Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

I watched Ryder's face, noting the conflicted emotions playing across his features. The tension in his jaw, the slight furrow between his brows-1 could practically feel the pressure weighing on him. He wanted to stay with me, but his responsibility to keep his pack sate pulled at him just as strongly.

"I promised I wouldn't leave you," he said, his voice low and resolute as he stood near the door, clearly torn between duty and desire.

I fought the urge to grab his hand, to beg him to stay. Iristend, I steed myself and said softly, "You're not leaving me. I'm telling you to go make sure our pack is safe."

Ryder crossed the room in three long strides, cupping my face between his warm palms. His green eyes searched mine intently. "Will you be alright? Dont lie to me. I can feel how unsettled you are righ now."

"Yes, I'm unsettled and nervous, but we need to make sure the pack safe. I'll be fine. I promise." The words felt hollow even as I spoke them, but I needed him to go. The safety of dozens of innocent people depended on it.

"I'll be back soon." Ryder pressed his lips to my forehead, the warmth of his kiss lingering on my skin like a talisman against fear.

"I'll hold you to that," I murmured as he pulled away. He turned back with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes before walking out the door. I watched his broad shoulders disappear down the hallway, swallowing the knot of anxiety rising in my throat.

"I've made a list of everyone who needs to leave," Ama announced once Ryder was gone, waving a sheet of paper in her hand.

"How many?" I asked, just as my phone rang.

"Xena," I answered, pressing the device to my ear.

"It's me," Penelope's voice came through clear and efficient.

you help us get this organized?" I put her

houses getting set up. Everyone will gather in one place. Both packs will fit just fine. I'm not sure if our pack will be attacked, but I'm not leaving it up to chance. It will be hard to

I said, pacing the room. "Ama is making a list of who's going first, how many will be there, and their names, When they arrive, you need to verify

route are you

old dirt road on the back

Capping the safest route.

time since I've been there." I could almost see

that. It will drop off just outside of your

almost a twenty-minute drive there and another

least," I nodded, though

our vans as well. Try to make this go quicker," Penelope

felt a

1/2

Chapter 215

road and have them scope out. Make

them now. Expect them in about thirty

how

time

the list over email and I'll be

Thank you so much for your

This is what we do," Penelope