Page 143 of Claim

The formidable twins high five each other, then turn back towards the forest.

I know I should go back to Ana.

But all I can do is stare down at the lifeless body of my father.

Nikolai does the same.

All the turmoil. So much loss, and pain.

Because of him.

Nikolai’s face darkens, and he pulls back one leg, launching a hard kick into Ivan’s ribs.

Then another.

He keeps swinging his boot until ribs break.

“I hate you so much!” He screams at the dead man.

My stoic statue of a brother, broken to screams by our father.

“Come here.” I tug on his arm, and he clutches me in a hard embrace. “We did it. We survived him. And now we’ll prove him wrong by being better men than he ever was.”

Nikolai pulls away, his jaw working with a nod. “Damn right,” he grunts. “Go get Ana. We need to get the hell out of here.”

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.”

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