Page 46 of Inevitable Dream

“I’m sure he did, but he wasn’t equipped to handle what you had to unload. You need professional help,” Bull interjects.

“A psychiatrist?” Kane snorts. “I’m not crazy.”

“A counselor,” I say. “One who deals in trauma. Every one of us has seen a counselor, and we’re better off for it. There’s no shame in getting help.”

“It’s part of the process for joining Storm,” Falcon confirms. We’ve already explained to Kane what we do for a living, and his eyes lit up when we told him about searching for more men to expand our business.

“For how long?” Kane asks.

“Until you’re cleared. This is about getting you physically and mentally healthy. Once we know you’re ready, we bring you in to train with us. You’ll have brothers who will work with you and will have your back,” Falcon tells him.

“We’ll also call you on your bullshit and keep your head straight,” I finish.

“Your choice, Kane. We hope you make the right one,” Wire says.

Falcon hands Kane a card with his number. As we’re heading for the door, Kane calls out, “I want in.”

We stop, and Falcon says, “I’ll be here to pick you up when you’re released tomorrow to take you to the veteran’s hospital. This will work, if you want it.”

Kane nods, and we leave.

“Do you think he’ll make it?” I ask.

“We’ve extended the invitation. The rest is up to Kane,” Falcon answers.

“I’m going to go find Sadie,” I tell the guys.

“We’ll hitch a ride back with Phoenix and Bull,” Wire says.

“I’ll meet you back at Storm.” I give them a two-finger salute and head down the hall.

Sadie

I keep scanning the halls for Rebel, wanting to know how it went with Kane. Kane seems like a good man who went off track. I know I shouldn’t harbor such high hopes, but I do. I didn’t expect them all to show up today, but I’m glad they did. I was happy to see Wire. It’s been a while, and he seems much calmer than the last time we spoke.

An arm sneaks around my waist, making me jump. “Rebel, how did I not see you?” I blurt, catching my breath. “You nearly scared the life out of me.” I place my hand on my heart.

He chuckles and whispers in my ear, “Do you have a few minutes to get caught up?”

I glance up at the wall clock over the nurses’ station. “I’ve got fifteen minutes before shift,” I tell him. We move to a quiet space, and Rebel tells me the plan for Kane.

“Don’t get too excited, babe. Kane has the best intentions, but he has his work cut out for him. Counseling is necessary, but he’s going to fight it. We all do. We’ve been trained not to show emotion because it’s a sign of weakness. It’s ingrained in us, and Kane is going to have a hard time of it at first. But if he follows through and gets the help he needs, we’ll be waiting on the other side. Falcon will be his contact, but he’ll have all our numbers so that if he needs to talk, one of us will pick up,” he says and goes on to add, “This can take weeks or months. We’re taking one day at a time. In the end, he may not want to work in Storm, and that’s cool, as long as he finds the path that works for him.”

“Thanks for doing this. I’m not sure why, but I know Kane is a good man, and I knew you guys would get through to him.” I give him a light kiss on the lips.

He deepens the kiss, his tongue exploring, and I melt into him. Rebel breaks our kiss, “Jesus, babe, when does your shift start again?” he asks. I’m about to respond when his phone rings. He looks at the screen and sees that Jessica is calling. “Shit! My sister.”

Instantly, he picks up, but before he can get a word in, Jessica goes off on a rampage. “Jasper Rebel Hanes, it’s been over a month since you last called. Now, I know you’re all badass and shit, but that does not mean you don’t check in with your family every now and again. That’s just wrong. And furthermore, Janie is just as worried, only more patient. I have none left; therefore, you need to talk to me.”

“Hey, sis, been a little busy, but you’re right. I should have called,” Rebel replies quietly.

“Sure! Agree with me! That knocks the wind out of my sails,” she huffs.

“I’m seeing a good woman, Jessica. Sadie makes me happy,” he tells her, and as crazy as it sounds, I can almost feel Jessica relax.

“Really?” she breathes hopefully.

Rebel looks at me but speaks into the phone. “Sweet as sugar and as beautiful as the sunrise.”

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