Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 291

Xena's POV

The sound of a car door slamming made my heart race. I could see Ryder jumping out of the SUV before it had even fully stopped. He was running toward the pack house, his face a mixture of relief and desperate worry.

I stood up from the couch, my legs shaky but determined.

"Xena," he breathed, his voice cracking with emotion.

He rushed toward me, and I met him halfway. His arms wrapped around me carefully, avoiding my injuries, pulling me against his chest. The warmth of his body, the familiar scent of his skin, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear-it all crashed over me like a wave of pure relief.

I tilted my head up to look at him, our foreheads touching as our eyes locked. In that moment, nothing else existed. Just this perfect moment of being alive and together.

He leaned down and kissed me, soft and tender at first, then with growing

intensity as the reality of our reunion hit us both. I kissed him back with everything

I had, pouring all my love and gratitude into that single moment.

"Okay, you two, maybe save some of that for when you're alone," Logan's amused voice cut through our bubble.

pulled back from Ryder, heat flooding my cheeks as embarrassment washed over me. "We need to talk," I said, my voice growing serious. "All

shifted to concern.

fury, his eyes immediately flashing black. "She's contained," I

balling at his sides. "How the fuck did she get out? How did she get

don't know yet," Penelope said, stepping forward. "We're

The Alpha authority radiating from him

toward the stairs. "She's in

protectively around my waist as we made our way upstairs, Logan and Penelope following close behind. The two

I asked

been quiet since the doctor

them to open the door. They pushed the bathroom door open, revealing Martha

1/2

Chapter 291

arm, providing her with glucose. She looked up at

Coke from the kitchen," I instructed one of

quickly, running out to fulfill

rage exploded from him like a volcano. He charged forward, his fist connecting with her face and sending her

bitch!" Ryder roared, delivering two brutal kicks to her ribs. Martha's cries grew weaker with each blow, her body unable to handle much

years of abuse and cruelty, seeing her so broken stirred an unwelcome feeling of pity in my heart. I hated that I felt it, hated that some part of me still had mercy for this woman who had shown me

head away, unable