Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244

We watched his eyes flash black and then we watched his wolf die in his eyes.

It will be my honor, Ryder’s firm voice came from above my head.

Xena… I’m happy.” Dad made several choking sounds. I realized these were his final moments.

“Dad!” I screamed with a heart–wrenching cry as his eyes rolled back 1 love you.” I buried my head in Dad’s embrace and whispered. I didn’t know if Dad heard my final confession. I felt his body lose it vitality, which broke my heart even more. I held him tightly. completely releasing my sobs. I felt my tears had soaked Dad’s clothes, but I still didn’t want to get up. This was the first time in I don’t know how long that I had cried completely.

I felt Logan reach out and grip my shoulder. I wasn’t sure how long we sat there crying together, but eventually Ryder grabbed me and pulled me back. I watched as several warriors came over with a wooden stretcher. They carefully placed Dad on it and began to carry him away. I think my heart was so completely shrouded in grief that I missed the pile of wood that had been gathered about a hundred yards away.

Ryder helped me sit in a chair, and I leaned against his shoulder, still unable to accept the fact that Dad was gone. I don’t know how much time passed, but eventually I became aware of bustling voices outside.

I slowly turned my head to look out the window. My old pack members and current pack members were all walking up the hill toward us.

rent voice

“Dad knew he wouldn’t live much longer, so he arranged his own funeral,” Logan said, his voice hoarse with emotion.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. Dad had actually arranged his own death–that was just like him, always wanting to control everything, even his final goodbye. I didn’t know whether to feel proud of his strength or heartbroken that he had to bear this alone.

Ryder held my arm tightly as we walked over to sit in the front row. I didn’t have the strength to look at everyone–all those people from my past and present. Penelope handed me a tissue before sitting down on the other side. There was no whispering or quiet conversation; everyone was silent and respectful.

Only after everyone was seated did Logan begin to speak. He stood directly in front of Dad. Leonard stood to one side. When our eyes met, I realized he was crying too.

“We are gathered here to honor my father, Alpha Hank.” Some crying came from behind us, but it was mainly the sound of people blowing their noses. “I want to start with a story. When we were young, our mother died. In order to be able to live for us, Dad mated with Martha. He hoped Martha would be able to care for us as her own children. Obviously, we all know that wasn’t the case. However, he needed to ensure our future was secure while also making sure the pack wouldn’t fall into her hands.” Logan paused, collecting his emotions.

My stomach dropped. How Dad could have endured all of this, I would never know.

“After we turned eighteen and found our mates, Dad began formulating his exit strategy. All of this was arranged by him. He left us with a smile. To you, he was Alpha Hank. To us, he was Dad. To others, he was a friend. He left in his own way. I always thought he would die on the battlefield, but he was stubborn and liked to do things his own way.”

This drew some laughter from the people around us. I rested my head on Ryder’s shoulder as he continued to stroke my arm with

made sure of that. his thumb. Logan was right. If he was going to die, it would be on his own terms. Dad

Even in grief, I had to acknowledge Dad’s wisdom. He knew how to protect us in the end, how to ensure our future. This deep love and sacrifice made my heart both broken and warm. I wanted to scream at losing him, but at the same time I wanted to thank him for everything he had given us.

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Chapter 244