Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 57

Lia

I wasn’t prepared when I got this text from Michael. It made all my worries hit me at once.

Had I been right all along? Were my previous worries I thought, actually coming to fruition?

Michael had a right to know I feared his mate had been kidnapped. It was something I should’ve told him a long time ago, but I wanted to think the Rosewater Coven wouldn’t go to those levels.

To think… they might go so far as to kidnap an innocent pregnant woman just to fulfill some stupid blood oath they refused to let go of! It was something I’d never been able to wrap my mind around.

Hey, have you seen Gabi? She never came home after her appointment earlier today, and I’m starting to get worried. She said she was coming straight back, but it’s been hours. I thought maybe she stopped by your place or texted you instead, just to hang out for a bit or something. Have you heard from her at all? — M

No, I haven’t seen her or heard from her today. That’s weird. Did she mention anything about having plans afterward or meeting up with someone else? Maybe she just got caught up and lost track of time? – L

I don’t think so. She was pretty clear that she was coming right home after her appointment. You know how she is-she always checks in, even if she’s running a little late. That’s what’s freaking me out. It’s been hours now, and this isn’t like her at all. – M

Yeah… you’re right. That’s not like Gabi. But still, maybe there’s a logical explanation. Her phone could’ve died, or maybe she ran into someone she knew and got caught talking. Or what if her appointment just ran way longer than expected? Could she have mentioned something like that? — L

I don’t think so, Lia. She would’ve found a way to let me know. Even if her phone died, she could’ve borrowed someone else’s. That’s just how she is. I don’t know, something feels off about all this. I can’t shake this bad feeling I’ve had ever since I realized how late it was. It’s been bugging me for hours now. – M

M… I didn’t want to say this earlier, but… what if something bad happened? Like, not just her being late or losing her phone. What if it’s serious? – L

What do you mean? Serious how? – M

I don’t know, okay? I know it sounds crazy, but… what if she was taken or something? Like kidnapped? I keep trying to push the thought out of my head, but it just won’t go away. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, and I didn’t know how to say it. L

What?! Kidnapped? Are you serious? Why the hell would you even say something like that? That’s a huge thing to suggest, Lia! If you thought something like that, why didn’t you tell me sooner? — M

Because I didn’t want to scare you, okay? I thought I was just overreacting and being paranoid. I kept hoping I was wrong and that she’d show up any second. But now… I don’t know. I still hope I’m wrong, but it’s been too long, and I can’t stop thinking the worst. L

You should’ve told me the moment you felt like that! God, you can’t keep something like that bottled up, especially when it’s this serious. What if—what if something did happen, and we’re just sitting here doing nothing? — M

I know, I know. I’m so sorry. I just didn’t want to make you panic over what’s probably nothing. But you’re right… it’s been too long. It’s starting to feel wrong. — L

No, I’m the one overreacting. I’m probably just working myself up over nothing. She’s probably fine. Maybe she just forgot to text or got caught up with something harmless. She’ll probably walk through the door any minute now, and we’ll both feel ridiculous for worrying this much. – M

I hope you’re right. I do. But… if she doesn’t, maybe we should consider calling someone. Just to be safe? – L

Who do we even call? The police? Her doctor’s office? I don’t even know where to start, and every second we wait feels like it’s making things worse. – M

Start with the police, just to report her as missing. They might not act right away, but at least it gets things started. Maybe check with her doctor, too, in case she left anything behind at the appointment or mentioned something to them? – L

Okay, yeah. I’ll start there. I just… I feel so useless sitting here. Every time I hear a car outside, I think it’s her. And every time it’s not, it feels worse. – M

I get it. I do. Waiting like this is the worst. But you’re not useless, M. You’re doing everything you can, and I’ll help however you need me to. We’re not in this alone. L

Thanks, Lia. I’ll give it another hour, and if she’s not back by then, I’ll make the calls. Just… stay by your phone in case she shows up or we need to figure out what to do next. — M

Of course. I’m here for you. No matter what, we’ll figure this out. – L

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “Guys, I need to tell you something-something serious.”

Rain’s face tightened with concern. “Lia, what is it? You look pale-what’s going on?”

It sent chills down my spine. How the hell did they think it was all right for them to kidnap a woman who was pregnant and keep her?

The magical community wasn’t going to help us. I tried appealing to them saying that Gabi might be kidnapped, but nothing happened. They either weren’t reading my messages or truly didn’t care what their witches did.

“How is Michael doing?” Rain whispered, causing me to shake my head.

“He’s a fucking wreck. Didn’t you see him when he came in?”

My brother was here back under our roof. One of my mates was sitting with him, doing their best to calm him down. However, there wasn’t any way he was going to calm down with his mate and unborn baby out there.

I was powerless to do anything for my brother… my big brother who had always done his best to protect me for the most part. “Colby says I’m just going to make him more nervous and that I have to stay out of the room,” Rain said sadly.

As much as I didn’t want to banish Rain from the room, he did tend to overreact. Michael was already going through a lot and this was just going to push him further and further over the edge.

“He’s right, Rain. If you think you can calm down then go ahead and try to offer him some comfort, but right now he needs calmness and not chaos.”

Rain sunk beside me on the couch, pouting a bit. “I guess you’re right.”

“I am right, but you can keep me company and try to help me come up with something,” I offered.

He grinned. “Yes. Surely there is something we can do!”

I certainly hoped there was.