Xena''s POV


    "Logan?" Penelope''s voice floated through the open doorway, Logan cooped up the photo album filled with memories and stepped outside to meet her.


    I lingered behind, watching their interaction from my bedroom. Penelope''s forehead was creased with concern as she asked, "What''s wrong? You look worried."


    "Just thinking about tonight''s party," Logan replied, his voice carrying a casual tone that didn''t quite mask his anxiety.


    "Everything''sing along perfectly!" Penelope''s face lit up with enthusiasm.


    "I have no doubt. You''re always excellent at whatever you do." The warmth in Logan''s voice as he spoke to her made my heart swell. I left them to their conversation, returning to gather the remaining items I wanted to take with me.


    Logan had ced a cardboard box in front of my bookshelf earlier. I methodically transferred my books into it until it was stuffed to capacity, feeling the weight of each memory as I packed away pieces of my life.


    Without a word, Ryder moved the box to the doorway, his movements fluid and natural. "Anything else you want to bring?" he asked, those intense green eyes scanning the room.


    think that''s it," I said, surveying what remained. There wasn''t much left. I''d always known I would leave someday, so I''d never umted many possessions.


    The realization left a bitter taste in my mouth. Over eighteeen years of life, and everything I truly valued could be carried away in a few trips. What did that say about my existence here?


    Ryder gently cupped my face between his hands. "Are you okay?" His ability to sense my emotions was uncanny, but he respected my boundaries, never pushing too deep without permission.


    "Yeah, I''m fine. It''s just... I suddenly realized I never really put down roots here. I always knew this was temporary, and everything


    own can be carried in one arm."


    "We''ll build our life together," Ryder said softly, cing a gentle kiss on my lips.


    That kiss spread warmth through my body, kindling hope for our future. Maybe, just maybe, home wasn''t a ce but a person-and with Ryder, I might finally find where I belonged.


    "You two are so sweet." I turned to see Logan with his arm around Penelope, both of them watching our moment with knowing


    smiles.


    "Anyway," I said as Ryder dropped his hands. "We should go. Did you answer her questions?"


    "Yes," Ryder replied, moving toward the box of books.


    "See you tonight, X," Logan said, pulling me into a quick hug before opening the door. Ryder picked up the box but insisted I walk ahead of him. Logan followed with Penelope''s hand sped firmly in his.


    As we reached the hallway, an anguished wail pierced the air. "Her? You chose her over me?" Keira stood there, her face streaked with tears, looking like she''d been crying for hours.


    My heart sank. I knew this confrontation was inevitable, but that didn''t make it any easier. The tension in the air was palpable, and I felt a sh of concern for Penelope. Keira''s desperation and anger were razor-sharp, and I worried what she might do in her


    emotional state.


    "She''s my destined mate, so yes," Logan stated firmly.


    Keira''s bloodshot eyes flickered from Logan to Penelope, her re venomous before she ran off sobbing. Penelope''s face crumpled with sympathy.


    "Why are you upset?'' Logan turned Penelope to face him, concern etched on his features.


    "Because her heart is broken. You were together for so long. This must be so hard for her. Penelope gazed down the hallway where Keira had disappeared. "Maybe I should talk to her."


    "Absolutely not!" I interjected, my tone perhaps sharper than intended. The thought of what Keira might do in retaliation sent my protective instincts into overdrive. I couldn''t let sweet Penelope walk into potential danger. ''Maybe after you''vepleted the bond," I added more gently.


    "Okay..." Penelope didn''t look entirely convinced.


    "We should go," Ryder said through our mind link. "I don''t want to run into that bitch."


    I nodded and turned toward the car. Ryder ced my books in the trunk, and I added my remaining belongings.


    "See you tonight!" I called, waving to Logan and Penelope as we got in the car. Ryder immediately pressed down on the elerator.


    As we drove away, I silently prayed for Penelope. She was too kind for this world, which didn''t always reward kindness. I hoped Logan would protect her from Keira''s resentment.


    Ryder squeezed my thigh reassuringly. "Everything will be fine."


    "Are you okay?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his and snuggling closer.


    "Yeah, just wondering where she came from."


    "I don''t know. I always assumed she wasn''t a high-ranking wolf. Who would abandon their daughter?"


    "We''ll worry about that tomorrow. Today is your day." Ryder leaned over to kiss me at a stoplight.


    "I''m ready for that massage now."


    "I''ll give you something better tonight," Ryder smirked, his eyes darkening with promise. We were still ten miles from home when a thought crossed my mind. I gave him a look that he immediately understood, then leaned down to free his cock.


    "Fuck," he growled, gripping my ass as I took his cock in my mouth. I wasn''t entirely sure what I was doing, but judging by his reactions, desire was coursing through him. His hand guided my head, helping me maintain rhythm until I swallowed everything at the end. I licked my lips and sat up, leaning against the car door as watched him adjust himself. We were approaching pack


    territory.


    The car stopped at the main gate. "Alpha... Luna..." the guard acknowledged with a respectful nod. I awkwardly nodded back, still getting used to my new title.