Page 101 of Serpent & Saviors

Alek studied him for a long moment, then gave a single nod. “Once you’re in, you don’t get to be half in. There’s no second-guessing. No backing out. You’re either one of us, or you’re not.”

“And again, I state for the record. I’m all in.”

Sebastian let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair, arms folded behind his head. “About damn time. Thought you’d keep dancing around this forever.” He grinned, all dimples and mischief.

“Hannah?” Alek asked.

Pasha’s jaw tightened. “Not an issue any longer.”

Nik’s head snapped up. He narrowed his eyes, observing Pasha like he were working through a puzzle. “And you’ve considered every angle? What this will mean for you, for your future. Especially with future prospects of a love interest.”

“I know exactly what it means,” he said. “I’ve spent too much time trying to balance on both sides of the line. That’s over. I have zero interest in settling down. It’s time for me to be a free agent in that aspect of things.”

Ivan smirked. He had always been the easiest for me to read. He let out a huff, shaking his head. “You’re already family—you might as well make it official.”

I watched all of them, my gaze settling on Pasha last as I leaned forward. “You understand that your first real initiation means hands on. You will be taking a life. And it’s something that will sit with you forever.”

His expression didn’t flicker. “I can’t imagine a more deserving cause. It will be my absolute honor to house that memory.”

I nodded, feeling something tighten in my chest. Maybe pride. Maybe something deeper.

“All I ask is that I be the one to tell Kinsley when it’s official.”

Bash made a sound somewhere between a scoff and a laugh. “I want front row tickets to that. We can book the red room. She’ll be so excited and then you can do some interpretive dance shit, strip for the crowd and show her your tattoo. If you can earn it.”

“Fuck off,” Pasha huffed.

“Oh, that too dramatic for you. Maybe you can break it to her gently? Maybe sit her down, hold her hand, stroke her hair, and tell her in soft whispers over a sentimental song so she doesn’t pass out?” Bash teased.

“I’ll handle it.”

“I’ve no doubt you will,” Sebastian added. “I’m just wondering what we should bet on. My money says she has a full-blown meltdown about how her precious Pasha isn’t built for this life. Again.” He shook his head. “If I didn’t like to see her so hot and bothered, I’d feel bad for you.”

“Almost,” Nik muttered, smirking behind his drink. “The red room idea has potential, just saying. She was so bummed she didn’t get to see you perform.”

“She’s not going to take it well,” Alek said. “No matter how it’s delivered. You know that.”

“I know.” Pasha’s jaw flexed. “But she needs to hear it from me.”

Alek gave him one final, long look, then nodded. “Then make sure she understands. Completely.”

“It won’t matter, Reaper. No matter what he says, she’ll still worry excessively,” Sebastian added.

Alek grinned. “And I can distract her ass while he goes out in my place.”

Pasha rolled his eyes while the King brothers laughed. “I swear one of the three of you needs to put a baby in her belly so she can mother hen the fuck out of the little tyke,” he grumbled.

“I’m aiming for a little princess, actually,” Nik remarked.

“We already have one of those,” Pasha said with a grin. “She’s a pretty mean one though, but man, she can draw. Her makeup skills aren’t half bad either.” He fingered the fake scar that snaked across his face.

“Careful now. That’s my sister you’re talking about.” Bash flipped, his cheek twitching.

Pasha wasn’t deterred in the least. “You know it’s true, and I’m technically more scared of her than you. No offense.”

“Smart man. Never underestimate the power of a woman,” Alek remarked.

I leaned back in my chair, watching them go back and forth. It was moments like this that reminded me why this crew worked. The teasing, the tension, the relentless way they all pushed at each other—it was never just about the job. It was about the bond.