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Don’t Poke the Luna
Chapter 108
Xena’s POV
“Time to get up for breakfast,” Ryder’s voice was a gentle murmur against my ear, his breath warm against my skin.
“No,” I grumbled, pressing my ass against him, feeling his chest rumble with quiet laughter. I could feel the heat of his body against mine, tempting me to stay wrapped in this cocoon of warmth.
“You need to get up and eat a good breakfast. You’ve got a fight to win today,” he said, his fingers tracing light patterns on my bare
shoulder.
That got my attention. “I’m looking forward to it!” My voice carried an undeniable edge of excitement.
Ryder’s arms tightened around me, his tone more serious than I’d expected. “You need to focus. Winning this fight will show everyone else not to challenge you so easily.”
I rolled over to face him, studying the concern etched into his features. “Who else would dare challenge me? Besides, I’m the one who issued this challenge.”
I sighed and pulled myself up from the bed, suddenly very aware of my nakedness in front of Ryder. Strangely, it felt more natural with each passing day. The vulnerability that once made me uncomfortable was fading, replaced by something that felt oddly like belonging.
I didn’t actually need a shower, but I wanted one anyway. I needed to wash away his scent from my skin before the fight. It was strategic–I couldn’t afford to let my opponent catch any trace of distraction or weakness in my scent.
Just as I ducked my head under the hot spray of water, the bathroom door opened.
“They may not have issued challenges yet, but the possibility is there,” Ryder muttered as he stepped into the shower behind me. I almost rolled my eyes at his persistent worrying.
“Are you afraid someone might defeat me?” I asked, working shampoo through my hair while Ryder washed his body. It struck me as strange–intimate yet not sexual–just two people sharing a shower and a conversation. We’d reached a level of comfort I never thought possible. I’d always assumed shared showers were inherently erotic, but this felt different. Domestic, almost.
“No, I mean… I haven’t seen you fight yet, but I’d rather not see it at all,” Ryder replied, his displeasure evident in both his voice and the tense line of his shoulders.
I changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood. “Is Logan coming today?*
“He should be.”
We switched positions so I could rinse the shampoo from my hair. “I still can’t believe he and Penelope became mates. Wonder how Keira feels about that.”
‘Is Keira a warrior?” Ryder asked.
My body stiffened instantly at his question, my heart rate accelerating as unease washed over me. Was he worried Keira might challenge Penelope?
Yes, Aut Penelope isn’t. She’s a scholar, like me.”
“Yet you still fight,” Ryder sighed.
1/2
Chapter 108
“Only because I forced my dad to teach me. After a final rinse, Ryde turned off the shower and handed me a towel. We walked into the closet together.
I have some things to take care of today,” Ryder said coolly, his back to me as he dressed.
His sudden detachment irritated me. “That’s fine. I can find my way downstairs. I hadn’t done anything wrong–he’d known about this fight for over a week, and I’d issued the challenge before we’d even become mates.
“Fine” Ryder walked out, closing the bedroom door with more force than necessary.
“Looks like someone needs a tampon today…” I muttered to myself, picking up my phone to call Penelope.
“Hello?” Penelope’s voice sounded slightly breathless.
“Hey, girl! How are you?” I immediately realized–1–might have interrupted something, mentally kicking myself for not considering the timing.
“I’m good. Actually, we’re about to head over to your pack. Logan has some business to handle with Ryder. Penelope sounded like she was catching her breath, restraining something in her voice.
“Great! I just wanted to check on the shop updates. It feels weird not doing anything,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual.
“Sure, I’ll bring everything with me.” Penelope’s voice sounded distant, as if she’d moved the phone away. Her tone suggested she wasn’t fully engaged in our conversation.
“Okay, well, thanks. See you soon.”
“Yeah, see you!” Penelope quickly ended the call.
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