Page 86 of Enthrall Shadows
“Go on, share your wisdom.” I folded my arms ready to be patronized.
“People like Reese are toxic.”
I raised my hands. “Her disappearance has haunted me. She’s in my dreams. My nightmares. I want a sense of peace. I want to quiet the…”
“Voices?”
“It’s just one, and it tells me I need to be a better man.”
“Let’s talk more about that.”
“I know myself, and how hard I can push myself.”
“Don’t go down this path, Henry. The last thing you need is to chase this. It’s a trigger. It could cause a relapse and undo everything.”
“Maybe this is about your guilt for what happened between you and me in Afghanistan.” I raised a finger. “For which I’ve forgiven you.”
Sadness flashed over his face. “That’s not what this is.”
He’d seen me destroyed by terrorists, seen me at my most vulnerable. He’d extracted the Intel needed to end a war—but in doing so he had started a greater conflict within me.
Would I have had it any other way? Hell, no, because of the lives that were saved—even though it had almost killed me.
“Why do we have to bring up these consequences?” I said.
“I’m your brother.”
A long time ago, we’d both agreed we’d not stand behind the shield of privilege. That we’d enter the fight to make the world a better place; give our lives meaning.
“If I can’t change your mind, then I’ll come with you,” he reasoned.
“I’m going alone.”
“You’re about to launch a new brand. Yet you’re seriously considering going back onto the battlefield of your mind.”
“I’m capable.”
“You understand what the fog of war is like, Henry. You think you can sense who your opponent is, but you’re opening doors you shouldn’t. The truth could result in your self-destruction.”
“Thank you for the vote of confidence.”
“You’re walking into danger.”
I straightened. “If this is a hoax, they have no idea who they’ve unleashed on themselves.”
He sighed. “Is Reese worth this?”
“How the fuck am I meant to heal when everyone assumes I’m already broken? I need to be trusted when I make major decisions. I need people to stand back and let me do what I believe is right—I need to face this head on.”
“You just avoided my question, Henry.”
I met his gaze, deciding to share the truth. “She has a piece of my heart.”
“And you need closure?” Cameron asked, a pained expression on his face.
“I needyouto respect me and my choices,” I said firmly. “I’m your older brother. Treat me with the regard I deserve.”
Cameron sat on the edge of the bed and bowed his head.
