Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 30

Xena's POV

"Are we in a place where I can joke without getting punched?" William asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I leaned back against the leather seat of the SUV, feeling the tension from earlier slowly

melting away. "Sure, you're fine. Ama is basically my sister, so by extension, you get to be my almost brother-in-law."

"Does that mean I can borrow your brains too?" William asked, half-joking but with a hint

of seriousness.

"Ha! In your dreams!" I laughed, the sound surprisingly genuine even to my own

ears.

Logan reached over and squeezed my shoulder gently. I took a deep breath, nodded at him, and smiled. This was our thing-our silent communication that needed no words. A simple gesture was all it took for me to feel his support and comfort.

"You twins are something else. Like you have your own language," William commented,

watching our interaction.

"You have no idea how freaky it can be," Leonard chimed in for the first time.

I turned to look at him, curiosity in my eyes. "What's so freaky about it?"

"The way you know what each other is thinking without the mind link. He just looks at you and knows, and vice versa." Leonard crossed his arms, his blue eyes narrowed slightly.

I felt a swell of pride in my chest. My connection with Logan was one of the most precious gifts in my life. "Jealous that Logan and I have a better relationship than you guys?" I asked with mock concern, my voice playful.

Leonard looked uncomfortable. "Gross."

We all laughed as the SUV pulled up to the club. It was still early, so the place wasn't

packed yet.

The bouncer nodded to us, and we headed straight upstairs to the VIP section. A waitress

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Chapter 30

us to take our

for you all

Pepper," I said, my mouth watering at the thought. Just thinking about it made my nerves relax. I needed this tonight-needed to forget everything, even if just

a little while.

"Miller, bottled," William said.

cranberry," Ama

whiskey too," Logan

Ryder said, though he was scanning the

Leonard ordered in a flirtatious tone, his

I noticed Jovie's cheeks turning

have on draft,"

said before heading

so interested in Blade's intelligence?"

casually.

Despite handling everything and everyone, I never enjoyed being the topic of

openly challenged Helen. Not many

bunch of girls who cry when they

not talk about me?" I snapped, my tone more irritated than I'd intended. "Sorry, Blade," Leonard said

to make my

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Chapter 30

the next few weeks?"

Saturday is

but we don't have to go to that," I

turn in

to-do list, so

yours," Logan

thanks a lot!" I responded sarcastically, but still smiled

our

it

alive, helping me

responsibilities.

another one of these,"