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.

and provide a list of damaged items for insurance purposes,” I said hurriedly,

card. "My private business, nothing to do with the

department."

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Chapter 74

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

inside the car, I pulled out my phone and searched for that pack. When I held up

the phone and showed

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

cursed under

simmer inside me. This was 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

a meeting," Logan told

I'll call Leonard," Logan accelerated

behind. I wasn't sure what I wanted. To join this meeting or to be alone for a while? I needed space to

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

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

feeling of my body going

exhausted, and this was

encounter with Tatum.

fireflies appeared. I wasn't sure how long I'd been sitting there, but

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Chapter 74

you, X? Logan's voice echoed in

small playground on the swings, I answered, weariness evident in my