Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 74

Xena's POV

"When did you leave?" the detective asked.

"I'm not sure. It was late," I answered, my mind racing through the sequence of events.

"Was anyone with you at the time?"

"I was with her," Ryder stepped forward, "She'd just finished customizing my Harley."

"Do you know who would do something like this?" the detective asked.

"No." I responded automatically, but in that instant, the truth hit me. The black spray paint on the wall that I hadn't paid attention to earlier - like black thorns slowly wrapping around my entire shop, like the veins of night spreading across silent ruins. Darkthorn pack. Tatum Maddox.

"No way..." I took a step back in shock, my heart suddenly racing, my stomach churning. How could it be him? Just because I rejected his date? This was insane!

"What is it?" the detective pressed.

Logan, it's the Darkthorn pack. Look at the black spray paint. That's not random vandalism-that's their mark. I connected with Logan through our mental link. He looked and frowned deeply.

"Miss?" The detective touched my shoulder, making me jump. The reaction only made me

more aware of how on edge I was.

"Nothing," I forced myself to appear calm. Suddenly, a pair of hands rested on my shoulders. I glanced up to find Ryder's deep green eyes looking at me with

concern.

like to leave now. I'll stay in touch and provide a list of damaged items for insurance purposes,” I said hurriedly, wanting to end this conversation

"My private business,

department."

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Chapter 74

took it for me. "Thank you," he

my phone and searched for that pack.

phone and

slightly with anger. Was this

cursed under

chose someone over him? And now he wanted to destroy my life?

a meeting,"

Leonard," Logan

I wasn't sure what I wanted. To

to approach me, but Logan stopped him. Logan understood I needed some time. Ryder looked conflicted, but eventually, whatever Logan said to him made him turn

started moving of their own accord, walking aimlessly. A small playground with swings caught my attention, and I sat

lying there, the feeling of my body going through glass, my head hitting the hood, Ryder passing out from

already been through had left me exhausted, and this was just

encounter with Tatum.

set, and fireflies appeared. I wasn't sure how long I'd been sitting there, but my ass had

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Chapter 74

Logan's voice echoed in my

small playground on the swings,