Xena’s POV

Leonard threw his hands up defensively. “That was one time!”

“One time too many,” I muttered. I washed my hands and grabbed my camera, picking the best angle.

Click.

“Perfect,” I said. The photo would make an excellent addition to my portfolio. I could sense Logan’s impatience, his protective big brother vibes radiating across the room. He didn’t want to leave me alone with Ryder, that much was obvious.

I’m fine, bro.

I sent through our mental link and put the camera on the counter, slipping on gloves to clean my workstation.

I don’t trust him, Logan replied, his mental voice tense.

I sighed, gathering used supplies and tossing them into the proper bins. Ama will be with me, and if you’re late again, Dad will kill you.

There was a pause before Logan’s grudging response. Fine. I want to know exactly when he leaves. It was an order.

But we both knew those didn’t work on me. I smirked. Yes, sir.

The three boys—Logan, Leonard, and Samuel—stood and headed toward the door. Logan paused beside Ryder, tension crackling between them like electricity.

“I don’t think I need to tell you to treat my sister appropriately,” Logan said, his voice low and threatening.

Ryder’s eyes narrowed at the threat, but he remained still, controlled. “I’m not in the habit of disrespecting women.”

Logan gave me one last look. “X,” he said with a nod, then walked out.

I exhaled slowly once they left, turning to Ryder. “Sorry about that. Have you made a decision?”

I busied myself with organizing supplies, stacking oil containers back into their drawers, trying to look casual despite the sudden tension in the small shop.

“Yes, I’d like to schedule an appointment,” Ryder replied, his eyes tracking my movements as I continued to collect scattered parts from the floor and returned them to their proper places.

“Are you the only employee here?” he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

I walked over to the counter and pulled out my appointment book. “Yes. This shop is mine. Only mine.” Pride swelled in my chest. “Maybe I’ll expand someday.”

Flipping through the calendar, I spotted an opening. “I can fit you in tomorrow at five. We’ll see how long you can sit, then schedule future appointments accordingly.”

Ryder nodded. “Works for me. I train in the mornings, so that’s perfect.”

I pulled out a clipboard with forms and handed it to him along with a pen. “Here’s what you need to fill out. Leave your paint sketch, and bring cash when you come back with the completed forms.”

“What are these forms for?” he asked, flipping through them.

“Saying you understand who I am, what pack I’m from. That you’re doing this freely and all the small print stuff,” I explained. “This is a legitimate business that I file taxes on. Just the same as the packs do.”

He tucked the clipboard under his arm. “Alright. See you tomorrow then.”

“Alright,” I echoed, stepping out from behind the counter.