Don’t Poke the Luna Chapter 243

Xena’s POV

"Hold on to that bond as we get her to a doctor," Ryder commanded. Jericho nodded without hesitation, his arms tightening protectively around Tansy's limp form.

"Follow me!" Iris called out.

I watched as Jericho stood with Tansy cradled against his chest, following Iris with careful but urgent steps.

"I'm going with them to the hospital," Logan announced, falling into step beside them. "Our warriors have arrived and they're cleaning up what's left of Darkthorn Pack's resistance."

"Keep us updated, bro," I said, giving him a firm nod.

Ryder and I turned our attention to the guards who had fallen during our assault. Most lay unconscious on the ground, but something about one of them caught my eye. His breathing was too controlled, too measured for someone who had been knocked out cold.

"Get everyone in this pack to gather in front of the packhouse," Ryder ordered one of our warriors, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Then he walked over to the supposedly unconscious guard and gave him a sharp kick with his boot. The man didn't move, but I caught the subtle twitch of his eyebrows. He was definitely awake.

Ryder's lips curved into a knowing smirk. He crouched down and placed his hands firmly over the guard's mouth and nose, cutting off his air supply.

It didn't take long. The guard's eyes flew open as he struggled to breathe, his hands clawing at Ryder's grip in panic.

Ryder hauled him up by his collar, his face inches from the trembling man's. "Lead us there," he growled.

"Y-Yes, sir," the guard stammered, his face pale with terror. He kept his head down as he stumbled ahead of us, clearly understanding that his life hung by a thread.

Thankfully, we didn't have far to walk. People were already gathering in the open area in front of the packhouse, and what I saw there made my stomach clench. There were far more women and children than I had expected, but the number of men was exactly what I'd anticipated - and every single one of them was bound and kneeling on the ground with our warriors standing behind them, weapons ready.

Ryder steadied me as we walked to the elevated platform in the center of the gathering. I could feel the eyes of every person in the crowd fixed on us, a mixture of fear, hope, and uncertainty radiating from the group.

"As you know, Alpha Wiley and Tatum are dead," Ryder announced, his voice carrying across the silent crowd with commanding authority. "What you may not know is that Alpha Zion had a daughter before his death - Tansy. Tansy was Alpha Wiley's mate, and she's still alive. While she's fighting for her life in the hospital right now, she is alive. Tansy also has a daughter, and that daughter is the rightful heir to this pack. If Tansy doesn't survive, her daughter will become Alpha. There are going to be many changes happening immediately."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. I could see the shock on every face as they processed this information, heads turning as people whispered to each other.

I understood their disbelief and hesitation. This was a complete upheaval of everything they thought they knew about their pack hierarchy. I stepped forward, raising my voice to address them directly.

"All women and children will be taken to Alpha Logan's pack - Nightcedar Pack, where Tansy's daughter currently serves as Luna. Luna Penelope is a kind and gentle woman who will ensure you receive proper bathing facilities, clothing, and medical care."

"All men will come with me to my pack, where you will receive appropriate treatment," Ryder added, his gaze sweeping over the bound warriors with clear warning in his eyes. He pulled out his phone and started making arrangements.

As I scanned the crowd, a little girl caught my attention. She couldn't have been more than six or seven years old, but she stared at me with the most beautiful, hopeful eyes I'd ever seen. Something in her expression told me she wanted to speak, so I gave her my warmest smile and beckoned her forward.

She looked up at her mother uncertainly. The woman smiled sadly and gently pushed her daughter toward me with an encouraging nod.

The little girl approached me shyly, her voice trembling as she asked, "Is this really happening? Mommy won't bleed anymore?"

My heart shattered into pieces. The fury that had been simmering beneath the surface all day blazed hotter at her innocent question. She was so young - too young to have witnessed the violence and abuse that had clearly been part of her daily life. But this was the harsh reality of our world, where even children couldn't escape the brutality and pain.

I knelt down to her level, fighting back tears. "No more, sweetheart. Mommy will never bleed again."

"Cars will be here in twenty minutes," Ryder announced as he rejoined us.

"I'm going with them," I told him through our mind link. "I need to tell Penelope the truth about everything."

Ryder hesitated, his eyes searching my face with concern. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I'll take care of the women and children while you handle the men."

The men kneeling on the ground wore expressions of obvious displeasure and contempt. Their eyes held fear, yes, but underneath that was pure hatred. Several of the warriors glared at Ryder and me with undisguised loathing.

"There will be warriors to assist Logan and me," Ryder said, ignoring their hostile stares. "I just contacted Delphine - he'll be helping you."

One of the stronger warriors suddenly sprang to his feet, clearly preparing to attack us. At the same moment, several vans pulled into the driveway.

"I suggest you sit back down before I help you," Ryder said coldly, his voice carrying that dangerous calm that meant he was barely restraining his anger.

More warriors poured out of the vehicles, some still wearing battle gear while others had already changed. "All women and children, please get in the cars," I called out to the crowd.

I saw Logan approaching from the distance, and my heart lifted slightly knowing he would be there to help coordinate everything.

"Stupid bitch," I heard one of the bound warriors mutter under his breath.

My body went rigid. Rage exploded through me like wildfire. This piece of garbage actually dared to disrespect me?

I signaled for Ryder to let go of my arm and walked slowly toward the warrior, my eyes locked on his. "Want to say that louder?" I asked, my voice deadly quiet.

"I said... stupid bitch!" He spat on the ground in front of me.

I laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. What an arrogant fool. "Cut his ropes," I ordered the warrior standing behind him.

The warrior looked confused, glancing uncertainly at Ryder. My patience had reached its limit.

"Cut his ropes, now!" I commanded.

He immediately dropped his weapon and used his knife to slice through the bindings. The bound warrior rubbed his wrists and stood up, rolling his shoulders.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"You don't need to know," he replied, then launched himself at me without warning.

Adrenaline surged through my system as Una roared in my mind. I quickly ducked under his swing, and at the same time, my right claws shot out and plunged deep into his knee. I yanked them out cleanly, and he collapsed to the ground screaming in agony.

Shock rippled through the entire gathering. The kneeling warriors stared at me in terror, and I was certain they now believed I had been the one to kill their Alpha.

"Disrespect me again, and I'll make sure that wound goes much deeper," I said coldly, my gaze sweeping over every single warrior still on their knees. "Times are changing. You can either adjust your attitude, or you can join your dead Alpha in eternal rest. You can let my mate know your decision - he'll be happy to help you achieve either outcome. Or you can ask my brother."

"Luna Xena, we should go."

That voice made me smile. "Delphine." I turned toward him.

"In the flesh," he said with a grin, opening the car door for me.

"Thank you," I replied as Ryder helped me toward the vehicle.

"Get some medical attention," Ryder said gently as he helped me into the car, his concern evident in his voice just before he closed the door.

"Yes, Alpha," I responded with a smile, rolling down the window.

He rolled his eyes and looked away, but I could see him fighting off a smile of his own. "Men, stand up," Ryder commanded as our convoy of cars started to move.

I watched in the rearview mirror as Ryder delivered a powerful blow to the warrior who had insulted me. A surge of satisfaction filled my chest.

"Good to have you home," Delphine said with a small smile as he drove.

"Thank you. I'm glad this is all over and behind us."