Xena''s POV


    "You didn''t need toe out with me," I said, leaning against the rough bark of a tree trunk. The images from the dungeon still churned in my stomach. I knew those people deserved what they got but witnessing it all firsthand left me unsettled.


    "No reason to stay down there," Ryder shrugged, his eyes studying me carefully.


    "I''m not going to break down," I lifted my gaze to the sky where birds flew carelessly, envying their freedom.


    "I know."


    "Then what are you waiting for?" I turned toward him, impatience bubbling up inside me.


    He frowned slightly. "Waiting for you to snap at me."


    "Who''s using sarcasm to avoid the issue now?" I challenged.


    "Thought I''d try your style for a change." Ryder attempted a smile. "If I can''t use sarcasm, neither can you."


    "Waiting for you to acknowledge what we both can feel."


    "Nothing to acknowledge. It just feels weird. I know they had to die or else simr things would happen again, but seeing it, witnessing it all... it feels different." My voice trembled slightly as the dungeon scenes shed through my mind-their fear, their screams, the scent of blood-all of it refusing to leave my thoughts.


    "That''s why I didn''t want you down there."


    "I never said I couldn''t handle it, and I think I did pretty well down there!" The statement irritated me.


    "I think you did amazing, got them talking, but that doesn''t mean there''s no toll," he countered.


    "No, I''m fine. Really. I did what needed to be done. Once your dad gets the phone back, they''ll need to analyze the information on it. We need to go check on the construction progress."


    "Alright. Let''s go."


    Just as I pushed away from the tree, the door opened again, and his father and Alpha Benedict emerged. My heart rate picked up slightly, wondering what they would say.


    "We were just about to check on the construction progress," Ryder said immediately.


    "Sounds good. I''m going to gather some warriors to search for this tree." Alpha Benedict held up a piece of paper. I wondered what was on it and if it rted to our safety.


    "Keep me informed of what you find," my father extended his hand to Alpha Benedict.


    "Of course. Once we know, I''ll contact you, and then we can decide-


    "Dad," I hesitantly interrupted them, needing to ask a question that had been bothering me.


    "What is it, child?"


    "She''s not forbidden, but I doift want her back down there," Ryder interjected. "Soon..." Dad ced his hand on my shoulder. He seemed to be searching for the right words. "Everything will be... arranged soon. Just know that I love you. You''ll be safe, even if it''s thest thing I do!" He kissed my forehead and walked away.


    I stood there confused. Just as I was about to follow him and ask what he meant, Ryder grabbed my hand. “Let''s head back." I nced between Alpha Benedict and Ryder, then back at my father''s retreating figure, figuring I''d ask him another time.


    We all began following Alpha Benedict toward the pack house. The walk was quiet. Only the birds'' calls prevented the world around us from falling intoplete silence.


    Our motorcycles were parked outside the pack house.


    "I want to change clothes," I told Ryder. He nodded, opening the front door for us.


    Helen''s followers were whispering in the corner. As soon as they saw us, they red and ran off. I rolled my eyes-yesterday''s fight was still fresh.


    We took the stairs two at a time, reaching our room with no problem Trying to find where I''d put my riding pants was another issue. They weren''t in my drawer or on the shelf.


    “Looking for these?" Ryder held up a hanger with my pants on it.


    "Why are they hanging up?" I grabbed the pants and took a ck tank top, beginning to change. The small detail confused me this wasn''t my usual habit.


    "I like to hang up my motorcycle gear. I guess the staff just did it the way they know I like it." Ryder shrugged, putting on his boots.


    "Hmm." I tucked in my tank top and begancing up my boots.


    "That might be my favorite look on you," Rydermented as I zipped up my boots and stood.


    "Wait until you see my ball gown," I winked at him.


    "I doubt it can be better than this." I could feel desire pouring off him as his handsnded on my hips. I had already turned my back to him, so he could pull me back against him, letting me feel his hard dick.


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