Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

After my shower, Ama helped me blow-dry my hair and used a straightening iron to style it. She found some bras that would work with my cast and underwear that still had tags on them from her closet. With basic shorts and a t-shirt, I felt more like myself again.

After Ama and I chatted for a while longer, I could see how desperately she wanted to be by William's side. I encouraged her to go, telling her I was ready to walk around on my own for a bit.

The entire atmosphere of Nightcedar Pack felt different now. Children were laughing and running around freely. Mothers chased after them, scolding them or simply smiling at their antics. Everyone had drinks in their hands and looked genuinely relaxed.

Seeing all of this lifted my spirits considerably.

"Hey, Luna Xena! Do you need anything to drink? We're handing out coffee, tea, or water. We have lemonade for the kids. I can grab you something else if you'd like," Harlow, one of my old pack members, approached me carrying several

empty

cups.

"No, thank you. How is everything going? Do you need help with anything?" I asked.

"Obviously we're busy, but it's wonderful. Everyone's helping everyone, so it's manageable. I think Luna Penelope might. need some help in the kitchen though," Harlow whispered the last part to me conspiratorially.

"Alright, I'll go check on her," I smiled back at her. She nodded and continued walking around asking if anyone needed

drinks.

I had to dodge several children to make it to the kitchen. Watching these kids run around freely filled my heart with

warmth.

"...nightmare!" Penelope's panicked voice carried through the door.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I closed the door behind me.

"I don't think we have enough food for everyone!" Penelope looked like she was about to cry.

Seeing Penelope this anxious immediately shifted me into problem-solving mode. "Okay. What do you have?"

"We have deli meats, some pasta, salad, fruit, but I don't think it's enough." I could hear the worry in her voice.

I quickly surveyed the kitchen, my observational skills telling me there were more resources here than Penelope realized. She just wasn't seeing the full picture under pressure, which was completely normal.

"Alright, remember those women were starving. They won't eat very much. Second, there are boxes of mac and cheese on that counter over there. Make that for the kids." I started checking the refrigerator. "You have plenty of cheese and tortillas, maybe some people would want quesadillas. There's some leftover shredded chicken and steak in here. Plus, I'll call Ryder to see when they're arriving. If he's getting ready to come over, I'll have him bring some things from our place. Okay?"

"Thank you!" Penelope looked visibly relieved. The kitchen staff started working while I took her phone and walked out to

the porch.

The phone rang three times before he answered. 'Alpha Ryder," I said in a mock- serious tone.

"Hey, it's me." Ryder obviously didn't recognize my voice at first, then responded with surprise, "Xena? Whose number are you using?"

"Penelope's. I don't know where my phone is."

"That's quite a talent," he joked. "So, what happened?" he asked, becoming serious again.

"How long until you get here?"

"Why? Are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Happy, actually, but Penelope's worried there isn't enough food."

"Ah, we'll be over in a few minutes. I was just about to shower."

"Great. Can you bring all our deli meats and anything else that's easy to serve?" I asked, glad he wouldn't be much longer.

"Of course. Did you hear about William?"

"Yes. The surgery went well. They brought him here, and Ama's with him now. I think he'll be fine."

"Good." I heard the shower turn on.

"Hurry up and get over here," I sighed as I sat down on the porch swing.

"I will, sweetheart. I will." When he called me sweetheart, there was always that warm feeling that spread through my

chest.

"Bye," I said.

"Bye."

"Did you reach him?" Penelope said, startling me.

"Shit!" I jumped up as she sat down.

"Ha! Sorry!" Penelope started laughing at me.

"You scared the hell out of me. Yes, he'll be here in about thirty minutes." I gave

her a light shove as she settled beside

1. me.

"I'm really glad you're okay," she said.

"I'm just that stubborn," I replied, not wanting to get into a deep emotional conversation right now.

"Though I should thank you," Penelope started laughing softly.

"What? Why?" I was confused.

aathy Save to take it Name of t

The turk methaming and towing. After everything we'd been through that was literally life or death.

assing weed rats were about but it is reminded me that life was continuing, that normal worries and

To pondant Logan want to annail by husiness collega

ids are a further alication ft thought to it

admingle to some soating with axcitemene Watching the woman fim and of the

past uus for grad Ahor matice, kaming with joy they jumped into their arms, filed

my

Chapter Comments

< SHARE

"You got us out of the school test again. I've been dreading that thing."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Really?"

“Logan's been stressing about that damn test and everything else."

"Why is he stressing about the test? He doesn't actually have to take it. None of us do."

This struck me as both amusing and touching. After everything we'd been through that was literally life or death, discussing school exams seemed absurd, but it also reminded me that life was continuing, that normal worries and concerns still existed. That normalcy felt comforting.

"He wants to hang his diploma on the wall. Show kids that school is important. Logan wants to enroll in business college courses this fall," Penelope said quietly, like it was some big secret.noveldrama

"Oh, really?" This shocked me.

"Yeah. Wants to be a good role model."

"That's nice." I was actually somewhat impressed. I had no desire to pursue any further education. I'd thought about it briefly, but I was more excited about getting back to my shop. Getting back to a relaxed life. We sat quietly for a while until I stood up.

filled my Just as expected, multiple cars pulled into the driveway and parked. My heart started beating with excitement. Watching the women run out of the pack house to greet their mates, screaming with joy as they jumped into their arms, heart with warmth. This was what normal life should look like-love, reunion, no fear.

Chapter Comments