Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 79

Xena's POV

I felt my eyes return to normal, my body gradually relaxing as the tension drained away. The wolf inside me retreated, leaving me feeling hollow but calm.

"Hmm," I hummed softly, running my tongue over my split lip.

"Ready to head home?" Ryder asked, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

"Yes." The single word was all I could manage right now. My ribs ached with every breath, a constant reminder of the fight with Helen and her friends.

Ryder produced a tissue from somewhere and gently dabbed at my lips. His touch was surprisingly tender for someone who exuded such dangerous energy.

"It's fine. The cut isn't deep, nothing to worry about," I said quietly, trying not to notice how his green eyes darkened with concern.

"RYDER! Wait up!" Logan shouted. He and Leonard were running toward us, their faces etched with worry.

"I'm sorry, X." Logan skidded to a stop in front of us, breathing hard. Ryder stepped back, allowing my twin to examine my face. I could feel the worry and guilt radiating from Logan through our bond.

"Damn it!" Leonard roared, looking like he might punch something-or someone-at any moment.

"I'm fine," I insisted, grabbing Leonard's arm to calm him down. I could feel the tension in his muscles, his entire body coiled like a spring ready to snap.

"That bitch Martha, and Samuel's dad... the way he spoke to you was out of line. I'm going to-"

"You're not going to do anything!" I cut him off firmly. "That man just lost his son. He has every right to express his feelings. Samuel took a bullet for me. If venting helps him process his grief, I can take it."

Chapter 79

"Blade..." Leonard began, using my nickname.

“I let him speak to me that way because he's in pain, and I'm a grown woman. My heart

will heal. We need to stick together and move forward. Find a new normal. Who knows, any of you could find your mates tomorrow. You have the entire pack to think about. Put your pain aside and be the leaders they need you to be. Grieve at night, but right now, they need to see that you haven't been broken. The pack needs to know you can protect them, provide for them, and still make sound judgments. You need to go back there with your heads held high. You're the future of this pack. Ama and I are leaving. Even if Ryder weren't my mate, I'd be packing my bags and never coming back. You can't ask me to return. Everything you need is right here." I placed my hand over their hearts.

As these words left my mouth, a strange emotion welled up inside me. I was never one to express my feelings easily, but in this moment, facing our imminent separation, I found myself unable to maintain my cold exterior. These boys had become an irreplaceable part of my life. Leaving them felt like tearing away a piece of my soul.

Both of them looked up at the sky during my speech, trying to hide their emotions.

"I hope whoever becomes my mate has half your ability to be a Luna," Logan

me in a hug that was both warm and

have a heart after all," Leonard joked, and I gave him a hug

could feel Ryder shifting impatiently

ended up smiling instead. "I won't be too far

no doubt you will,"

my mouth. Expressing affection had never

to say the things that

said it first without me having to force

me again.

get used to it," I rolled my eyes without hiding the smile that tugged

lips.

2/4

Chapter 79

tomorrow?" Logan asked, his voice growing

dress and take it to Ryder's. We can

come over

trying to

be there when you finally confirm it?"

entire day avoiding you just so you

we kiss

is a magical

whoever becomes your mate will

only shake my head, though my heart felt warm.

admit

I would miss these daily jokes and moments of closeness.

to Ryder, I said, "I'll be right back. I'm going

any

to

she's

grumbled.

but didn't

Ryder's POV

annoyed that I had to ask this question. Damn bond needs

how she's holding it together," Logan said, his

the meeting?" I asked, shifting my weight from one foot

the

other.