Chapter 19
Xena’s POV
“I don’t understand why I have to wait until I’m eighteen. I’m smarter than everyone. I can take care of myself,” I said stubbornly, crossing my arms over my chest.
Logan smiled at me, his brown eyes softening. “While I agree with you, we have an
agreement.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes, feeling frustration bubble up inside me. Why was it always rules and agreements? Weren’t my intelligence and abilities enough to prove I could make my own decisions?
“Besides, Dad asked what we wanted to do for our eighteenth birthday. I think he wants to throw a big party,” Logan said, leaning against the counter of my shop.
“Do I have to go?” The idea sounded absolutely terrible. My stomach clenched at the thought of a birthday hall packed with werewolves, all of them staring at me, judging my
every move.
“You have to go, and you have to wear a dress,” Logan teased, a mischievous glint in his
eyes.
“Then it’s not much of a birthday party for me,” I said with a bitter smile. Wearing dresses‘ was torture – restrictive and uncomfortable.
“What do you want to do for your birthday?” Ryder asked.
“Hmm…” I considered, imagining escaping the pack and the cookie–cutter birthday parties. “Maybe hiking, or sunbathing on a beach, even just relaxing by a pool. Just something simple and private.” Saying these words aloud made me feel lighter somehow.
“Why not tell your father that’s what you want?” Ryder suggested, his green eyes studying
me intently.
“Because traditionally, once we turn eighteen, we’re supposed to find our mates. Start full–time training for whatever job we’re going to do. In Logan’s case, they need to train a Luna,” I frowned, feeling weary of it all. Always expectations, always responsibilities, never what I actually wanted.
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“I think Dad expects you to be mated to Samuel, so you’d be a beta female,” Logan said
with a frown.
“That’s a demotion, and I already do more work than Martha does in a year,” I said through gritted teeth, remembering all the ignored effort and contributions, anger at the unfairness burning inside me.
“A big party increases our chances of finding mates,” Logan continued.
“What good is a mate to me? Even if it’s Samuel, that just means I’m stuck here for life.” As I said it, I felt a choking sensation, like an invisible hand was squeezing my throat.
Freedom – that’s what I truly longed for but could never seem to grasp.
“But once I take over, no one would dare lay a hand on you again,” Logan promised.
–
“What if you become like Dad – so consumed with running the pack that you have no time for family drama – poor alpha female complaining about being disciplined.” I finished speaking and realized our conversation might be making Ryder uncomfortable. I glanced at him awkwardly.
“Every pack has family drama. I won’t tell anyone about yours,” Ryder said with a shrug.
“Have you found your mate?” Logan asked him, seemingly satisfied with Ryder’s answer.
“No. Not in any rush either,” Ryder replied casually.
“By the way, is that girl who attacked Xena your girlfriend?” Logan questioned, a hint of disapproval in his tone.
“She was, until I dumped her after she showed that disrespect at the pizza place,” he answered like it was no big deal. I snuck a glance at Ryder, curiosity rising within me –
he’d done that for me?
But I didn’t want to continue this topic. “I’m hungry and tired. You boys can stay and chat, but I’m going to get food,” I said, standing up to leave.
“I promised Keira I’d take her out. I just wanted to check on you,” Logan said with a
frown.
“Enjoy your date. I’ll drive to get something,” I reassured him.
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Logan checked his watch. “I have time to take you home…”
“I’ll do it, man. I was planning to anyway,” Ryder quickly offered.
“Alright.” Logan looked at him, then at me, and seeing no objection from me, he added, “Text me when you get home.”
“Yes, sir,” I answered halfheartedly.
Logan smiled, kissed my forehead, then walked out. Deep down, I knew he genuinely cared about me, but his protection sometimes felt like another form of constraint.
“When you’re ready, we can go,” Ryder said, checking his watch.
“If I’m keeping you from something, I can walk home,” I offered.
“No need. I’m good,” he replied.
After completing the security checks before closing the shop, I told him, “Ready to go.”
“Great, let’s go,” Ryder said, practically pushing me out the door. He seemed in a hurry
too.
“Do you have somewhere urgent to be? I thought you didn’t have plans?” I asked curiously as I slid into the passenger seat, my mind racing with possibilities.
“I just made plans,” Ryder said with a smile as he started the engine.
I rolled down the window, letting the wind blow against my face as Ryder sped onto the highway. It wasn’t until he missed a turn – this wasn’t the way to my pack – that I looked
at him.
“Um, you missed the turn!” I exclaimed.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Yes… you did. This road doesn’t lead to my pack,” I felt a twinge of unease.
“We’re not going to your pack.”
“But your plans…?” I was completely confused, yet my heart rate quickened involuntarily.
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“My plans are with you,” he stated simply.
“With me? Why?” I asked, feeling an inexplicable surge of anticipation.
“Do you have.a curfew?” Ryder asked with a smug smile.
“Um, no,” I answered automatically.
“What’s wrong? Am I making you nervous?” He challenged with that infuriating smirk of
his.
“Hell no,” I decided to stop pursuing answers and turned my attention back to the window. The warm wind caressed my face, and bright stars illuminated the world around
- us. It was a perfect night.
When Ryder made a turn, I realized his plan. “Really?” I sounded way too excited about it.
“Never been here before?” Ryder asked, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
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