Page 64

CHAPTER 63

ANASTASIA

“Ana! I need help with Jax!” Alexei cries out from the living room.

Tugging Galena with me, we hurry through the hall to find Alexei dropping a bloody Jax onto the couch.

“Hold this here. I’ll be back as soon as Mikhail is done with Ivan.” He grins.

“Wait, is Mikhail okay?” I hold up my hand.

I need to know.

“Yep, he has Ivan caught. Time for fun, now.” He cackles as he races away.

He caught Ivan.

When I heard the bullets, I was so terrified.

“Jax? Can you hear me?” I press my palms where Alexei had pointed.

Jax is so pale, it scares me.

“Hmm?” He cracks one dark eye, and grimaces. “Yea, sis, I’m here.” The corner of his lip turns up. “Hurts like a bitch.”

His cool hand covers mine.

“Jax?” I can feel tears burning to fall. “I’m lucky I got you.” Biting my lip doesn’t stop it from trembling.

I hate this life of chaos. I just want everyone I love to be safe and healthy.

“You got me forever.” His eyes roll back into his head when he tries to open them. “I’m just so damn tired. I’m glad Hades is here.”

His hand goes limp, but his breathing is even.

“Come on, big brother, stay with me.” My forehead falls to my wrist as I silently plead with him to not let go.

“Is Jax gonna be okay?” Galena glances between him and the body of Zoya still lying on the floor in the corner.

“Yea, sweetie. He will be.” I sniffle back my tears. I need to be strong for her, even if I don’t believe my own words.

A roar comes from outside, and I know it can only be from my husband.

Oh no. Is he hurt?

Within a moment, heavy footsteps echo on the porch, and Mikhail comes striding into the room, directly for me.

He pulls me into a crushing hug. “Ana, I was so worried.”

“I’m fine, but please, Jax…” I can’t finish as a sob rips out of my throat.

He looks down at my unconscious brother. “I’ll do everything I can for him.” His lips touch my forehead before he disappears outside.

Alexei follows him in. “I’ll make sure he lives long enough for Sofia to yell at him.”

Mikhail reaches out and pulls Galena close. “Let’s go home.”