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

1/4

Chapter 30

approached us to take

for

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 chirped

whiskey too," Logan

he was scanning

Beam and Sprite," Leonard ordered in

fingers. I noticed

you have on

Be right back," Jovie said before heading off to get

is Alpha Benedict so interested in Blade's

casually.

Despite handling everything and

was surprised she could handle so much, plus she openly challenged Helen. Not many girls in our

cry when they break a nail," William added with a look

snapped, my tone more irritated than I'd intended. "Sorry, Blade,"

replied, trying to make my voice

2/4

Chapter 30

for the next few weeks?" Samuel asked, changing the

Saturday is the challenge. Next Saturday is the dance, and the week after that is

school is the spelling bee, but we don't

you turn in the words?" Samuel

approved. We should be good. Penelope finished my to-do list, so I just have the checkbook to handle," I

all yours," Logan grinned

a lot!" I responded

Jovie placed our drinks in front of

gulp of whiskey, feeling it burn all the way down my throat.

feel alive, helping me temporarily forget all

responsibilities.

another one of these," I