Page 58 of Born in Fire

“Thought you might need a drink,” I say, offering my flask. It’s one I’ve always kept on hand when I’ve wanted to irk him with another display of my lack of responsibility. Now it just feels like a foolish prop.

He shakes his head. “Not now.”

I fall into step beside him, studying his profile. “You looked like you were about to burst into flames back there.”

“Noticed that, did you?”

“Hard to miss when the temperature in the room rises ten degrees.”

We walk in silence for a moment before I gather the courage to speak the truth we’re both avoiding. This is about the woman. He’s fighting his feelings. And the more I watch him, the more I think this is a problem.

“You’re making a mistake pushing her away,” I say quietly.

He shoots me a sharp glance. “Stay out of it.”

“I can’t.” I stop, forcing him to face me. “You think I don’t recognize the signs? You’re tearing yourself apart.” As I say the words, I know they’re coming from a place I understand all too well. Right now, I feel like I’m being torn in a dozen different directions myself.

“Enough,” he warns.

I ignore him, pushing further. “Remember what happened to Dad? His isolation, his refusal to let anyone in—that’s what led to… what happened.” I don’t say the words “heart attack.” It’ll only set him off.

“This isn’t about him.”

“Isn’t it?” I meet his gaze directly. “The clan needs strength, Caleb. Not separation.” And right now, what he’s doing to himself is causing more tension than he realizes.

“I’m doing what’s necessary.”

“For whom? The clan—or your pride?”

His temper flares visibly. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” I step closer, thinking of Juno, of the connection I felt with her despite the short time I’ve known her. “You’re not the only one who’s ever cared about someone.”

“What do you mean?”

I hesitate, unwilling to expose my own vulnerability. “It’s not important. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re screwing this up.”

He grinds his teeth. “I have to protect the clan.”

“Maybe protecting the clan means accepting help. Accepting her.”

He turns away. “I don’t have time for this.”

As he checks his phone, his entire demeanor shifts. Fear flashes across his face—not for himself, but for someone else. For her.

“Shit,” he mutters.

I catch up to him. “What is it?”

“Malakai’s been spotted near the outskirts of the city.”

“Alone?”

“Unknown. But he’s too close for comfort.”

Something changes in his expression—a sudden alertness, like he’s hearing a sound no one else can detect.

“I need to check on something,” he says abruptly.

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