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.

list of damaged items for insurance purposes,” I said hurriedly, wanting to end this conversation as quickly as

"My private business, nothing to

department."

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Chapter 74

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

for that pack. When I held up my phone to show Logan, the pattern matched

took the phone and

I told Ryder, my voice trembling slightly with anger. Was this some kind of territorial claim? Or a

cursed

leaned back in my seat, letting the fury 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

to have a meeting," Logan told

call Leonard," Logan accelerated

To join this meeting or to be alone for a while? I needed space to

walked 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

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

images flashed back in succession: Samuel lying there, the feeling of my body going

been through had left me exhausted, and

encounter with Tatum.

began to set, and fireflies appeared. I wasn't sure how long I'd

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Chapter 74

X? Logan's

on the swings, I answered, weariness evident in my