Xena''s POV


    It''s going to be fine. Go be the leader they need you to be." I release my grip on his arm and moved my hand to his face. The motion sent pain shooting through my injuries, but I needed to feel him onest time, just in case things didn''t go ording to n.


    Ryder didn''t respond, just leaned down and pressed his lips against mine in a kiss so fierce it took my breath away. This was a goodbye kiss. Tears threatened to spill, but I wouldn''t let them fall. was the goddamn Luna of this pack, and that meant staying strong for our warriors. He finally pulled away, looking deep into my eyes.


    "I love you, Xena," he said, his voice low and steady but with the slightest tremor I could barely detect.


    "I love you too, Ryder." My voice was firm and without hesitation. I kissed me once more before walking toward his warriors and William.


    I stood back, watching the shock register on William''s face before his eyes found mine. Ryder walked away from William, but William just stood there, mouth agape, staring at me.


    “MEN!" Ryder roared. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him, including me. "Let''s ROLL." His voice was dangerous and low as he gave me one final nce before walking out the door. Everyone followed after him. After thest warrior walked out, I watched them climb into our ck SUVs. Only after thest door was shut did Ryder get into his seat and close the door. Everyone around stopped what they were doing and watched as the SUVS left the territory.


    Penelope''s convoy arrived just minutes after our SUVS had left. I stepped outside, needing to meet with them before the loading began. The sky was starting to darken, and the air was turning cool.


    tena keaz, it''s good to see you." One of my father''s warriors stepped forward, was Delphine, still an excellent warrior.


    student in my ss. His name


    "Hey, how are you?" I asked as I approached him, stopping just out of arm''s reach. I forced a polite smile onto my face despite my nerves being stretched like a bowstring pulled taut.


    "I''m good, I should be asking you that." Delphine''s face was sympathetic.


    "You know me, stubborn as hell, refusing help." I joked.


    Delphineughed. "I remember."


    "So, how was the road?" I asked, getting down to business.


    "We drove slow and Penelope even had us leave a few warriors every so often to keep monitoring it. They are to check in every ten minutes." Delphine held up a walkie talkie. "There doesn''t appear to be any fresh tracks or any signs of human interaction."


    "Perfect. I shouldn''t need to tell you the importance of this." I said firmly.


    ''No, ma''am. I will be greeting Penelope myself. Penelope got the email you sent but she still wishes that you write the names of each person and sign it. I will give it to her and she will check it over."


    0


    both loved and missed Penelope. "She is an angel." I sighed.


    "She will be a perfect luna." Delphine agreed.


    "Ama, write down the names of each person in each car. Start loading them up.” I yelled out.


    Ama nodded and guided people into the vehicles. Everyone moved handed out to limit panle. I would appreciate it to stay that way un


    a hurried fashion. Delphine, minimal information has been everyone is safe Inside the safe house Penelope has set up.


    Understood, Delphine nced at his watch. I believe Logan should be meeting up with Alpha Ryder in about five minutes


    Delphine, tell me everything is going to go smoothly and I''m just overreacting."


    "Well, everything is going to go smoothly, but one can never be too utious when ites to the lives of your pack members. I think you made the right call."


    I didn''t respond, just nodded and watched people walk toward his van. He opened the door, and I watched parents take seats, all children either sitting on theirps or on the floor. They all looked scared. Every terrified face stabbed at my heart; these were my responsibility, the ones I needed to protect.


    "Everything is going to be fine. Delphine will make sure you arrive safely." I told them as Delphine prepared to close the door.


    "Luna?" a mother asked urgently.


    "Yes?" I looked at her, noticing the daughter in her arms, only about year old, clutching her mother tightly, small hands white with the force of her grip, as if sensing the danger in the air.


    "Where are we going?" Her voice was anxious, though I could tell she was trying to stay calm.


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