Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 59

Colby

There was even more reason for us to find a leader now that one of our own was missing.

It was still hard to believe they had taken Gabi. I thought about her the first thing when I woke up and before I went to bed.

I was going to bring it up when we all gathered around to eat breakfast. Michael refused to come out of his room so it was just the five of us.

“We need to talk about the leader thing,” Lia said, arms crossed.

I don’t like the sound of that. When someone says they want to talk it’s a bad idea. Plus, we were talking about who was going to be the pack leader. This means Lia thinks we’ve come to a consensus.

How have we come to a consensus when I haven’t even decided who should be the leader of the pack yet? Michael would be a good option.

He’s excellent and I know he’s been going through it lately but he’s still perfect for the role.

Rain shrugged. “Yeah? What’s there to talk about? It’s Colby. Or we could flip a coin if you want it fair.”

My head snapped up. “Wait, what?”

Matt nodded. “Rain’s right.”

“No. Not. Why me?”

Jesse leaned back against the wall, arms folded. “Because you’re the natural choice.”

Lia tilted her head. “You keep us together, Colby. You always have. Remember last summer when everything was falling apart? You were the one who held us together.”

“I” My voice cracked. “I’m not-“

Rain grinned. “Yes, you are. Who steps in when things get heated?”

“Who keeps us from killing each other?” Matt added.

I shook my head. “Guys, seriously, I—”

“Who has the most experience leading a pack?” Jesse’s voice was calm, sure. “You. And don’t forget the hiking trip, Colby. We would’ve been lost without you.”

Lia softened. “We trust you. And it’s not just about leading. You care, Colby. That’s what makes you different.”

I felt the heat crawl up my neck. “I’m not… I can’t lead. I’m not like Michael.”

Rain smirked. “He is great, but come on, he still thinks socks and sandals are a fashion statement.”

“You’re better,” Rain said quietly. “No offense to your Michael, but you’re better with people. You make sure everyone feels heard.”

Matt nodded. “You listen. Listen. That’s what we need.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “This is insane.”

“It’s true,” Jesse insisted. “You’re already leading. This just makes it official. We’re all behind you.”

Lia took a step closer. “We choose you, Colby. Please. We need you.”

I looked around at them, their earnest faces, and felt my resistance waver. “Alright… but you all have to have my back. No exceptions.”

Rain grinned. “Deal.”

I wanted to listen to reason but… I was nervous. So fucking nervous.

A lot was riding on this. Our entire pack’s future was riding on this!

Later, Jesse approached me and grabbed my shoulder.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

I balked. “What you want to go for a walk now?”

“Yes, why not?”

“I mean, we do have a coven-”

He shook his head. “No, we don’t. The coven has kidnapped Gabi so they aren’t even going to be bothering with us, are they?”

“No, you have a good point.”

“Of course I do. I always have a good point.”

Yeah, I loved him but he was my best friend and packmate. What else did you expect?

***

Lia

I needed to tell Simone. She had been nagging me about who we were considering making the pack leader and now we finally made a decision!

For a brief moment, I felt like Colby was going to turn us down, but the talk with Jesse seemed to help. He was ready to accept the position and seemed pretty damn excited about it.

Hey, Simone. We finally decided on the pack leader. It took longer than I expected, but we all agreed after a lot of debate. -L Oh? Who did you guys end up picking? I’ve been wondering how that was going to go. -S

We decided to nominate Colby. I think he’s a really good choice, honestly. He’s steady, level-headed, and listens to everyone before making decisions. -L

Colby? Wow. Yeah, that makes sense. He’s always been the calm one when things get heated. Are you happy with the choice? -S Definitely. I love my two mates, but honestly… they’re kinda lacking in the brains department sometimes. They’re amazing in their ways, but Colby’s just got the leadership thing down better. He thinks before he acts. -L

LOL, I get that. Colby has that whole wise and collected vibe. Your other two… not so much in the thinking before the acting department, huh? -S

Exactly! I mean, I adore them, but sometimes they’re all muscle and heart, no strategy. Colby balances that out, which is what we need right now with everything going on. -L

Yeah, especially with all the tension lately. Stability is key. Sounds like you guys made the right call. How’s the rest of the pack taking it? -s

So far, no drama, thank the moon. I think everyone’s relieved to have some clarity. Plus, Colby’s earned everyone’s respect over time. He’s always been a peacemaker. -L

That’s awesome. I’m proud of you, Lia. You’re handling all this way better than I would. -S

Thanks, Simone. Honestly, having you to vent to has kept me sane. I’m just hoping this settles things for good. -L

It will. And you know I’m always here for you, girl. Hang in there. You’ve got this. -S

Thanks, Simone. Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without you. -L

Always got your back, Lia. Talk soon, okay? -S

Definitely. Talk soon. -L