Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

Picking up the phone, I dialed Fenelope’s number, my heart racing as I wondered how to start this conversation.

“Hello?” she answered. Her voice sounded sad and defeated, like a puppy left out in the rain.

“Penelope, are you okay?” I asked as I sat down, already knowing the answer.

“I’m fine. Just taking it one day at a time.” Her voice was almost lifeless, like an empty shell.

“Penelope, I love you, but please don’t lie to me,” I said gently but firmly, hoping she would open up,

“I’m sorry!” she started crying again. “I-”

“Penelope, stop. You have nothing to apologize for. I know the pressure you’re under. Where’s Logan?” I asked, worried she was facing this alone.

“I’m right here,” he said. The phone must have been on speaker.

“Good. Listen, I know you asked Ama to take over the prom stuff,” I said, getting straight to the point, wanting her to know it was completely okay.

“I didn’t want her to tell you. I can do it! I just…” Penelope’s voice was filled with frustration and self–blame, which made my heart

ache.

“Penelope, stop. It’s okay. I’m not mad at all! In fact, I think it’s pretty amazing that you know when to ask for help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak.” I noticed Ryder pointing at me with his pen. I flipped him off and continued: “I’m calling to tell you that I love you, but I know you need a break. You need to focus on yourself and your relationship with Logan right now.”

“What do you mean?” Penelope asked, confusion and a hint of hope mixing in her voice.

“I’m going to take over my shop. Basically, you’ve done all the work already! You’ve done such an amazing job that I just need to see the finishing touches. This isn’t punishment; it’s a reward. You helped me so much when my world was dark, so let me do the same for you now,” I said sincerely, hoping to lighten her burden.

I could hear Penelope’s sobbing on the other end, making my heart clench.

“Thank you, X. This will really help her take the pressure off right now,” Logan’s voice carried obvious gratitude.

“Of course. If there’s anything else I can help with…” I offered, willing to do whatever I could to support them.

“Just keep yourself safe,” Logan sighed, concern evident in his tone.

“I will,” promised, knowing they were worried about me too.

“Okay, love you,” Logan said to me, warm affection traveling through the phone line.

“Love you both too!” I responded before hanging up, feeling a small comfort that at least I could do this for Penelope.

A knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” I called.

Ama and William entered, with Ama carrying the materials.

Here’s a list of everyone who has RSVP’d and their plus–ones. I’ve divided them into four categories, Ama presented a list that separated members of each pack and some humans. “This is what I’ve arranged so far.”

1/2

Chapter 165

Ama

pulled

out a

map to

and

Ama had drawn

a line

show me.

dividing

them

It displayed

that could scat circular tables

into four different sections

six people

each. The tables

appeared

to be

staggered,

“Hmm,

a

four of us, have the

she’ll think

eventually

come,

him to promote

each section needs head table. I suggest we put

ver ourselves here Tatum

and

and his crew far away.

and his mate. plus Mike

At Logan’s table, he’ll

and Have him

Leonard and Penelope, then

to account for her

Let’s

I’m and his mate anyway. we need

put Vander