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...

"Tonight, we gather at the scene of Xena's shop reopening. Earlier this year, this

location was the victim of a random robbery. After a complete renovation, Xena is

ready to open her doors again." Kerensa turned to me. "Xena, tell me what this

means to you?"

Shit. I was caught off guard. My heart rate accelerated, my brain spinning fast. I

needed to say something meaningful, but my thoughts were still on my earlier

conversation with Ryder. Take a deep breath, Xena. Focus.

"This means the world to me. Customizing motorcycles is something I love doing.

For me, this isn't just a job. Today, no one can stop me from achieving my

dreams."

"What changes have you made since upgrading this space?"

"First, the security system is much more advanced. Other than that, everything

has been renovated, and I've added additional work areas in case I want to

expand and hire more people."

Speaking of expansion, I thought about the future/I thought about the little life innoveldrama

my belly, about the legacy I wanted to build for this child. But I also thought about

Ryder's hesitation, about the differences we needed to resolve.

Through this ribbon cutting, it sounds like we can expect great things from Xena

in the coming years." Kerensa stepped back and nodded at

1. me.

Taking the huge scissors, I cut the ribbon, and everyone applauded.

When I was able to turn and walk into my shop, I realized what this meant to me.

Everything had been cleaned up. Photos hung on the walls, lights were

installed under the cabinets, and even my computer was set up. Everything was

polished and ready to go.

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

was filled with my memories and sweat.

Kerensa walked around with the camera, said a few words, then the camera was

turned off. "Done! Thank you for inviting us! She extended her hand to shake

mine. I wasn't short, but she towered over me, her perfectly manicured nails and

red-soled high heels making her appear even

taller.

"Pleasure working together," I said.

She ignored me and pulled out a business card, wrote something on it, then

walked toward Ryder. "This is my card, if you need another expert. I also added

my cell phone number, if you want to discuss some business after hours."

What the hell? Was she blatantly flirting with my man? I could feel my anger

starting to burn, my wolf nature roaring in my veins.

He just looked at her, but I would never allow this to happen. don't need so much

attention."

I take that. I don't think my husband will be calling you. He likes women who

My voice was sharper than I expected, but I didn't care. This

Kerensa raised an eyebrow and pouted. "We'll see."

woman had no idea who she was dealing with.

Ryder pulled me back, stopping me from rushing at her as she walked out of the

shop. "I wouldn't hurt her..." I muttered.

"You would, and we've had enough trouble," Ryder laughed and pulled me into

his arms.

"I knew it!" Ama screamed.

"Knew what?" I stepped out of Ryder's embrace, looking at her confused.

"You really are jealous!" Ama jumped up and down, clapping her hands.

"Not jealous, just not allowing bitches to covet what belongs to me. There's a

difference. She's not a werewolf, doesn't know what I could do to her. Humans are

reckless, I was just protecting him."

"So many words to describe jealousy," Leonard laughed.

I'll kick your ass too!" I glared at him.

"Xena! We have one more surprise for you," Penelope called from behind my front

desk.

"What?" I looked confused. She came out holding a thick book. I immediately

recognized what it was. My heart started racing. This was the kind of book used

for portfolios. "You bought me a new book?"

"Sort of." Penelope showed me the cover. It had a pile of white bones and two

howling wolves. The leather was new, and I could smell it. Ryder took the cover

and opened it for me.

My jaw dropped. It was a photo of my first customer's customized motorcycle.

Ryder continued turning pages. Each photo perfectly captured and showcased my

work. "I don't understand..."

My eyes began to blur. This... this was everything I had lost. My work, my

memories.

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