We're Not Brothers

Chapter 9

Charlie's POV

Today is Friday. This afternoon, Cameron and I will head back up to the cabin to complete our Mating Bond. I'm nervous but excited. We haven't been up there since that week of my Heat, and we haven't gone all the way yet, but we've fooled around a few times.

I love Cam so much. And over the last few weeks, it's been shifting from the brotherly love I felt for him growing up to the Mate kind of love it's supposed to be.

When we get down to breakfast, though, it becomes apparent to me that we won't be going this weekend. I try to quash the disappointment before it gets too out of hand.

"What's wrong, Sweetheart?" Cam asks as he sits next to me with our bowls of cereal.

"Teddy's Heat has started." I say softly. "I can smell it."

"Oh." Cam says just as softly. "Well, we can go next week."

"Yeah." I say, sighing.

"How can you smell Teddy's Heat?" He looks at me as he takes a bite of his cereal. "Isn't it usually just a Mate thing?"

"It's also an Omega thing." I chuckle softly. "I could smell it through Ashton's door when we passed it."

"Morning, Pups!" Dad cheers as he gets himself some coffee. "What's going on today? Are you guys excited for your trip?" He looks at me.

I look at him sadly. "It has to wait."

"Oh." Dad says softly.

Ashton and Teddy come down the stairs, Teddy looks slightly flushed, and Ashton is carrying a bag.

"Sorry, bro." He looks at Cameron.

"Hey, man. No worries." Cameron smiles at him. "Just take your time, and take care of your Mate."

Ashton smiles, and ushers Teddy to the door. "Come on, Angel. We're going to a special place for a bit until your Heat cools off."

"Okay." Teddy answers softly. "See you guys later."

"Have fun!" I wave at him. "Stay hydrated!"

The two wave before leaving the house. We hear Ashton's car start up and leave the driveway. Then Cameron's phone starts ringing. He pulls it out and we see Logan's name on the caller ID.

"Hey, Logan. What's up?" He puts him on speaker. "You're on speaker by the way, Dad and Charlie are here."

"Hey, guys." Logan greets. "Teddy's not in the room, right?"

"No, he just left with Ashton. His Heat kicked in, so they'll be up at the family cabin for the week." Dad responds.

"Good." Logan sighs. "Okay, so..." I hear some shuffling in the background. "Higher Parks, their Alpha, Jayus Wilkins, took over from his dad about fifteen years ago. We hadn't had any reason to look into his Pack before now. But, dammit I wish we had."

"That doesn't sound good, Lo." Dad groans.

"That's because it's not." Logan sighs.

"Hang on a sec." Dad leaves the kitchen. "Park! Grab something from Shay's for breakfast for the kids on the way to school! I'll explain later!" He calls up the stairs.

"Okay, Babe!" Papa calls back down. "Love you!"

"Love you too!" Dad responds before coming back into the kitchen. "Alright, Lo. Lay it on us. I just needed to make sure the little ones didn't hear anything unnecessary."

"Such a good dad." Logan teases.

"Shut up." Dad laughs.

"Okay, so. Here's what we've found out so far." He shuffles some papers on his end. "Alright, so the Power Exchange was not a traditional handover. It was a challenge." He sighs. "Jayus challenged and killed his father for the Alpha title. Then installed Cassandra as his Beta, who also killed her mother for the title. Somehow, their views became distorted. Teddy was not the only Omega, but certainly the worst treated."