Page 15 of Cole's Command
“I still haven’t seen one,” Draco arched a brow as he stared at Balthazar.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Balthazar retorted, taking the bait immediately. “If you’re inferring Cherie’s making it up, then you’re forgetting one thing: I saw the chimera that night, too.”
“I’m just saying no one else has seen it.” Draco’s nonchalant tone was exacerbated by his lazy smile.
It was just like the old days. Draco sensed a weakness the way sharks sense blood in the water, and whether Balthazar liked to admit it or not, Cherie had become his new Achilles heel. It gave Draco the kind of opportunity he adored—a chance to exploit that weakness and irritate the hell out of Balthazar in the process. One glance at his eldest brother assured Cole that it was working, Balthazar’s reddening face and balling hands proved the point.
“Don’t rise to it, Balthazar.” Cole sighed, already seeing where the squabble could end if one of them didn’t come back from the brink. Balthazar was usually a careful and considered man, but Cole had seen Draco tempt Bal into violence on more than one occasion. It was never pretty.
“You’re right.” Squeezing his eyes closed for a moment, Balthazar retreated and turned toward the kitchen area. “He’s not worth it.”
“That’s not actually what I said,” Cole grumbled. “It would just be good not to fall out. That’s all.”
“You know I’m only tugging at your wing, brother.” Draco’s laughter was cold as he rose from his seat and pursued Balthazar. “You’re in love, and I’m happy for you.”
“Yeah, thought so.” Balthazar sounded unconvinced, but the glass of water he’d almost drained seemed to have washed away some of his anger. “Cherie’s really shaken up. I’m thinking about finding a decent therapist for her, but with everything that’s gone on, I just haven’t had the chance.”
“I know a good therapist.” Cole regretted the words at once, but as they left his lips, it was already too late. He hadn’t been thinking straight, and now he’d let the cat out of the bag.
“Oh, yeah?” Draco seized on the error, his blue stare boring into Cole. “Since when?”
“I didn’t know you were in therapy.” Concern radiated in Balthazar’s voice. “Is everything all right, Cole?”
“Everything’s fine.” Shit, why did I mention it? Balthazar had been trying to play Cole’s surrogate father ever since Michael had passed on. “I just thought it was time I got myself together, that’s all.”
“Hey, well done.” Admiration shone in Balthazar’s eyes. “It takes a man to admit that.”
“Yeah, well.” Cole glanced between his two gawking brothers. “I’m not sure if you’ve both noticed, but I am one.”
“Message received.” Balthazar put down his glass and crossed the room to stand by Cole. Peering up at his brother, Cole dreaded to think what he was going to say, but the serious look in his eyes told him that he was about to find out. “But if you ever just want a friendly chat, then I want you to know I’m always here for you.”
“Except when he’s fucking.” Draco’s cynical expression came into view behind Balthazar.
“Oh, for the sake of the gods, Draco,” Balthazar huffed, although his lips formed into a smile. “Can’t you just give it a rest?”
“Absolutely not,” Draco confirmed. “If I did, who would take over my role as the blonde, brooding one with the wicked sense of humor?”
Cole’s gaze glanced from one sibling to the next. “I think we’d probably manage.”
“Fat chance,” Draco smirked. “You guys love me, and you know it.”
Balthazar and Cole watched as Draco strutted out of the door to grab a breath of fresh air on the veranda.
“He’s a nightmare,” Balthazar muttered.
“Yes,” Cole agreed. “But he’s right. We do love him.”
“Sometimes.” Balthazar shook his head, his concentration falling back to Cole. “Listen, Cole, I meant what I said. I’m here for you.”
“I know, thanks.” Cole rose to his full height, now at least an inch taller than Balthazar. “I just wanted to speak to a professional, that’s all.”
“Understood.” Balthazar nodded. “Do you think they have space for Cherie?”
“Maybe,” Cole replied. “There are three therapists. But how is Cherie going to explain what she saw without arousing suspicion?”
“I think she should leave out the part where Monroe shifted,” Balthazar chuckled. “Don’t you?”
“Probably for the best,” Cole concurred with a grin. “Hang on, I’ll send you the details of the clinic.” Reaching for his phone, he searched for Eden’s office number and sent them to Balthazar. “There you go.”