Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 281

Xena's POV

"It means I'm free, Tansy said, her voice barely audible but filled with desperate hope. It means my daughter is safe."

My hands shook as i worked the key into the lock. The metal had been there so long that removing it would require medical attention. 'We're going to get you proper care,' I promised.

*Is Penelope alive? Is she safe?" Tansy's eyes filled with tears as she looked up at me.

"She's alive and well. She's mated to my brother Logan - the Alpha of Nightcedar Pack." I managed to get the lock open, and the collar fell away with a heavy clank. Tansy immediately brought her hands to her neck, feeling the taw, infected skin where the metal had been.

"Logan?" she repeated, confusion crossing her features.

"My twin brother. The man who just gave orders outside." I pulled off my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Jericho is here too. He's been waiting for you.

At the mention of Jericho's name, Tansy's entire body went rigid. "Jericho? He's... he's really here?"

"He never stopped looking for you. Never stopped loving you." I helped her to her feet, supporting her weight as her legs shook from weakness and malnutrition.

"I thought I'd never see him again," she sobbed, her voice breaking. "Wiley told me he was dead. He said Jericho abandoned us."

lied about everything," I said firmly. "Jericho has been working undercover, trying to protect both you and Penelope all these

we made our way slowly toward the cell door, Tansy gripped my arm. "The other women... please don't leave them here. They've suffered as much

at the woman who had led us here, still

*Iris, ma'am," she whispered.

all the women. Tell them they're coming

wide with disbelief. "All of

men don't have a choice anymore," I said coldly. "This pack

emerged from the cells, Jericho was pacing frantically near the entrance. The moment he saw Tansy, he froze. Twenty years

he breathed, his

him taking in his weathered face, the gray in

arms wrapped around her, Tansy collapsed against him, sobbing with relief and

Jericho whispered into her hair. "I'm so sorry I couldn't save

voice muffled against his chest. "You saved

seen on my brother's face - something between wonder and overwhelming

wolf doesn't have much

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Chapter 281

heart sank. Wiley must have been suppressing her wolf all these

down his face as he gently touched her face. "Let me save you.