Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 198

Chapter 198

Xena’s POV

“Helen,” Ryder growled.

“What? How is that possible?” My voice trembled, fear coiling around my chest like a snake.

Ryder’s jaw clenched as he explained, “Remember when she said she was coming to see me at three? After I texted her back, she went silent. After you disappeared, we immediately thought of her. When we got to her place, the idiot was still listening to music. There’s an underground tunnel we built as an escape route. She let Totum in through that tunnel to kidnap you.”

“What the hell?” I struggled to process what I was hearing. I’d severely underestimated Helen’s hatred for me. The realization made my skin crawl.

“Obviously, those tunnels have been permanently sealed now, and Helen’s been locked up,” William added from the front seat.

I nodded slowly, my mind racing. “I still don’t get why? He would have violated me regardless if we were mates or not.”

William answered when Ryder remained silent, his voice clinical and detached. “If you were mates, your body would have responded to him, even if your mind didn’t want it.”

A chill ran up my spine. What a bastard.

“Damn it,” William muttered under his breath.

“What is it?” I asked nervously, unsure if I could handle any more bad news right now.

“It’s Ama calling again.”

“Just answer it,” I said.

William picked up. “Ama, baby girl. You-*

“Did you find Xena?” she interrupted, her voice frantic even through the phone’s speaker.

He looked at me, and I nodded. He handed me the phone.

“Hey, girl. I’m safe,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Oh my God, I’m so fucking happy to hear your voice.” Ama was crying. I could feel her tears as if they were falling on my own heart -warm and bittersweet.

“I’m really okay. You need to get some sleep. You can come see me tomorrow, alright?” I fought to keep my voice level, not wanting to worry her more.

“Okay. Logan’s here.”

“Xena.” The relief in his voice was palpable.

“Logan.” We didn’t say anything else, letting the silence speak for us. That connection that needed no words.

“I’ll see you soon,” he finally said.

1/3

Chapter 198

“Okay, Bye.” I handed the phone back to William, who ended the call

“Seriously! You and Logan are so weird,” William said, shaking his head.

“No, we’re not. He’s just glad I’m safe,” I replied, though I knew there was more to that silence, a connection that didn’t need explanation.

Ryder helped me lie down across the back seat. “I’m never getting us to this,” William grumbled, which made me smile slightly despite everything.

I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, the SUV door was opening. Someone lifted me out and placed me on what felt like a stretcher. I was wheeled for several minutes, aware of changing lights as we passed through different rooms before finally stopping in a quiet space. I was transferred to a table–an examination table, I realized. My eyes refused to open fully, but I became aware of the bright lights and hands touching mine.

Fear surged through me like a tidal wave, choking me. All I could imagine was Tatum trying to touch me again.

“No!” I screamed, forcing myself, awake.

“Everyone stop!” I heard Ryder command. All hands immediately left my body. “She was just kidnapped, and…” his voice trailed off. “Don’t just touch her like that.”