Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 215

Xena’s POV

I watched Ryder’s face, noting the conflicted emotions playing across his features. The tension in his jaw, the slight furrow between his brows–1 could practically feel the pressure weighing on him. He wanted to stay with me, but his responsibility to keep his pack sate pulled at him just as strongly.

“I promised I wouldn’t leave you,” he said, his voice low and resolute as he stood near the door, clearly torn between duty and desire.

I fought the urge to grab his hand, to beg him to stay. Iristend, I steed myself and said softly, “You’re not leaving me. I’m telling you to go make sure our pack is safe.”

Ryder crossed the room in three long strides, cupping my face between his warm palms. His green eyes searched mine intently. “Will you be alright? Dont lie to me. I can feel how unsettled you are righ now.”

“Yes, I’m unsettled and nervous, but we need to make sure the pack safe. I’ll be fine. I promise.” The words felt hollow even as I spoke them, but I needed him to go. The safety of dozens of innocent people depended on it.

“I’ll be back soon.” Ryder pressed his lips to my forehead, the warmth of his kiss lingering on my skin like a talisman against fear.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I murmured as he pulled away. He turned back with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes before walking out the door. I watched his broad shoulders disappear down the hallway, swallowing the knot of anxiety rising in my throat.

“I’ve made a list of everyone who needs to leave,” Ama announced once Ryder was gone, waving a sheet of paper in her hand.

“How many?” I asked, just as my phone rang.

“Xena,” I answered, pressing the device to my ear.

“It’s me,” Penelope’s voice came through clear and efficient.

“Perfect. Can you help us get this organized?” I put her on speakerphone so Ama could hear.

“Of course. I have our safe houses getting set up. Everyone will gather in one place. Both packs will fit just fine. I’m not sure if our pack will be attacked, but I’m not leaving it up to chance. It will be hard to cover both territories, but we have someone doing some sonar and so far no tunnels here.”

“Perfect,” I said, pacing the room. “Ama is making a list of who’s going first, how many will be there, and their names, When they arrive, you need to verify everyone made it. We’ll be packing the vans full of people and trying to keep families together.”

“What route are you taking?” Penelope asked.

“Do you remember the old dirt road on the back of the territories?” asked, mentally

Capping the safest route.

“Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve been there.” I could almost see Penelope’s brow furrowing in concentration.

“We’ll use that. It will drop off just outside of your territory. It’s a longer route but it might be safest.”

“That’ll be almost a twenty–minute drive there and another twenty back,” Penelope sighed.

“At least,” I nodded, though she couldn’t see me.

“I’ll send over our vans as well. Try to make this go quicker,” Penelope offered, and I felt a surge of gratitude.

1/2

Chapter 215

-Thank you so much. Send them over the road and have them scope out. Make sure it looks safe.

Will do. I’ll send them now. Expect them in about thirty minutes.”

I glanced at the clock, alarmed at how quickly time was slipping away. “Okay. That will be about the time that our warriors leave.

Alright, Send the list over email and I’ll be ready,” Penelope instructed.

*Perfect. Thank you so much for your help.

“We’re family. This is what we do,” Penelope said sweetly.

“Yes, we are.” I replied before ending the call. My heart was still pour ding, the sense of crisis tightening around my nerves like an invisible net.

“I think I have it figured out,” Ama said, bent over her list. “Each van can fit six people. But we’ll try to squeeze in eight or more, depending on size. I drawn a line under each section. If we have three vans, plus the ones Penelope is sending us…”