Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 177

Xena's POV

"Dad's been cleaning out his office. Creating password-protected file for me. Basically preparing to hand over Alpha leadership. It's the happiest I've seen him in years, Logan said with a bitter smile.

I stared at my twin brother's face, trying to process what he was saying. This was completely opposite to what I'd been thinking.

"Happy?" My voice was thick with confusion, my brow furrowing automatically. This contradicted everything I understood about the situation.

"Yeah, X. Dad is happy. He's finally getting away from Martha," Logan's eyes met mine. "I found out more of the story. Martha and Dad dated when they were young, but when Dad discovered he was actually mated to Mom, he dumped Martha. Martha obviously never got over it, so when Mom died, guess who was there to help Dad? His wolf was suffering, and she was there. One night when things got really bad, Dad agreed to mate with Martha so he could stay around to raise us. Martha did everything for us back then, so he thought she'd be a good mate. When we got older and it became obvious she resented us for not being her biological children, that's when he started investing. Since he barely survived by mating with Martha, he didn't want to die and leave us orphans. Now that we're fully capable of taking over, he's happy to finally be rid of Martha. Dad's ready to leave or accept whatever is coming."

A sharp pain stabbed through my chest as the truth sank in. Dad had endured an unhappy marriage for over a decade... for us?

"But earlier, you said..." I started, my voice betraying my confusion and guilt.

"I know what I said, but Dad and I had a long talk last night. He told me all this and told me this isn't a choice he didn't want to make, but one he's been looking forward to. I think he's going to be smiling when he dumps Martha.”

My gaze dropped to the floor as I processed his words. My heart grew heavy with understanding.

about Saturday?" I looked

him, so we all need to be careful, but I think Saturday will end up being a beautiful night," Logan grinned. Ryder nodded in agreement from where he was leaning against the wall. It was a hard pill to swallow. I could understand why he'd be happy to escape her, but I still couldn't comprehend why he'd spent 18 years in misery. Maybe when I had kids, I'd understand,

We haven't confirmed yet, but it's one of the buildings we've been monitoring that has connections

A cold fear crawled up my

were right. Your life is in serious

finish your work here. We're not asking you to

risk of harm," I finished for him, struggling internally. I loved my work, but

Logan shoved his arms into

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Chapter 177

defeated by reality. "I'll wait

the subject, "This place is really

She's been a huge

me. "Everything's going to be okay. Sometimes, it's okay to be selfish and take care of yourself. The

Verything

through is because I know you're