Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 64

Rain

My dad’s records were what helped me learn the name of the clan my family used to belong it. They were the Nightshade Eclipse, an impressive name for what was a clan that went back centuries. I was shocked to learn that, but thrilled. It was exactly what we needed.

If they were this old then they had to know some ancient vampiric magic that we would be able to use to help our situation. Jesse must’ve heard me hollering in excitement because he burst into the room, holding… a spiked bat.

“Jesse, my dude, where the hell did you get that bat?”

“I made it,” he said, eyes darting around the room. “What is going on? I heard you shouting.”

I coughed. “It was shouts of excitement, Jesse. I just learned the name of the clan my family used to belong to!”

Jesse closed the distance between us, looking me in the eyes. I balked, taking a few steps back until I hit the wall.

Fuck I was trapped with Jesse who looked mad. It was hard to tell with him but when you could tell it meant you should run for the hills and hide out until the end of time.

“Rain, I thought you were hurt. Don’t do that again.”

“Next time I’ll say I’m screaming because I’m excited.”

Jesse pinched the bridge of his nose.

Lately, everyone was on edge. We weren’t biting each other’s heads off, but tempers were short and people on edge. I know that if I had heard one of our pack members shouting my mind would’ve drifted to the worst scenario possible.

But I was fine, adding to Jesse’s frustration and relief.

“Fine,” Jesse told me. “Make sure you text everyone on the group chat to let them know that we found the clan.”

I frowned. “Should we tell Michael given what happened?”

I was still pissed that Michael had done something so stupid. Around here I was known as the spacey one who tended to react first and then ask questions later, but even Michael’s actions were too much for me. He could’ve gotten himself killed, making an already tense situation even worse!

“Yes,” Jesse said simply. “He’s not going to do something stupid like that again. I will make sure of it.”

My eyes drifted back down to the bat. “Jesse, my dude, have you threatened Michael with that?”

“No, but I said I would if I needed to.”

I shivered, trying to force myself to laugh. “Okay, well this was a nice talk. I… think I’m going to go text everyone now so they can learn the good news.”

“Go on then.”

At least Jesse left before I got to it.

***

The next day I called up the clan with the number I found. Everyone had modernized themselves, making for easy contact. “Hello, is this the Nightshade Eclipse clan?”

A feminine voice on the other end sighed softly, sounding like she would be anywhere but here answering my question. “Yes, how can I help you?”

Now was my time to shine. I blurted out everything, explaining my situation in a flurry of words. It was important for me to get everything off my chest so they could know what exactly was going on.

“I see,” was what she said after I was finished.

I blinked. “Ma’am, what are you trying to say? I don’t know how to take that.”

“We appreciate you reaching out to us and if you were a member of the clam, chances are the council would agree to help you.”

“But?” I asked the word hanging heavily in the air.

I didn’t even need her to say it to know it was there.

“You need to be an official member of the clan.”

“I thought I was…?”

“Your ancestor was, but you are not,” she told me. “But because you have vampiric blood and had a family member who was a part of our clan, you are eligible to join.”

I felt a renewed sense of hope. “How do I go about joining?”

“You need to pass a trial.”

My stomach dropped. “A trial? Like a trial by combat?”

“That is one part of it.”

I wanted to sink into the ground in despair. Why couldn’t anything ever be easy? It always had ot be so difficult!

“Okay, so how do I go signing up for that?”

Because your opinion matters to me, duh. You’re my mate. I can’t just make a life-altering decision like this without checking with you first. Plus, I figured you’d appreciate a heads-up. You know, so you don’t freak out when you see me hanging out with many old-school vampires who probably think they’re God’s gift to the universe. -R

Oh, so thoughtful of you. Rain, you already have fangs and drink blood. Let’s not act like this is a huge leap. -L

Wow. Okay. Rude. -R

It’s not rude if it’s true. You’ve been “half-vampire chic” for a while now. This just feels like the logical next step. -L Logical? Do you hear yourself right now? Joining a vampire clan isn’t “logical.” It’s…well, it’s complicated. -R

Okay, fine. Complicated. But still, I think you should do it. -L

Just like that? No hesitation? No “Rain, what if they make you their eternal errand boy?” speech? -R

Nope. None of that. Look, Rain, if joining them means we get their help to bring Gabi back, then it’s a no-brainer. Gabi is family. We do whatever it takes. -L

Even if it means I have to deal with a bunch of ancient vampires who probably spend their free time brooding and quoting poetry about eternal torment? -R

You already brood, Rain. You’ll fit right in. -L

Wow. Someone’s feeling extra spicy today. -R

What can I say? I’ve got a gift. But seriously, Rain, if this is what it takes to bring Gabi home, I’m behind you one hundred percent. -L

I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it. I didn’t want you to think I was abandoning you or something. -R Abandoning me? Please. Rain, you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. We’re in this together, no matter what. -L

Thanks, Lia. That means a lot. -R

Always. Just promise me one thing. -L

What’s that? -R

If they try to make you wear a cape, you have to say no. -L

No promises. -R

I smiled to myself. She was such a great mate and I thanked the gods every day that she had been willing to give me another chance.