"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 aplishment 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 Vi 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
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 aplete 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 elerated, 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 in
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 theing years." Kerensa stepped back and nodded at
1. me.
Taking the huge scissors, I cut the ribbon, and everyone apuded.
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 cabs, and even myputer 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 tantly 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," Ryderughed 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, pping 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," Leonardughed.
I''ll kick your ass too!" I red 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.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and
continue reading tomorrow, everyone!