That wasn't the way he'd meant it - not even close. That didn't mean he was going to back down from Jack's response, though - even if it was impatient and pissed. Something deep seated was screaming that even the appearance of scared was a bad idea. And he wasn't scared, anyway.
"Apparently not fine and angry," Brant pointed out in a surprisingly even tone, considering the dull pressure right behind his eyes. "Or scared," he added, as he lifted one hand to rub at his eyes.