Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 283

My heart shattered into pieces. The fury that had been simmeting beneath the surface all day blazed hotter at her innocent question. She was so forting, to young to have witnessed the violence and abuse that had clearly been part of her daily life. But this was the harsh reality of our world, where even children. couldn't escape the brutality and pain.

1 knelt down to her level, fighting back tears. 'No more, sweetheart. Mommy will never bleed again."

"Cars will be here in twenty minutes, Ryder announced as he rejoined us.

'I'm going with them, I told him through our mind link. 'I need to tell Penelope the truth about everything."

Ryder hesitated, his eyes searching my face with concern. "Are you sure you're okay?"

'I'm fine. I'll take care of the women and children while you handle the men."

The men kneeling on the ground wore expressions of obvious displeasure and contempt. Their eyes held fear, yes, but underneath that was pure hatred. Several of the warriors glared at Ryder and me with undisguised loathing.

"There will be warriors to assist Logan and me, Ryder said, ignoring their hostile stares. "I just contacted Delphine - he'll be helping you."

One of the stronger warriors suddenly sprang to his feet, clearly preparing to attack us. At the same moment, several vans pulled into the driveway.

'I suggest you sit back down before I help you," Ryder said coldly, his voice carrying that dangerous calm that meant he was barely restraining his anger.

More warriors poured out of the vehicles, some still wearing battle gear while others had already changed. "All women and children, please get in the cars, I called out to the crowd.

approaching from the distance, and my heart lifted slightly knowing he would be there

heard one of the bound warriors

me like wildfire. This piece of

Ryder to let go of my arm and walked slowly toward the warrior, my

bitch!" He spat on the

mocking. What an arrogant fool. Cut his

uncertainly at Ryder. My patience had

his ropes, now!" I

and used his knife to slice through the bindings. The bound warrior rubbed his wrists and stood up,

shoulders.

name?"

need to know," he replied, then launched himself

in my mind. I quickly ducked under his swing, and at the same time, my right claws sho plunged deep into his knee. I yanked them out cleanly, and

stared at me in terror, and I was certain they now believed I had been

changing. You can either adjust your attitude, or you can join your

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Chapter 283

help you achieve either outcome. Or you can ask

Xena, we

smile. 'Delphine." I turned