Lia
The search wasn’t going very well. We were sitting here at night after a long day of searching, crowded around the flat screen in the room watching some movie. I wasn’t even paying much attention to it. It was some cheesy rom-com that couldn’t keep my interest.
All that mattered was being able to sit there with my mates.
Then the words Emergency Broadcast Announcement flashed across the screen. Avery nervous-looking news announcer sat there, trembling behind the desk
“This is an emergency alert from the National Emergency Broadcast System. We interrupt this program for an urgent announcement.”
“At approximately 8:42 PM, a sudden and unprovoked attack by rogue dragon shifters was reported in multiple locations. Authorities confirm significant structural damage, fires, and civilian casualties. Emergency response teams are being dispatched to affected areas.”
“All residents are urged to seek immediate shelter. Avoid open areas, remain indoors, and secure all entry points. Do not attempt to engage with the rogue shifters. If you witness an attack, contact emergency services immediately.”
“Reports indicate that the rogue shifters appear to be highly organized and aggressive, making it difficult for local law enforcement to respond effectively. Special task forces and trained dragon shifter units are being mobilized to combat the threat.”
“Residents are advised to remain in secure locations until further notice. If you are in an area that has been directly impacted, stay low to the ground, keep all windows and doors closed, and do not attempt to flee unless instructed by authorities. The situation is fluid, and emergency personnel will provide evacuation routes as needed.”
“Initial assessments indicate that the rogue shifters possess enhanced abilities, including fire breathing and extreme physical strength, making them a significant threat to public safety. Authorities are working to establish safe zones, but it is advised that you stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement.”
“Reports from survivors indicate that the rogue shifters are targeting infrastructure, particularly energy grids and transportation hubs, to disrupt communication and escape routes. Power outages have been reported in several areas, and ongoing blackouts are expected.”
“Due to the escalating situation, certain areas have been declared no-go zones. Do not attempt to travel unless instructed by authorities. Keep emergency supplies on hand, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries. Stay informed via official channels and follow all advisories issued by local law enforcement.”
“Further updates will follow as the situation develops. Emergency response teams are prioritizing high-risk areas, but they caution that the scale of the threat may overwhelm local resources for the time being.”
“Additional reports indicate that the rogue dragon shifters may have gained access to military-grade weapons and are using them to enhance their attacks. Authorities are currently investigating how these shifters obtained such equipment. Special measures are being put in place to protect critical assets, but further escalation is a real possibility.”
“Due to the unpredictability of this situation, it is vital that all residents remain on alert for any signs of further attacks. Local authorities are advising that all non-essential activities be suspended until the threat is contained. All residents are urged to keep communications open with loved ones, but avoid unnecessary travel to reduce the risk of exposure to danger.”
“Stay tuned to official channels for ongoing instructions. This is not a drill. Protect yourself and your loved ones at all costs. Remain calm and follow all safety measures. We will get through this together.”
“Fuck,” Jesse hissed.
He said what everyone was thinking.
I couldn’t believe that more had woken up and were attacking, but the way the news was talking about them didn’t sit right with me. They were making it sound like they were organized. From Colby’s conversation with that dragon shifter he spoke with weeks ago, it was clear they were confused and scared.
Some were to be feared, but I did not doubt that some of the chaos they were causing was because they were scared. A part of me felt for them. They woke up in a world that they didn’t understand, but they still posed a danger to us. It was why we had to put them back to sleep or prevent the rest of them from waking up.
“What do we do?” Rain blurted out, sounding panicked. “Should we grab our weapons and go fight them?” Matt rolled his eyes. “Yes, let’s go ahead. We’ll grab our pitchforks and torches before we go attack them.” “I was thinking we use more modern weapons,” Rain muttered. “But yeah, that’s what I was thinking!”
Colby shook his head. “Guys, we’re not going to attack anyone. They will manage to handle the dragon shifters. What we have to do is find the Rosewater Coven and find out how to keep the rest of those dragons asleep.”
I sighed. “Colby is right, Rain. I understand the urge to go out and defend our home.”
It was an innate urge to want to protect your home. Rain was right about that, but we couldn’t get distracted from our goal: finding the Rosewater Coven.
“I’ll check in with Tegan and see if she’s heard anything,” Rain said after a while.” “I’ll do the same with my mentor.”
“Go sleep in the tub,” I told him, giving him a knowing smirk “There is some spare blankets and pillow on the couch there so use them.”
Rain sat up in bed, gaping at me. Then he turned to Lia, pouting.
“Lia, you’re not going to send me, your favorite mate, to the tub, are you?”
She looked between the two of us, obviously torn between two of her mates. I hated putting her in this position, but the fact of the matter was that Rain was keeping both of us awake. He either had to stop moving (which he wouldn’t), or the two of us had to leave the bed.
Next time we were going to spring for a room with three beds. Or at least a pull out couch. The couch was too small for Rain to sleep on. At least the tub was big enough.
“Rain, go sleep in the rub.”
With a huff, he climbed out of bed and grabbed the spare pillows and blankets. When I checked on him in the morning, Rain was fast asleep. He looked pretty comfortable in the bed, all spread out and enjoying all the room he had.
I chuckled, taking a picture on my phone. The shutter went off, but he didn’t wake up. Rain just kept snoring loudly, muttering things under his breath.
“Rain, wake up!,, I shouted, causing him to complain under his breath. His eyes snapped open. “Is it morning already?”
“Yes, and get up unless you want me to turn the cold water on,,, I playfully warned.
Rain scrambled out of the tub, nearly falling over in the process. I stifled my laughter, not wanting to rub it in.
It was at moments like this that I realized how good we had it.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates