Page 104 of Unseen Danger

Branson pressed his lips together. It wasn’t the first time he’d heard that popular philosophy. People loved to believe fear was natural and even helpful. But the only thing natural about it was that it belonged to the fallen, sinful nature of mankind.

Truth was, it was never helpful. It was a deadly obstacle, a sin to be defeated just like any other. And like other sins, fear became all the more powerful when people mislabeled it as good. But he doubted going all preachy on Nevaeh would convince her to fight her fear.

He clicked on his blinker and slid the pickup onto an entrance ramp to access the freeway. “I’ve seen people try to use fear, try to tell themselves it’s a good thing that helps them survive. But as someone who has weathered his fair share of dicey situations, I can tell you I don’t need fear to warn me of danger or to help me survive. The senses and intelligence God gave me do that. Training helps, too.”

He glanced at her, catching the pensive look in the eyes that watched him. “Believe me, fear only interferes with beating the enemy. It turns us into irrational, instinctual beasts. You have to beat fear, or it will destroy you, one way or another.”

The memory he’d hoped wouldn’t surface flashed quickly in his mind.

His buddy Grady, panicking, screaming that they weren’t safe. Dashing out from their cover, straight into the line of fire.

The horrible memory drove Branson to say more. “Fear blinds you and controls you. But you can get rid of fear if you learn to handle whatever scares you and come out on top. Fear loses its power if you know how to defeat the thing that scares you.”

That might not be enough. When fear was as deep-seated as Nevaeh’s, true victory over it could only be achieved through a spiritual battle. But he kept that bit of truth to himself. Maybe he could share it with her another time.

He’d said enough for now. Probably more than enough. He drew in a breath and let out a chuckle. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to lecture you.”

“No. It’s okay.” Her voice was different than usual. Thoughtful, maybe?

“So, did I convince you to let me be your guinea pig? You may not find another volunteer so willing to let you beat him up.” His effort to lighten the mood earned a gorgeous smile.

“Okay.”

“Okay, you’ll let me train with you?”

“Yeah.”

He held back the urge to pump his fist and instead settled for a big grin. “Awesome.”

“On one condition.” Her mouth curved in a charming, closed-lip smile.

“Ah. What’s that?”

“My grandpa wants to meet you.”

“He does?” Branson’s pulse shot off at a sprint. She’d told her family about him?

“Yeah. He wants to meet the man who rescued me.”

The man who rescued her. The words swelled in Branson’s chest. He wanted to keep rescuing and protecting her. For the rest of—

“My sister is moving out of my grandpa’s place to an apartment on Saturday. Do you want to come help? We could use some muscles for the heavy lifting.” The way her appreciative gaze moved over his bicep made his chest expand even more.

“I’d be honored to help.” He met her gaze. “And to meet your family.”

She laughed. “You may not say that after you meet them. We can be a crazy bunch.”

“Hey, I grew up with seven siblings. I can do crazy.”

Her eyes grew larger. “Eight kids? Wow, that’s more than my sister has. Let me guess, you’re the oldest.”

He gave her a sideways grin. “Does it show?”

“A little, yeah.” She laughed again.

The delightful sound trickled into his ears and right down to his heart. This was how Nevaeh should always be. Happy and free.

He’d do whatever it took to keep her that way.

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