We're Not Brothers

Chapter 3

Cameron's POV

The next morning, I look to my right and see Charlie still sleeping soundly. I don't bother to get up yet. I don't want to risk sending him into a panic attack if he wakes up while I'm in the bathroom.

I spend the time waiting, just watching him sleep. His gentle face looking happy. His long hair was braided before bed, and splayed out behind him. His chest gently rises and falls. I trace his face with my eyes, his nose has a gentle slope, and his cute little mouth is set in a pout as he sleeps.

His brows start to pinch together as he starts to stir from his sleep. He blinks a few times, looking around the room. His face is sad for a moment, until he looks at me.

"You're here." He whispers in awe.

"I'm here, Chipmunk." I smile at him.

He rolls to me and wraps his arms around me tightly. "I was hoping it wasn't a dream." He whispers.

"It wasn't." I smile, wrapping my arms around him. "I do need to use the bathroom though, Chipmunk."

"Why didn't you just go?" He looks up at me with curiosity.

"I didn't want you to wake up alone." I stroke his hair gently.

"That's so sweet." He grins. "But you can go to the bathroom, silly goose." He chuckles. "As long as I can smell you, I should be fine, I think."

"Well, then." I stretch. "I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"Okay." He smiles at me, letting me get up from the bed.

I do my business in the bathroom but on my way back to the room, Ashton stops me.

"You had better not leave him again." He says calmly.

"I don't plan on it, Ash." I respond.

"You didn't see what he went through while you were gone." He crosses his arms. "He used to be happy and bubbly. When you left, it was like someone died. He never smiled or laughed. He never left the room unless it was for bodily functions or school for the first three years."

"Why did no one tell me that?" I ask, shocked.

"What good would it have done?" He scoffs. "We were fifteen, getting quite hormonal. What good would it have done to bring his Mate back when the hormones spiked?"

"I don't know." I whisper.

"Exactly." He huffs. "You don't know anything. But know this." He steps forward and grabs my collar, tugging me close to him. "You hurt him again, and I will end you. I don't care that you're my brother. I don't care that Papa and Dad adopted you. I don't care about anything. You hurt him, I end you. Understand?" He ends with a deep growl.

"I understand, Ash." I say calmly. I'm not exactly threatened by him, but I trust him to follow through.

"Good." He huffs as he shoves me backwards.

I sigh and walk back to the bedroom, finding Charlie on the edge of the bed twisting his fingers together. He looks up when I enter and immediately jumps into my arms.

"I'm sorry. I just missed you." He whispers into my neck.

"Not a problem." I chuckle. "Why don't you use the bathroom, and I'll meet you downstairs to get some breakfast, hm?"

"Okay!" He cheers, letting go and making his way to the bathroom.

I chuckle and make my way downstairs. When I get to the kitchen, I see Ashton with a sour face watching me. I ignore it and get the coffee pot started and get some ingredients to make pancakes with eggs and bacon.