Page 108 of Entangled

I consider him. I’m not insensible to how dire our outlook is, but Dominic is repeating problematic patterns here.

“Try to examine the language you just used,” I urge. “Can you identify any concerns we’ve discussed in the past?”

The mulish look he gives me in return belongs on a toddler.

“I’m not talking to you as my head doctor, Jasper.”

He’s asking... as a friend. How novel.

I incline my head. “Fine. You said ‘how amImeant to provide’ and ‘how doIkeep them safe.’ Why do you insist on shouldering sole responsibility for these problems? We have a community of people here with a fantastic range of skills.”

His brows lower, and he stares at me hard. “I’m captain. They’re coming back to Bristlebrook, whereIlead. I have the most training—the best chance of keeping them safe.”

We’ve had variations of this argument over the years, and while it was only myself and the Ranger squad at Bristlebrook, there seemed little reason to push the point. But it’s different now. These civilians change everything.

When we first left for Bristlebrook over four years ago, amid all the chaos and strikes and panic, we gathered everyone we could who needed our help. Too many for just four Rangers. When we were attacked by those raiders and that child died, it hit us all hard. But I think part of Dominic died then too.

He already had a habit of shouldering too much blame, but after that incident, it became problematic. Sam’s attempted coup, the civilians leaving, Heather leaving, all of the following events only confirmed his own bias—that he needs to do more, be better... and that if anything fails, it’s his fault. Never mind how many of us are here, ready to share the burden.

Enough is enough.

“Dominic, you wanted me to be frank with you and so I will be. You are not the civilians’ leader—Heather is. They chose her, and while I question their taste, it is their decision to make.”

He crosses his arms, the trenchant set to his jaw digging in.

I continue in the same firm tone. “You may be best positioned to organize our defense, but that doesn’t provide you with the skills or qualifications to lead a community.”

“There has to be someone ultimately in charge, Jasper. I can’t have them second guessing when to follow me or when to follow Heather, especially with an attack coming,” Dominic argues—though I notice a moment’s hesitation.

Like, for once, he might be thinking twice about my words.

“That is a very... militaristic.. . point of view,” I say delicately.

His eyes flash, like gold in a pan. “We’re living in a militaristic world.”

“Hmm.” I give him a long look, then murmur, “Is that the world you want?”

He falls quiet, staring at me. Tension brackets his mouth, and I feel for him. It would be nice if I could unburden him the way he helped unburden me. At least a little.

This will take a while to sink in, I think.

“You grew up in a very particular environment, Dominic. One that was centered around duty and responsibility. You take too much on. Consider whether another option might be possible here.”

Military base after military base. Two dedicated military parents, each taking years-long tours during his childhood. It’s hardly a wonder that he and Beaumont latched onto one another like long-lost soul brothers, meeting when they did.

“Eden said something to me before everything went down at Bristlebrook.” Dominic frowns. “She said that I needed to stop treating her like a soldier.”

He looks perplexed enough that I stifle my amused smile. Brave submissive.

“She may enjoy being treated as a person. You might find that many of us do,” I say instead, as mildly as I can, but his acerbic look tells me he caught the undertone anyway. I try again. “Talk to her like you would Beaumont. You’re quite open with him. Relaxed. Perhaps try askingbeforeordering.”

“Asking,” he repeats heavily.

I can’t stop my amusement showing now. “It does marvelous things.”

“Were we always this much of a mess? Or is it all just going to hell? I feel like we’re all at breaking point lately.”

I turn back toward camp, and he follows my lead for a change. A small start.

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