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 back for the

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

voice trembling. She gently brushed the hair

forehead.

I gave her a weak

you, Blade," she kissed my cheek

ears processing the club's noise, the greetings

the sound of the

against Samuel the entire time, with Leonard firmly gripping Helen.

spoke during the ride. Logan drove

the hospital. Logan said the doctor and my

my father demanded as

three girls. One of them

one of the girls to a duel.

Beta William are mates."

you alright, X?" He looked at me

concern.

away unscathed either. I gave as good as I got," I forced

"No adjustment

you, doctor,"

room

me again. We headed

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Chapter 16

door.

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

here."

didn't protest, just gently set me down, and I staggered into

then walked away.

to lie down.

phone and ID on the nightstand, so I only needed to undress and slip under the covers. That's exactly what I did. Just as I

to fall asleep, my phone

number: It's Ryder.

Which part specifically? (I

the kiss, but I shouldn't have done