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

1/4

Chapter 67

second, made panic rise

my chest. I needed

process

her," Logan assured our

not going anywhere," Benedict settled

0

his eyes lingering

answered, fighting to keep

Logan sighed heavily and sat down on

side of the room.

asked Ryder, my eyes

heal 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 happened, struggling to find words. The

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

hell, Logan?" I

did you know it

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

talk to you. I told her you were

doesn't

up and bring her," I

2/4

Chapter 67

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

William knows Ryder's okay..."

eyes and looked at

take time." His face was solemn,

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

was being torn apart.

him anything?" Benedict looked

thing. You'll get used to it,"

minutes later, we heard Ama's voice echoing down

Alpha, and she's worried about you,"

replied, just as Ama burst through the

the position Ryder and I were in, then