Chapter 47
Xena’s POV
I unlocked the shop door, flipped on the lights, and set my things down. I picked up the journal I’d found–nothing too explosive inside, but definitely enough to blackmail her. As I was making copies, the bell above the door jingled. Someone had walked in.
“Hello? We’re not open yet!” I called out, a sudden uneasiness creeping up my spine. No
response, but I could feel the presence of someone in the shop. My instincts screamed
danger, and my body tensed.
Logan, get the guys and come to my shop. Something’s wrong, I sent through our mental
link.
What’s happening? he asked.
I kept the connection open but didn’t answer. “Can I help you with something?” I asked
firmly, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
Three men stood in my shop. Everything about them radiated authority and danger. Not the kind of danger Ryder exuded–these guys looked genuinely terrifying, like men who would hurt you just because they could. Man buns, tattoos covering their necks and faces, piercings everywhere… My instincts screamed at me to keep my distance. I was no match for these three giants. They were all over 6’5“, with powerful builds. Not bodybuilder muscles, but that didn’t make them any less intimidating.
“We heard this is the place to go for the best motorcycle customization in town,” one of them said, his voice sending ice through my veins.
“I’m afraid I don’t know your name,” I said, straightening my back despite the sweat
breaking out on my palms.
“Forgive my rudeness, beautiful. I’m Tatum. This is Vance and Silas. Perhaps you’ve heard
of us?”
Oh fuck, you’ve got to be kidding me, Logan cursed in my mind. I’m coming right now!
“Sorry, can’t say that I have,” I replied, my tone sharp.
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Something flickered in his eyes before he smiled. “Let me introduce myself properly, Ms. Harris. I’m Tatum Maddox of the Darkthorn Pack. This is my future Beta,” Vance nodded, “and my Gamma,” Silas inclined his head.
Holy shit, I thought to myself. These guys were bad news.
“I’m guessing you’re here to discuss motorcycle customization?” I skipped the pleasantries, hoping to get this confrontation over with as quickly as possible.
“Don’t be in such a rush! I wouldn’t want there to be any misunderstandings about your hospitality. My father, Alpha Wiley, would very much appreciate the courtesy from Alpha Hank’s daughter.”
Vance and Silas exchanged smiles, shifting their stance. My throat tightened, but I forced myself to remain calm.
“I don’t think my father would appreciate uninvited guests on his territory. This shop is on his land, and I don’t recall anyone inviting you here,” I said, using the only leverage I could think of that might make them back off.
“You’re a feisty one.” He took several steps toward me. His eyes never left mine as he closed the distance between us. Standing just inches away, he brushed the hair away from my neck, leaning down to whisper in my ear: “I like that about you.”
His breath on my ear sent chills down my spine–and not the good kind. I could smell his
wild scent mixed with expensive cologne. The intimacy made me nauseous, but I didn’t dare move, didn’t dare push him away. I could only pray silently that Logan would arrive
soon.
“You’re fucking sexy,” he murmured. Seeing no resistance from me, he smiled smugly, ready to push his luck further.
I had already clenched my fist, preparing to punch him in the gut the second he touched
me, and then make a run for it.
Just as his hand was about to touch my face, my brother’s angry voice cut through the
tense atmosphere.
“Get away from my sister.” Logan’s voice was filled with authority, I exhaled in relief.
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Tatum just chuckled, lowering his hand and straightening up to face Logan. “I’m guessing you’re Logan.” He was even taller than my brother, and I realized I’d underestimated their
height.
Logan ignored him, signaling Samuel to get me. Samuel quickly moved past Tatum’s group to my side, positioning himself protectively behind me as we walked to Logan. I noticed Tatum’s eyes roaming over me hungrily.
Logan had brought everyone. Leonard wasn’t there, but Ryder and William were. They all looked furious.
“You know you’re breaking protocol right now,” Logan said, restraining his anger, the
threat in his voice unmistakable.
“Relax. I was just introducing myself to this beautiful lady, hoping to secure her… services.” The way he said it made it sound filthy. Almost suggestive, as evidenced by the gleam in his eyes. After seemingly counting the number of people present, he pulled up a chair facing Logan and sat down. Vance and Silas remained standing stoically behind him.
“Her schedule is full,” Logan continued.
“No one told us you were back in town,” Ryder interjected.
“And you are…?” Tatum asked, lounging in the chair with one leg crossed over the other.
“Ryder, son of Alpha Benedict of the Boneash Pack.”
“Wonderful, so nice to meet everyone. Since we’re sharing this city, I thought we should get together.”
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