We're Not Brothers

Chapter 8

Cameron's POV

I wake up in the morning to Charlie softly snoring on my chest. I grin and stroke his long hair softly, trying not to wake him up. A soft knock on the door draws my attention, and Ashton pokes his head in.

"Hey." He whispers. "Charlie still sleeping?"

"Yeah." I smile softly. "What's up?"

"Can you look after Teddy today?" He asks softly. "I have to go to work with Dad. Lots of paperwork from last night to file, and we need to make sure the guests get home safely."

"Yeah, of course." I smile at him. "Give me a few minutes and we'll be downstairs shortly."

"Sounds good. Thanks." He smiles at me.

After he leaves, I gently shake Charlie's shoulder. "Hey, Sweetheart. Let's get up."

He groans and opens his eyes to look up at me. "Why?"

"Ashton and Evie found their Mates last night. Ashton wants us to hang out with his Mate Teddy while he goes to work with Dad." I say softly brushing his hair out of his face. "We should braid your hair before bed."

He hums sleepily. "Maybe."

"Come on. Let's go get some coffee." I say sitting up slowly, taking him with me.

He groans softly. "Carry me."

"Anytime, Sweetheart." I stand, holding him in my arms as we make our way downstairs. I sit him down on a stool at the kitchen island and grab a couple of mugs for our coffee.

"Morning." Evie groans.

"Hey." I snicker. "You were so drunk last night."

"Ugh, I know." She groans, as she sits at the table.

"Good morning." Jeremiah kisses her temple and sits next to her. "Can I get some coffee too?"

"Sure." I say, grabbing more mugs. "How do you take it?"

"Just straight black." He yawns.

"It'll be okay." I hear Ashton whisper. He walks in with Teddy under his arm. "They'll be nice."

"Morning, Teddy." I say with a bright smile. "Do you want some coffee?"

"No, that's okay." He whispers. "Can... Can I have some juice?"

"Of course, Teddy." I smile at him. I grab him a glass for some juice just as the triplets barrel into the kitchen. "OI! Go sit! I'll bring you your cups, you terrors!" I laugh at them. I didn't notice how scared Teddy got until I look at his shocked face. "What's wrong, Teddy?"

"I just..." He shakes his head and burrows into Ashton's side.

"He doesn't do well with loud voices yet, Cam." Ashton smiles at me apologetically.

"Oh." I smile sadly. "Sorry, Teddy. It's the only way they listen sometimes."

"It's okay." He whispers.

I get everyone's drinks settled as Dad and Papa enter the kitchen. Papa yawns as I give him a mug of coffee.

"Thanks, Pup." He ruffles my hair. "Charlie, you feeling up to designing today?" He looks at my sleepy Mate who's resting on the counter.

"Mmm." Charlie groans. "Food."

"Yeah, alright." Dad laughs. "Eggs okay?"

Charlie grunts, then sits up to drink his coffee. "Cam." He looks at me seriously.

"Yes?" I raise an eyebrow. "What?"

"There's not enough sugar." He thrusts his mug at me.

"Alright." I chuckle and fix his coffee.