Page 197 of Fractured Future

When I decided to solve a glaring issue for Sabre by locating their lost lamb, I didn’t bank on that lamb being a full-blown, roaring lioness who robbed my attention and refused to give it back.

The moment I saw Ember fight, I knew I was well and truly fucked. It was her powerful poise, the subtle twists of her well-trained body, the thirst for blood in her gaze. Each revelation sucked me further into her bewitching orbit.

I’ve tried to enact my master plan without becoming distracted these past few months. That’s hard to achieve when the lioness is constantly intoxicating me with her sheer will to survive. It’s an impressive quality.

One I admire.

One I intend to cherish.

Picking past three scowling agents and two of my newest teammates—all seemingly unable to tolerate my existence—I join Axel at the living room window. Thomas Lawson’s apartment is nice, albeit half-destroyed.

Luis Torres left little untouched when he swept through here. Going after the lawyer was a cheap shot. He’s trying to manipulate Ember, toying with her vulnerabilities. Trying to unhinge her mind so he can capture her more easily.

“I’m in no mood for your mind games,” Axel immediately states. “Fuck off, Madden.”

Leaning back against the windowpane, I ignore his hard stare and watch the search unfolding all around us.

“I don’t play mind games.”

“That’s all you do,” he spits acerbically. “You got what you wanted. The deal’s done. Now leave me alone.”

Casting him a look, I consider his clenched jaw. “You seem tense.”

“No shit.”

“Having a little trouble tracking down your lost property?”

In total disregard of our nearby audience or the dirty secret he’s so determined to keep, Axel grabs a fistful of my shirt. He drags me in close until we’re almost nose to nose.

“Don’t mention him to me ever again.”

“Oh, come on.” I chuckle lightly. “I’m certain you’ve been searching far and wide since we chatted.”

“You don’t know a thing about me,” he snarls.

“I know plenty, believe it or not.”

“If you’d like to keep your skin intact, I’d recommend shutting up now.”

“No need to make things unpleasant.” I feel my smile broaden. “I was merely going to offer my help.”

Releasing my t-shirt, Axel shoves me away. “I don’t want or need it. His location is no concern of mine.”

“After all this time, you’re not interested to know what became of your long-lost brother?”

It’s a risk to taunt him so brazenly, so I take a step backwards to avoid a punch. That would be a bad start for our fragile alliance.

“I don’t have a brother, Madden. Get that into your thick skull and drop it.”

“My apologies.” I smile sweetly at him. “Would you prefer the wordtwin? The resemblance is uncanny.”

Convinced I’ve earned myself at least a light stabbing, I’m surprised when Axel hurls a curse at me then storms off. Oh, toying with his sore spot is going to be such fun.

If my father taught me anything, it’s to always have the advantage. No matter the situation or relationship—control is how we succeed in life. It’s how we carve a name and a place for ourselves.

Truthfully, I do not care why Axel rewrote his own history. Nor do I care why he has an identical twin out there, running around and causing havoc. The lost Slaughter brother has proven useful to me once or twice.

I just want the upper hand.