Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Xena’s POV

“I would stay with you, but you seem like you need space. Logan said to give you space.” Ryder’s voice carried uncertainty as he stood a few feet away.

I bit my lip, emotions churning inside me. What I needed wasn’t distance, but

understanding. “Not that kind of space. Just… physically be near me, but wait for me to

reach out for comfort when I’m ready.”

“Oh.”

I caught the flash of hurt in his eyes and immediately felt guilty. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

“I’m just learning how to help you. Really know you. Don’t apologize,” he said, his green eyes sincere as he carefully sat beside me, leaving enough room between us.

I gave him a small smile. “You’re doing fine.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the gentle evening breeze rustling through the trees surrounding the training field.

“How’s your arm feeling?” he broke the silence.

“Hurts a bit, but it’s okay.”

Ryder sighed, interrupting my thoughts. “A birthday party on Friday seems inappropriate given everything.”

I forced myself back to reality. “It’ll give people something to look forward to after Samuel’s funeral.” Even saying it made my heart ache. Life and death, joy and grief, all coming so suddenly.

“I didn’t send flowers,” I frowned, the realization hitting me suddenly.

“Logan took care of it. I asked,” Ryder replied.

He always thought of things I missed. “Thank you.”

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“The funeral’s tomorrow at 10 AM,” Ryder sighed.

“Yeah…”

“Ama got you.a dress.”

“Of course she did.” I let out a small laugh, thinking about how Ama always took care of

these details.

“We should arrive separately. Ama will pick you up early, you can sit together as a group. William and I will be in the back if you need us.”

“Thanks for understanding.” I genuinely appreciated that he wasn’t insisting on staying by my side.

“Just make sure you come back to me after,” Ryder sighed, his possessiveness starting to show through.

“Okay,” I agreed softly.

“Come on, you need to eat something before bed.” Ryder stood up but didn’t reach for my hand, respecting my boundaries.

“I’m not hungry.” The thought of food made my stomach turn. Grief seemed to swallow my appetite.

“Try? Please?” His eyes were full of concern.

“Fine.” I sighed and stood up.

We walked together, stars beginning to appear in the night sky. When we entered the pack house, Ryder led me straight to the private dining room where two plates of pasta were waiting. I managed about a quarter of mine before setting my fork down and leaning back in my chair.

“I’m done.”

“Okay.” Surprisingly, Ryder didn’t argue, just stood up.

We went directly to the bedroom, where he started looking for a movie. I grabbed a set of silk pajamas and changed in the bathroom. When I came out, Ryder had chosen a film and

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was wearing only shorts.

We climbed into bed. The TV had been moved to the foot of the bed. Ryder adjusted the pillows so he was half–reclined. He held out his arm and I curled up beside him, my head resting on his chest as he pulled me close before pressing play.

I was asleep before the title appeared. The next morning, I woke to the sound of text messages on Ryder’s phone. He rolled over to respond.

“Who is it?” I mumbled groggily.

“Dad.”

“What time is it?”

“S:10.”

I tried to wake myself up, feeling the heaviness of the upcoming funeral settling in my chest. “I should get up and shower. When is Ama coming?”

“In thirty minutes,” Ryder yawned.

As Ryder put his phone down, I started to get up, but he caught me and pulled me back to him.

“Not so fast.”

“Oh?” I looked at him questioningly.

“How are you feeling? I wish we had completed the mate bond already so I wouldn’t have

to ask.”

I took a moment to assess my emotions, finding them too complicated to sort through. “I’m not sure. Sad… confused. Maybe guilty too.” Each emotion ebbed and flowed like waves, making it impossible to settle on just one.

“This isn’t your fault,” Ryder cupped my face, looking directly into my eyes.

“Mm.” I avoided his gaze, guilt still clinging to me.

“I mean it. Head up today. I’m here if you need me.” His voice was firm but gentle.

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“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling a small warmth in my chest.