Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 16

Xena's POV

William wasn't the same person I'd seen before. The air around him was intense. His hands gripped the necks of Helen's two helpers tightly, his knuckles white with pressure.

"Come to Alpha Hank's office with Alpha Benedict tomorrow. We'll settle the details there," Logan said, his voice carrying the authority he'd been born to wield.

"We'll be there," Ryder responded, glancing at Helen before asking Logan, "Your cell or

mine?"

"Mine," I answered for Logan. Ryder stared at me for a second, then nodded in agreement.

"No!" Helen cried out, struggling against Logan's restraint, her voice shrill with panic.

"I've got the SUV at the door," Leonard announced as he rushed over, dangling the keys in

his hand.

"Samuel," Logan nodded, then looked toward Samuel, gesturing toward the door with a tilt

of his head.

Samuel approached me without asking how I felt. He simply examined my injuries silently before lifting me in a bridal carry, carefully avoiding my major wounds. Still, I had to bite down on his shoulder to stifle a scream of pain. He stood still, letting me adjust, waiting for the pain to subside. After a moment, I released his shoulder and rested my head against his chest.

The damn pain was nearly suffocating, but I refused to show weakness in front of outsiders. I could feel the warmth of Samuel's chest, his heartbeat steady and strong, offering me an unexpected comfort.

"Bitch," I muttered as Samuel carried me toward the door, turning right toward the back

exit.

William escorted the two girls behind us, with Ryder following close behind. They headed in the opposite direction, toward the main entrance.

"Um, Blade?" Ama looked at us and then at William with concern clouding her face.

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7:15 pm F

Chapter 16

head with effort. "It's fine. Go with them, then come

of tears, and I didn't want her to worry, though I knew she could feel my pain. The sensation of layer upon layer

you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling. She gently brushed the hair

forehead.

through worse," I gave her a weak

she kissed my

eyes, my ears processing

and finally the sound of the

Samuel the entire time, with Leonard firmly gripping Helen.

Logan drove home first, where Leonard got

we drove to the hospital. Logan said the doctor and my father

as

three girls. One of them is in our cell.

of the girls to a duel.

Beta William are mates."

father sighed. "Are you alright, X?" He looked

concern.

didn't get away unscathed either. I gave as good as I got," I forced a smile at

nothing else serious," Dr. Smith announced. "No adjustment

doctor," Logan

room to rest," my

and lifted me again. We headed to the pack house,

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Chapter 16

door.

my bedroom door, I patted his arm. "Thanks,

here."

me down,

watched me walk in and sit on the bed, giving me a look I couldn't decipher, then walked away. I was too preoccupied with my pain to worry about his

to lie down.

to undress and slip under the

my phone vibrated. A

number: It's Ryder. I'm sorry about

part specifically?

of it. I don't regret the kiss, but I shouldn't have