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I didn’t give a shit how bad Ryder was. He’d be lucky if I left him breathing by the time I was done with him.

“He shouldn’t have even tried to touch her, let alone ask her to go home with him. She’s my fucking girlfriend for starters, but she told him no and he kept going,” I threw back, frustration burning inside me. “She cares about him a lot, and he fucking scared her, Maddox.”

He muttered his agreement, gently pushing me out of the way as I stared out the kitchen window. “Sit. I’ll make your coffee. How does Luna have hers?”

“Cream and two spoons of sugar,” I said without argument, moving towards the table to sit beside Cruz. He pulled his phone out, mumbling something about needing to check in with Stone as he got to his feet and headed outside, giving us a moment alone.

Maddox took his seat, sliding my coffee in front of me and meeting my gaze. “What are you going to do? I know it’s not something you’ll let go of. I’m insanely pissed with him, but I can’t let you kill him.”

“I still can’t believe he fucking touched her,” I said quietly, trying to wrap my head around it. “He’s always joked around with her, but he’s never made her uncomfortable. He’s never crossed a line like that with anyone.”

He snorted, leaning back in his seat to watch me. “You sure? I’m starting to think we don’t know what he’s like when he’s not around us. I love him, he’s our brother, but I can’t just forgive him for this. We save girls from monsters all the time, so for him to become the monster? I just can’t deal with his ass right now. Did Luna really sleep okay?”

“She slept right through,” I confirmed, hearing the water switch off, signaling her shower was finished. “Are Beck and Jett still in bed?”

“Nope. Slash needed Beckett’s help with something and Jett wanted to give Luna some space this morning,” he answered, leaning forward on his elbows. “So, how are you handling Ry?”

“I’m not too sure yet,” I admitted, taking a sip of my coffee and tugging my hood over my head. He eyed me silently for a moment before sighing.

“Want me to come with you to speak to him?”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course I would. You’re my baby sister.” He smiled, reaching forward to ruffle my hair, making me scowl.

“I don’t want to take Luna there.”

“I think that’s up to her,” he said lightly, glancing over his shoulder as Cruz walked back inside.

“I can hang out here with Luna if you need to deal with your brother,” Cruz offered, and I cringed a little.

“She might not want to stay with you since you’re a stranger. I can ask though. Thanks.” I didn’t know him myself, but if Beckett and Maddox trusted him, I knew he was safe.

I had a cigarette and finished my coffee before Luna joined us, and she seemed more than happy to sit beside Cruz, a warm smile on her face. “It’s you again.”

“It’s me.” He chuckled, pushing her coffee towards her. She sipped it, seeming surprised when it was exactly how she liked it.

“Don’t think too much of him,” I joked, motioning to Maddox. “He’s the one who made the coffee. I directed him.”

“You’re a liar,” she said with a fake gasp, Cruz’s lips quirking into a smirk.

“A thief, but never a liar. I just stole his credit, that’s all.”

I rolled my eyes, getting to my feet. “Did you want to stay here while I go to my place for a while, Lou?”

She frowned, cradling the cup in her hands. “You don’t want me to come with you?”

“Unless you want to witness me beating my brother’s ass, then no,” I muttered, panic flashing in her eyes.

“No, he…”

“Don’t make excuses for him,” I bit out, glaring down at her. “He had no fucking right to touch you. Maddox and I are heading over there. If you don’t want to deal with the confrontational shit I’m about to throw at him, I can either take you home, or you can hang out here with Cruz.”

She glanced at Cruz, her voice soft. “I don’t need a babysitter. He probably has better things to do with his day.”

“What’s better than hanging out with a pretty woman? My other option is to go home to Stone and deal with his shitty mood, so trust me, you’re my preferred way to spend the day.” He grinned at her as a small smile brightened her face.

“You sure?”