Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

My heart shattered into pieces. The fury that had been simmeting beneath the surface all day blazed hotter at her innocent question. She was so forting, to young to have witnessed the violence and abuse that had clearly been part of her daily life. But this was the harsh reality of our world, where even children. couldn't escape the brutality and pain.

1 knelt down to her level, fighting back tears. 'No more, sweetheart. Mommy will never bleed again."

"Cars will be here in twenty minutes, Ryder announced as he rejoined us.

'I'm going with them, I told him through our mind link. 'I need to tell Penelope the truth about everything."

Ryder hesitated, his eyes searching my face with concern. "Are you sure you're okay?"

'I'm fine. I'll take care of the women and children while you handle the men."

The men kneeling on the ground wore expressions of obvious displeasure and contempt. Their eyes held fear, yes, but underneath that was pure hatred. Several of the warriors glared at Ryder and me with undisguised loathing.

"There will be warriors to assist Logan and me, Ryder said, ignoring their hostile stares. "I just contacted Delphine - he'll be helping you."

One of the stronger warriors suddenly sprang to his feet, clearly preparing to attack us. At the same moment, several vans pulled into the driveway.

'I suggest you sit back down before I help you," Ryder said coldly, his voice carrying that dangerous calm that meant he was barely restraining his anger.

More warriors poured out of the vehicles, some still wearing battle gear while others had already changed. "All women and children, please get in the cars, I called out to the crowd.

I saw Logan approaching from the distance, and my heart lifted slightly knowing he would be there to help coordinate everything.

"Stupid bitch," I heard one of the bound warriors mutter under his breath.

My body went rigid. Rage exploded through me like wildfire. This piece of garbage actually dared to disrespect me?

I signaled for Ryder to let go of my arm and walked slowly toward the warrior, my eyes locked on his. "Want to say that louder?" I asked, my voice deadly quiet.

'I said... stupid bitch!" He spat on the ground in front of me.

I laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. What an arrogant fool. Cut his ropes," I ordered the warrior standing behind him.

The warrior looked confused, glancing uncertainly at Ryder. My patience had reached its limit.

'Cut his ropes, now!" I commanded.

He immediately dropped his weapon and used his knife to slice through the bindings. The bound warrior rubbed his wrists and stood up, rolling his

shoulders.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"You don't need to know," he replied, then launched himself at me without warning.

Adrenaline surged through my system as Una roared in my mind. I quickly ducked under his swing, and at the same time, my right claws sho plunged deep into his knee. I yanked them out cleanly, and he collapsed to the ground screaming in agony.

Shock rippled through the entire gathering. The kneeling warriors stared at me in terror, and I was certain they now believed I had been the one to kill their Alpha.

'Disrespect me again, and I'll make sure that wound goes much deeper," I said coldly, my gaze sweeping over every single warrior still on their knees. "Times are changing. You can either adjust your attitude, or you can join your dead Alpha in eternal rest. You can let my mate know your decision - he'll be happy

to help you achieve either outcome. Or you can ask my brother."

"Luna Xena, we should go."

That voice made me smile. 'Delphine." I turned toward him.

"In the flesh," he said with a grin, opening the car door for me?noveldrama

"Thank you," I replied as Ryder helped me toward the vehicle.

"Get some medical attention, Ryder said gently as he helped me into the car, his concern evident in his voice just before he closed the door.

"Yes, Alpha," I responded with a smile, rolling down the window.

He rolled his eyes and looked away, but I could see him fighting off a smile of his own. "Men, stand up," Ryder commanded as our convoy of cars started to

move.

I watched in the rearview mirror as Ryder delivered a powerful blow to the warrior

who had insulted me. A surge of satisfaction filled my chest.

"Good to have you home," Delphine said with a small smile as he drove.

"Thank you. I'm glad this is all over and behind us."

Chapter Comments

JAX

yes they will know what it's like to be