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.
“I’d 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 as quickly as possible.
The detective handed me his card. “My private business, nothing to do with the police
department.”
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Chapter 74
Ryder took it for me. “Thank you,” he answered on my behalf.
Once inside the car, I pulled out my phone and searched for that pack. When I held up my phone to show Logan, the pattern matched perfectly.
“Damn it,” Logan took the phone and showed it to Ryder.
“They painted their mark on my wall,” I told Ryder, my voice trembling slightly with anger. Was this some kind of territorial claim? Or a blatant threat?
“Fuck,” Ryder cursed under his breath.
I 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 my spine, replacing some of the anger. If they could break into my shop, what else might they be capable of?
“We need to have a meeting,” Logan told Ryder.
“Agreed. I’ll call Leonard,” Logan accelerated the car.
When we reached the pack house, I found myself lingering behind. I wasn’t sure what I wanted. To join this meeting or to be alone for a while? I needed space to sort through my thoughts.
Logan and Ryder 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 to him made him turn and go inside.
The wind tugged at my hair, and I felt its freedom as if it were mocking my constraints. My legs started moving of their own accord, walking aimlessly. A small playground with swings caught my attention, and I sat down, rocking back and forth slowly.
The images flashed back in succession: Samuel lying there, the feeling of my body going through glass, my head hitting the hood, Ryder passing out from blood loss. The ordeal
we’d already been through had left me exhausted, and this was just after a single
encounter with Tatum.
The sun began to set, and fireflies appeared. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been sitting there, but my ass had gone numb.
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Chapter 74
Where are you, X? Logan’s voice echoed in my mind.
At some small playground on the swings, I answered, weariness evident in my tone.
Okay, stay put.
I’ve been right here, my ass is numb.
Jesus. Logan probably rolled his eyes, but moments later they came into view. The relief on their faces was clear. Ryder sat down next to me while Logan remained standing.
“We need to close the club,” I said, my voice filled with determination. Despite it being my pride and joy, safety came first. I couldn’t risk the staff’s safety.
“Yes, probably,” Logan agreed.
“Make sure everyone gets paid for the next two weeks. We don’t know how long we’ll need to close, but that should help them get by until they find new jobs.” I dragged my foot through the sand as I spoke, creating patterns. Guilt washed over me. These people depended on this job, and now they were all affected because of my personal issues.
“Alright. I’m heading home,” Logan said.
“Drive safe,” I looked at him.
“Ryder has your phone. I’ve set up the program for you. Ryder needs to set up his.”
“Thank you,” I said gratefully, knowing Logan always took care of all the details.
“Take care,” Logan said before turning to leave.
“I’ll never understand the connection between you twins,” Ryder commented.
“Many have tried,” I smiled slightly, feeling that wordless understanding that existed
between Logan and me.
“If you want to stay in a different room, that’s fine,” Ryder said with a blank expression.
This confused me, and my heart sank. “You don’t want me to stay with you?” I asked, uncertainty creeping into my voice.
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