Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 27

Xena's

"For the sake of maintaining peace between Logan and the packs, we need to get along. And protecting you is part of the job." His words stung like a slap across my face.

"Protecting? Job?" I challenged, my voice sharp as a blade.

"Yes," Ryder replied, his expression unreadable.

"Protecting me from what, exactly?" I could feel my pulse quickening, anger spreading through my veins like wildfire.

"Any potential threats."

"Like being ambushed in the women's restroom?" I knew it was a low blow, but he'd pissed me off first. My insides churned with indignation and rage, hating the feeling of being treated like some helpless damsel.

His green eyes narrowed. "Yeah."

Thankfully, my last client of the day walked in just then. The guy was human, so we couldn't continue our wolf pack discussion. Ryder left the shop with clear displeasure written across his face, choosing to wait outside.

My final customer was Dorian, freshly eighteen, who wanted a cross with a sunset background painted on his bike to commemorate his sister who'd died in a car accident. The paint job was already done from our previous session; today was for the final polish.

"This should be our last meeting," I smiled at him as he walked his Honda CB650R into the modification area.

"Great," he replied, his voice tinged with poorly disguised excitement.

Because of my work, I had to deal with this human jock who thought he was God's gift to women. I hated the feeling of being forced to be near a man with an inflated ego.

"Are you going to accept my date invitation now?" He ran his fingers through his golden hair, flashing what he clearly thought was a charming bad-boy smile.

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Chapter 27

won't,” I answered coldly, sighing as I prepared myself for what would be a

something seemed off. We couldn't communicate through mind link, so

first stage - wet sanding - was complete, and I grabbed

just dinner!" Dorian

My patience was wearing dangerously thin as I struggled not to lose my temper. In my mind, I was calculating the fastest way to get

in my hand had created sparks, and I quickly pulled it away, checking if I'd damaged the side cover. Thankfully, there was

me finish my work, or you'll be leaving with an unfinished

Internally, I was

was done. "I'll take a photo, and then you

Dorian said, examining my work

to leave, but Dorian grabbed my hand. "I'm taking you out. Let's

leave." I yanked my hand away and

give up easily. "I'm not giving you a choice." He grabbed my arm again, his grip too tight. I saw Ryder

chance-I thought I'd been merciful enough-but now he needed a

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Chapter 27

counter to steady myself. I heard Ryder throw Dorian out and lock the

pulled down the blinds and turned off my

sign.

gently touched me, taking my hand in his. His tenderness surprised me. My

I withdrew my hand and walked to a chair, sitting down. I

confused.

guys like

of the men

"I see."

up, I walked to my counter and began working on my accounts.

toward the door, taking out his phone while

drive you home,"