Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 42

Xena's POV

We drove in silence. The scenery was beautiful, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to go home yet. With our discovery, we needed to get back quickly. Maybe even launch an attack before they could make a move on us first.

Ryder had even chosen to take the main road home. Occasionally, he'd check if I was still behind him or ask how I was feeling, but that was it. My mind was racing though-why were those Rogues there? Did they already know about us? If they were planning to attack our territory, were we prepared? The unease washed over my nerves like a rushing stream.

"This is my turn. Your father's probably waiting at your pack to hear about the Rogues," I told him as my turn approached.

"I'll make sure you get home safe."

"It's really fine. You go home first. I'll be fine."

I could hear the hesitation in his voice. "You sure?"

"I'm good. Thanks for today. See you at school!" I tried to make my voice sound light as I slowed down to make the turn.

Ryder continued forward, and when I turned, I could hear his motorcycle suddenly accelerate. Like he'd been holding back his speed for me all along.

Home was only about 10 miles away, so I arrived quickly.

Dad, where are you? I called through our mind link.

Training grounds. Back already?

the throttle, accelerating again. Once I arrived home, I took off my jacket, gloves, and helmet, then half-ran to the training grounds, my heart pounding in

"Dad!"

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Chapter 42

what's wrong?" He stopped training, and everyone turned to

They saw us. We got the soil samples and got out, but there were 15 to 20 Rogues!" I said

Samuel stepped forward, my

that's not far from here. If they're setting

Alpha Benedict's territory, it's his call, but I'll contact him to

they decide to attack in this direction because we saw them, and they

now." Dad pulled out his phone and dialed, walking toward

watched his serious expression as

okay?" Logan

I'm fine." I tried to calm down, but the anxiety came flooding in like a tide. If those Rogues knew our location,

his call and

team, move out!" He turned to

sir!" Samuel

group of 15 people followed Dad and Logan as they ran off, presumably to help Alpha Benedict. I stood there, feeling a strange sense of helplessness-I wanted to go with them, but I knew I wasn't strong enough yet and would

tone that clearly carried accusation. "What exactly are you implying, Samuel?" I felt anger rising inside me. He was always like this, looking at me

a question." He narrowed his eyes at

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