Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Xena’s POV

We drove in silence. The scenery was beautiful, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to go home yet. With our discovery, we needed to get back quickly. Maybe even launch an attack before they could make a move on us first.

Ryder had even chosen to take the main road home. Occasionally, he’d check if I was still behind him or ask how I was feeling, but that was it. My mind was racing though–why were those Rogues there? Did they already know about us? If they were planning to attack our territory, were we prepared? The unease washed over my nerves like a rushing stream.

“This is my turn. Your father’s probably waiting at your pack to hear about the Rogues,” I told him as my turn approached.

“I’ll make sure you get home safe.”

“It’s really fine. You go home first. I’ll be fine.”

I could hear the hesitation in his voice. “You sure?”

“I’m good. Thanks for today. See you at school!” I tried to make my voice sound light as I slowed down to make the turn.

Ryder continued forward, and when I turned, I could hear his motorcycle suddenly accelerate. Like he’d been holding back his speed for me all along.

Home was only about 10 miles away, so I arrived quickly.

Dad, where are you? I called through our mind link.

Training grounds. Back already?

Yeah, soon. I twisted the throttle, accelerating again. Once I arrived home, I took off my jacket, gloves, and helmet, then half–ran to the training grounds, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Dad!”

1/4

Chapter 42

“X, what’s wrong?” He stopped training, and everyone turned to look at me.

“We found a group of Rogues in a heavily wooded area while checking out that land. They saw us. We got the soil samples and got out, but there were 15 to 20 Rogues!” I said breathlessly..

Logan and Samuel stepped forward, my father’s expression turning serious.

“Damn, Dad, that’s not far from here. If they’re setting up camp…?”

“That’s Alpha Benedict’s territory, it’s his call, but I’ll contact him to see if he needs help. Did Ryder go home to tell him?”

“Yes, I told him not to follow me here. It would waste time. If they decide to attack in this direction because we saw them, and they saw us…”