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

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

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

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

forehead.

through worse," I gave her a

bless you, Blade," she kissed my cheek before heading off to

my ears processing

at the door, and finally the sound of the SUV door

against Samuel the entire time, with Leonard firmly gripping

during the ride. Logan drove home first, where

the cells. Then we drove to the hospital. Logan said the doctor and

what happened?" my father demanded as the doctor performed the X-

of them is in our

challenged one of the girls to a duel. Also, Ama

Beta William are mates."

"Are you alright, X?" He

concern.

gave as good as I got," I forced a smile

ribs, nothing else serious," Dr. Smith announced. "No adjustment needed, should heal

you, doctor,"

to her room to rest,"

me again. We headed to the pack

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Chapter 16

door.

me to my bedroom door, I

here."

protest, just gently set me down, and I

in and sit on the bed, giving me a look I couldn't decipher, then walked away. I

to lie down.

nightstand, so I only needed to undress and slip

fall asleep, my phone vibrated. A text

number: It's Ryder. I'm

specifically?

it. I don't regret the kiss, but I