Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 191

Xena's POV

"You can shift back now. I brought you clothes," Ryder said.

His voice was like a lifeline pulling me back. Una retreated into the depths of my mind, sparing me from the agony we'd been enduring. When dry earth tickled my nose and made me sneeze, I knew I was human again.

God, the pain was unbearable, like my skin was being peeled away layer by layer.

"It hurts," I whimpered as Ryder slipped a shirt over my head. I felt shorts being pulled up my legs, and every brush of fabric against my hypersensitive skin felt like-tiny blades slicing through me. My nerves were raw, exposed, screaming with each touch.

"I'm sorry. I can't believe you did this without me present. You knew it would be painful. It makes me angry that you went through this because of me." His voice was thick with guilt and self-reproach his green eyes darkened with concern.

"Your father sprung it on me. Can I sleep now?” I managed to say. Black spots were dancing across my vision, expanding like ink in water Exhaustion crashed over me in waves, and I felt myself sinking, consciousness being swallowed by darkness.

"Yes, sleep, my love. I'll take care of you." I heard him whisper against my ear, felt the gentle press of his lips against my forehead, and then nothing but blackness.

Ryder's POV

I sat beside Xena, watching her chest rise and fall with each shallow breath. Fury coursed through my veins, hot and potent, allowing my wolf instincts to take over until my wolf saw his mate. Only then did he begin to calm. When he realized she was in pain, his anger morphed into guilt.

I hadn't realized until now how many times her inability to mind-link with anyone had been a disadvantage, but my father making her do this without me present made my blood boil.

William had left me his phone before he took off. I needed to call Logan, tell him what had happened. I hated adding to his burden, but he was our best ally right

now.

hit call. The

"William?"

running a hand through

What's going on? Where's your phone?" Logan immediately sounded

probably smashed somewhere. I honestly don't know. Listen, I

Xena okay?" Logan's tone grew

up, I began pacing back and forth, unable to stay

paused, the weight of what we'd discovered sitting

prompted after a

1/3

Chapter 191.

building in the city but worse, there

ago."

to pull the phone away

height. She believes drones were flying

the

could identify her," I admitted, the words tasting like defeat

I should have anticipated these dangers, should have been more vigilant. But I failed, and now she

there a plan for this situation?"

lost control

that why

her link?"

once, her inability to mind-link with anyone here for help or otherwise has

guessing she's passed

"Yes."