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Chapter 70
Xena’s POV
‘Xena, it’s Samuel’s father. He completely broke down and the doctors had to sedate him. He blames you, says you chose Ryder instead of his son.” Leonard blurted it all out in one breath.
“That doesn’t need to be shared right now! It could have waited. What do you think she can do about it now? To my surprise, William was taking my side.
The pain crashed over me in waves. I turned away, steadying myself against the wall.
“I don’t know. Everything’s a mess. My brother is dead. I just…” Leonard looked completely lost.
I listened to Leonard’s anguished voice. I knew his personality well enough to know I needed to stabilize him first, prevent him from doing something reckless. “Sit down,” I told him. He looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then followed my instruction, burying his head in his hands.
I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. Despite my heart screaming and crying inside, I had to stay calm. “I don’t blame him for reacting that way. He just lost his son, his only son. I’d be surprised if he could accept it. Samuel died a hero, and well honor him as one. I understand your pain; he was my brother too. He was part of us, and always will be. If we fall apart because of this and don’t seek out his killers, that would be the real dishonor to his memory. We’ll find the truth and avenge him,
but you need to stay clear–headed. We can’t lose you too.”
Every word felt like it was being squeezed from the depths of my soul, each sentence making my heart ache even more.
“I know you’re right, but damn, it’s hard,” Leonard remained immersed in his grief.
“I understand. My eyes are dry and painful because I’ve run out of tears. But we’ll keep him in our hearts forever.” I gazed down the hallway and saw Logan running toward us, sighing when he realized he was too late.
“X, why aren’t you in bed resting?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come,” Leonard stood up, head down, not daring to look at Logan.
“You can come to me anytime. Leonard, for Samuel’s sake, we need to stay strong and move forward,” Logan nodded.
Leonard didn’t answer, just nodded slightly. He gave Logan a bow and walked away dejectedly.
“Are you okay?” Logan asked me.
“It hurts, but I’m fine.”
Logan added and left to follow Leonard.
I had just opened the door when William spoke up. “Xena, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say anything. I’m not in the mood to hear it.” I noticed the bruise on his cheek and felt a complex mixture of emotions. Even in this moment, I couldn’t fully forgive him, but deep down, I knew everyone was dealing with pain in their own way. “Was that Logan’s doing?”
“Yes.
“You’re lucky that’s all he did,” I said, returning to my room.
1/3
Chapter 70
“What happened?” Ryder asked.
“Leonard said Samuel’s father needed to be sedated,” I said softly, feeling fatigue seeping from my bones.
“Come here,” Ryder opened his arms to me. I slowly moved over and crawled beside him. His warmth provided a glimmer of comfort.
How do you want to honor Samuel?‘ he asked.
“What do you mean?‘ His question caught me off guard. I hadn’t thought about it yet; my mind was still stuck on the moment of Samuel’s death, unable to look forward.
“Do you want to plant a special tree? Or hold some kind of ceremony?
“Oh, um, I’m not sure. I truly didn’t know what I wanted. I leaned against his shoulder, Ryder’s hand resting gently on my thigh.
“Tell me what you want, and we’ll make it happen,” Ryder kissed the top of my head.
“Why have you changed? Why are you acting this way now? Last night when Amara said Samuel loved me, you were angry,” I asked.
“Logan and I talked.”
“Oh. Damn Logan. “What else did you talk about?”
Nothing special.”
“That’s a lie, but whatever. I just want to go home and take a shower, I said wearily.
“Which home? Mine or your Pack’s?”
My first instinct was to be with Ryder, but his question was valid. “I guess your home isn’t mine,” I said.
“But it is,” he insisted firmly.
“Maybe on Friday it was, but now, I’m just a guest,” I said softly, not wanting to argue about it now.
“You’re coming home with me. This isn’t up for debate,” Ryder’s tone left no room for argument.
“I’m not objecting,” I slid off the bed, and Ryder pressed the call button. He took out the clothes his father had brought and put on sweatpants, maintaining the bandage on his shoulder.
“Do you need any help?” a nurse asked as she entered.
“We’re leaving,” Ryder said briefly.
“Could you wait a few more hours?” the nurse suggested.
“No,” Ryder said, removing his hospital gown.
“Alright, you’ll need to sign some papers.” Ten minutes later, the nurse returned with documents.
“Sign these, the nurse handed him some papers. Ryder signed them quickly.
“Call if you need anything,” she sighed as she left.
“What’s going on?” Leonard must have seen the nurse leaving as he poked his head in to ask.
2/3
Chapter 70
“We’re leaving, Ryder pushed wheelchair in front of me, “Sit down
I was in too much pain to argue. After sitting down, William took or pushing the wheelchair, and we left the hospital. It was still early morning, and the car wasfst parked far away. We got in smoothly. Ryder sat with me in the back seat, and William drove.
Leaning against Ryder, I felt extremely drowsy, but my mind was still active. I felt my eyelids getting heavier until they closed completely. My thoughts remained on Samuel. His smile, his voice, and all the times we spent together. Why do good people always leave first? Why must we endure such pain? These questions had no answers, but I knew one thing: I would avenge Samuel, no
matter the cost.
“She’s asleep,” William said quietly.
“Good,” Ryder sighed.
“I told her I was sorry, but she didn’t want to hear it.”
