Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 298

Tansy was covered in bandages everywhere. Her neck was completely wrapped, and there were yellow patches on her face. The blanket was pulled up to her chest, so I couldn't see what the rest of her body looked like. An IV line extended from her hand.

Jericho must have had a shower. His hair was combed and tied in a bun at the back of his neck. They'd obviously given him a razor too, because his beard had been trimmed. There were some bruises, but overall, he looked good. He sat in a chair beside Tansy, gently holding her hand. When I entered, they both looked at

me.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"They gave me something to restore my

olf. I'm still very weak, so she's struggling right now. I want to thank you for saving me." Tansy's voice was weak, but she tried to smile.

Looking at them like this, my emotions were too complex to describe. This should have been a heartwarming reunion moment, but I knew what I had to say next would make the atmosphere heavy. I had to be realistic, even if it was cruel. "You understand that since Wiley was killed, the Alpha title transferred to you."

want us to reject it." Tansy spoke without

imagined. Nineteen years of torture hadn't destroyed her sanity, but I

the right thing to do. Neither of you is capable of managing a pack, let alone making decisions for innocent lives. You've been locked in cells, abused and starved for nineteen years. The world has changed, and you've both been traumatized in different ways. Psychologically, you both need time to heal and

We don't want it, but we also don't want to

anger, no protest,

here." I said. They both suddenly looked at me.

you. I believe passing the title to her would

he's right outside the

wants to meet us?" Tansy looked

your story. She knows she wasn't abandoned because you didn't love

looked at Jericho for a second,/then back

Tansy. Not the tortured prisoner, but a

went to open the door. A trembling Penelope

12