Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

"We're going to Wiley's abandoned factory tomorrow afternoon to inventory his weapons stockpile. We'll split those weapons between us," Logan said, looking at Ryder and me.

I nodded, my body still aching from the battle. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving behind exhaustion that seemed to seep into my bones.

Ryder responded, "Alright. What about Martha?"

"I'll go check on her condition when I get back. We'll interrogate her tomorrow morning. I'm too tired right now, but thankfully everything's finally over." Logan's voice carried the weight of everything we'd been through.

"Ryder and I will come find you after our morning meeting. We'll interrogate her together. I'm really curious about who exactly let her out..." I glanced at Ryder, his expression serious and focused.

Logan nodded in agreement. "If you need transportation, there are trucks available. If not, please follow your respective Alphas back to our pack. You'll be assigned rooms. Get some good rest tonight."

"Those going to Boneash Pack, we'll meet in the conference room at 9 AM tomorrow morning to discuss some different matters. Please be on time. I'll make sure there are clear signs posted," Ryder announced. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ryder and I walked toward our vehicles to wait. We watched as the others got into cars and settled in. No one took the trucks, so I assumed they all had their own transportation. Only when everyone was in their vehicles did we get in our car and slowly begin to drive out.

Logan turned in one direction while we turned in another. Everyone followed behind us as we slowly pulled out, making sure everyone kept up. Most of our pack members had already returned to the pack, so when we arrived, there were many people standing in front of the pack house to welcome them.

Watching our pack go to each car to help them unload their belongings filled my heart with warmth. This was what a real pack should be like-united, caring. Ama stood at the front door, directing our members to bring the new members to the pack house dining room for dinner. Ryder and I stood aside, making sure we weren't needed. Our warriors carried luggage to rooms, and even some of the older teenagers were handing out water and snacks.

I carefully observed each new member's face. Some looked nervous, some were obviously still processing trauma. But there were also glimmers of hope. They were beginning to believe they were truly safe.

It took an hour to make sure everyone was settled, with all members gathered in the dining room enjoying dinner. I glimpsed several women posting signs for the conference room. Ryder had already sent out a massive mind link, telling all pack members to attend as well.

The dining room buzzed with conversation as our pack members mixed with the new arrivals. I could hear fragments of stories being shared-tales of rescue, of fear finally giving way to relief. Ama moved between the tables like a graceful hostess, ensuring everyone had enough food and feit welcome.

"Look at them," Ryder said quietly, coming to stand beside me as we watched from the doorway. "They're already starting to heal."

I nodded, feeling a deep satisfaction settle in my chest. "It's going to take time, but they're strong. They survived Wiley's pack-they can survive anything."

A young woman with auburn hair caught my attention. She was sitting alone at one of the tables, picking at her food while watching everyone else with cautious eyes.

"That one there," I murmured to Ryder, nodding toward her. "She's going to need extra attention. She's not eating, just

watching."

Ryder followed my gaze and nodded. “I'll make sure Ama knows. We've got counselors who specialize in trauma recovery."

The warmth in the room was infectious. Children who had been rescued were already playing with our pack's younger members. Their laughter echoed off the walls.

Mike appeared at my elbow, looking tired but satisfied. "Final count is forty-three new members. Mostly women and

children."noveldrama

"Good," I said. "We'll need them. Wiley might be dead, but there could be other threats out there."

"The conference room signs are up," he continued. "Ama supervised the whole thing."

"The integration process will take weeks," Ryder said. "But seeing this..." He gestured to the room full of people eating, talking. "It's worth everything we went through."

I leaned against the doorframe, my arm still tender from my injuries. "Tomorrow we deal with Martha and figure out who's been working against us from the inside. Tonight, we let them feel safe."

A group of teenage girls burst into giggles at one of the tables, and several of our own teenagers joined in whatever joke they were sharing. The sound made my heart swell. These kids had seen too much violence, but they were still capable of joy.

"I need to go out and handle some business," Ryder said. There was something different in his eyes today, something secretive that made my curiosity spike.

"What kind of business?" I asked, unable to hide my interest.

His smile widened, but he shook his head. "That's classified information." Chapter Comments