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

prepared myself for what would be a long

stance, something seemed off. We couldn't communicate

sanding - was complete, and I grabbed the polisher from my tool cart

dinner!" Dorian leaned in

I struggled not to lose my temper. In my mind, I was calculating the fastest way to get

sudden shout snapped me 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

suggest you sit down, shut up, and let me finish my work, or you'll be leaving with an unfinished bike." I continued polishing

unhappy but managed to limit himself to grumbling under his breath, which I chose to ignore. Internally, I was

the job was done. "I'll

Dorian said,

turned to leave, but

Now leave." I yanked my hand away and

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

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

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Chapter 27

fumbled for the counter

pulled down the blinds

sign.

His tenderness surprised me. My heart skipped a

walked to a chair, sitting down.

confused.

guys like that often?" he

away." I thought of the men who

"I see."

my counter and began working on

out his

almost done. I'll drive