Xena''s POV


    A soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts before it opened and closed quickly.


    "X, what''s going on?" Logan asked, his voiceced with concern.


    I buried my face deeper into my pillow, trying to escape reality. My eighteenth birthday was approaching fast, and my mind was a storm of anxiety and fear.


    "Why does turning eighteen have toe with so much pressure? I don''t want a mate. Mates mean emotional entanglements, and men are basically overgrown babies,” I mumbled into the pillow, frustration evident in my voice. The mere thought of the mating ceremony at mying-of-age party made my chest tighten, like an invisible hand was squeezing the air from my lungs.


    Logan tried to hide the amusement in his voice. "Is this about Ryder? I saw how he looked at you. No wonder Samuel is so pissed."


    "Samuel knows our arrangement-no feelings involved. He''s the one who broke the rules. I''m just sticking to the n, so he has no right to be angry with me." The memory of Samuel''s disappointed eyes sent a pang through my chest, but it quickly transformed into irritation. "Ryder told me I was just a job to him. That stung. I''m not a fucking task to bepleted."


    "Who would''ve thought you''d have rtionship problems,” Logan chuckled, lying down beside me. "If it makes you feel any better, neither of them deserves you."


    "What do you think will happen?" I didn''t need to borate-he knew I was talking about our eighteenth birthday ceremony.


    "We''ll find our mates, and for you, it''ll go one of two ways."


    I gazed out the window, watching sunlight filter through the curtains, creating dappled patterns on the floor. Two possibilities-either I''d find my destined mate and start a new chapter, or no mate would appear and I''d continue facing this cruel world alone.


    "Are you going to break up with Keira before then?" I asked, trying to change the subject.


    "We''ve talked about it many times. I told her I''d be attending the party as a single man and see what happens from there."


    "I bet she''s not thrilled about that."


    "Yeah. We agreed she''d enter with her friends so it doesn''t look like I dumped her, since


    you and I will be walking in together."


    "Speaking of which, I have two dresses to choose between."


    "Oh?"


    "One ck, one deep red."


    "Please wear the red one. It''ll be like a p in the face to Martha," Logan said with a grin.


    I turned to look at him, finally allowing a small smile to form. "Looks like we''re on the


    same page."


    "Don''t tell her about it. Just say you bought the ck one."


    "Technically, I did buy the ck one. I''m saving it for prom." My mood lightened


    slightly- at least I had control over this one small thing.


    "So, ready to go downstairs for dinner?” Logan asked.


    "Do I have to?" The thought of facing Martha brought back my irritation.


    "Yes, you have no choice." Logan gave me his "don''t be difficult" look.


    "As much as I want to leave this ce, I''ll miss you," I admitted.


    "Let''s wait and see what happens, okay? Promise me you''ll talk to me before you decide to


    leave?"


    "I promise." I meant it. Logan deserved my honesty. The thought of leaving him made my heart clench. For years, he''d been my only support and anchor, the only warmth in this


    house that felt like a home.


    "Good. Now change ande down."


    "Fine."


    After Logan left my room, it took me a moment to drag myself off the bed. I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair didn''t look terrible, but it wasn''t perfect either. I applied minimal makeup and slipped into a pair of stylish shorts and a V-neck button-up shirt. Grabbing a pair of sandals, I made my way downstairs.


    "Finally decided to grace us with your presence," Martha''s shrill voice echoed off the walls. I instinctively tensed every muscle in my body, fighting the urge to snap back.


    "Martha!" Dad warned sternly, ncing at Alpha Benedict''s reaction.


    Ryder, William, and Ama were all here. Samuel sat next to Leonard, while Logan had saved me a seat between himself and Samuel. The seating arrangement made me ufortable. I pressed my lips together tightly as I sat down, waiting for the food to be


    served.


    "Pleasure to see you, Ms. Harris," Alpha Benedict smiled at me.


    Just as I was about to respond, Martha cut in: "Alpha Benedict, how have you beentely?"


    Anger red inside me, but I kept quiet as protocol dictated, clenching my jaw to prevent myself from saying something I shouldn''t. Logan gently rubbed my back to help me rx. Looking at him, I managed a half-smile.


    "Everything''s fine. Actually, I''d love to hear about the motorcycle shop," Alpha Benedict


    replied.


    My head snapped toward him, feeling a spark of hope and surprise. Someone interested in my work? That was almost unheard of in this house.


    The food began arriving. Looking at my father, he nodded at me to go ahead.


    "Thank you for asking, sir. Business is going well. I''ve always loved drawing and mechanics, and the shop really allows me to express my creativity," I answered carefully, controlling my voice to hide my excitement and eagerness for approval.


    "Yes! You used to draw all over the walls and spill paint on the carpets!" Marthaughed.


    Dad shook his head wearily. No oneughed except Martha herself.