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

The thought of leaving Ryder, even for a second, made panic rise in my throat. The fear of

boulder on my chest. I

begin to process

with her," Logan assured our

not going anywhere," Benedict settled into a

0

kissed my forehead, his eyes lingering on my face. "I love

I answered, fighting to keep my

of the room. Logan sighed heavily

side of the room.

my eyes tracing over the bandages

artery. You really did save my life." His green eyes held mine with an intensity

looking down at the floor. Silence filled the room as we all processed

rest against his

the hell, Logan?"

know it was

brave enough to take pictures right now." My tone conveyed annoyance, but inside, I felt a spark of warmth. Even in moments

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

she doesn't believe

pick her up and bring her," I said

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Chapter 67

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

William knows Ryder's okay..."

I opened my eyes and looked

good. It's going to take time." His face

flashed in my mind T€" all those times we'd spent together, his protectiveness, his care. Now

was being torn apart.

even ask him anything?" Benedict looked confused

language thing. You'll get used to it," Ryder

voice echoing

she's worried about

used to it," I replied, just as Ama burst through

at the position Ryder