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

myself for what would be a

surprise, Ryder walked back in. From his stance, something seemed off. We couldn't communicate through mind

- wet sanding - was complete, and I grabbed

on, it's just dinner!"

lose my temper.

back to reality. The polisher in my hand had created sparks, and I quickly pulled it away, checking if I'd damaged the side cover. Thankfully, there was no harm done. I couldn't imagine

work, or you'll be leaving with an unfinished bike." I continued polishing without looking at him, my tone deadly

himself to grumbling under his breath, which I chose to ignore. Internally, I was restless, wanting to finish this quickly and return to

rapidly, and soon the job was done. "I'll take a photo, and then

good," Dorian said,

taking the photo, I turned to leave, but Dorian grabbed my hand. "I'm

leave." I yanked my hand away and started

choice." He grabbed my arm again, his grip too tight. I

chance-I thought I'd been merciful enough-but now

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Chapter 27

intense enough to momentarily blacken my vision. I fumbled for the counter to steady myself. I heard Ryder throw Dorian out and

opened my eyes, Ryder had pulled down the blinds and turned off my

sign.

me, taking my hand in his. His tenderness surprised me. My heart skipped a beat, unsure how to respond to this

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

confused.

get guys like

I thought of the men who backed off after hearing about my

"I see."

I walked to my counter and

toward the door, taking out his phone

I'll drive you home,"