Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 305

"Enough," Benedict commanded sharply. Helen reluctantly stepped back, but not before delivering one final vicious kick to my side.

Benedict approached slowly. When he reached me, his boot came down hard on my right hand, grinding it into the frozen ground.

1 screamed in agony, the pressure threatening to crush my fingers. The memory of my left hand injury flooded back, bringing with it a terror that cut deeper than any physical pain.

"You're all just children," Benedict said contemptuously, increasing the pressure on my hand. "How did you ever think you could run a pack? You can barely manage your own lives, let alone merge with Wiley's territory and handle all those new people."

"We're better leaders than you ever were!" I managed to gasp out through the pain. "We're the ones who defeated Wiley!"

His boot pressed down harder, and I couldn't help but cry out again. The thought

of losing my right hand - sent panic coursing through my veins.

you release Martha?"

wanted you to think it was all over, that you'd won. You idiots took in all of Wiley's women and children without considering whether you had

clearly enjoying his moment of superiority. "Martha was just misdirection, something to keep you busy while we prepared the real attack. You never even bothered to properly inventory Wiley's weapons after you defeated him. You're exactly what I said – a bunch

a memory - something Wiley had mentioned about black bath bombs. "You

redeeming quality - your intelligence." His expression turned cruel. "I modified his chemical weapons and introduced them into the pack's water supply. I don't want to kill everyone - I just want to suppress your wolves, to render

sick. "How did you make your own wolf disappear?" I demanded. "And why did it happen just

His face contorted with rage, and his boot came up to kick my head with

because of you!" he

of dizziness and nausea crashed over me. The world spun sickeningly, sounds becoming muffled and distant. I felt

was dimly aware that the violence had stopped. There seemed to be some kind of commotion around me, voices raised in anger or alarm,

1/2

Chapter 305

clear. A familiar silhouette came into focus - broad shoulders in a tight black shirt, motorcycle leather pants, and brown boots. Even before I could

man who always put me first, who would move heaven and earth to protect me,