Broken

Broken: Chapter 2

"So," I said, staring out the window of the massive all-terrain vehicle as we traveled deeper into the rural villages only two hours after our lunch. "This Barnes guy, y'all call him White Wolf. That is a term of endearment, right?"

"It's the name the villagers gave him. Shuri rotated her captain's chair, letting the vehicle's auto-pilot take over so she could look at me. "Pretty fitting for a white boy."

I nodded. "But?"

"The files I gave you are just the tip of the iceberg. We've been able to remove the programming used to weaponize him, but the mental issues." She shook her head and sighed. "He's scared, Des. He still thinks he could be a danger to others. No one can get close to him. He needs someone who understands. A friend."

I nodded, remembering other soldiers who'd faced the struggle. "I'm happy to do what I can, but he's got to want help. If he's not ready..." I trailed off.

"He's ready." The ATV came to a stop. "He wants to be normal again."

"If you're looking for normal, I'm so far from that," I commented as the doors opened for us. "Damn, Shuri, I can't believe you're a princess over all this. I mean, I knew you were royalty, but I thought it was just like a ceremonial title. Do you want me to start bowing to you or something?"

"You do and I'll make sure you never stand up straight again." She pointed to a single hut set apart from the others just as three little boys entered. "Wait here. I'll go get him."

I nodded as she made her way toward the hut; her progress slowed by her paused to acknowledge each villager she passed. I smiled, glad that my friend was one of those fairytale heroines instead of the standard princess in distress. Clearly, Wakanda wasn't the place where one would kiss the princess. She'd probably kick your ass.

The boys exited the hut just as Shuri came to stand in front of it. They greeted her before running off in a fit of mischievous laughter. After several seconds, I saw a man dressed in a traditional chest wrap and what looked to be military fatigues finally emerged. His fair skin was a stark contrast to the somewhat shaggy hair that fell loosely to his solid shoulders. As he turned to Shuri, I could make out the perfectly shaped nose and sharp jawline thinly covered by a dark beard.

Damn, I thought as they turned and began making their way toward me. He's hot.

I didn't even notice his missing arm until they were standing a few feet from me. Still, the lost limb didn't distract from the overall appeal of the man. If anything, it added an approachability that attractive guys lacked.

"Bucky, this is Destiny Hunt," Shuri offered a quick nod as they stood in front of me. "I asked her here to help with your recovery."

"Pleased to meet you." I smiled but didn't bother offering my hand when I noticed his reluctance when he drew away slightly.

He gave a curt nod that caused his hair to fall over one eye. "Ms. Hunt."

"No, sir." I gently teased him. "Ms. Hunt was my dad's wives. I'm just Destiny or Des. Unless you prefer I call you Mr. Barnes."

"It's just Bucky." He replied, his eyes downcast. "I don't like doctors."

"Me neither." I chuckled. "Good thing neither of us is one, huh?"

When he finally looked up at me, I fought back a gasp. His eyes were the most beautiful shade of blue I'd ever seen. "Then what are you?"

"I don't really have an official title, but I'm more like a therapist if we have to put a name on it," I explained, happy to focus on my credentials instead of those haunting eyes. "I use technology and good old-fashion counseling to help people work through there issues. My specialty is working with people with PTSD."

"Shuri said you're an empath too."

I nodded. "I am."

"I don't want you poking around inside my head," he said flatly.

Again, I nodded. "That's fine. I'll only do what you're comfortable with. Bucky, I'm just here to help you out. You have to tell me how you want to do this. I got the tools, but it's up to you to use them."

He stared at me for several seconds, gauging me as so many others had done before. I held my own, knowing if I showed any weakness or hesitation we'd be done before we even got started. If I was going to help him, I needed to pass his test. Thankfully, when I caught sight of a tiny smile I knew I'd won him over.

"All right, Destiny. What do we need to do first?"