Rebel's Honor: Book One in Crown of Blood Series by Gwynn White

Author:Gwynn White [White, Gwynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 4XOverland Ltd
Published: 2015-10-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

Axel stumbled from Lukan’s unexpected shove. He found his feet, brushed past the crowds jamming the door, and stormed into the ballroom. It took him seconds to locate Lynx and Lukan on the veranda.

A savage grin slashed his face when Lynx’s fist smashed into Lukan’s jaw. The punch was hard enough to snap Lukan’s head back. Although Lynx could take care of herself, Lukan had gotten off way too lightly for daring to harm her. Without even stopping to analyze his emotions, Axel stalked across the ballroom, cracking his knuckles.

Someone locked onto his arm.

He shook the hand off, but the person skittered behind him and gripped both his biceps.

Then, a voice spoke in his ear. “No, Axel. Beating up the crown prince is not politic, even for you.”

“Stefan. You saw what he did. I won’t tolerate it. Especially not with Lynx.”

His words did nothing to loosen Stefan’s hold. He could have broken free, but that would mean flinging Stefan aside, not something he wanted to do to his best friend. He noticed his coward of a cousin heading away from Lynx toward the stairs leading to the gardens.

Running away, as he always does.

That left Lynx alone on the veranda.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Stef, so I suggest you let me go,” Axel hissed.

Stefan tightened his hold. “I’m aware of what she means to you.” His smooth, calming voice came from behind a snow leopard mask. “I saw it on the train, long before you did. But the risk is too great—for her and for you. Princess Lynx of Norin is Lukan’s betrothed. Not yours. Until that changes, you had better get a lock on that charming Avanov temper.”

Axel sucked in a deep breath. Stefan was right about his temper. The last thing he wanted was to be like his brutal uncle. “What are you saying?”

“Exactly what Lukan saw tonight,” Stefan whispered. “You are in love with Lynx.”

“No!” Axel grimaced at the spike in his voice. Whispering, he added, “You know what this is about. Treven. And I don’t cope well with men beating up on women.” He pulled away, but Stefan tightened his hold on his arms. There was only one way out of this mess. He relaxed his back and shoulders.

“Better,” Stefan said, easing his grip but not releasing him. “Come, let’s get you a drink.”

Axel shook his head. “Alcohol won’t do me any favors.” He allowed Stefan to lead him to the far wall of the ballroom, away from the crowds. It dismayed him to catch heads turning away as he passed; he had made a scene, something he hated doing. Worse, the crowd was already tittering about Lukan and Lynx’s display. His family was in top form tonight.

As it happened, the spot Stefan chose offered him a perfect view of the veranda. Mentally bracing himself, he looked over at Lynx. She paced across the flagstones, her beautiful face crimson with distress. Axel’s fists clenched again because she looked like she wanted to cry.

That was something he never thought he would see.

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