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.

help us get this organized?" I put her on speakerphone so

have our safe 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 cover both territories, but we have someone

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

route are you taking?"

the old dirt road on the back of the territories?"

Capping the safest route.

long time since I've been there." I could almost see Penelope's brow furrowing

just outside of your territory. It's a longer

almost a twenty-minute drive there and another twenty

I nodded, though she

our vans as well. Try

felt a

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Chapter 215

over the road and have them

I'll send them now. Expect them

clock, alarmed at how

be about the time

list over email and I'll be ready," Penelope

you so much for

This is what we

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