Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             “I’m not allowed to say, Sir.”

                             When I hang up, I notice a text message received an hour before Xan’s call.

                             Kane— Tristan’s back.

                             Hell. I can’t believe I was too preoccupied with watching Mae to notice Kane’s warning.

                             Acting out of character. Again.

                             I toss the phone away, put on my boots, add a few extra knives to my usual stash, and storm out of my wing.

                             The echo of my steps in the empty surroundings does nothing to silence my thoughts.

                             If I get Mae out of the dungeons, I may as well fall for one of Tristan’s schemes. My next move needs to wait until I assess the situation.

                             Xan salutes me in military style in front of the Northern Wing’s entrance. The male bun at the back of his head is the only break in his stoic image. Ever since his last tour in Afghanistan, he’s become even more robotic.

                             No family. No weaknesses whatsoever. Kane is more fun than him.

                             Xan reaches to his sheath and pulls three hunting knives. “You will need these, Sir.”

                             It’s never wrong to accept more weapons. I take them with a nod. This eliminates the option that Tristan suspects anything.

                             It’s useless to ask. If Tristan instructed him to keep his mouth shut, he won’t open it to death itself.

                             I descend the long stairs leading to the mansion’s main secured dungeons, hand pressing against a knife’s handle.

                             What’s Tristan up to? Is this about the traitor?

                             My fingers work the security code. The door clicks open. Dylan and Tristan stand at the entrance, wearing black suits meant for business.

                             Dylan arches an eyebrow while Tristan waves me in with a grin.

                             It’s rarely fun when those two are enjoying themselves.

                             “Morning, little brother.” Tristan says in a cheerful tonne. “Have you slept well?”

                             “I’m not your brother. Stop calling me that.”

                             His smile turns into a slight smirk. “My father adopted you which makes you my brother whether you like it or not.”

                             “What a heartfelt family reunion.” Dylan chimes in with a bright tone, in complete contrast with his bored expression. “Now, can we focus on business?”

                             “Yes, Tristan. Business.” My left eye twitches. “Why didn’t you inform me of your return?”

                             “I wanted to surprise you.” He offers his rare devilish smile. “Come and see the souvenir I brought with me.”

                             I approach their side. It’s either something extremely terrific or an absolute horror if Tristan smiles like that.