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."

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

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Chapter 67

thought of leaving Ryder, even for a second, made panic rise in my

chest. I

process this brutal

with her," Logan assured

Benedict settled into a

0

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

you too, Dad," I answered, fighting to keep my

out of the room. Logan sighed heavily and

side of the room.

say about your injuries?" I asked Ryder, my eyes tracing over the bandages visible beneath

an artery. You really did save my

filled the room as we all processed what had happened, struggling to find words. The heaviness in the air

letting me rest against his side. Suddenly,

the hell, Logan?" I

know it was me?" he

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

up my phone wanting to talk to

doesn't believe

her up and bring her," I said

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Chapter 67

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

William knows Ryder's okay..."

my eyes and looked at Logan. "Logan, tell me

It's going to take time." His face

we'd spent together, his protectiveness, his care. Now all those memories were stained with pain. I tried to control my

was being torn apart.

didn't even ask him anything?" Benedict looked confused by

this twin language thing. You'll

voice echoing

and she's worried

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

position Ryder and