Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 142

Rain

“Yeah, yeah.” I waved a hand. “But you’d miss me. Admit it.” Jesse didn’t respond, which honestly was its kind of victory.

Lia tilted her head, smirking. “So, what kind of dragon would you be, Rain? Let me guess-something loud and impossible to control?”

“Ouch, Lia.” I clutched my chest. “You wound me. But no. I’m a sleek, majestic dragon with an impeccable fashion sense. Probably glittery.”

“Glittery?” Colby asked, raising a brow.

“Of course. If I’m turning into a dragon, I’m going all out.” Matt snorted. “You’d be the most annoying dragon ever.”

“Maybe,” I admitted. “But I’d be your annoying dragon. You’re welcome.”

“You’re the worst,” Lia said, but she was still smiling-an honest, real smile that made everything feel a little less heavy. “And yet, here you all are, hanging out with me,” I pointed out. “I think that says more about you guys than me.”

Colby sighed. “You really can’t shut up, can you?” “Nope.” I popped the ‘p.’ “And you love it.”

Jesse shifted against the tree trunk, speaking without looking up. “No one loves it.”

I turned to Lia, lowering my voice like I was sharing a big secret. “He’s lying. He missed me earlier when I wasn’t talking.” “I did not,,, Jesse said flatly.

“See?” I grinned, throwing my hands in the air. “Denial. The classic sign of love.” Lia shook her head, laughter bubbling up again. “I can’t believe this is my life now.” “You love it too,” I teased, leaning closer. “Admit it.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.” “But fun,” I added, flashing her a wink.

And when she laughed again-laughed-I knew I’d done my job. For now, that was enough.

Colby crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow. “Okay, but really-what would you do if you did turn into a dragon?”

I thought about it for a second, then shrugged. “Honestly? Probably fly around and cause some chaos. Maybe steal some treasure, if that’s still a thing.”

“Knowing you,” Matt said with a dry laugh, “you’d probably just steal snacks.” “Not true,” I said, glancing at him. “I’d take the whole buffet.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Jesse muttered under his breath.

I gave him a pointed look. “I heard that, Jesse. And when I’m a glittery dragon, I’m going to steal your brooding hat. You can’t stop me.”

He barely even blinked. “I don’t wear a brooding hat.”

“Well, you should. And when I’m wearing it, you’ll know who’s boss.”

Lia sighed dramatically. “Could you at least make it a stylish hat? If you’re going full dragon, go all in.”

“Exactly,” I said, raising my hands like I was rallying the troops. “No half measures here. We’re talking full, fashionable chaos.”

Jesse tilted his head, a hint of curiosity sneaking into his gaze. “So, what’s your first move once you’ve turned into a glittery dragon, huh?”

I leaned back, folding my arms. “Well, obviously, I’ll show off for a bit. Maybe do some aerial acrobatics to show off my dragon skills.”

Lia snorted. “Because that’s not going to draw attention.”

“I’ll be a glittery dragon,” I said. “I’ll be impossible to ignore. Might as well embrace the spotlight.”

“Great,” Colby said, looking over at Jesse. “Now we’ve got a glittery dragon with an ego the size of a mountain.” Jesse smirked, looking between the two of us. “I think I’d rather deal with the ego than the actual dragon.”

I had some pleasant dreams, but some nights I would have dreams where Lia was getting hurt. The dragons were tearing her apart, making sure that she couldn’t fight back

It was scary.

When I woke up, Lia was awake and cooking at the fire. We were really roughing it, something I hated doing.

Even when I was a kid, camping sucked! For me, camping was one of those things that I wanted to avoid because I preferred four walls much like Matt.

Jesse could be comfortable everywhere and Colby didn’t care.

But we would be down the mountain and back in our car. It would be a relief to get the fuck away from here and go on to… wherever she wanted us to go.

“Hey Lia, have you had a vision yet?” I asked, causing her to blink. “No, why do you ask?”

“Uh well, so I can figure out where we are going to have to go soon.”

Lia shook her head. “It doesn’t work like that Rain but be patient and I’m sure one of those visions is going to hit me sooner rather than later.”

She looked distressed. I stood up and pulled her into a bear hug, burying my face in her hair. I think I started to hug her a little too tightly because she started to squirm in my embrace, trying to get free.

“Rain you’re going to kill me!” she rasped.

Grinning, I let her go. “Now who is the one being the drama queen, huh?”

Lia gave me a look but she had the widest smile on her face.