Page 144 of Claim

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.”

CHAPTER 64

MIKHAIL

With Galena headinghome with Niki, I hold on tight to Ana’s hand leading her back home with Hades following by her side.

I owe that dog. Even if she did make him into a big softie for her, he did exactly what he was meant to.

He saved our family. If she wants him to be a pet and sleep in our damn bed, that dog can have whatever he wants.

As the door closes, I spin to face her, without uttering a word, I wrap my arms around her and she does the same and we just stand there.

Letting time pass by in silence, holding onto each other.

I nearly lost her.

I would have lost my whole life if it wasn’t for Tatiana.

“I’m so sorry, Ana,” I whisper into the top of her head.

“Sorry? It wasn’t your fault. It was hers.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. I allowed that monster into my home, around my family. Risking my life to save hers.

I don’t regret that as I have Galena to think about.

Yet, Zoya was seconds away from destroying my world.

“Are you okay?” I ask Ana, even though it was Hades who killed Zoya, Ana gave the command. I don’t want that on her conscience.

She tips her head back to look at me, her eyes watering.

“Am I fucked up that I don’t feel bad? I hated her. She took you away from me and could have killed our baby. I’m glad she’s dead. And if it wasn’t Hades, I would have done it myself.”

I smile down at her, pushing her hair away from her face. I press my lips against hers.

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