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?"

hours," he replied, some of the tension leaving his features. "The drug was diluted this time. You should be back to

over

public execution. Do you

head immediately. "No./I don't want to be there." The thought of watching another death, even Martha's, made my stomach

because his features softened. He reached out and gently stroked my hair, his touch immediately soothing my frayed

he said softly, and I could hear the

the meeting

bring you with me." He gave me a small smile, and

go back to our room to rest," I said.

starting to make me

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

for now. I

felt shaky, but I was determined to walk out of here on my own two feet. He guided me to the golf cart waiting outside, and I gratefully sank into the passenger seat, immediately leaning against

noticed new faces among the familiar ones.

up to the Pack house, and Ryder helped me out of the cart. The walk to our room 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,

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

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

finished his shower and entered the bedroom, his

waist.

you think Tansy and

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

warm palm against my bare skin as he scooted closer. A knowing smile crossed

so I was pressed tightly against