Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

"Me too, Delphine replied with a smile.

I realized my life was about to return to normal, which filled me with relief. This was really over, I could start working out again, finally take that school exam I'd already missed twice. I could finally talk to Ryder about having children... or

maybe in a few years.

We're here, Delphine said, pulling me from my thoughts. As we approached the pack house, many women from both packs were standing there. Penelope and Ama stood waiting, waving happily at me. Seeing their familiar faces, I truly realized I was home, and warmth flooded my heart.

Before the car had even stopped completely, Penelope ran over and opened my door. "Xena!" She carefully helped me out. There were tears in her eyes as she reached out to hug me, then pulled back hesitantly. I was amused by her awkward movements, so I reached out with my right hand to touch her face, helping wipe away the tears that had fallen.

Im so happy you're okay!" Ama walked toward me. Surprisingly, there were no tears in her eyes, but there were dark circles underneath them. My expression turned sympathetic.

"I'm fine!" Ama didn't hug me either, just gently patted my back.

All the women from Darkthorn Pack had gotten out of their cars and stood together, looking confused. Penelope smiled and walked up to them.

"Welcome! I'm Luna Penelope. The women here will help you bathe, change clothes, and eat! Please follow them. If you need anything, tell them and we'll prepare it for you!" Penelope's voice was incredibly warm and welcoming-she was a natural leader.

Penelope directed all the women toward the pack house. Ama and I stood quietly to the side, watching her take charge.

"Can we talk privately?" I asked Penelope and Ama after everything was settled. Of course," Penelope smiled at me, and Ama nodded in agreement. Penelope helped support me as we walked together toward her office in the pack house.

The pack house had obviously been completely renovated. The only thing that remained the same was the flooring, and even there a huge carpet had been laid down. New paintings hung on the walls, new sculptures stood by the doors, and everything had even been painted with fresh paint. This was no longer the place that brought me terrible memories.

I stood there with a shocked expression. This place had once been the source of my nightmares, and now it had become so... warm. I felt a complex mixture of emotions-gratitude and relief.

"Do you like it?" Penelope asked.

I was speechless. Ama came to my side and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"She wanted to erase all the bad memories and replace them with good ones.

"Thank you," my voice trembled slightly, but I tried to control it. I needed to get my emotions together.

"Can you visit here now?" Penelope asked.

'Yes, I'd be happy to visit here now," I looked at her gratefully.

Penelope walked ahead while Ama smiled and took my hand as we headed toward the office.

"Renovating the foyer was more important. This office is next, Penelope said, opening the door and sitting down at her desk. Ama helped me sit in an armchair first, then took the one beside me.

*Penelope... I began. Sitting up straight, I wasn't sure how to say it. "Actually, Ama, have you heard any news about William?"

"Ryder's been updating me on his condition. His second surgery just finished. He's doing well. They're preparing to transfer him here he should arrive sometime today, Ama's voice became shaký when she mentioned William.

"Goodnoveldrama

"I don't know how to thank you for saving him, Ama reached out and gripped my hand..

*Of course. I would never leave anyone behind."

As I said this, I remembered the scene from that time. That impulse to protect my companions at all costs-even thinking back on it now, I would make the same choice.

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