Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 67

Lia

Even though Simone and I said we were going to get to work, we also realized that there was such a thing as a break. Myself, in particular, needed a break. I was working os hard and could barely breathe.

The only thing on my mind was Gabi and the pup. They needed to get back home before she gave birth because then there would be no chance of getting the babies back.

I can’t imagine how my brother would react to not having the baby. Hell, how would Gabi react knowing she is giving birth and can’t keep her own child?

It’s sick is what it is, but this is exactly what I’m not supposed to be thinking about. I am supposed to be thinking about more pleasant things… such as relaxation.

When I walked down to join everyone for breakfast, I was surprised to see my brother there. He was almost fully healed… physically at least. Emotionally he was a mess so I thought he would still be in bed, refusing to leave the nest he had created for himself.

With a shaky breath, I cleared my throat… only to get no response.

Everyone kept going on with their morning routine, eating and talking amongst themselves.

“Guys, I have something to say.”

Still, nothing. My left eyebrow twitched and it was difficult to hold back my anger.

“Do I need to scream?”

Again nothing.

Wow, this was not something I was used to. Usually, these guys were hanging on my every word, always willing to give attention to what I was saying. Perhaps I was being a bit self-involved, but this was how the guys had been since it was discovered we were mates.

Still hard to believe how much time had passed! I looked at all four of them, adoration swelling up inside me, but if they were going to keep ignoring me then it was going to get dicey.

“Guys!” I shouted, slamming my hands down on the table.

The plates and glasses clattered from the force of my hitting the table. Everyone turned ot look at me, eyes wide. Michael looked a little startled to see his normally quiet little sister reacting in such a way.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “I know this sounds ridiculous, but we need a walk. All of us.”

Rain gave me one of his trademark raised eyebrows, arms folded as he leaned back in his chair. “A walk? You do know Gabi’s still missing, right?”

The weight of that reminder hit me like a ton of bricks, but I stood my ground. “Of course I do!” My arms crossed tightly over my chest. “But we’re no good to her like this. We’re exhausted, snapping at each other, and making dumb decisions. If we keep going like this, we’ll screw everything up.”

Colby tilted his chair back on two legs, balancing precariously as he frowned at me. “And you think a walk is going to magically fix all that?”

“No,” I admitted, locking eyes with him, “but it’ll help us clear our heads. A reset. We need it.”

I turned to Michael, who sat silently with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on some invisible point on the wall. “Michael? You’re coming too.”

His frown deepened, and he didn’t even bother looking at me. “I don’t need a walk.”

“Too bad,” I shot back, planting my hands on my hips. “You’re coming. No arguments.” Rain snickered, his lips twitching into a half-smile. “She’s bossy when she’s stressed.” “She’s bossy all the time,” Matt muttered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

I turned my glare on him, sharp and cutting. “I heard that.”

Matt raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning despite the tension in the room.

“Now, get up. All of you,” I ordered, my tone leaving no room for argument.

To my absolute shock, Michael stood up first, his movements slow and deliberate. “Fine. Let’s go.”

The rain froze mid-snicker, staring at Michael like he’d grown a second head. “Wait, what? You’re agreeing? Just like that?”

Michael shrugged, his tone flat and unbothered. “Do you want me to argue?”

Colby let his chair drop back to all four legs with a loud thud, smirking as he stood up. “This might be the first time I’ve seen you voluntarily do something that isn’t work or punching something.”

Michael’s jaw tightened, and he turned to Colby with a sharp look. “Don’t push it.”

Matt groaned dramatically, stretching his arms over his head as he stood. “If Michael’s in, I guess I don’t have much of a choice. Let’s get this over with.”

I couldn’t help the small grin tugging at my lips as I opened the door. “Great. Let’s go.”

The cool evening air hit us the moment we stepped outside, the crisp breeze tugging at my hair. For the first time in days, the suffocating tension that had wrapped around my chest seemed to loosen just a little.

We walked in silence for the first few minutes, the only sounds coming from our footsteps crunching on the gravel and the faint rustle of leaves overhead.

“You know,” Rain said finally, his voice breaking the quiet. “This isn’t so bad. Kind of nice.”

“See?” I said, glancing over my shoulder at him with a smug smile. “Told you.”

Michael, walking a few steps behind me, gave me a sidelong glance. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“No promises,” I replied, the tiniest hint of a grin playing on my lips.

Colby slowed his pace, his gaze drifting to the horizon where the sun was beginning to dip below the trees. His voice, softer than usual, cut through the quiet. “We’ll get her back, Michael. You know that, right?”

“… no.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think so. That’s not the point of the book,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief. “Anyway, of course, I’ll help. When do you want to start?”

“I… don’t know. We can start now if you want?”

I sighed. “Rain, we have to go to rugby practice.”

He winced, his face scrunching up dramatically. “I don’t know how you guys are juggling being on the team right now. For me, it feels like I can barely keep my head above water!”

“You’re not even on the team,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Exactly!” he shot back, throwing his hands up. “And yet, I’m drowning in stress. How do you two do it?”

“Years of practice and sheer willpower,” I said dryly. “How about tonight?”

Rain groaned loudly and threw himself onto his stomach dramatically as the world had just ended.

“Yes,” he mumbled into my blanket. “I suppose that will work.”

“Suppose?” I asked, yanking the pillow out from under his face. “Do you want my help or not?”

He flopped onto his back, tossing an arm over his eyes. “Yes, yes, I do. You’re a lifesaver. My knight in shining armor. My-” “Don’t push it,” I warned, smirking.

Rain peeked at me from under his arm. “Too late. You’re already committed.”

I tossed the pillow back at him, smacking him in the face. “Committed to kicking your ass in training later, maybe.”

He laughed, catching the pillow and hugging it to his chest. “Good. I could use a good ass-kicking. Builds character.”

“Keep talking, and I’ll make sure it’s extra thorough.”

Rain grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Can’t wait.”

Rain had come a long way since we started practicing. But Lia had been right. We did need this break.

If only it could last for more than just a few hours.