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.

organized?" I put her on speakerphone

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 doing some

many will be there, and their names, When they arrive, you need to verify everyone made it. We'll be packing the vans full of people and trying to keep

you

old dirt road on

Capping the safest route.

been there." I could almost see Penelope's brow furrowing

drop off just outside of your territory. It's a longer

drive there and another twenty back," Penelope

I nodded, though she couldn't

well. Try to make

felt a

1/2

Chapter 215

much. Send them over the road and have them scope out. Make sure

I'll send them now.

how quickly time was

the time

the list over email

you so much for your

family. This is what we do," Penelope

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