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

Jovie approached us to take our

I get for you

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.

Ama chirped

whiskey too,"

Ryder said, though he was scanning

Beam and Sprite," Leonard ordered in a flirtatious

fingers. I noticed Jovie's

have on draft," Samuel

back," Jovie said before heading

Benedict so

casually.

handling everything and everyone, I never enjoyed

challenged Helen. Not many

bunch of girls who cry when they break a nail," William added

about me?" I snapped, my tone more irritated than

to make my voice

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Chapter 30

like for the next few weeks?" Samuel asked,

party. Saturday is the challenge. Next Saturday is the dance,

spelling bee, but we don't have to go to

you turn in the

finished my to-do list, so

yours," Logan grinned at

a lot!" I responded sarcastically, but still

our drinks in front of

whiskey, feeling it burn all the

alive, helping me temporarily

responsibilities.

another one of