Xena’s POV

I was modifying Leonard – my pack’s future Gamma’s – motorcycle. My hands were steady, despite the fact that he was hovering over my shoulder like I was about to ruin his precious bike.

“Xena, are you done yet?” Leonard asked, impatience lacing his tone.

I glanced up at him, taking in his tall, handsome frame. Platinum blonde hair, striking blue eyes, chiseled jawline. He was attractive in an obvious way, but definitely not my type. Too arrogant, too aware of his own appeal.

“Almost,” I replied, focusing back on my work. “Just let me finish this last detail.”

My mind wandered as I worked. I was Xena Harris, daughter of Alpha Hank from the Nightcedar Pack, though most people called me Blade. My twin brother Logan was born just minutes before me, which meant he’d inherit the Alpha position when the time came. Not that I wanted it anyway.

The motorcycle shop had become my sanctuary over the last three years. I’d learned everything about customizing bikes, turning it from a hobby into a business that kept me financially independent. With our eighteenth birthday approaching, I knew changes were coming for both Logan and me.

“I’m really glad we could get this done,” Leonard said, interrupting my thoughts. “I’ve got a date this weekend and I want it to look good.”

I suppressed an eye roll. Leonard had a different girl every weekend. I couldn’t be bothered to remember their names anymore.

“Don’t worry,” I replied, wiping my hands on a rag. “I’ll make sure it look good. Can’t have our pack’s reputation taking a hit.” I teased.

The silver wolf with cedar trees in the background that I’d painted on his bike gleamed under the shop lights. It was beautiful work, even if I said so myself.

“You know, they call you ‘Blade’ for a reason,” Leonard said with a smirk. “Cold and cutting, just like a sword.”

Before I could respond, the bell above the door jingled. Logan walked in, followed by Samuel – the future Beta and a couple other pack members.

“Did you skip last period again?” Logan asked, his voice carrying that authoritative edge he’d been developing.

I ignored him, focusing on finishing the detail work on Leonard’s bike.

“Don’t rush me,” I told Leonard as he fidgeted beside me. “I know what I’m doing.”

“You’re not going to mess it up, are you?” Leonard asked nervously.

I shot him a glare. “If you don’t shut up and let me concentrate, I might just decide to add some pink flowers to this design.”

“X, I asked you a question,” Logan repeated, his voice dropping an octave. “Answer me.”

I could feel my heart rate picking up, but not because of my brother’s commanding tone. Samuel had settled himself on the bench near Leonard, I had a slight interest in him, nothing too intense though I wasn’t ready to acknowledge it openly.

“I heard you,” I finally replied, not looking up. “I didn’t want to go.”

Logan’s voice became dangerous. “Why not? What happened?”

I was about to ignore Logan’s questioning again, knowing full well it would only fuel his anger. I was saved from answering by the arrival of my best friend Ama, her dirty blonde curls bouncing as she practically skipped into the shop.

“How’s it going?” she asked cheerfully, looking at the motorcycle I was working on.

“Just finished Leonard’s bike,” I said, grateful for the interruption. “The princess here was worried I’d ruin his precious ride.”

Ama grinned as she circled the motorcycle. “It looks amazing!”