Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 321

Chapter 321

Xena’s POV

Ryder nodded and typed in the address. 318 Mountain View Boulevard, Destin, Florida. The address popped up automatically. We were only fifteen minutes away from my dad’s biggest secret.

Ryder grabbed my hand that was tapping nervously on the center console. “Relax, baby.”

“I’m trying.” The traffic was heavy. I’d never seen palm trees before, and watching them sway in the wind was amazing. The air carried a salty scent that told me we weren’t far from the ocean.

My heart was beating like it wanted to jump out of my chest. The GPS told us to turn into a gated community. After stopping at the window, an older gentleman leaned out. “Unit number?”

“Oh, um…” I wasn’t sure what the number was.

“Should be on the key. Do you have a key?” The guard seemed a bit impatient.

“Yes.” I opened the envelope and the key fell into my hand. There was only a number four on it. “Um, four.” I told him.

“Four?” He looked shocked.

“Yes, four.” I handed the key to Ryder to see.

“Damn.” The man disappeared into his little brick building and came back quickly with a clipboard and pen. “Please sign here.”

Ryder handed me the clipboard. It was a basic notification confirming I had received the attached envelope. “What is that?” Ryder asked.

“Don’t know. A few years ago we got instructions that when someone came to access that unit, they would receive this letter. We just need a signature confirming delivery and to provide assistance if you need it.”

I took the letter and signed the paper, then handed it back to him. “Thank you.”

“Your unit is all the way to the left at the end. Let me know if you need anything.” He bowed to us and then opened the gate.

“That’s weird.” I said once we were out of earshot. This place was very upscale. White brick walls at least fifteen feet high with cameras everywhere.

“Very weird.” Ryder drove slowly along the road until we saw number four. Ryder turned off the car but didn’t get out immediately. Instead, he reached out and cupped my chin, making me face him. “Breathe, baby.”

I immediately took a deep breath that I didn’t realize I needed. “Sorry, I don’t know why going in to look around makes me so nervous.”

“I’ll be right beside you.” Ryder looked directly into my soul through my eyes. “Ready?”

I didn’t speak, just nodded. “Should I read this letter first?” I asked.

“Yeah, let’s read it first.” Ryder put his hand on my leg.

Somehow I managed to open the envelope without cutting my finger on the paper. The paper was very fine, and I carefully pulled it out. The handwriting was elegant.

My Dear Daughter Xena,

If you are reading this letter, it means I didn’t make it out of the delivery room alive. When I told your father I had concerns, he thought I was

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Chapter 321

crazy. Even the doctors didn’t believe me. So I took matters into my own hands and wrote this letter.

I had so many expectations for your life. I wanted to watch you grow up, find your mate, and become the best version of yourself. I hope you always remember that you are my precious little girl.

I have given your father instructions on what to do with these items if I die and these things are no longer safe in my home, Florida has always been a special place in my heart. The beach was a place my parents took me, and I hoped to take you too. So by moving all this here, I’m ensuring you’ll get to go to the beach at least once in your life. I hope you’ll fall in love with it like I did.

There are many things in this storage unit that I hope you’ll treasure, but there are also some priceless items. Family heirlooms are irreplaceable and very valuable. I had everything appraised a few years ago. Depending on when you find this, you may need to have them re- appraised. But I hope you won’t sell them and will keep them in your family.

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