Page 57 of Reluctant Rebel

Mikhail let out a deep breath that he didn't realise he had been holding. He sank down onto the edge of his bed, feeling drained from the intense emotions of the past few hours. Having a fated mate was hard. “Thank you,” he said to Draven sincerely.

Draven nodded solemnly. “Of course.”

Brax gripped Mikhail on the back of the neck, speaking lowly into his ear. “Taking off like that was stupid. I have a thing or two to say to you, but I’m going to leave that up to my beautiful, violent partner. I’d say good luck, but I wouldn’t mean it.” He straightened, glaring down at Mikhail. “I’m not interested in losing you again so soon, brother. Use your big head next time, okay?”

Mikhail swallowed back his guilt for the hundredth time since his return and watched his brother’s broad back as he left the room, Draven and Styx following dutifully behind. He could feel Sabre’s eyes on him, practically scorching him to the marrow. He deserved her anger, he knew. But first, he needed to ask her something.

“How do you do it?” he asked, staring at Jinx’s lovely face. “How doesBraxdo it? How do you both stay sane when you’re in danger? Jinx and I aren’t even mated. We’re barely even friends, and I thought I would lose my mind from the fear when I found out Zagan had her.”

“It’s called trust, Mikhail,” Sabre replied. She moved until she was standing on the opposite side of the bed. “I trust Brax to look after himself, and he trusts me. As for the rest of the world, I can’t control that. If someone chooses to harm him or he’s in an accident, well, that’s not up to himorme. All I can do is trust that Brax will make the best decision for himselfandme at any given moment. Because I know that man wouldneverdoanything to hurt me.You,on the other hand …” She shook her head.

Her words sliced at him like a knife. “I’m sorry.”

“Fuck!” Sabre yelled at the ceiling, gripping her hair. “Will you stop with the apologies?! Enough already! Sorry isn’t cutting it, Mikhail.”

“I know. I—” He managed to shut up before he apologised again.

Sabre hung her head for a moment before looking up. “I know you’re worried. I know you’re stressed. But you’re not allowed to get stupid. And spilling secrets and leaving your guardian behind is really fucking stupid.”

“I wasn’t thinking,” Mikhail admitted. “I just explained that.”

“Clearly! But you better start thinking. I swear, it’s been more of a clusterfuck since you returned than when you were ‘dead’,” Sabre muttered.

Mikhail’s jaw clenched so hard he feared for his teeth. “Gee, thanks.”

Sabre raised her chin. “It’s the truth. Or would you rather remain ignorant to spare your feelings?”

“I’m doing the best I can,” Mikhail spat.

“No,” Sabre responded flatly. “You’re not.”

Mikhail pointed a finger at Sabre across the bed. “Screw you, Sabre.”

“Your brother already does that.” Sabre’s comeback was whiplash fast.

Mikhail simply shook his head, remaining silent.

Sabre sighed. “I’m serious, Mikhail. Since when are you this dumb?”

“I don’t have an answer for you,” Mikhail admitted, staring down at Jinx, who looked really freaking fine against his sheets.

Sabre walked around the bed, giving him a shake. “Trust yourself. You’re the one who set all of this up. And itisworking.We know who the killer is. We know why he’s killing. We know what the consequences are. Wewillstop him. Wewillwin. But the only way to do it istogether. No more Lone Ranger bullshit.”

“Listen to her. She’s smart.”

“Jinx!” Sabre gasped, quickly sitting on the bed and grabbing Jinx’s hand. “You’re awake.”

“I am,” Jinx confirmed, stretching. “And I feel really good. Other than being sleepy.” She looked at Mikhail. “You found me. Thank you.”

“If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have been taken in the first place.” He wasn’t willing to take any thanks for getting her out of a situationheput her in.

Jinx shook her head. “Not true at all. Z threatened Sabre’s tribe a long time ago. I’d say this was inevitable.”

“Unfortunately, you’re probably right. I’m so glad you’re okay, kiddo,” Sabre said, hugging Jinx gently.

“Not a kid,” Jinx grumbled, leaning into Sabre.

“I know,” Sabre acknowledged. She kissed the top of Jinx’s head and Mikhail could have sworn he heard her whisper, “You’re not a kid. You’re a queen.”

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