Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 148

Xena's POV

"You didn't need to come out with me," I said, leaning against the rough bark of a tree trunk. The images from the dungeon still churned in my stomach. I knew those people deserved what they got but witnessing it all firsthand left me unsettled.

"No reason to stay down there," Ryder shrugged, his eyes studying me carefully.

"I'm not going to break down," I lifted my gaze to the sky where birds flew carelessly, envying their freedom.

"I know."

"Then what are you waiting for?" I turned toward him, impatience bubbling up inside me.

He frowned slightly. "Waiting for you to snap at me."

"Who's using sarcasm to avoid the issue now?" I challenged.

"Thought I'd try your style for a change." Ryder attempted a smile. "If I can't use sarcasm, neither can you."

"Waiting for you to acknowledge what we both can feel."

"Nothing to acknowledge. It just feels weird. I know they had to die or else similar things would happen again, but seeing it, witnessing it all... it feels different." My voice trembled slightly as the dungeon scenes flashed through my mind-their fear, their screams, the scent of blood-all of it refusing to leave my thoughts.

I didn't

think I did pretty well down

amazing, got them talking, but that doesn't mean there's no

gets the phone back, they'll need to analyze the information on it. We

"Alright. Let's go."

and his father and Alpha Benedict emerged. My heart rate

just about to check on the construction progress," Ryder

to gather some warriors to search for this tree." Alpha Benedict held up a piece of paper. I wondered what was on it

find," my father extended

Once we know, I'll contact you, and then we can

them, needing to ask a question that had

"What is it, child?"

1/2

Chapter 148

Ryder interjected. "Soon..." Dad placed his hand on my shoulder. He seemed to be searching for the right words. "Everything will be... arranged soon. Just know that I love you. You'll be safe, even if it's

about to follow him and ask what he meant, Ryder grabbed my hand. “Let's head back." I glanced between Alpha Benedict and Ryder, then back at my father's retreating figure,

the pack house. The walk was quiet. Only the birds' calls

were parked outside the

to change clothes," I told Ryder. He nodded, opening the

in the corner. As soon as they saw us, they glared and ran off.