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.
“What about Saturday?” I looked up at him.
“We’re not fucking backing down easily. We’ll attack and enjoy every minute of it. You have a part to play too, though. Tatum won’t know what hit 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, but right now, my heart ached for him. Dad’s sacrifice both touched and broke my heart, the complicated emotions swirling in my chest.
“Did you find anything about the phones?” I asked, trying to redirect my focus to more practical matters, attempting not to let emotions overwhelm me.
“They’re linked to a building in the city. We haven’t confirmed yet, but it’s one of the buildings we’ve been monitoring that has connections to Alpha Wiley. The information was clear–they want to kidnap you.”
“So I was right.” A cold fear crawled up my spine.
“You were right. Your life is in serious danger,” Logan agreed.
“Even so, you can finish your work here. We’re not asking you to put your shop on hold…” Ryder started..
“But it 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 of me. The choice frustrated me beyond measure.
Correct.” Logan shoved his arms into his pockets.
1/2
Chapter 177
A few minutes later, I sighed, feeling defeated by reality. “I’ll wait until this is all over.”
I think that’s wise of you,” he changed the subject, “This place is really starting to look nice,
“Thanks to Penelope. She’s been a huge help.
Logan walked over to me and wrapped his arm around me. “Everything’s going to be okay. Sometimes, it’s okay to be selfish and take care of yourself. The only reason I can handle
Verything
I’m going through is because I know you’re safe here. Are you happy here?”
“Most of the time,” I answered vaguely.
Ryder rolled his eyes, and that expression both annoyed And secretly pleased me.
“X?” Logan nudged my side gently.
“Yes, I’m happy,” I admitted, feeling like I was confessing a secret.
Logan turned my face toward him. “Do you feel safe?”
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