Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 303

Xena's POV

I wanted to push further, to demand

time. I bit back my questions and siswers the way I usually did, but something in his demeanor told me this wasn't the

He leaned down and pressed a gentle

away.

nodded.

to my forehead. "I'll be back soon," he murmured against my skin before pulling

I watched him walk toward his car. The engine roared to life, and I stood there until his taillights disappeared into the distance, leaving me with an odd sense of unease I couldn't quite place.

Back in our room, I found that Ama had already prepared dinner for us. The thoughtful gesture warmed my heart. The aroma that greeted me was absolutely divine: a rich stew filled with bacon, ground beef, and kielbasa sausage. My stomach growled appreciatively as I breathed in the hearty scent.

I settled down with a piece of cornbread, tearing off chunks to soak up the flavorful broth. The combination was perfect. I found myself eating with more enthusiasm than I'd had in days, practically devouring the entire portion. It had been a while since anything had tasted this good.

hit me. My limbs felt heavy and even the simple act of

Even the thought of taking a shower - something I desperately needed – felt too taxing. Instead, I moved to the couch, adjusting the pillows to find a comfortable position. The last thing I remembered was pulling a throw blanket over myself, intending to rest for just a few

returned.

violent pounding on the door shattered my peaceful sleep like a sledgehammer through glass. My eyes flew open, heart immediately racing

had erupted. Gunshots echoed through the corridors,

IT?” I called out, my voice shakier than I

door frame. Then came the sound of boots

weren't pack members. I reached out through the mind link, desperately seeking

Nothing.

this time reaching for Ryder, but the connection was completely severed. The silence in my

calling for my

I remebered last night's dinner

The door exploded Inward with a crash that made my cars

burst through the doorway, their faces completely obscured

their build, their movement patterns, even the way they

concealment, something abo Ciliar.

themselves seemed

my body was still sluggish from whatever had been in my food. My injuries from previous encounters hadn't fully healed either, sending sharp pains through my torso

lungs and sending waves of agony through my still-tender ribs. Before I could even double over properly, the second one's punch caught me square in the face. Stars exploded across my vision as I crashed backward onto