BROTHER'S REUNITED

"The propagandist's purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human.

— Aldous Huxley"

In an opulent corner of New York, far from the crowded city and nestled among rare greenery, a sprawling mansion stood shrouded in luxury and secrecy. The estate, surrounded by tall iron gates and patrolled by men in tailored suits, radiated an aura of power and exclusivity. A fleet of dark vehicles was parked near the mansion's entrance, their polished surfaces gleaming under the faint moonlight.

Inside, in a vast and luxurious bedroom, two figures lay in deep slumber on a king-sized bed. A beautiful blonde woman lay beside a man whose features, partially illuminated by the moonlight, bore a scar that only added to his dangerously handsome appearance. Gabriel Wayne, as he was known, was used to the serenity and silence that his home provided, far from the prying eyes of the city. But tonight, his sleep was restless.

Stirring awake, he opened his eyes, gaze sharpening immediately as he sat up in bed. He was careful not to disturb the woman beside him as he rose and moved across the room. Despite the dark, he moved with ease, his steps practiced and deliberate. He crossed to the bar at the far end of the room, his hand reaching instinctively for the whiskey and a glass. With a flick of his wrist, he poured a generous amount, watching the liquid swirl as he lifted it to his lips.

But before he could take a sip, a voice interrupted from the shadows near the doorway.

“You shouldn’t drink at night.”

Gabriel’s hand paused, whiskey glass hovering mid-air as a familiar yet strange voice from the doorway broke the quiet of the night. He slowly set the glass back down, his hand slipping toward the hidden gun under the bar.

“How did you get in here?” he demanded, voice tense and low.

A soft, amused chuckle came from the shadows. “Maybe it’s time you thought about a security upgrade.”

Gabriel spun, gun drawn, and his expression froze in shock as the lights flicked on, revealing a tall, muscular man with familiar features, untouched by any scar or sign of suffering. His mind raced to catch up with his eyes. Could it really be…?

“Wes?” Gabriel’s voice broke, disbelief softening his tone. “We thought you were dead.”

Wes took a step forward, hands raised slightly in a calming gesture, his expression a mix of relief and caution. “I know, Gabriel. It wasn’t something I could prevent. But I’m here now, and that’s what matters.”

Gabriel lowered the gun, his mind reeling with questions. “Where have you been all this time? What happened to you?”

Wes hesitated, gaze dropping briefly before he answered, voice quiet and guarded. “Some things aren’t meant to be known, Gabriel. I was where I was, and did what I had to do. That’s all I can say.”

Gabriel frowned but didn’t press further, though he made a mental note to revisit the topic later. For now, he was just relieved to have his brother back, standing in his home after all these years. He stepped forward, pulling Wes into a quick, tight embrace. The simple gesture spoke more than words.

As they pulled apart, the sound of movement behind them made them both turn. The blonde woman on the bed stirred, rubbing her eyes, clearly confused by the unexpected sight before her. She blinked as she tried to make sense of it, gaze shifting from Gabriel to Wes.

“Gabriel?” she murmured, her voice soft and uncertain. “Who… who is this?”

Gabriel gave her a small smile. “This is Wes, my brother.”

Her eyes widened slightly as she studied Wes, her gaze flickering between him and Gabriel as she took in the similarities. “Your brother? I thought your brother was dead…”

Wes offered a faint smile, but his eyes held a hint of sadness. “It’s… complicated.”

Gabriel gently reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s a long story. For now, all that matters is that he’s home.”

She nodded, still clearly processing it all, but she trusted Gabriel enough not to press for answers. Instead, she gave Wes a small, welcoming smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Wes nodded in return. “Likewise. And… sorry to drop in unannounced.”

A comfortable silence settled over the room as the three of them took in the moment, each processing in their own way. For now, Gabriel was content, though his mind was full of questions that would have to wait for another time. All he knew was that his brother was back, and whatever had kept him away, he was here now. That, for Gabriel, was enough—at least for tonight.

**

The night drifted into dawn as Gabriel and Wes sat in the spacious living room, caught in a long-overdue conversation. The room was shadowed in the dim, early light, and as hours passed, they spoke in low voices, weaving between memories of childhood, the years they’d lost, and tentative questions that Wes sidestepped when Gabriel probed too close.

As the first rays of morning filtered through the large windows, Gabriel’s men moved quietly through the mansion, and a few raised eyebrows as they noticed their boss deep in conversation with a man who looked remarkably like him. The maids, too, exchanged glances but wisely kept their questions to themselves, carrying out their duties in near silence.

Just after sunrise, Gabriel’s wife, Anna Boothe, stepped into the room. Anna was a striking woman, her features effortlessly captivating, framed by soft, honey-blonde hair that fell just past her shoulders. Her figure was full and graceful, her curves accented by the simple but elegant robe she wore. Her warm blue eyes softened as she took in her husband and the newcomer, lingering on Wes with a mixture of curiosity and faint surprise.

“You two have been at this all night,” she commented, crossing her arms and leaning against the door frame with a small smile.

Gabriel looked up and smiled, standing and reaching for her hand. “Anna, meet Wes—my brother.” Gabriel introduced officially this time.

Anna’s surprise deepened as she took in the resemblance between the two men. She stepped forward, offering Wes a welcoming smile and her hand. “Wes, it’s wonderful to meet you. Gabriel’s spoken about you often, though… I never thought I’d see you.”

Wes shook her hand, returning her smile. “I suppose I’m a bit of a ghost story around here. Nice to meet you too, Anna.”

With a warm laugh, Anna pulled her hand back. “Ghost story or not, it’s nice to know you’re real.”

Anna glanced between the two of them, then her gaze softened. “Can I get you both some coffee?”

“That’d be perfect,” Gabriel replied, sharing a quick look with Wes, who nodded in agreement.

“Make it three, then,” Wes added with a grin.

Anna gave a nod and disappeared into the kitchen, her figure graceful as she left. As the door swung shut, Wes turned back to Gabriel, his smile fading slightly.

“You married, Gabe? Never thought you’d be the type to settle down.”

Gabriel’s expression softened, and he took a deep breath. “I wasn’t. But… losing you, Wes, it was a dark time. She helped me through it. Gave me something to hold on to.” He paused, as though gathering his thoughts. “She pulled me back from a place I don’t think I could’ve come back from alone.”

Wes held his brother’s gaze, his expression unreadable. “She seems… incredible.”

“She is,” Gabriel said, a quiet pride in his voice. “I’m glad you’re here to meet her.”

Just then, Anna returned, carrying a tray with three cups of steaming coffee. She set it on the table with a small smile, casting a curious glance at the brothers as she handed them each a cup.

The three of them sat together, sipping their coffee, enjoying a moment of calm and familiarity. Though there were many things unsaid, Gabriel felt a sense of peace he hadn’t known in years. His brother was home, and the family he had built was finally complete—at least for now.

As the three of them enjoyed their coffee, the calm was interrupted by soft steps on the immaculate tiles. One of Gabriel’s men, dressed in a crisp black suit, stepped inside and cleared his throat.

“Sir, a reminder that you have a settlement meeting with the Grecos in an hour.”

Gabriel sighed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. “My brother’s here,” he replied, almost dismissively. “Tell the Grecos it’s postponed.”

Wes glanced at Gabriel, eyebrow raised. “Come on, Gabe. I don’t want to be the reason you put off your work. Go and handle it.”

Gabriel shook his head, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not leaving. I’d rather be here with you.”

Wes chuckled, a bit of the old mischief flashing in his eyes. “Then let me come along. Sounds like it could be… interesting.”

Gabriel hesitated, his protective instinct kicking in. This wasn’t exactly a meeting he wanted his little brother sitting in on. But as he studied Wes’s determined expression, he recognized a new resilience, something steely in his brother that he hadn’t seen before. He nodded, a small grin forming.

“Alright. If you’re sure,” Gabriel said, though there was a hint of unease in his voice. “Just… remain by my at all times”

Wes flashed him a confident smile. “I’ll be fine, Gabe.”

Gabriel rose, signaling to his man, who quickly nodded and stepped back out, already calling ahead to prepare the cars. As he turned back to Wes, he reached out, patting his shoulder firmly.

In a few minutes the two brothers were now dressed in crisp suits, Wes was now wearing a black well-fitted suit how it got prepared for him so quickly was beyond him. On the other hand, Gabriel was wearing a red suit, with a dark tee shirt under it.

“Stay close. The Grecos aren’t exactly the kind of people you can just charm over.” Gabriel once again worriedly said to his brother.

Anna stepped forward, giving Gabriel a look of concern as she straightened his suit. “You two be careful. And Gabriel, don’t go letting any old grudges get in the way of… diplomacy.”

Gabriel gave her a reassuring smile and kissed her cheek. “Always, love. We’ll be back soon.”

With that, the two brothers made their way to the waiting car, slipping into the backseat as they prepared for a meeting that would turn chaotic.