Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Xena’s POV

I pulled down my bra and retrieved Ryder’s phone. The bullet was embedded in the device,

and a horrifying purple bruise had already formed on my chest.

“I’m fine,” I said, leaning against Logan, my eyes fixed on Samuel’s lifeless body. Pain and regret churned inside me, my throat feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. “He saved me.”

Why? I gave up on him. I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve his life in exchange for

mine…

“He loved you,” Logan whispered, wrapping his arms around me. Silent tears slid down my cheeks. I could feel the warmth of Logan’s body, but inside I was ice cold.

“Idiot! We had a plan!” Leonard was as devastated as William. Their voices echoed around me, but I could barely hear them as my breathing became rapid and shallow. The scene before me started spinning, everything becoming distant and blurry until darkness took

over.

“Ma’am, it’s your turn.” An unfamiliar male voice reached my ears as the sound of an ambulance cut through the silent night. Two paramedics lifted the stretcher I was lying

on into the vehicle.

“We’ll be there soon,” Logan said, stroking my head before looking back at Samuel’s body, his eyes shimmering with grief. “William, need a ride to the hospital?”

“Yes.” He jumped into the ambulance and grabbed my hand. “Thank you for saving Ryder.” As the doors closed, his eyes were filled with tears, and the ambulance started moving.

I felt numb. Samuel had lost his life, and Ryder’s was hanging by a thread. All because

they were trying to capture me.

This is all my fault. If it weren’t for me, they would all be safe. What did I do to deserve this punishment? Why does everyone who loves me have to pay such a heavy price?

The paramedics started an IV and injected a dose of antibiotics. They checked my head,

making sure the injury wasn’t too severe.

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“Looks okay,” one said.

“Yeah, the culprit is still alive,” I replied bitterly, my voice filled with self–loathing and

anger.

“How long until we reach the hospital?” William asked.

“Thirty seconds.” Just as he finished speaking, the ambulance stopped, and the doors opened.

As they wheeled me in, I locked eyes with Benedict. He ran to my side. “Is she okay?”

“For now,” William answered respectfully.

“After the call ended, I put Ryder’s phone in my bra. Here.” I handed the phone back to Benedict. His fingers touched the bullet embedded in it. “Maybe you can fix it.”

Benedict was silent for a moment, then straightened his posture. “You saved Ryder. I owe

you a debt that can never be repaid. I heard you lost someone tonight.”

“Samuel, yes.” More tears fell as my heart felt like it was being torn apart.

“We need to take her in now,” the paramedic urged, and Benedict stepped back as they

wheeled me away.

Two hours later, they had removed all the glass fragments and stitched up my forehead.

Miraculously, nothing was broken–just hematomas and deep bone contusions. Logan came in pushing a wheelchair.

“Ready?” he asked.

“I’m not leaving,” I said stubbornly, despite the pain coursing through my entire body.

“I know. We’re going to see Ryder.”

“Is he okay?” My heart leaped into my throat, afraid of hearing the worst.

“He’s awake. Come on, he’s threatening to get up himself if he doesn’t see you.” I nodded and sat in the wheelchair. Since they had cut off my bra, Logan had given me his shirt to

wear. I was still in my shorts.

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We navigated through several corridors until we heard shouting.

“Ryder, calm down or they’re going to sedate you!” I heard Benedict’s voice.

“Where is she?” Ryder yelled.

“I’m here,” I said softly. Everyone turned to look at me.

“You’re alive!” Ryder tried to get out of bed, but three pairs of hands held him down.

I tapped Logan’s hand on my wheelchair, wanting to stand. Logan helped me walk to Ryder’s bedside. Ryder shifted to make room for me to sit. His arm encircled me.

“Are you okay?” Ryder asked anxiously, looking me up and down.

“I’m fine. Where did the knife get you?” I asked.

“What knife?” Ryder seemed confused.

Benedict suddenly spoke up, “When I rescued Ryder, there was a dagger next to his head.” He sighed deeply.

“Moon God bless you. Your phone saved me,” I said, a rush of complex emotions washing over me–gratitude, guilt, sorrow, all interwoven.

“What?” Ryder asked.

“Here.” Benedict handed Ryder’s phone back to me. Ryder stared at the bullet hole in it.

“What happened?” Ryder asked.