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 up at

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, but right now, my heart ached for him. Dad's sacrifice both touched

it's one of the buildings we've been monitoring that has connections to Alpha Wiley.

was right." A cold fear crawled

life is in

your work here. We're not

would put me and others at unnecessary risk of harm," I finished for him, struggling internally. I loved my work, but I couldn't risk others getting hurt because

his

1/2

Chapter 177

few minutes later, I sighed, feeling defeated by reality. "I'll wait until this is

think that's wise of you," he changed the

to Penelope. She's been a huge

going to be okay. Sometimes, it's okay to be selfish and take care

Verything

know you're safe here. Are you