Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 65

Xena's POV

"Ryder!" I screamed, my voice tearing through my throat as pain ripped through my body.

The car had slammed into a tree, and since I hadn't been wearing my seatbelt, I'd been thrown through the windshield onto the hood. When I slid down, excruciating pain shot through my legs, but I couldn't focus on that now. Whoever had shot at us could return any minute, and I needed to get Ryder out of here.

Night had fallen, and the wind howled around us, raindrops starting to fall. The only light came from the car's headlights, which cast eerie shadows across the wreckage. My heart hammered against my ribs, fear and worry tangling inside me, but I forced myself to stay calm. Ryder was about to become my mate-I had to save him.

I forced myself to stand, pausing as agony tore through my legs and lower back. I took several deep breaths, steadying myself before limping toward Ryder. It took three attempts before I finally wrenched the door open. Blood streamed down his arm, the vivid red making my throat tighten. I quickly stripped off my top and used it as a makeshift tourniquet, tying it above his wound. I hobbled to the roadside, found a sturdy branch, and used it to twist the tourniquet tighter, securing it with a hair tie.

My hands trembled as I searched his pockets for his phone. I had to tilt his head back to make the facial recognition work. Thank the Moon Goddess it unlocked, and I

immediately called his father.

"Ryder." Benedict's urgent voice came through the speaker.

"It's X," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady despite the rage and terror boiling inside me. "We just left the shop and someone drove by shooting at us. Ryder took a bullet to the shoulder. We tried to get away, but he passed out and we crashed. We're just past the iron bridge. Hurry, I don't know if they're coming back."

"I'm on my way!"

"My dad was heading to your place-I was on the phone with him when we crashed. Call him; I can't find my phone."

"Got it. What else do you need?"

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Chapter 65

*Ryder needs a doctor, or he'll lose his arm." My heart felt like it was being sliced open at the thought of Ryder losing his arm.

at high speed, my

Ryder's arm over my shoulder and dragged him from the car, adjusting my grip before hiding him in the

carry him far, but at least this would buy us time. Deep inside, a

car stop, followed by the sound of

pretty girl!" A gun

muscular men with buzzcuts and a slender man in a suit emerged. The buzzcut men

as quietly as possible through the forest, I circled around to their car, approaching the suited man from behind. As I got closer, I caught their stench-Rogues. But this clearly wasn't random; they were targeting us

Blood sprayed everywhere as I grabbed

The two buzzcut Rogues

me.

I aimed at the

his face, nudged the bushes with his foot. "Your friend's in

needed to stall. "If I'm going down, I'm taking one of

Chapter 65

gun down, and I'll let

myself not to react. Ignoring his demand, I continued stalling.

crap, bitch. Come with us and you'll find out."

Ryder. "Counting

I couldn't risk it. Slowly, I dropped the gun,

man sneered and

screamed, my raised hands shaking. Tears welled

threatening to spill over.

as he moved toward me, circling to get behind me. My body trembled as I fought to contain my grief, my mind

familiar roar echoed through the forest. Samuel! That meant my father had

voice, but he was too late. A bullet tore through his skull, brain matter and blood splattering across my face

rang out. I felt a massive impact in my chest and was knocked to the ground. Time seemed to freeze as a ringing filled my ears, followed by

up, opening my