Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 78

Lia

Planning to infiltrate a coven is not as easy as it sounds. We spent hours with the vampire clan, perfecting the plan as best we could.

I wanted to have one last hurrah before we set out on this dangerous path. But Simone had other ideas, texting me with what she thought we should do.

The second I saw her text, I sighed. It was just like Simone to want to go a bit crazy and out there with her plans. She meant well. Simone just had a similar personality to Rain, wanting to go a bit crazy.

What we needed was something quieter and more subdued. The Moonveil pack had to break into a coven so we needed our rest, to make sure that we didn’t overdo it partying the night before.

But I suppose I should try to indulge my friend.

No, indulge my best friend.

Simone would never steer me wrong no matter how crazy she got. I called her, grinning when her face appeared on video chat. “Okay, hear me out. Pre-attack party.”

“…What?”

“A party. Before the attack. You know, to get everyone in the right mindset, boost morale, and also because we deserve one last good night before all hell breaks loose.”

“I’ve never heard of that being a thing.”

“That’s because I just invented it. And now it is a thing.”

“Simone, we are about to launch an attack on the Rosewater Clan. Our enemies. Who want to kill us. And you’re thinking about throwing a party?”

“You say that like those two things are unrelated. If anything, this makes more sense. We go in relaxed, confident, ready to crush them.”

“I don’t think that’s how war strategy works.”

“Maybe not, but it’s how my strategy works. And have I ever led you astray before?”

“Do you want me to answer that?”

“Rude. But whatever, you’re still coming to the party. I already told everyone. It’s happening.”

“You already-? Of course, you did.”

“Obviously. And guess what? Everyone loves the idea. I even got Colby on board.”

“Colby agreed to this?”

“Well, I phrased it as ‘mandatory team bonding’ and also bribed him with good whiskey, but yes.” “Unbelievable.”

“Just admit you love the idea.”

…Fine. But only because if we are doing this, I’d rather it be good than a complete disaster.”

“That’s the spirit! Now, what are you wearing?”

“Simone.”

“It matters, Lia. If we’re going into battle, we’re going in style.”

“I hate that I’m saying this, but… do you think I should wear black? Or is that too on the nose?”

“Oh, I love that you’re asking me this. Black is classic, but maybe add some silver or deep red? Subtle but deadly vibes.”

“Why do I feel like you’ve been planning this for weeks?”

“Because I have been. Obviously.”

“I don’t know if I should be impressed or concerned.”

“Why not both? Anyway, I’ll handle drinks and music. You make sure no one starts sparring before we even get to the fight.”

“That’s a big ask.”

“I believe in you. Now, are you sure you don’t want to wear something a little more dramatic? Maybe a cape?” “Simone.”

“Fine, fine. But just know, if I die in this battle, I’m haunting you for not wearing a cape.”

“If we die in this battle, I’m blaming you for throwing a party beforehand.”

“Oh, please. If we die, at least we’ll go out as legends.”

“You are unhinged.”

“Thank you. I try. But seriously, I’ve already set everything up. We’ve got drinks, music, a perfect playlist-oh, and I may or may not have convinced Rain to give a motivational speech.”

“Did you get Rain to agree to a speech?”

“Yep. He said no at first, but then I called him dramatic, and suddenly he had something to prove.”

“That… sounds right.”

“See? It’s all coming together. Now, should we incorporate weapons into our outfits, or is that too much?”

“Simone.”

“What? Aesthetics matter.”

“And battle practicality?”

“Bragging rights?” I suggested. “Or maybe the loser has to do something embarrassing tomorrow.”

“Like what?” Matt raised an eyebrow. “Sing in the middle of battle?”

“No, something worse,” Colby grinned. “How about the loser carries everyone’s gear?”

“Oh, I like that one,” Rain chuckled. “Jesse, thoughts?”

Jesse shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I don’t lose.”

“Bold words,” Matt said. “We’ll see if you can back them up.”

We played in near silence for a while, cards hitting the ground in rhythmic succession.

“Colby, you’re terrible at this,” I teased, grinning as I laid down a winning hand.

“You’re cheating.” Colby narrowed his eyes. “You and Rain are in cahoots.”

“Excuses, excuses,” Rain smirked. “Just admit you’re bad at bluffing.”

Jesse placed his last card down and leaned back. “Game over. I win.”

Colby groaned. “Unbelievable. How do you always win?”

“Skill,” Jesse said simply.

I laughed. “Looks like you’re carrying our gear tomorrow, Colby.”

“Great. Just what I needed before a battle,” Colby muttered. “But, hey, at least we made the night less grim.”

“Yeah.” I looked around at them. “Thanks for that.”

The card game was just what I needed. Us five sat downstairs, playing until it became clear that Jesse couldn’t be beaten. I headed up to my room, wanting to be alone for tonight to get lost in my thoughts.

As much as I loved my future mates, I needed to be alone to gather my thoughts. To lie in bed and think about everything that could go wrong or everything that could go right.

It didn’t need things were going to be bad simply because the odds were against us.

Tomorrow… was going to be a big day. We had been planning this for weeks, desperate to get Gabi back and now we finally had our chance.

It wasn’t going to be easy. I had been practicing magic day and night, wanting to make sure I was at the top of my game for when we had to attack. Things could go wrong at the dropping of a hat. My fear was hurting Gabi or the pup growing in her belly.

She had to be showing by now. I lost count of how far she was along in her pregnancy. How could I not when she wasn’t here with us at this very moment?