Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 67

Xena's POV

"Samuel disobeyed orders," my father explained, his voice hollow. "He was supposed to remain on the flank because I knew he was emotionally compromised. When he charged forward, they panicked and fired. He took a bullet, and your phone stopped another one."

Dad's eyes met mine, haunted. "Right over your heart. It saved your life."

I ran my fingers over the cracked screen of my phone, still stained with my blood.

My

lifeline in more ways than one today.

"Did they say what they wanted?" Benedict asked, his authoritative presence filling the

small hospital room. Ryder sat beside me on the bed, his body tense, hand gripping mine so tightly it almost hurt.

"They wanted me," I said softly. My heart rate accelerated suddenly as the fear rushed back l€" their cold eyes still fixed on me in my memory.

"You?" Benedict seemed incredulous, seeking confirmation.

"They didn't say why. Just that they came for me." My voice trembled. "I thought about

going with them, if it meant they would leave Ryder alone..."

"Never put yourself in danger for me, do you understand? Never!" Ryder's hands cupped my face, forcing me to look into his eyes. They burned with anger and fear intertwined.

"Benedict, where do we stand now?" My father asked, his Alpha demeanor firmly in place

despite the exhaustion lining his face.

"Xena saved my son's life, then used her body to shield him. If my son is right, she's as good as my daughter, as she is yours," Benedict replied, his voice resolute.

"We hunt them together," my father extended his hand.

"Kill every last one of them," Benedict grasped it firmly, sealing their alliance. "And

I must express my sincere condolences for the loss of your future Beta. Needless to say, anything

you need is yours."

you," Dad said, turning to look at me. "I need to go notify his

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Chapter 67

even for a second, made panic rise in my throat. The fear of losing him still clung to me like

chest. I needed to ensure Ryder was

process this brutal

with her," Logan

not going anywhere," Benedict settled into a

0

kissed my forehead, his eyes lingering on my

answered, fighting

room. Logan sighed heavily and sat

side of the room.

my eyes tracing over the bandages visible beneath his

quickly, but it did nick an artery. You really did save my life." His green eyes held mine with an intensity

filled the room as we all processed what had

me rest against his side. Suddenly, a flash of light caught

hell, Logan?"

you know it was me?" he chuckled

but inside, I felt a spark of warmth. Even in moments like this, Logan was still Logan l€" trying to

blowing up my phone wanting to talk to you. I told her

doesn't believe

up and bring her," I

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Chapter 67

think he's already on his way to get her. She's not taking no for an answer, and now

William knows Ryder's okay..."

and looked at

good. It's going to take time." His face was solemn, no trace

all those times we'd spent together, his protectiveness, his care. Now all those memories were stained with pain. I tried to control my breathing, fighting back tears while my heart

was being torn apart.

anything?" Benedict looked confused

thing. You'll get used to

minutes later, we heard Ama's voice echoing down the hallway. "Where

she's

I replied, just

Ryder and I were in, then moved toward