Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 264

Xena's POV

A bucket of ice-cold water slammed into my face, the shock of it driving straight into my bones. I gasped, choking on the water that filled my mouth and nose. Before I could fully process what was happening, two sharp slaps cracked across my cheeks, the stinging pain cutting through the fog in my head like a blade.

My eyes snapped open to find Alpha Wiley's face inches from mine, his expression twisted with barely controlled rage. His hand wrapped around my throat, squeezing just hard enough to make breathing difficult, and he delivered two more vicious slaps that made my ears ring.

I need your blood serum. Now. His voice was hoarse, almost frantic, and there was something unhinged in his eyes that made my blood run cold. In his place stood someone who looked like he was teetering on the edge of complete madness.

I forced myself to look around the room, taking in our new surroundings despite the throbbing in my skull. Medical equipment lined the walls-monitors with blinking lights, IV stands, and machines I couldn't identify. The sterile smell of antiseptic burned my nostrils. In the center of the room sat a metal surgical table with leather restraints hanging from its sides.

I didn't give him the satisfaction of a response. Instead, I met his gaze with the coldest stare I could muster.

Alpha Wiley's brow furrowed at my silence. Without a word, he stood and glanced at one of his warriors. The man immediately bolted from the room.

Two minutes. When the door opened again, my heart shattered into a thousand pieces.

They dragged Tom in like a broken doll. He was barely conscious, wearing nothing but his underwear, his body covered in burns and cuts. His head lolled forward, too heavy for his weakened neck muscles to support.

to rise, desperate to help him, but the cold barrel of a

so that Tom's unfocused

BANG!

face and clothing were covered in blood, as was the

gunshot mixed with my own screams as I let out a sound

as he wiped blood from his face with the back of

crashed over William, followed by brutal kicks to his ribs and stomach. William jerked awake with a gasp, his body convulsing as consciousness returned along with the pain. Blood trickled from

blood serum," Alpha

sank to the bottom of my chest. "NO! Don't hurt him!" The words exploded

his sides as he fought against his restraints. "Don't... don't listen to him, he managed to rasp out, his voice hoarse

BANG!

the air as Alpha Wiley's bullet shattered his shinbone. I could see

my vision, and I couldn't watch another person I cared about die because

Chapter 264

my being wanting to tear Alpha Wiley apart. But seeing William's agonized face, knowing that my defiance would only bring him more pain, I

this," William gasped out through gritted teeth. "Ryder

vicious kick to William's temple. William's protests cut off as his eyes rolled back and he went limp,