Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

Xena’s POV

I stared at Emmy, my heart pounding against my ilbcage like trapped animal. ‘Is this good enough?” I asked, uncertain if I was projecting the strength and leadership everyone needed right now.

“Yeah, it gets the point across,” she nodded, her blonde curls bouncing with the movement.

“I guess we should head out there and get ready.” The words left my lips, but my feet remained rooted to the floor. My pulse raced, anxiety coursing through my veins. This was so much bigger than anything I’d faced before.

“I’ll be right beside you,” Emmy extended her hand toward me, her unwavering confidence giving me the courage to continue.

“Thank you.” I took a deep breath and grasped her hand, following her into the hallway. The atmosphere had completely changed. Panic and chaos reigned. More than once, we were bumped into by people rushing toward the main hall, each collision making me more aware of the gravity of the situation.

“Everyone, listen up!” Ryder’s authoritative voice cut through the noise, surprising even me. This was the first time I’d heard him speak like this, and the power in his voice made my heart skip a beat “Make sure you have all necessary equipment. Double–check everything!”

As we entered the hall, Ryder immediately spotted me. Our eyes locked, concern and determination mingling in his gaze. That brief look offered me a small comfort despite the surrounding chaos.

“Check your plans, and if you need to use the bathroom, do it now. You won’t be allowed to for the next several hours.”

Ama and I paused, standing at the back of the room. Everyone moved shoulder to shoulder, tightening straps on each other’s backs. Dressed entirely in black, their combat clothes looked lethal. Most had face coverings pushed down around their necks, while others had painted their faces with black and green camouflage.

Ryder approached us. “What are you doing?”

“Going to the foyer to put people in the correct order,” I replied, my voice betraying a slight tremor. This was my first time being seen by the pack, and sympathetic glances were coming from nearly everyone.

“Come on.” Ryder took my hand and led us to the front door and out onto the porch. He had changed into black combat pants and wore a spandex black long–sleeve shirt. His face was partially covered with green and black paint.

“I thought you weren’t going,” I said, studying him.

“I’m not. I’m prepared just in case something happens here,” Ryder answered without looking at me. Several people were already walking toward the pack house in the distance. “I have four vans coming to transport people. There weren’t any SUVS left.”

“That’s fine. I figured as much.”

“You’re doing great,” Ryder said, still not meeting my eyes.

“I’m still missing something, and we both know who knows what that is.”

Leave it to me. You focus on getting everyone out of here,” Ryder said, his words landing like a stone in my heart. I didn’t want to disappoint him.

“Xena!” Luna Kestrel came running out of the pack house, calling my name loudly.

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Chapter 216

“Mom“. Ryder a voice carried obvious annoyance, and I could feel his entlon rising further.

I’m here to help, she said, giving Ryder an irritated look, I stood there, feeling awkwardly caught in the middle, but this wasn’t the time to deal with family disputex

Cars pulled up. “Penelope is sending more vehicles, and they’re checking the roads to make sure they’re safe,” I told Ryder, Ignoring Luna Kestrel. Though she was the former Luna, this was my moment to step up, even if I still felt nervous.

“Great. That will speed things up. A flash of approval crossed his eyes, giving me a small boost of confidence.

“Ama, why don’t you and Luna Kestrel start sorting people into their groups? Give them a place to stand and wait, I said to my

friend.