Page 61 of Reluctant Rebel

“She’s not” Sabre whispered back. “We’d know if she was. Mikhail would be with her, escorting her.”

“Okay.” Eric nodded. “Then why are we all still whispering?” he questioned.

“Because you’re all idiots,” Draven drawled from behind them.

Sabre’s shoulders stiffened. She turned to face him, her glare icy and full of disdain. “Excuse me?”

Draven shrugged nonchalantly, his stupid, handsome face looking serene. “You heard me,” he said casually.

Sabre growled, palming a blade. “I’m going stab you in the fucking eye.”

“Sabre, my love,” Brax said, griping her hand. “No eye stabbing.”

She narrowed her eyes at a now smirking Draven. “Brax won’t always be here to save you.”

Draven rolled his eyes, unperturbed, and Sabre looked at Brax. “You keep ruining all my fun. You’re lucky you’re so pretty.”

And he was, she thought, feeling herself soften at the sight of him. His dark hair was a mess, and his amber eyes seemed to glow in the light. He had a sexy smile on his lips as he closed the small distance between them. His hand went to the small of her back, and she found herself pulled roughly against his hard chest. Her hand reached out to caress his cheek as she leaned in to meet his lips, feeling the warmth of his skin against her fingertips.

She felt herself melt into him, her body responding to his touch with a familiar ache that she couldn't deny. His hand slid down her back to her butt, pulling her even closer, and she let out a moan against his lips. The answering growl that rumbled in Brax’s chest vibrated through her body, causing a shiver. The intensity of their desire built, and her hands roamed freely over his chest, feeling his pecs flex beneath his shirt. His arousal pulsed against her stomach, and she wanted to tear his clothes off.

A loud throat clearing pierced through Sabre’s lust. She was tempted to flip them off and drag Brax away, but she remembered there was an unhinged demon on the loose and the birthday of a best friend to plan. Because there was no way she would allow Jinx to believe she was forgotten. She pulled back with a sigh before grinning at a smug-looking Brax. “We’ll finish this later.”

Brax nodded. “Damn right, we will.”

Sabre turned back to Eric and Gage, who had been watching the whole exchange with amused resignation on their faces. Draven, on the other hand, looked disgusted. It cheered Sabreimmensely. “Now, what do we do about Jinx turning twenty tomorrow?”

“What do you think about a surprise party?” Eric asked excitedly, bouncing on his toes.

“A surprise party for a weretiger? Cats don’t tend to react well to surprises,” Draven pointed out. “Besides, this is no time for a party.”

Sabre watched Eric’s cheeks heat, and he muttered, “Oh,” before looking at the ground.

She glared at Draven. “You’re such a dickbag.”

Draven looked at Eric and winced. “Sorry, Eric. I don’t mean that it’s a bad idea. Just that surprising a tiger is a good way to get mauled.”

Eric was silent for a moment before he looked up and began to laugh. “I see your point.” His cheeks were still red from embarrassment, but his smile stayed in place. “It’s all good.”

“And although the timing isn’t optimal,” Draven continued briskly, “I think a celebration is an excellent idea. Jinx certainly deserves it.”

“Suck up,” Gage fake-coughed, earning a glare from the angel. He looked at Eric. “Did you have something specific in mind? Jinx doesn’t really like being the centre of attention.”

“I know,” Eric acknowledged. “What about something low-key? Maybe just a small gathering at the warehouse. We could have a BBQ and some drinks. You know, nothing too fancy, just a chance for everyone to hang out and celebrate her birthday—celebrateher.”

Gage bobbed his head. “Sounds good. I’m in.”

“Same here,” Sabre agreed.

“Me too,” Brax declared.

“Count me in,” Mikhail chimed in unexpectedly from behind them.

Sabre turned to find her charge just inside the doorway. His attire was simple yet stylish, with khaki slacks that fit perfectly and a crisp, white T-shirt that showcased his toned arms. It was a laid-back look that somehow still managed to exude sophistication. That was Mikhail to a tee.

“Uh, what am I agreeing to?” he asked, joining the group.

Sabre rolled her eyes at him. He could be just as goofy as Brax when he wanted to be. “A small gathering for Jinx’s birthday tomorrow.”

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