Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 92

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Don’t Poke the Luna

Chapter 92

Xena’s POV

“Did William do all of this for Ama too?” I asked, gesturing at the beautiful starlit picnic setup as we gathered our things from the

blanket.

“No, he did his own thing. I just helped clean up the site. If anyone helped me plan this, it was Logan, Ryder admitted, folding the blanket with practiced efficiency.

“Oh… that’s unexpected,‘ I murmured, surprised that my brother had a hand in creating this perfect moment.

Ryder packed away everything we needed, and we climbed back into the golf cart for the drive back to the pack house. His eyes lingered on me as he started the engine.

“Your hair looks beautiful right now,” he said, his voice low and appreciative.

“That’s entirely your fault. Who told you to wrap your fingers in it? complained, though I still tried to smooth it down. I knew I probably looked like a madwoman who’d just crawled out of bed after last night’s passion.

“Ah, yes, but it was absolutely worth it.” The wolfish grin spreading across his face sent tingles down my spine.

“Was it really?” I asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of insecurity.

“Why are you anxious about last night?” Ryder asked immediately.

My jaw dropped in surprise. I’d forgotten he could feel my emotions now, just as I could feel his. A wave of amusement washed over me, but I realized it wasn’t my emotion–it was Ryder’s. This bond was both intimate and unnerving–every feeling I had was now

completely exposed.

“That was my first time,” I admitted, crossing my arms and turning my head away from him.

Ryder reached out and pulled me closer to him. His hand rested on my inner thigh, warm and possessive. I wrapped my arm around his, resting my head against his shoulder.

“We have brunch, then Ama has arranged some activities for you girls, and then the ball. We need to be there around 5:30,” Ryder explained, outlining the day’s schedule.

Disappointed that he hadn’t acknowledged my confession, I decided to let it go. “Sounds good.”

“Why do you feel disappointed?” he asked, his voice gentle.

“I’m really going to start hating this emotion–sharing thing,” I sighed

Ryder smiled and placed a kiss on my forehead. “So?”

“You didn’t comment on what I said about it being my first time. Obviously, you’ve had experience.” The words came out more

vulnerable than I intended.

Ryder slammed on the brakes. If not for his hand on me, I would have been thrown forward. “Listen.” He lifted me up and placed me so I was straddling his lap. Our eyes locked, and his burned with an intensity I’d never seen before.

“I have never felt more alive than I do now. Last night was the best night of my life. I love you, Xena. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. You are my life, my world. Never doubt that.” Ryder kissed me passionately, and I could feel all the love pouring from him through our bond, so intense it nearly overwhelmed me.

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Chapter 92

“I love you too, I whispered. Those three words had always terrified bie, made me feel vulnerable and exposed, but in this moment, they flowed from my lips as naturally as breathing.

“Hmm, I heard that’s difficult for you to say…”

“It is,” 1 admitted.

Ryder kissed me tenderly, then helped me slide back to sit beside him. His hand returned to my thigh as we drove back to the pack house. Thankfully, no one was around to witness my “walk of shame

The cart came to a smooth stop in front of the house. Ryder got out and deliberately moved slowly while I ran ahead. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the code to unlock the door.