Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 34

Lia

I was unsure of what to do with myself now that I wasn’t in school. In a matter of weeks, I would be starting college soon and I was thrilled. In a few years I would be on my way to becoming a teacher, a profession I always wanted to go into.

The guys were on their way to graduating. With their big game this weekend followed by a graduation a week after, they would be moving on to their careers. I know they all hoped they were going to be drafted. It’s all they had talked about for years. A day didn’t go by they didn’t bring it up.

Sighing softly, I looked around at the guys who had joined me for a movie. There was a bit of an argument over who would sit with me, but we worked it out. I made it clear no possessive crap around me or that there was going to be problems.

Rain asked me point blank if I would be coming to the game. I gave him a look, causing him to blink.

“What, why are you looking at me like that? I just want to know if you’re coming.”

“Rain, of course, I’m going. This is the last game of your college career and will determine if you win the championship. Why wouldn’t I go?”

He grinned. “I just wanted to make sure.”

Later that night, I reached out to Simone to see if I could get her to go with me. No reason, but I didn’t want to go alone. Besides, Rugby was big in our town. Wouldn’t she want to support our college rugby time?

Hey, Simone, are you free this Saturday? – L

Let me think… Hmm, no plans to change the world, no secret ball to crash. Yep, I’m free. Why? – S

There’s a game. Michael and… the guys are playing. It’s their last one before graduation. – L

“The guys”? Lia, just call them what they are-your mates. – S

Fine. Michael and my mates are playing. – L

There it is! Look at you own it. – S

I’m trying, okay? – L

Trying? Girl, you’re practically glowing whenever they’re around. I’ve noticed. S

Stop exaggerating. But… I guess I do feel more comfortable with them now. It’s weird, but the connection feels… right. – L

It’s not weird; it’s fate. You’re finally accepting your pack, and I’m here for it. They’re not bad, Lia. – S

I know. They’re actually… kind of amazing when they’re not being total pain. They’ve been sweet lately, especially with the whole ceremony aftermath. – L

See? I told you they’d step up. Alphas take care of their omegas-it’s what they do. – S

It’s still overwhelming sometimes, though. I mean, four mates. Who gets four mates?! – L

You do. Don’t fight it. Lean into it. – S

That’s what I’m trying to do, which is why I want you to come to the game with me. It’ll be nice to have you there for moral support. – L

Moral support? Lia, you’ve got four rugby players and alpha-mate cheerleaders. How much more support do you need? – S

They’re not cheerleaders; they’re players! And having you there will keep me from freaking out when the crowd inevitably stares at me. – L

Oh, they’ll stare. But not because of you. It’s because your guys are literal stars. They’re not going to be looking at you like, “ Why is Lia here?” They’re going to be thinking, “Wow, look at the lucky girl with the coolest mates ever.” – S

You’re ridiculous. – L

And you love me for it. I wouldn’t miss this for anything, Lia. What time is the game? – S

Starts at 3. But comes over earlier so we can head there together. I don’t want to walk in alone. – L

Got it. I’ll bring coffee. You handle the tickets. – S

Thanks, Simone. Seriously, you’re the best. – L

Always. Now, question—what are you wearing? Because if you don’t have something cute planned, we need to fix that ASAP. – S

The five of us, including Michael, had a talk about what would happen if one or more of us got drafted and the others didn’t. Michael, being the well-spoken guy he was, said it wouldn’t matter at all.

It started off as shaky. We weren’t on our A game so during the second half we had to hurry up and get back to form.

But the pressure was on.

I took a particularly hard tackle from the other side. It knocked me to the ground, taking my breath away but I was back on my feet. People’s cheers were filling the air but I tuned them out. My focus was entirely on doing right by my team.

When we got to the finale, I tensed.

This was it.

I shared a look with Matt who grinned at me. It was one of those rare times when Matt was smiling. He was always like that during games. Matt came alive during these moments, much to my amusement.

A laugh bubbled out of my throat, my reliance growing.

The last few seconds of the game were tense but we came out winners. I remember standing there, shocked that we had won the championship. All our hard work hadn’t been for nothing. Doing this for years and years got us somewhere. It made us and our school champions.

Lia and Simone rushed down. When Lia came to me, I kissed her in front of everyone. She tensed for a moment but melted into the kiss right away. The other guys had done the same so I wasn’t going to miss out on the opportunity either.

If Lia had pushed me away or given me any sign that she didn’t want me to touch her, I would’ve backed off right away.

“Congratulations,” she whispered, her cheeks heating up.

I grinned down at her. “Thanks.”

This was a high that I didn’t want to ever go away. Imagine that all our hard work for years had finally gotten to this point.

The party we were going to afterward was going to be well worth it. I’d be hanging out with my teammates, packmates, and my future mates.