Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 2

Xena's POV

Leonard threw his hands up defensively. "That was one time!"

"One time too many," I muttered. I washed my hands and grabbed my camera, picking the best angle.

Click.

"Perfect," I said. The photo would make an excellent addition to my portfolio. I could sense Logan's impatience, his protective big brother vibes radiating across the room. He didn't want to leave me alone with Ryder, that much was obvious.

I'm fine, bro.

I sent through our mental link and put the camera on the counter, slipping on gloves to clean my workstation.

I don't trust him, Logan replied, his mental voice tense.

I sighed, gathering used supplies and tossing them into the proper bins. Ama will

be with me, and if you're late again, Dad will kill you.

There was a pause before Logan's grudging response. Fine. I want to know exactly when he leaves. It was an order.

But we both knew those didn't work on me. I smirked. Yes, sir.

The three boys-Logan, Leonard, and Samuel-stood and headed toward the door. Logan paused beside Ryder, tension crackling between them like electricity.

"I don't think I need to tell you to treat my sister appropriately," Logan said, his voice low and threatening.

narrowed at the threat, but he remained still, controlled. "I'm not

last look. "X," he said

to Ryder.

containers back into their drawers, trying to look casual despite the sudden tension in

tracking my movements as I continued to collect scattered parts from the

only employee here?" he asked, curiosity evident

appointment book. "Yes. This shop is mine. Only mine."

an opening. "I can fit you in tomorrow at five. We'll see how long

for me. I train in

a pen. "Here's what you need to fill out. Leave your paint

forms for?"

freely and all the small print stuff," I explained. "This is a legitimate business that I file taxes on. Just the same as the packs

clipboard under his arm. "Alright. See

stepping out

the door, Ama bounced over to me, her green eyes

don't fuck him, I will!" she

her limits. For all her flirting and kissing, she was still

him," I warned her, though the thought of

wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Wouldn't that

shop. Standing outside, I took a moment to admire the storefront: "Road Rebel

mine, shoving keys and other essentials into my backpack wallet before strapping on my helmet. It wasn't until my leg swung over the bike's seat that I noticed

replied to something Ama had said, though I'd missed half of

The shop's interior was soundproofed, but out here,

revving my engine. "I need a

eyes never left me. There was something in them I didn't understand, something wild and ancient that called

as I spotted Martha standing on the porch, arms crossed, her face twisted in that familiar scowl that seemed permanently etched onto her features whenever she looked at