Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240

Xena’s Pov

Ryder gave me that I’m still going to fuck you” look before opening the door.

“You didn’t even try last night,” I reminded him as we walked out, Ryder closing and locking the door behind us.

“You didn’t look like you wanted to,” Ryder placed his hand on my hip as we walked toward the garage together.

“I could have been persuaded.” I gave him a playful smile.

I’ll keep that in mind,” Ryder rolled his eyes.

“Will your parents be coming together?” I asked as Ryder opened the Cadillac door for me.

“No. After everything that’s happened, I don’t want them there,” Ryder closed the door and walked around to his side. Once he got in, he started the car and pulled out of the garage.

I nodded. “Where did everyone go this morning?”

“Probably sleeping in, since they finally have a free morning.”

My legs were trembling, shifting restlessly in the seat. Saying I was uncomfortable was an understatement. Ryder reached over and pressed his hand firmly against my thigh to still me. Almost instinctively, both my hands grabbed onto his forearm, gripping tightly. Ryder absorbed all my grip and more.

The roads were unusually empty today, and we quickly arrived at Dad’s pack. “I was hoping I’d never have to see these gates again,” I said softly as we approached. The guard saw me, nodded, then opened the gates to let us through.

“Xena, I know this will be hard, but remember, this is his choice. He wants this. No matter how much you and Logan hurt, remember that his soul is finding freedom,” Ryder said.

His words hit me like ice water to the face. It was a dose of reality that helped me calm down slightly. I was able to take a deep breath. Logan and Penelope stood on the front porch steps. Logan had his arm around her, and Penelope waved enthusiastically at

1. us.

I took one last deep breath, then Ryder opened my door. I’m not even sure when he got out of the car.

“Xena! It’s so good to see you!” Penelope ran down the steps to hug me. It felt good to see her again.

“How are you?” I managed a smile in response. She looked good – no sunken eyes or bruises.

“Actually, I’ve had a really good week.”

I nodded.

“Hey, sis,” Logan approached, and I threw myself into his embrace. It felt good to be back in my twin brother’s arms. Even though I loved Ryder, Logan always had a comfort I couldn’t find anywhere else.

“Hey.” That was all I could manage to say.

“How’s the shoulder? Logan released me and looked at my shoulder.

“Feels completely fine,” I lifted my shoulder to show I had full range of motion.

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Chapter 240

“Good,” Logan stepped back and shook hands with Ryder, then gavem a half hug. Thanks for coming, man.

“Xena!” I heard Dad’s voice from the porch. Looking up, Dad and Martha came out to greet us. Dad walked several steps ahead of Martha. Thankfully, she stopped on the steps while Dad came down to give me a hug.

Dad! Not as intense, but I still held onto him.

“You look good, kid. How are you feeling? Dad released me and, like Logan, examined my shoulder.

“I’m fine. Feeling great.” Even if I wasn’t feeling well, I wouldn’t tell him.

“Good!” Dad nodded, then gripped Ryder’s hand firmly. “Thank you for bringing her.”

“Thank

Ryder wasn’t sure how to respond, his mouth opening and closing a few times. “It’s my honor, sir,” he finally said.