Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

"I can't believe this is finally happening. After everything we've been through,

we're finally back to normal," I said in awe, looking at my shop. The exterior

looked stunning.

Looking at this shop, I felt a wave of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

This wasn't just a shop. This was a symbol of my fresh start, proof that I refused

to be knocked down.

"Are you ready?" someone shouted..

"We're ready!" Ama grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.

"Okay, here's what's going to happen. There will be a brief overview of the shop,

Kerensa will announce the ribbon cutting. That will be your cue to cut the ribbon.

After that, everyone will go inside. We'll do a quick tour, and then it's over. Any

questions? A man with a headset spoke as if I should know who he was.

I tried to stay focused, but my thoughts kept returning to Ryder. I watched his

every micro-expression, trying to read his thoughts. He looked supportive, but I

could feel his reservations. This created an uneasy feeling in my stomach.

"No," I said. I was pushed to the center, with only Kerensa beside me. "Can I

have my family stand with me?" I asked.

"Of course. Have them stand a little behind you." Kerensa waved everyone over.

Ryder stood right next to me, and Ama was there too. Penelope and Viola stood

in front of Logan and Leonard. This felt right.

When Ryder's arm wrapped around my waist, I felt conflicted emotions. His touch

still made me feel safe and loved, but our earlier conversation had created an

invisible barrier between us. I wanted to enjoy this moment, but I couldn't

completely let go of my worries.

The man held up three fingers, then two, then one...

at the scene of Xena's shop reopening. Earlier this year,

a random robbery. After a

to open her doors again." Kerensa turned

means to you?"

I was caught off guard. My heart rate

say something meaningful, but my thoughts were still

with Ryder. Take a deep breath, Xena.

the world to me. Customizing motorcycles

isn't just a job. Today, no one can

dreams."

have you made since

much more advanced. Other

been renovated, and I've added additional

hire

expansion, I thought about the future/I

wanted to build for this

hesitation, about the differences we

it sounds like we can

the coming years." Kerensa

1. me.

scissors, I cut the ribbon,

walk into my shop, I

been cleaned up. Photos hung

under the cabinets, and even my

ready to

at all this, warmth flooded my chest. This was my kingdom.

filled with my

Chapter 316

around with the camera, said a few words,

off. "Done! Thank you for inviting us!

short, but she towered over me, her perfectly

high heels making her

taller.

together," I

ignored me and pulled out a business card, wrote

toward Ryder. "This is my card, if

phone number, if you want to discuss some business after

hell? Was she blatantly flirting with my

my wolf nature roaring in my

looked at her, but I would never allow this to happen.

attention."

my husband will be calling you. He likes

was sharper than I expected, but I

eyebrow and pouted.

no idea who she was dealing