Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 293

Xena's POV

I'm going to start preparing dinner," Penelope said.

Logan said. "I'll help you." He and Penelope headed out the door together, and I watched them go with a sense of

contentment.

Ryder's expression remained grim and troubled, but he managed a small nod. "I know. I just..." He ran his hands through his hair, frustration and pain written across every line of his face.

Suddenly he seemed to remember something, taking my hand and leading me out of the pack house. Logan and Penelope followed close behind us.

Outside, the entire area was filled with our warriors and their mates. Couples were embracing, holding each other tight, savoring the sweetness of reunion after battle.

"MEN!" Ryder suddenly bellowed in a voice so loud and angry that it cut through all the celebration like a blade.

I immediately felt confused and alarmed. Ryder's anger made the air itself feel

tense and dangerous. Every person holding their mate released them and formed a line. All the women stepped back, looking confused at what was happening. I was equally confused, so I moved to stand at the top of the stairs. Ryder crossed his arms and walked to the front of the assembled warriors.

military fashion, he began to speak: "Luna Xena. Due to our negligence, we were captured. This led to our fellow warriors being killed. This led to you having

faces, I had initially thought they were from battle, but now I realized differently. These bruises might be "lessons" that Ryder had

accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate. We are deeply sorry. Your bravery

the

warriors' apologies, I felt complex emotions surge through me. On one hand, I understood their guilt and self-blame; on the other hand, I also knew that in war, failure was

at me through our mind link. I

down the steps

as one. We've lost

warriors went from looking tense to relaxed, and some

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Chapter 293

Ryder called out before turning to look at me. "I'm sorry I

I rescued myself." I reached out and tugged on his shirt. Ryder understood the hint and bent down to kiss me His hands caressed my

strongest person I

neck, and his hands encircled my waist. 'I

don't regret them." Ryder frowned at me. "You're both

a gift," I

you," Penelope called from the

and we