Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 129

Xena's POV

"No. I think I'm good," I said quietly, my voice barely carrying across the sterile hospital room.

"Very well. Have a nice day, Alpha Ryder, Luna Xena." The nurse bowed respectfully before walking toward the door.

"Thank you," I called after her just before she completely left. I noticed her body hesitate slightly, but she continued walking. A wave of guilt washed over me- maybe I should've been kinder to her. She was just doing her job, after all.

Ryder slid off the bed and reached for my arm, steadying me as I stood. "Let's go," he said, gesturing toward the door. I followed his lead, knowing the phone call we were about to make wouldn't be pleasant. Just thinking about telling my father I'd been in danger made my stomach twist into knots.

We walked in silence toward the pack house, Ryder's hands at his sides, yet maintaining at least three feet of distance between us. This physical gap seemed to mirror the emotional chasm that had suddenly appeared between us, creating an unexpected ache in my chest. I was still wearing that torn t-shirt, feeling exposed with every step, each movement a reminder of my vulnerability.

When we reached the pack house, a warrior stood guard outside-unusual, but that was an issue to address with Ryder later. For

now, I headed straight upstairs to our bedroom.

against the bite mark on my shoulder. The small

father from my dad's office," Ryder said as we emerged from

frowned, confused. I'd wanted to make this call privately, to avoid letting

encountered.

father about those locations anyway," Ryder shrugged, his tone

to our room and go to bed early?" I asked softly, suddenly feeling exhausted beyond measure, not just physically but emotionally. Everything that

out of the bedroom toward his father's office. The coldness stung, but I forced myself

once before opening the

just walked in. She has something to tell you," Alpha Benedict frowned.

it down.

is it?" My father's voice filled the room, sounding

chest, knowing he wouldn't like what he was about to

alertness in my

you to be angry," I said carefully, like I was approaching a

it, Xena. What did you

flinched at his words, hurt blooming in my chest. “Hey! I didn't do anything!" I defended