Chapter 79
Xena’s POV
I felt my eyes return to normal, my body gradually relaxing as the tension drained away. The wolf inside me retreated, leaving me feeling hollow but calm.
“Hmm,” I hummed softly, running my tongue over my split lip.
“Ready to head home?” Ryder asked, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
“Yes.” The single word was all I could manage right now. My ribs ached with every breath, a constant reminder of the fight with Helen and her friends.
Ryder produced a tissue from somewhere and gently dabbed at my lips. His touch was surprisingly tender for someone who exuded such dangerous energy.
“It’s fine. The cut isn’t deep, nothing to worry about,” I said quietly, trying not to notice how his green eyes darkened with concern.
“RYDER! Wait up!” Logan shouted. He and Leonard were running toward us, their faces etched with worry.
“I’m sorry, X.” Logan skidded to a stop in front of us, breathing hard. Ryder stepped back, allowing my twin to examine my face. I could feel the worry and guilt radiating from Logan through our bond.
“Damn it!” Leonard roared, looking like he might punch something–or someone–at any moment.
“I’m fine,” I insisted, grabbing Leonard’s arm to calm him down. I could feel the tension in his muscles, his entire body coiled like a spring ready to snap.
“That bitch Martha, and Samuel’s dad… the way he spoke to you was out of line. I’m going to-”
“You’re not going to do anything!” I cut him off firmly. “That man just lost his son. He has every right to express his feelings. Samuel took a bullet for me. If venting helps him process his grief, I can take it.”
Chapter 79
“Blade…” Leonard began, using my nickname.
“I let him speak to me that way because he’s in pain, and I’m a grown woman. My heart
will heal. We need to stick together and move forward. Find a new normal. Who knows, any of you could find your mates tomorrow. You have the entire pack to think about. Put your pain aside and be the leaders they need you to be. Grieve at night, but right now, they need to see that you haven’t been broken. The pack needs to know you can protect them, provide for them, and still make sound judgments. You need to go back there with your heads held high. You’re the future of this pack. Ama and I are leaving. Even if Ryder weren’t my mate, I’d be packing my bags and never coming back. You can’t ask me to return. Everything you need is right here.” I placed my hand over their hearts.
As these words left my mouth, a strange emotion welled up inside me. I was never one to express my feelings easily, but in this moment, facing our imminent separation, I found myself unable to maintain my cold exterior. These boys had become an irreplaceable part of my life. Leaving them felt like tearing away a piece of my soul.
Both of them looked up at the sky during my speech, trying to hide their emotions.
“I hope whoever becomes my mate has half your ability to be a Luna,” Logan said, wrapping his arms around me in a hug that was both warm and secure.
“Ah, Xena. So you do have a heart after all,” Leonard joked, and I gave him a hug too.
I could feel Ryder shifting impatiently behind me.
“Don’t tell anyone,” I tried to frown but ended up smiling instead. “I won’t be too far away. Close enough to come kick your ass if=”
“I have no doubt you will,” Leonard interrupted, giving me a grin.
“Logan, I love you.” The words surprised even me as they left my mouth. Expressing affection had never been my strong suit, but perhaps, facing the changes ahead, I’d finally
learned to say the things that mattered.
“Wow, X, you said it first without me having to force it out of you?” He laughed, hugging
me again.
“Don’t get used to it,” I rolled my eyes without hiding the smile that tugged at my lips.
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Chapter 79
“What about tomorrow?” Logan asked, his voice growing serious.
“I’ll pick up my dress and take it to Ryder’s. We can get ready there and then come over
together,” I said, trying to sound practical.
“Damn, so I won’t be there when you finally confirm it?” Logan frowned.
“I’ll spend the entire day avoiding you just so you can’t witness that magical moment when we kiss tonight,” I said sarcastically.
“It is a magical moment…” Logan teased.
“I hope whoever becomes your mate will put you in your place,” I retorted.
I could only shake my head, though my heart felt warm. Despite my reluctance to admit
it, I would miss these daily jokes and moments of closeness. “I doubt it.”
Turning to Ryder, I said, “I’ll be right back. I’m going to get my dress.”
“Okay, need any help?” he offered.
“I’ll go with her. I need to get my dress too,” Ama chimed in.
“I’ll accompany you both. Even though she’s locked in a cell, safety first,” William
grumbled.
Logan frowned but didn’t say anything.
Ryder’s POV
“How is she really?” I was annoyed that I had to ask this question. Damn bond needs to form already.
“I don’t know how she’s holding it together,” Logan said, his voice hollow.
“Has she asked about the meeting?” I asked, shifting my weight from one foot to the
other.
“No. She hasn’t asked, and I haven’t volunteered the information. She’ll probably ask this
afternoon,” Logan replied.
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“Do you want to be there when we tell her?” I asked. Accepting their strange connection was easier said than done. It wasn’t about jealousy, but about the fact that he could read her while I struggled. I wanted that ability too.
“Up to you, man. If you feel like you need me there, I’ll be there; if not, I trust you can handle whatever reaction she has,” he answered.
I appreciated his response. “If things get out of control, I’ll call you.”
“Good, I’ll keep my phone handy. If I may suggest, I know it’s not the safest situation right now, but taking her somewhere quiet to look at the stars might be a good way to help her
relax from all this and prepare for tomorrow. Or do whatever works.”
Was he really telling me how to calm her so I could fuck her when the bond snaps in? It
was both impressive and slightly irritating. He didn’t know we’d already done it twice. The
second time, she’d been noticeably more relaxed.
“Thanks, man. I’ll keep that in mind.” Just as we shook hands, the girls emerged. They
were both smiling, while William was shaking his head.
William took their dresses and placed them in the trunk, then helped Ama and Xena into the car. Ama and William sat in the back seat. Xena took the passenger seat, her body language telling me not to touch her. She leaned toward the window, her chin resting on
her hand as she stared outside. Though I wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, I
focused on driving instead.
Rationally, I knew she still had reservations about us being mates, but emotionally, it stung. Maybe Logan was right. I should make tonight special. I picked up my phone and started making plans.
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