Brothers
862 Words
*Grayson*
I sigh, filling two glasses with a generous pour of port. "I'm sorry, once again, about Mom's distasteful antics earlier," I apologize to Harrison, my voice echoing in the silence of the library.
The scent of old books and dust mingles with the musky undertone of lycan, a unique blend that's distinctly ours. For some reason it brings me comfort..
Harrison joins me, looking worn, his usual vibrancy dimmed. His encounter with the fading health of our father, who had always cherished him despite the circumstances of his birth, must be taking its toll.
"I guess I expected her harshness," Harrison admits, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I thought the respect I have gained in Texas would reflect in my demeanor here."
"It does, I am just not sure she cares," I reassure him, passing him a glass. His scent, a mix of Texas soil and our familial lycan heritage, is oddly comforting too.
Turning towards the window, I stare at the garden, where Harrison's wife and daughters are engrossed in their afternoon tea. The younger one's mouth is moving fast… a blur of words and excitement. The older one seems lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. Maybe she is admiring a rose petal or the garden in its entirety. Perhaps, in Texas, they don't have gardens that exist purely for leisure.
Miss Moonshadow, with her elegant profile, looks like a marble statue bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Her hair, a silvery hue that reminds me of a winter night's full moon, is neatly tied with a ribbon. A simple adornment, yet it pulls me in with its innocent allure.
Taking a sip from my glass, I find my voice. "You have a beautiful family, Harrison."
Harrison moves to join me by the window, leaning against the stone wall as his gaze follows mine. "I have been lucky indeed," he acknowledges. "And it seems fate hasn't been too unkind to you either."
"Fate's smile seems more of a grimace if you ask me," I retort, the bitterness leaking into my tone.
"I was genuinely sorry to hear about Quentin's death," Harrison shares, his voice soft, yet sincere. "Drowning can't be a peaceful end. I am not sure how he even managed."
"Quentin was so intoxicated, he barely noticed his impending doom," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "He had a dangerous habit of drinking himself into oblivion, lacing his drinks with nightshade. Had he stumbled just two steps earlier, he would have missed the pond completely. Needless to say, Mom was shattered. Shortly after, Father fell ill. It's been a harrowing year."
"I can only imagine," Harrison sympathizes. "Managing Storms End and Blackforest can't be easy. But I have full faith in your capabilities to do so."
His words hang in the air for a moment before I change the subject. "Speaking of responsibilities, I would appreciate it if you could take your family out each afternoon, between two and five. I will arrange for a car and a driver to be at your disposal. It's the time Mom visits Father. The fewer encounters between your family and her, the better."
"You didn't tell her you had summoned me," Harrison observes, his statement more of a mild accusation.
As I grapple with the conversation, I can't help but be drawn back to the sight outside… to Miss Moonshadow. Young, innocent, and so out of place in our cruel world. I feel a pull towards her, a dangerous attraction that I push back with all my might. She's off-limits. She's family, not by blood, but still.
His words hang in the air, a statement rather than a question. I merely shrug in response. I had informed the servants of the incoming guests, expecting them to prepare the rooms and arrange for the limo. "I planned to tell her tonight. I didn't anticipate your early arrival."
"I'm thankful you called for me," Harrison admits.
"It was Father's wish," I clarify.
"But not yours," he retorts.
"I'm glad to see you have built a good life for yourself," I reply, moving away from the window. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have urgent matters to attend to. We will have dinner together with your family tonight."
With that, I sit at the desk, shuffling papers as if they hold the key to the world's secrets. I hope Harrison gets the hint… it's time for him to leave. I need to be alone.
"He forbade me to take you with me," Harrison states, his voice barely above a whisper.
I meet his gaze, letting my resentment bubble to the surface. "Quite convenient how you chose to disobey him in all matters except that one."
"You are his son." He says softly.
"So are you," I counter.
He lets out a tired sigh. "Your place was here."
"My place has been in hell," I retort, my voice a low growl.
All the while, my mind is at war with itself… torn between duty and a forbidden attraction towards Miss Moonshadow. Her innocence, her youth, it's all so enticing… and utterly off-limits.
- Writer
