Xena''s POV


    As we got closer, Logan emerged from the entrance.


    "I knew exactly when you two would arrive," Logan said, extending his hand


    toward Ryder.


    I ignored them, stealing a nce inside. It looked amazing-better than I''d dared


    to hope after everything that had happened.


    "X? Logan ced his hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts.


    "What?" I snapped back to reality.


    "What''s wrong?" Logan''s eyes narrowed, reading me like he always could. The twin bond between us making it impossible to hide my emotions from him.


    "Nothing," I muttered, shrugging his hand off as I started walking inside.


    "I don''t think so." Logan grabbed my arm and pulled me back. It didn''t hurt, but it was enough to make me stop. "What''s going on?"


    For some reason, I didn''t feel like Logan needed to know what had just happened. This was between me and Ryder, and I didn''t want more people involved, telling me what I should or shouldn''t do.


    "Ryder thinks I don''t need to be at the interrogation of those Rogues I said I wanted to be there." It wasn''t a lie, but it wasn''t the whole truth, either.


    Logan released me but continued studying my face. His gaze made me feel dissected, like an open book, which only heightened my difort.


    "Why do you want to be there?" he asked, his voice careful.


    "I want to know why they''re after me! If this whole damn thing is about me, I have a right to know!" My own anger was rising, but it was amplified by Ryder''s rageing through our bond. I could feel his emotions flowing into me, making me even more agitated.


    "Calm down. We can discuss this without getting worked up." Logan raised his hands after I snarled at him.


    All I could do was roll my eyes and stomp into the shop. The flooring was installed, fans hung on the walls waiting for the paint to dry. Different people were assembling my tables and chairs. This helped improve my mood-at this rate, I should be able to ce orders and get back to work soon. The green I''d chosen was perfect, exactly the vibe I''d wanted.


    The only thing causing any strange feelings was the addition of an extra customization area. It wasn''t in my ns, but I didn''t want


    to cause another argument.


    "What do you think?" Penelope''s voice interrupted my thoughts.


    Looking back, the boys were watching me while Penelope approached. Her eyes were expectant, and I felt a surge of guilt for bringing my bad mood into her hard work.


    "I think you''ve done fantastic job. Looks like I need to ce orders now," I tried to sound professional and appreciative.


    "Already done! Should arrive Wednesday, I believe. Maybe sooner. Penelope frowned, trying to remember when it was supposed to


    arrive.


    "You''re amazing," I gave her the best smile I could muster.


    "Are you okay? You seem upset. Is there something you don''t like?" enelope started looking around uncertainly.


    "Not at all. I think you''ve done absolutely perfect work." I fought to keep my real emotions hidden.


    "Are you sure?" Penelope squinted at me.


    Her continued questioning was bing irritating. 1 felt cornered, with everyone waiting for me to act grateful and happy, when all I wanted was to be alone to process my anger.


    "I''m fine, thank you." I tried to suppress my annoyance, but I think she got the message because she walked back to Logan. He draped his arm over her shoulder.


    Though I tried to ignore them, all three were watching me. I turned my back, but the mirrors didn''t hide anything. I could feel their gazes-scrutinizing, concerned, tonfused-and my boiling point was approaching rapidly. I wasn''t a damn show or a Barbie doll for them to decide how I should act. No, I wanted to go home, put on my workout clothes, and beat the hell out of a punching bag. Then I wanted to break someone''s jaw. To hell with what Logan or Ryder thought.


    Turning around, I walked toward my "audience" with my head held high. I saw Logan silently say "oh shit and shake his head.


    Ryder nced at Logan but was clearly confused. He didn''t understand what was happening or why I was so angry. That made me even more furious.


    "We''re leaving," I told Ryder firmly, walking past him.


    It wasn''t until my hand was on the car door that Logan called after me, "X, can we talk?"


    "I don''t want to fucking talk anymore." I red at him as I yanked the door open and got in. Ryder followed shortly after, so I didn''t have to wait long before he got in the car. Starting the engine, he drove back to the pack house at an annoyingly slow pace.