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.

leave now. I'll stay in touch and provide a list of damaged items for insurance purposes,”

me his card. "My private business, nothing

department."

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Chapter 74

took it for me. "Thank you," he answered on

the car, I pulled out my phone and searched for that pack. When I held up my phone to show Logan, the pattern

it," Logan took the phone

on my wall," I told Ryder, my voice trembling slightly

Ryder cursed

such bullshit. Because I refused to date him or chose someone over him? And now he wanted to destroy my life? A cold fear crept up my spine, replacing some of the anger. If they could break into my shop, what else might they be capable

need to have a

call Leonard," Logan accelerated the

I wasn't sure what I wanted. To join this meeting or to be

ahead with purpose. Ryder seemed to want 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

felt its freedom as if it were mocking my constraints. My legs started moving of their own accord, walking

back in succession: Samuel lying there, the feeling of my body going through glass, my head hitting the

through had left me exhausted, and this was just after

encounter with Tatum.

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

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Chapter 74

are you, X? Logan's voice echoed

small playground on the swings, I answered, weariness evident