Page 16 of Reluctant Rebel

He moved slowly, grasping the gun between his thumb and forefinger. Then he pushed it down until it was hanging by Sabre’s side. “She’s not broken.”

Thankfully, Sabre made no move to shoot him. “What?”

“Jinx is not broken,” Mikhail repeated firmly. “Just so we’re straight. No,” he said when Sabre opened her mouth. “I’m doing the talking now. You haven’t even asked what we think about this—Jinx and me. Since the revelation, all you’ve done is thinkabout yourself. When you get a moment, go and take a good look at your friend, Sabre. Tell me if she looks broken to you. She doesn’t want to be my mate any more than I want to be hers. It’smutual,Sabre.”

Sabre stared at him for a moment before scoffing and glancing around. “What kind of bullshit is this? Am I being punked? Of course, she wants to be your mate.”

Mikhail sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. “Just becauseyouwant a mate doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody.”

Sabre looked incredulous. “Did Jinx tell you that? If so, she’s lying. And you’re allowing yourself to believe it because you don’t want her for some fucked up reason.”

“Sabre, I love you. You’re one of my favourite people in the whole universe. But this is none of your business,” Mikhail said through gritted teeth. He was getting pissed off.

Sabre glared at him. “Wrong. Jinxismy business. And you sure as hell are,” she declared, waving her gun around.

“Maybe so,” he allowed. “But this isn’t something you get a say in. It’s not up to you.”

“Well, clearly, it shouldn’t be up to you either! You’re fucking it up,” Sabre shouted at him.

Mikhail pinched the bridge of his nose, desperately wishing for the cave. Opening his eyes, he caught Sabre’s furious gaze. “Would you really take Jinx’s autonomy away? Would you force her into a situation she doesn’t want?”

Sabre reared back as if he’d slapped her. “Of course not. I would never. The very thought is abhorrent.”

He nodded. “That’s right. It is. Jinx has decided I am not for her.”

Sabre stared at him for a moment before she tucked the gun away, looking a little lost. “I don’t understand, Mikhail.”

“I don’t think I do either. Not really,” he admitted. “I just know now is not the time to claim a mate. It doesn’t matter if youthink it’s a mistake. It’smymistake to make. Mine and Jinx’s. And this is how it’s going to be. I’m sorry. I hate disappointing you.”

Sabre sighed. “Iamdisappointed. Like, really disappointed. And I still don’t understand what the fuck is going on.” Her lips quirked. “Who would have thought the evil assassin could be so upset over a ruined fairytale?”

Mikhail relaxed a little, confident he was no longer in danger of eating a bullet. “I always knew you were a romantic at heart,” he teased.

Sabre shoved him. “You did not.”

“Did, too,” Mikhail shot back. “Remember the time you helped that gander find his pretty goosey bae? You were so invested in their love story.”

Sabre sniffed disdainfully, raising her chin. “That proves nothing. Besides, those geese were clearly meant to be together.”

“Oh, do tell,” Mikhail said, leaning forward with exaggerated interest. “It’s been years since I heard all about your matchmaking escapades with waterfowl.”

Sabre huffed, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. “I was on a stakeout near that little pond in Willowbrook Park. There was this scrawny male goose honking mournfully, and nobody ever honked back. It was pathetic, really.”

“And you, the cold-hearted assassin that you are, couldn't resist intervening,” Mikhail teased, grateful to fall into their usual rhythm.

Sabre glared at him playfully. “Shut up. Anyway, I noticed that there was a female goose on the other side of the pond who seemed to be avoiding all the other geese. She looked sad and lonely.”

“And what did you do?” Mikhail asked, leaning back against his father’s statue.

“I may have spent three days stalking them from the bushes and tossing bits of bread to lure them closer together so they wouldaccidentallycross paths,” Sabre admitted with a sheepish grin.

Mikhail chuckled. “I can just imagine your face as you watched this little love story unfold.”

“It was surprisingly heartwarming,” Sabre said with a shrug. “You should have heard their little honks of joy. They even made a nest near the pond. Geese mate for life, you know.” She paused and lowered her voice. “It was nice to see some love and happiness in my line of work. Even if it was feathered.”

Mikhail pushed off the statue and reached for her hand. He was glad when Sabre allowed it instead of trying to crush his fingers. “You deserve that kind of love, Sabre. I’m so happy for you and Brax.”

Sabre squeezed his hand and gave him a small smile. “Thanks, Mikhail.”

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