Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 70

Lia

I nudged Rain to move his head out of the way so I could read the email he had up on his laptop. He grinned sheepishly, moving his head so I was able to read the email he received from the council this morning.

Subject: Welcome to the Pack, Rain

From: Nightshade Eclipse Council

Dear Rain,

It is with immense pride, honor, and great anticipation that we officially welcome you as a member of the Nightshade Eclipse clan. This moment signifies more than just an addition to our numbers-it marks a continuation of a legacy, a strengthening of bonds that transcend generations. The veins of your ancestry intertwine with ours, and your acceptance into this family is a reminder of the unbreakable threads that connect us all.

Your presence brings more than strength; it brings renewed purpose and hope. Together, we stand not only as individuals but as a unified force, bound by loyalty, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one another. By joining the Nightshade Eclipse, you have become part of something far greater—a family that will defend and uplift you through every trial and triumph that lies ahead.

We know that the path you’ve walked has not been without its trials. The pain and uncertainty caused by the recent kidnapping of your fellow packmate weigh heavily on us all. Such a cruel violation of trust and safety is a wound no one should bear alone. Yet, in times of darkness, we find strength in unity. You are no longer alone, Rain. You now have the backing of a clan that will stand shoulder to shoulder with you, facing whatever challenges arise with courage and determination.

However, matters of this magnitude demand caution and forethought. A rescue mission of this nature is no small undertaking. Success hinges on our ability to balance courage with careful planning and resolve with precision. While our hearts urge us to act swiftly, we must temper that urgency with wisdom, ensuring that each step taken minimizes risk and maximizes the chances of bringing your packmate safely home.

The Nightshade Eclipse is no stranger to adversity. Our history is rich with stories of resilience and triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. We possess a wealth of resources, seasoned tacticians, and skilled operatives who stand ready to assist. From crafting strategies to executing plans with precision, we will draw upon our collective knowledge and experience to face this challenge head-on.

To begin, we ask that you confirm your readiness to move forward with preparations. Once we receive your confirmation, we will convene a private council meeting to discuss the rescue mission in detail. This meeting will include key members of our planning team, who will work closely with you to address every aspect of the operation. Together, we will forge a path that ensures the safety of your packmate while safeguarding the well-being of all involved.

Rain, this is more than just a turning point in your journey—it is a pivotal moment for the Nightshade Eclipse as a whole. Your integration into our clan is a beacon of strength and hope, a reminder of what we can achieve when we stand united. We are honored to have you among us, and we are committed to supporting you not just in this mission, but in every step of the road ahead.

Welcome home, Rain. May this new chapter bring strength, healing, and the promise of brighter days.

Strength and Unity,

The Nightshade Eclipse Council

“It’s smart that they want to take it slowly. Rushing in there could hurt not only us but Gabi and the pup.”

Rain nodded. “Yeah, exactly what I was thinking. But you know what is truly fucked up?”

“The fact that they are helping where our werewolf association won’t even lift a claw.”

It still filled me with rage to think they wouldn’t help us or get themselves involved. The Witches association I understood in a way, but the werewolf association? Gabi was one of their own and carrying a pup! They always claimed they cared especially about the pups, but they weren’t living up to their principles.

“Lia, you look angry, and you’re clenching your fists. Could you possibly move them away from my laptop keyboard?” he asked nervously. “I just would rather not have to buy a new one so soon.”

I blinked, his words snapping me out of my anger. “What do you mean a new one so soon?”

“I dropped the other one in the bathtub back when I lived with my parents.”

“Rain… I’m not even going to ask.”

He grinned. “That’s for the best.”

Slowly, the rest of the household learned that the clan was going to help us. I looked at Michael as I told him and thought he was going to cry. He cleared his throat, turning his head away so I couldn’t see his face.

It was a relief to learn that the clan was going to help us but they weren’t going to help us right away. They wanted to research the coven and then start to work with us to come up with a plan.

This was going to take time… time I wasn’t sure Gabi had.

The closer she got to her due date the less chance we had to get her out of there safely with the pup. Once it was out of her that was it. We would have no chance of getting her back.

I… felt a lot of pressure, but it wasn’t as strong as it used to be. It was to a point where I was adjusting to my role as a pack leader. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it, but now I accepted this as my role.

Michael had been the first to tell me he thought I would make the best pack leader amongst them. I wasn’t in agreement back then because I had convinced myself I wasn’t the best choice. Anyone would be a better choice than me-except Rain. He was a great friend and fellow pack member but would be too much of a wreck to lead the pack.

Even Rain told us this when we discussed pack leaders in the past so I knew I wasn’t hurting his feelings.

I bumped into Michael as he was coming back inside. He looked like he had been crying, causing my eyes to soften.

“Happy tears I hoped?”

He smiled and it reached his eyes.

“Yes. I know we’re still not out of the woods yet but I’m happy to know that we have a good chance of getting Gabi back,” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. “And I want to thank all of you for putting up with my bullshit.”

“Michael, you never have to apologize for that,” I told him firmly. “If it had been Lia in Gabi’s place, I would be reacting the same way.”