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 long two hours. I sprayed water on the side

From his stance, something seemed off. We couldn't communicate through mind link,

and I grabbed the polisher from my tool cart to

just dinner!" Dorian leaned

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

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 continuing with Dorian

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

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

was done. "I'll take

said, examining

After taking the photo, I turned to leave, but Dorian grabbed

believe I said no. Now leave." I yanked my

choice." He grabbed my arm again, his grip too tight. I saw Ryder heading toward us

thought I'd been merciful enough-but now he

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Chapter 27

turned and punched him square in the face. Pain tore through my hand, intense enough to momentarily blacken my vision. I fumbled for the counter to steady myself. I heard Ryder throw Dorian out and

Ryder had pulled down the blinds and turned

sign.

you okay?" He gently touched me, taking my hand in his. His tenderness surprised me. My heart skipped a beat, unsure

to a chair, sitting down. I

confused.

get guys like that

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

"I see."

walked to my counter and

toward the door, taking out

almost done. I'll drive you home,"