Chapter Eight

Zach

The meeting with his right hands, as well as the council of his family, went well, he thought, as he walked to his office to make a phone call to his brother.

They had all agreed to help their neighboring family, but they also came up with some ideas for an attack on the encroaching thugs that might be a rival family. He was glad that he could inform his brother and tell him the good news.

And the meeting did distract him from the whole destined thing.

“Zach.” He heard Jackson’s voice call him from behind.

He turned around to face his brother. “Yeah?”

“Where are you going? Can I walk with you?”

“Sure. I am heading for my office to call Adrian,” Zach answered.

“Can I ask you a question?” Jackson asked.

Zach smiled. “You’ve just asked me one.”

“Stop teasing.” Jackson smiled as well. “What was your ‘little’ tantrum earlier about? Ethan said something about a destined?”

Zach opened the door to his office and let Jackson in. He stepped in after Jackson and dropped down in his leather chair, stretching his legs and arms like a lazy cat.

“Well, I sensed my destined. I have not seen her, but I knew she was there. I just knew. I had heard that a destined love has this kind of power on our instincts, but this was the first time I felt it. Then it was like she disappeared into thin air.”

Zach sighed. He was finally a little bit okay with it, and now he had to talk and think about it again. “It’s frustrating, you know.”

“You could’ve talked to me,” Jackson said, a bit hurt that his brother was not comfortable enough with him to talk about the things that were on his mind.

“I know, but I really don’t want to talk about it too much. I am calm now, so let’s keep it that way.”

“I guess, you’re right.” Jackson turned around, disappointed, to walk out of the office.

But Zach knew his little brother—he knew something was bothering Jackson. “What is it?” he asked.

“Nothing.” Jackson opened the door and walked out.

“I know there is something. I am your big brother for a reason,” Zach said. “Come back and spit it out.”

Jackson turned back around, closed the door, and stood in front of the desk, right in front of Zach.

“You don’t trust me! I may be only eighteen, but I have been through far more stuff than most people! I am no child you have to protect! I can handle the truth!”

“You’re upset that I didn’t tell you? Jackson, I would’ve talked to you, but you weren’t there. Ethan just happened to be there. If you were there instead of Ethan, I would’ve talked to you. I am sorry if you feel ignored.”

“Still, it is not the first time you’ve left me out of things. I am an adult now. You can’t shut me out! You are not the only son of a boss!”

“Then I suggest you act like one. Take some responsibility instead of flirting with the girls all day.”

“And what should I do, according to you? Do you have any suggestions? Cause all the positions I qualify for are already taken. I can’t be the boss, cause you already are.

“I can’t be second, or third, or even fourth, cause those positions are already taken. I can’t be head soldier, cause we already have a head soldier. What do you want me to do? I am stuck!”

“Train, and train hard, walk with me to gain experience, get yourself on the chores list—to name some things you can do. Start low and grow, and you will be on top in no time. You just have to have the will to work for it.

“You are sounding like a spoiled brat! You can’t just expect to start on top. You have to start low, just like everyone else!”

“But you did not start at the bottom! You started at number one! Why can’t I?”

“Sit down and let me tell you something.” Zach was starting to get mad at his brother—who did he think he was?

Jackson sat down, realizing he may have taken it too far.

“Listen carefully to what I tell you right now. When I was eleven, I started to do little chores around the house. Not because I wanted to, but because Dad told me to.

“He wanted me to do all the chores that there are in this house so that by the time I took over his position, I would know what I was talking about. So yes, I started at the very bottom, with the dirtiest jobs.

“Besides that, I went to school just like everyone else. Then, when I experienced all the chores there were, my boss training started. Again, I went to school all day, but after that, I got some more lessons and work to do.

“I barely had any free time left. When I was about fourteen, Dad reduced the boss training, and let me train with the strongest soldiers of the family. And they were not allowed to hold back. I still went to school every day.

“And every day I was sore. I had bruises because of the heavy training. In the beginning, I would collapse after fifteen minutes. And if I refused, if I told Dad no, he would use his whip on my back.

“He had a reason. He wanted me to get used to pain, so if I was kidnapped or being tortured, I would be able to handle it. So that I would not give in to my enemies. And when I was your age?

“I took over the family because I had to. Because that was expected of me. I did not have any free time, I still don’t. Sometimes five minutes here and there. Dad put a heavy load on me.

“But he did that so that I would be experienced. He did all that, so I knew what I was getting into once the time came. And you know what—I was prepared.”

Jackson was quiet as he looked at the floor. He’d had no idea what his brother had been going through all this time.

“Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t want your pity. I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I am grateful that our father did put me through it all. I have learned so much.

“But don’t come in here whining because you have to do a simple chore. Your life ain’t so hard—look around, others are having a more difficult time than you.

“Now, out. Think about what I told you. I have to call your brother.”

“I will, Zach. See you later, Zach.” Jackson got up, walked quietly to the door, and looked over his shoulder. “Sorry for snarling at you.”

“It’s alright. Don’t be such a brat. Think before you say something. Now get out—I need to call Adrian.” As soon as Jackson closed the door, Zach leaned back in his chair and sighed.

He was tired of his little brother’s mood swings. He had to grow up, and fast! He picked up his phone and dialed Adrian’s number to talk about the growing threat.

He told his brother what the conclusion was of the meeting with his leaders, and they agreed that Adrian would come as soon as possible to their compound to make a plan of action.

A little later, he got a call from security.

“Boss, do you have people at work at the eastern border?”

“No, I don’t. I know nothing about activities in that area. Why?”

“Then I think I’ve come across some intruders.” The guard sounded worried.

“Wait, it could be my brother Adrian with his entourage. Stop them. You know Adrian. If it’s him, you let him through and send him to the compound. If it’s not him, you catch him and bring him in for questioning.”

“On it, boss.”

Zach walked out to the east to see who had crossed the border.

“It is your brother, sir, with his destined. He is on his way to the compound.”

“Well done. Keep up the good work.” Zach jogged to his SUV to pick up his brother.

“Big brother of mine! How are you? Still playing the role of lonely bachelor?” Adrian greeted his brother when Zach stepped out of his SUV. They gave each other a hug and patted each other’s backs.

“Long time no see.” Zach smiled and walked to his sister-in-law to give her a hug as well. “How are you guys? Rose, you are looking great, as always.”

“Don’t flirt with my destined, man, get your own.” Adrian smiled; he loved teasing his brother. They put the little luggage they had in the trunk and got in the car. Adrian got in next to Zach as Zach started the car.

“We are doing fine. Actually, we have some great news to tell you. You will be an uncle in a couple of months.”

“What? Rose, you are pregnant? That’s awesome! I am so happy for you guys! Let’s get home and get you guys settled in. Dinner should be ready in about an hour.

“After dinner, I’ll get the guys together to talk about some serious stuff.”

“Sounds good, bro.”