Page 51 of Born in Fire
His grip tightens on the phone, knuckles whitening. The threat is clear. They know about Elena, that she’s important to him.
“They’re taunting us,” I say, though what concerns me more is his reaction—too personal, too raw.
“Someone’s feeding them information,” he says, the implication hanging heavy between us.
“Caleb, we need to act. Now.”
He pushes away from the desk. “I’ll handle Elena,” he says finally.
Warning bells go off in my head. The way he says her name—like it physically hurts him—sets off every protective instinct I possess. Not for Elena, but for my brother. For the clan.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” I ask carefully. “You’re too close to this. To her.”
He shoots me a warning glance that would make most men step back. “She’s compromised our security. Exposed us. Do you have a better idea?”
I study him, noting the faint sheen of sweat on his brow, the slight tremor in his hands. If what I suspect is true, this must be killing him.
“Just… be careful,” I say. “Don’t let your emotions dictate your actions.”
He scoffs. “You sound like Dad.”
“Maybe he had a point,” I counter, ignoring the flash of pain his comparison triggers. “Emotions make us vulnerable.”
I see the memories wash over him—our father’s stern lectures, his warnings about attachments, his cold, calculating approach to leadership. “A leader must remain detached,” the old man used to drill into us. “Emotions cloud judgment and judgment is the key to survival.”
I believed that bullshit once. Maybe part of me still does. But watching Caleb now—seeing the conflict tearing him apart—I’m not so sure anymore.
“Dorian, I need you to manage things here,” he says abruptly, grabbing his coat. “There’s a clan meeting set within the hour. I want you to take it.”
“Me?” I can’t hide my surprise. Caleb never willingly hands over the reins, especially not for something this critical.
“You not up to it?” He cocks his head, the challenge unmistakable.
I snort, masking my concern with our usual competitive banter. “Of course I am. Just wondering if you’re ready to have your baby brother step into your shoes.”
“Have fun with that,” he scoffs. “While you’re at it, tighten security protocols, monitor any further leaks, and see if you can track down how Malakai’s gaining access.”
“That all?” I tilt my head, watching him closely. “What about this video?”
“Keep that on hold until I get back. I think it’s going to take some careful handling.”
“You don’t say,” I mutter. “Where are you going?”
“To the cabin.”
The cabin. Our family’s secluded retreat in the mountains. The place Caleb goes when he needs to think—or when he’s about to make a decision that will impact the entire clan.
“And what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to fix this.” The words sound hollow.
“If that’s possible, at this point,” I say, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice.
He gives a curt nod and exits the office, leaving me alone with the mess.
As the door closes behind him, something occurs to me. “Wait! Caleb!” I call after him, but the sound of the elevator doors pinging open tells me he’s gone. I call up his number and dial him.
“What?” he barks.
