Chapter 21

Xena's POV

"Around 11:30, I think," Ama said, struggling to remember. "Why do you ask?"

"No reason. Just wondering why he was so pissed off."

"Who knows." She shrugged.

I sat up in bed, stretching with a yawn. "What's the plan for today?"

"Do you have any appointments at the shop?" Ama asked, already bouncing with energy despite the early hour.

"One in the afternoon. Morning's free."

"Perfect! Let's get you dresses for tonight and your birthday party!" Ama clapped her hands, looking way too excited for a shopping trip.

"Oh great. Can't wait," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

I climbed out of bed, carefully testing my range of motion. Better than yesterday, but still

sore. My phone buzzed as I headed toward the bathroom. I glanced at the screen and saw

two messages.

Samuel: Hey, how are you feeling today?

Ryder: Sorry about last night.

I'm not ready to deal with either of these, I thought, especially Samuel's message.

I can't let myself fall any deeper. If we're not mates, these feelings will only make separation more painful. And Ryder... his sudden appearance just complicates everything.

I decided to focus on getting ready instead. Too tired to put much effort into my

appearance, I threw my hair into a messy bun and pulled on sweatpants and a crop top.

"So sexy," Ama teased, looking me up and down.

"I'm too tired to care." I grabbed my wallet as we headed for the door.

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Chapter 21

excited!"

the hallway, Logan, his friends, and my dad were there. I was momentarily happy to see them until

are you two

for birthday dresses,"

of the boys should go with you," Dad said, concern

Martha looked me up and

her eyes.

you for a bit?"

don't need protection," I snapped, frustration building. "I've

said her name with disgust, "might need it. If she gets hurt under our watch, her current pack won't be

hate her. She always finds

patting my shoulder. I felt betrayed that he

announced, and my heart sank. Space

needed right now.

thing I need is to be around

against the doorframe. His eyes immediately found

Ama said, seemingly oblivious to my

door.

Samuel announced, walking

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Chapter 21

the front passenger seat. Just great... "To the mall!" Ama directed

the accelerator. Ama's phone rang, and as she chatted away

reply to my text, Samuel's voice

feeling

wasn't a question; I could hear the certainty

deflected, turning to look out the

up. Is there something between you two? He sounded

turning

mates, and if

feel for

is exactly the conversation I've been avoiding, my

We had

one of us developed feelings, we should end it. Do

I wanted to

do, he

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