We're Not Brothers

Chapter 13

Charlie's POV

Seeing Cameron break down, really tears me apart. I feel so useless. He sobs in my arms for hours before finally falling asleep.

I sit in the bed, propped up against the headboard, watching him sleep. What can I even do for him? I ask Raven.

Right now, just be there for him. Raven soothes. I'd say he had not just a nightmare, but a memory. A bad one.

He said 'Papa died,' Rave. I sigh. I've never seen Cam so broken.

Cameron shifts in the bed and silently gets up to go to the bathroom. He doesn't say a word when he gets back. Just curls up under the covers.

"Cam? Baby?" I whisper softly. "Do you want breakfast?" He doesn't even acknowledge my presence. Even the Mate Bond is numb. I softly stroke his arm. "I'm going to make some oatmeal okay?" I whisper, my lip trembling. "I'll be right back." I kiss his temple before going to the kitchen. Dad. I link him.

What's up, Pup? He replies quickly.

I need you to come over. Something's wrong with Cameron. I wipe away a tear.

I'll be right there. I'm just downstairs in the office. He responds quickly.

Thanks, Dad. I don't know what to do. I sniffle, grabbing out the oatmeal and pouring it into a bowl.

Make sure you eat. I'll be there in a minute. He says softly.

As soon as the oatmeal is ready, Dad softly knocks on the door. I open it with tears in my eyes. "Daddy..." I whimper.

"It's okay, Pup." He pulls me into a hug. "It's going to be okay." He rubs my back. "Where's Cammie?"

"In bed. He doesn't even know I'm there." I sob, clutching onto his shirt.

"What happened, Sweetheart?" He asks, trying to soothe me.

"He had a bad dream last night." I take a shuddering breath. "Raven thinks it was a memory. He screamed himself awake and said 'Papa died.'"

"Oh, Pup." Dad hugs me close. "I think I know what day that nightmare was about."

I look up at him with tears in my eyes.

"Let me go see if I can get him to come to, okay? You eat your oatmeal, and I'll be right back." Dad says softly. "You need to keep your strength up for your own Pup." He pats my tummy.

"Okay, Daddy." I say softly and grab my bowl of oatmeal and sit on the couch.

He walks into the bedroom and after a few minutes, he comes out, carrying Cameron like he's a small child. "Cammie, we're going to sit with Charlie, okay?" Dad says softly as they sit on the couch. Cameron turns his face into Dad's neck. "Sweetheart, you don't need to be shy." He chuckles.

"Hey, Cammie." I say softly, waving at him.

Cameron peeks at me, then returns to Dad's neck.

I look up at Dad. "What's going on, Dad?" I ask, confused by Cameron's behavior.

Dad taps his head. He's mentally stuck at the moment. I can't reach Harlow either.

I look at him shocked. How long will this last?

No way of knowing. Dad sighs. "Cammie, why don't we watch a movie with Charlie? I think you'll be good friends." He smiles softly as he rubs Cameron's back.

Cameron slowly peels away from Dad and nods his head. "Can... Can Daddy P get us aminal cackers?" He asks in such a small voice, I can hardly believe it's my Mate and fiance.