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.

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Chapter 67

panic rise in my

my chest. I

to process

her," Logan assured

anywhere," Benedict settled

0

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

I answered, fighting to keep my

Logan sighed heavily

side of the room.

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

quickly, but it did nick an artery. You really did save my life."

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

me rest against his side. Suddenly, a

hell, Logan?"

know it

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

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

she doesn't

up and bring her," I

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Chapter 67

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

William knows Ryder's okay..."

eyes and looked at

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

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

was being torn apart.

even ask him anything?" Benedict looked confused

thing. You'll get used

heard Ama's voice echoing

she's worried

replied, just as Ama burst

position Ryder