Don’t Poke the Luna Chapter 157

Xena’s POV

"Why not?" Ryder flashed me a smile as I headed to the bathroom to clean myself up.

I quickly rinsed off in the shower, feeling his eyes on me even through the closed door. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, I announced, "I'm ready."

"Come here," Ryder said, leaning back against the couch. I crossed the room and settled onto his lap, resting my head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady and reassuring beneath my ear.

"Tell me," he said, his voice gentle as his fingers traced circles on my back, "why are you so uncertain about becoming a mother?"

I took a deep breath, the question hitting a tender spot I'd been avoiding. "With all these kidnapping threats and everything else going on, I'm worried something might happen to the baby if I'm in an unsafe situation. I don't plan to put myself in danger, but if I'm pregnant, I can't shift. What if a Rogue flips our car again and I have to fight in human form?"

A chill crept up my spine at the thought, and Ryder must have felt it because he pulled me closer.

"First of all, you could be attacked by Rogues any day," Ryder said, his hand continuing its soothing motion on my back. "But if it makes you feel better, we can be extra careful until things settle down."

"Thank you," I whispered, looking up at him. He placed a soft kiss on my lips, then playfully swatted my ass, making me smile despite myself.

"We should get going before they come looking for us," Ryder said as we stood and headed for the door.

Suddenly, a thought struck me. "Though I might be pregnant already. So this conversation might be pointless." I kept my voice low, checking the stairwell was empty before continuing.

"Little Ryder Jr.," he said, savoring the name on his tongue.

"About that..." I laughed as we entered the garage.

"Finally!" William exclaimed when he saw us.

"Sorry. Ryder had to take a shit," I couldn't help but laugh at the look Ryder shot me. There was pretend anger there, but I could see the amusement in his eyes.

"Men really do spend hours in there," Ama agreed, putting on her helmet.

"Exactly," I said, blowing Ryder a kiss before mounting my motorcycle. He just shook his head and put on his own helmet.

Ama and I led the way out. God, it felt amazing to be back on the road. The wind whipping around my body, leaning into the natural curves of the road—this sense of freedom made me forget all my worries, living only in the present moment. We took the back roads, watching wildlife around us. Honestly, it was the most beautiful, peaceful thing on Earth. Soon, we arrived at my favorite barbecue joint.

"Table for four?" the hostess asked.

"Yes, please," Ama replied with a smile.

"Right this way." She grabbed a few menus and led us to a corner booth. "Is this okay?"

"Perfect, thank you," I said, sliding in. Ama and I sat on the inside with Ryder and William on the outside. Ryder placed his hand on my inner thigh, and I gripped his arm tightly. The gesture didn't escape Ama's notice. She knew I wasn't big on physical contact, so this was a big deal to her. But instead of pointing it out, she just smiled at me and picked up her menu. I appreciated her discretion.

"Mr. Nash and Ms. Harris! So good to see you back!" Yara approached our table.

"Thanks! Are you our server today?" I smiled at her.

"Sure am." I noticed her eyes flicker to our clasped hands. "What can I get you all to drink?"

"Dr. Pepper for me," I said.

"Iced tea," Ryder replied.

"Tea with lemon, please," Ama answered.

"Mountain Dew for me," William smiled at her, earning a light shove from Ama.

"Got it. Want any appetizers?" Yara asked, pretending not to notice the playful interaction.

"What did you bring us last time?" Ryder asked.

"Oh, those poppers?"

"Yes, could we get some of those?" Ryder requested.

"And fried pickles!" Ama said, a bit too loudly. Her face flushed as she leaned back in her seat.

I watched Ama's reaction, thinking this must be pregnancy hormones at work.

"Of course! I'll put those in and be right back!" The server walked away.

Just then, I spotted Wren in the distance near the kitchen area. Just my luck.

"Look who's over there," I said, nodding toward the kitchen area. Ryder followed my gaze.

"I'm surprised she still works here," Ryder frowned.

"Why?" Ama leaned forward, ready for gossip. The sparkle of curiosity in her eyes made me smile.

"Last time we were here, she sat next to Ryder not knowing who I was. Said a bunch of crap before I gracefully introduced myself," I explained, placing my other hand over Ryder's.

"I wish I hadn't missed that!" Ama laughed. "I would have loved to see it."

We ordered our meals—I got pulled pork without bread and fried okra, Ryder ordered brisket with cheesy potatoes and beans, Ama chose the day's special (half rack of ribs with fries), and William went for pulled pork with bread, cheesy potatoes and beans.

"Do you guys still want to go swimming this afternoon?" Ama asked us.

"Sure. I don't know what you two want to do. If you want to stay home, that's fine. I know you just got some big news and might want alone time," I offered.

"We haven't hung out together in forever. I want to go swimming!" Ama said enthusiastically.

"Swimming it is then," I agreed. There was something satisfying about making a pregnant woman happy. I noticed Ryder seemed a bit restless, but he hid it well. I knew him—he probably wanted time alone, but he was willing to compromise for our friends. That was one of the reasons I loved him.

"So what are your plans for the week? I only know we have school testing on Thursday," I asked.

"Well, apparently I need help designing the pool. We got approval, but I need to finalize the plans," Ama frowned.

"I'd be happy to help you tomorrow," I offered.

Our appetizers arrived, and Ama immediately popped a pickle into her mouth.

She had to spit it out because it was too hot, downing half her tea before she could speak.

Yara looked concerned. "Oh no! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, they're hot but really good!" Yara visibly relaxed at Ama's words.

"Great. Be careful. I brought some ranch dressing to dip them in. That should help cool them down."

"Thanks, Yara!" Ama smiled and started blowing on the pickles.

"Never get between a pregnant woman and her food," I muttered, carefully taking a pickle for myself. William and Ryder focused on the poppers.

"These are so good," William said with his mouth full.

"You guys sure have quite the manners," I joked.

"There's something we need to talk to you about," William said to me, then glanced at Ama. Her expression instantly changed to panic, her eyes darting around like a deer caught in headlights.

"Now? Here?" she whispered.

"It's okay," William tried to reassure her, but it didn't seem to help much.

"What is it?" I asked, looking between them.

"Ama and I want to..."