Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207

Xena’s POV

“My office?” Ryder questioned, his eyebrow lifting slightly as he stared at his mother. My heartbeat quickened in my chest, this surprise catching me completely off guard.

“Yes. I’ve spent the past two days setting up your office. Come see. ina Kestrel smiled warmly as she walked past us, her elegant figure leading the way down the corridor. Ryder shot me a confused bok, then placed his hand on the small of my back, gently guiding me forward. I remembered we’d talked about this before, but with everything that had happened recently, it had completely slipped my mind. My thoughts were a jumble of anticipation and nervousness, wondering what she had prepared for us.

Luna Kestrel waited for us to gather at the door before unlocking it. Pushing it open, she gestured for us to enter first. My initial reaction was utter shock. Everything was exactly as I would have imagined it to be perfect. My heart felt like it was being submerged in a warm tide, that feeling of being understood, of being valued, nearly choking me. My drawings hung on the walls, and she’d even fixed up the desk I bought. One for each of us. The space wasn’t huge, but there was room for a small couch along the wall with a mini bar beside it: Twp beige armchairs sat in front of each desk.

“I deliberately left some blank spaces so you could add your personal touches. When you officially take over, we can rotate offices,” Luna estret said, a gentle smile playing on her lips. The acceptance in that smile made something inside me quiver.

“I would hug you if I could,” I said, amazed at how perfectly the office had been put together in such a short time. She had truly captured everything. My throat tightened with emotion.

‘I’m so glad you like it!”

Ryder pulled his mom in for a hug.

“You might spot things we missed. Either way, your passwords are on sticky notes on your computers. Feel free to change them as you like.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Ryder said as she turned to leave.

“Of course. We love you both.” Luna Kestrel gave me a smile before walking out and closing the door behind her.

“We have an office…” I whispered as Ryder walked around, claiming one of the desks. He booted up the computer, pulling over another office chair for me to sit beside him. I wasn’t sure what style or fabric these chairs were, but they screamed money. My fingers traced over the armrests, feeling the luxury I’d never quite gotten used to.

“Do you want to start with the photos or something else?” Ryder asked as different folders popped up after he inserted the flash drive.

“Photos are good.”

Ryder nodded, double–clicking to open the photos. Most of them were of me doing everyday things. Nothing special, going to the pool or eating lunch outside. Most were taken far enough away that you could see my face but also see where I was. In the pool one, it was close enough that you could see my face as I laughed, but you could also see the landscape behind me.

“Oh… shit…” I said slowly.

“What is it?”

“Can you print all the photos?” My palms started sweating, intuition telling me something was very wrong.

“There are several hundred…” Ryder sounded confused.

1/2

Chapter 207

Just do it!” My voice came out sharper than I intended. I stood up, arting to panic. Fear spread through my veins like venom, and I needed to confirm my suspicions.

“Okay, they’re printing. What’s rong? Ryder stood up, looking at me with concern.

I needed to free my hands, needed to get these damn braces off. “Take these off me.” I knew I sounded like I was having a panic attack, but maybe I was. My heart was racing, feeling like it had dropped into my stomach.