We're Not Brothers

Chapter 19

Cameron's POV

Charlie falls asleep on my chest as we ride in the car back to our childhood home. I gently rub his back to keep him calm. I can't believe I was so careless.

"Don't blame yourself, Cam." Ash says softly from the driver's seat. "It's been a while since his last episode. You had no way of knowing."

"I just..." I sigh. "I know how he feels about waking up alone."

"Right, but you guys have solidified your Bond. You're having twins... There's no way you could have known, Cam." He says softly.

"Thanks, Ash." I whisper, kissing Charlie's head.

"Anytime, Bro." He smiles at me from the rearview mirror.

We pull up to the house, and Ash gets the car door for me. I nod at him, then start up toward the house, carrying Charlie. Teddy gets the front door for me.

"Cammie!" The triplets cheer.

"Shhh." I shush them. "Charlie's sleeping, you gotta be quiet, little ones." I smile at them.

They nod, and run out to the backyard to play. Papa comes up to us, and looks over Charlie.

"How bad was it?" He asks quietly.

"He punched me in the face." Ashton says. "He tore apart the bedroom, and would have done so in the main living area if I didn't grab him. I only let go because he punched me, square in the nose. That's when Dad showed up and calmed him down until we could get Cam upstairs."

Papa nods solemnly. "Understood." He whispers. Then he looks at me. "Go upstairs and rest. I'll call Eric, just to make sure the pups are okay."

"Okay, Papa." I say softly. "Thank you."

"Of course, Pup." He gives a small smile.

I make my way upstairs and gently lay my little Mate on the bed, then lay down next to him. I card my hand through his hair.

How could I be so stupid, Harlow? I whine to my Wolf.

It's like Ashton said. He says. You had no way of knowing what would trigger this. It's not your fault. Besides, we needed to talk with Kai and Logan.

Right... But I know how he feels about waking up alone. I sigh.

A light knock on the door interrupts us. Papa peeks his head in. "Cam? Eric's here." He whispers.

"Come on in, Papa." I whisper back.

Papa comes in quietly, followed by Eric. He's carrying his medical bag that he uses for home visits.

"Hey, Cam." He says as he sits on the edge of the bed. "Is it okay if I examine Charlie?" He asks permission because we're Mated now.

"Yeah." I nod.

I watch him dig out his stethoscope and watch as he places it on Charlie's stomach. He moves it after a few moments, he sighs, relieved.

"The pups' heartbeats are strong. No need to worry there." He says, wrapping the stethoscope around his neck. "If he had shifted, I might worry a bit, due to the stress on the body. But since he didn't he's okay."

"Thanks, Eric." I smile at him.

"Of course." He smiles back. "Let him get plenty of rest, and keep him relaxed. I'll see you guys later at your next appointment. Call if you need anything." He stands and follows Papa out.

Charlie sleeps for a couple hours. I watch over him the whole time. I can't even bear to leave his side. I don't want to trigger another episode. I can barely believe that I triggered one already.