me toward the back door. The

moment she opened it, I realized this wasn't just an ordinary barbecue gathering.

Somehow, Ryder had changed into khakis and a white polo shirt. He stood at the

end of a flower path that ran through the crowd of people.

What surprise was he pulling

it was the good kind of

gentle push and then walked out,

me down the flower path toward Ryder. He

and gazed

these people, in this moment, I

before. The feeling filled my

have your Luna ceremony. All the

But after everything we've been through, I want to

his pocket. I immediately

his mother had worn.

down through generations...

to my mother. Every Luna has

ceremony, but I want it to be worn by a Luna.

our unity and commitment. Not just as mates,

together. There's no hierarchy between us...

here how much you care for them,

own life at risk to save others.

chapter of our

emotions rushed

of belonging. This wasn't just at ring; it

an eternal promise.

nod, tears welling in my eyes, as he slipped

you ready?" Ryder asked as we boarded

Since then, I'd seen the

it was a healthy pregnancy with no symptoms. Since it

hadn't told anyone else yet. Obviously,

William, but that

on the private jet. I'd been admiring the ring

with a one-carat black round-cut diamond.

pattern. Ryder's great-great-grandfather had