Ryder’s POV
“Alright, I’m off to work. See you later, kids!” Mom smiled at us as she walked out the door.
Xena turned in her seat, swinging her leg over to straddle my lap. Care to tell me why you’re lying?” Her blue eyes locked with mine, blazing with determination.
“Can’t there be a little mystery in our relationship?” I sighed, standing up and bringing her with me. I knew I shouldn’t keep things from her, but my instinct to shield her from any harm was overwhelming. I grabbed her hand and pulled her up.
“No, there can’t be,” she replied–firmly, her voice carrying that edge finality I couldn’t resist.
I led her up the stairs to my library, our hands still connected.
“Why are you bringing me here?” Xena asked, herreyes taking in the shelves of books lining the walls.
I closed the door behind us and locked it. “It’s a relaxing place, and since I know you’re not going to let me handle this on my own, I wanted to tell you here.” I sat down on one side of the sofa and patted the other side for her to join me. My heart raced, uncertain how to begin this difficult conversation.
“I don’t like this feeling,” Xena said, sitting across from me with one leg tucked under her. She rested her arm on the back of the couch, supporting her head with her hand. Her beautiful face was etched with wariness, and I could practically feel her tension.
“I don’t either, but I told you we’re equals, and I meant it. Honestly, I’d rather not tell you this at all, just because I want you happy and unburdened.” I tried to keep my voice steady.
“I appreciate that, but spit it out.”
“You know Tatum has developed some kind of weird attachment to you.” I began. Xena’s eyes immediately narrowed, and I could feel through our bond that she knew she wasn’t going to like what came next. Her emotions rippled through our connection.
“Dad tried calling Alpha Wiley to see if we could defuse the situation” I continued, struggling to control the tremor in my voice.
“Let me guess, it didn’t work?” Xena rolled her eyes, looking out the window. The sunlight streaming through illuminated her profile, highlighting her perfect features.
“No. He basically said that what happened at Viola was just boys being boys…”
Xena whipped her head back toward me in shock. I held up a finger and continued, “…he said his son has taken an interest in you and there’s no harm in that. He essentially ended by saying, may the best man win.” I delivered the news as calmly as I could.
“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Xena stared at me, astonished. Shock anger, and fear poured from her into my hear
“Not his exact words, but that was the gist. He meant that Tatum won’t respect the fact that you’re my mate, but will try to win you instead. My hands curled into fists involuntarily, nails nearly digging into my palms.
Xena’s mouth fell open, just staring at me. “That’s insane,” she finally found her voice.
“Dad’s forbidden you from doing any work on his bike. That goes without saying.”
“Obviously.“–
“And you need to have a bodyguard with you at all times.” Xena opened her mouth to argue, but 1 pressed my finger to her lips. Her
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Chapter 120
mouth was soft and warm against my touch.
“Don’t even try to fight me on this. Logan, your dad… basically everyone agrees on this. I… I paused.
“I need you to do this. For my sanity. 1-1 can’t lose you, Xena. Please don’t fight me on this. I grabbed her hand, being as sincere as possible. My voice trembled slightly with the intensity of my emotions, my eyes never leaving hers.
It seemed to work because Xena didn’t immediately respond. Instead, her eyes dropped to our joined hands. She was having an internal battle. I could see her brow furrowing slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line.
I was about to say something when she stood up and moved to straddle my lap. My hands went to her hips, and she placed hers on either side of my face. Her touch was gentle yet firm.
“I’ll only agree if I get to choose who the bodyguard is,” she finally said.
“Baby, it can only be me or Logan or William. You understand that, right? I’m not putting your safety in the hands of a stranger.” I cupped the back of her head, pulling her toward me. Our kiss was gentle, more for comfort than passion.
Pressing her forehead against mine, she closed her eyes. “I can’t deny that he creeps me out, and I don’t like him around me.”
“Let me keep you safe. Don’t leave pack territory without me. Don’t take risks while this is being resolved, okay?” I pleaded softly.
Xena moved her head to rest on my shoulder. “Okay.”
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, relief washing over me. Her hair smelled like wildflowers, and I buried my face în it, taking a deep breath.
“I love you,” I whispered, the words falling from my lips without thought.
“I love you too,” she replied, her voice muffled against my shirt.
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