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

"It's fine. Go with them, then come back for the

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

okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

forehead.

worse," I gave her a

you, Blade," she kissed my cheek

my ears processing the club's noise, the

at the door, and finally the sound of the

the entire time, with Leonard

spoke during the ride. Logan drove home

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

demanded as the doctor performed the X-

girls. One of them is in

one of the girls to a duel. Also, Ama and their

Beta William are mates."

sighed. "Are you alright, X?"

concern.

gave as good as I

else serious," Dr. Smith announced. "No adjustment needed,

you, doctor," Logan

to her room to

nodded and lifted me again. We headed to the

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Chapter 16

door.

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

here."

me down, and I staggered

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.

needed to undress and slip under the

my

It's Ryder.

Which part specifically? (I saved

All of it. I don't regret the kiss,