Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

The Lna 308

Chapter 308

Xena's POV

The familiar scent of disinfectant hit my nostrils before I even opened my eyes. I stared up at the white ceiling tiles. A heavy sigh escaped my lips.

"When will I ever get to avoid this place?" I murmured to myself, my voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.

"Babe, everything should be over now."

Ryder's gentle voice cut through my melancholy thoughts. I turned my head slowly, wincing slightly at the dull ache that followed the movement. His green eyes met mine - those beautiful, mesmerizing green eyes that had captured my heart from the very beginning. Even now, after everything we'd been through, they still took my breath away.

"Tell me what happened," I said. "I need to know everything,"

His expression shifted, the tenderness replaced by something darker, more serious. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he prepared to speak words I could tell he didn't want to say.

"I killed him," he said simply, his voice devoid of emotion. "I killed Helen. The warriors who betrayed us are all locked in the cells."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I tried to sit up. I needed to hold him, to tell him it would be okay, but the world tilted dangerously and my head spun.

"Stay down," Ryder commanded gently, his hands pressing against my shoulders. "You have a mild

concussion. You need to rest."

I settled back against the pillows, frustration bubbling up inside me. "When will my wolf come back?"

features. "The drug

over me. "What

public execution.

want to be there." The thought of watching another death, even

my expression because his features softened. He reached out and gently stroked my hair, his

said softly, and I could hear the promise in his voice.

meeting postponed?' I

afternoon. I'll bring you with me." He gave me a small smile, and

to our room

to make

could sense him communicating with the medical staff, arranging for my discharge. "Do you want to

this is fine." The hospital gown would do for now. I just wanted to get out of

to walk out of here on my own two feet. He guided me to the golf cart waiting outside, and I gratefully sank

new faces among the familiar ones. Fresh recruits were helping

felt longer than usual, but I was touched by how many people stopped to greet us. Both new members and old pack members offered warm smiles and respectful nods. Deep in my heart, I felt a sense of satisfaction and responsibility. Once we reached our room, I headed straight for the bathroom. The hot water felt amazing against my skin, washing away the hospital smell and the lingering traces of exhaustion. I took my time, letting the steam envelop me

me. I walked slowly to the bedroom. I grabbed my phone from

decided not to bother with clothes. I slipped naked under the covers and pulled them up to my neck, hiding

the bedroom, his hair still damp and a towel wrapped

waist.

and Jericho will adapt?" I

will adapt well,” he replied thoughtfully, pulling off his towel. "Jericho will probably need an

me, and immediately his hand found my hip, his warm palm against my bare

him so I was pressed tightly against him. His hand moved to my