Gavin rushed out of the office, his eyes scanning the hallway for any sign of his brother. The echoes of Jeffrey’s retreating footsteps grew faint, but Gavin's sharp ears and the deep connection he had with his brother kept him on his trail. He knew Jeffrey would need space—space to think, to clear his mind after the disastrous scene they’d just left—but Gavin couldn’t allow him to disappear into his confusion and pain. Not this time.
He found Jeffrey outside, halfway between the packhouse and the edge of the forest. His brother was pacing furiously, his fists clenched at his sides, his whole body trembling with pent-up rage. Gavin slowed his approach, watching him, trying to gauge whether it was the right time to speak. But Jeffrey’s emotions were like a storm that couldn’t be contained.
