Xena''s POV


    They helped me into a sitting position, their movements careful as they began to undress me. Fear shot through my body like an electric current, but I knew this was necessary.


    "We need to cut your shirt open," the nurse on my left said, showing me the scissors. My heart raced faster. After a moment''s hesitation, I nodded slowly.


    They moved behind me, cutting from my back up to my neck, then along each arm. But they didn''t remove the shirtpletely. After pressing along my back and sides, they let the fabric continue cover my chest, tying it at the back so I wouldn''t be exposed.


    abric


    The gratitude I felt nearly made me cry. Not because I was worried about Logan seeing my chest, but because I already felt vulnerable enough. Every second, I felt exposed to others'' gazes, stripped of all defenses-not just physical clothing but my mental shields as well.


    "We''ll now examine your shoulders, neck, and face," the nurse on my right said as they began to touch and check. I could feel the sting with each press, but I clenched my teeth, refusing to let out a groan.


    "We need to take X-rays of both shoulders and her face," the right nurse told Ryder. He nodded. The left nurse walked to the cab to retrieve a machine. I swallowed nervously, unsure what would happen next.


    My vision blurred momentarily as fear washed over me like waves, rising and receding. Ryder sensed my anxiety and sent calming emotions through our mind link. The gesture provided a smallfort in this storm of pain and vulnerability.


    "Luna Xena, we need you to lie t. Is that okay?" one nurse asked.


    I nodded and slowly shifted to lie back on the bed. They lowered my position and moved the machine above me. I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest.


    "This is the X-ray machine. There will be a light and a small buzzing sound, then we''ll havepleted one image.


    They all stepped back, and the machine activated just as she''d described. With Ryder feeding more calm and rxation into my mind, my panic began to recede slightly. After taking one image, they moved the machine to my other shoulder, then positioned it above my face. They gently adjusted the angle of my head, and I closed my eyes as the light shed for a third time.


    "Her shoulders aren''t fractured, but her jawbone is. It''s already beginning to heal in the correct position, so we don''t need to worry


    about that. But your shoulders need proper realignment. I know you''ve had this done once, but they haven''t fully returned to the correct position," the nurse exined to both Ryder and me.


    "Can you give her anesthesia first?" Logan asked.


    "No. No anesthesia. I need to feel the pain right now." My voice sounded strange even to my own ears.


    "Are you sure?" Ryder moved in front of me, looking directly into my eyes. I could see the concern and care in his gaze.


    "Yes, I''m sure.” He nodded and climbed onto the bed. Ryder straddled me while the nurses positioned themselves on either side, each taking hold of one arm.


    "We''ll count to three, one nurse said.


    "No. Just do it. I closed my eyes. I didn''t want to wait, didn''t want to anticipate the pain. Let ite-one moment of agony was better than prolonged suffering.


    Each nurse took an arm, bent 1, and then pulled sharply. Pain shot through my entire body like lightning. "OIT FUCK! I couldn''t hold back the cry that escaped my lips.


    "This should feel better now." Tey ced my arms across my abdomen and began wrapping my shoulders with skin bandages. They had to remove my shirtpletely to bind my arms against my body


    "It does feel better," I exhaled, feeling the pain subside a little.


    "Can I give you something for the pain?" a nurse asked.


    "Yes," I answered weakly, still keeping my eyes, closed. I didn''t have the energy to open them, preferring to sense my surroundings through my other senses-it seemed less exhausting.


    I felt her walk away. Ryder''s hand rested on my leg. Despite the overwhelming pain, his touch always provided a small measure offort.


    "This will sting a little," they always said it would sting, but it felt more like being stung by a bee on steroids. After about fifteen minutes, though, the pain began to fade. I could feel the medication flowing through my veins, taking away the sharp edges and leaving behind a hazy feeling.


    "You can take her home now. Keep her on bed rest tomorrow. She should be able to shift back to wolf form by then, and her injuries should heal quickly after that," the other nurse said. I could hear the sound of her removing her gloves.


    "Of course. Call us if you need anything," they said before leaving the room.


    I felt Ryder climb off the bed. He slipped his T-shirt over me, keeping me covered,


    then carefully lifted me into his arms. Drowsiness washed over me.


    "Go to sleep, sweetheart," he whispered in my ear. I felt the breeze against my cheeks, and then I surrendered to sleep.


    Ryder''s POV


    Once she was asleep, I allowed myself to release all the anger I''d been suppressing to help her through this crisis. Seeing her covered in blood and bruises was more than I could bear. The helplessness and rage nearly suffocated me, but for her sake, I had to remain calm.


    I barely made it back to my room. Ama was waiting for us. As Iid ena down, Ama curled up beside her, keeping herpany. I stared at Xena''s pale face, my rage and protective instincts intertwining. Whoever had done this to her would pay dearly. No one hurt what was mine and walked away unscathed.


    I clenched my fists so tightly my knuckles turned white. The wolf inside me wed


    to get out, demanding vengeance for our mate.


    Chapter Comments