My Overprotective Brothers

Chapter 27

I woke up before anyone else.

The house was silent—the kind of quiet that only existed before the morning chaos started. I stared at the ceiling for a moment before sighing and sitting up.

I didn't feel like dealing with breakfast. I didn't want Elijah's concerned looks, Henry's teasing, or Miles and Alex arguing over whatever nonsense they always found to fight about. I just wanted to leave.

I grabbed my hoodie from the floor, pulled it on, and snagged my bag. On the way out of my room, I took a breakfast bar from my desk—something quick, just enough so no one could say I skipped breakfast entirely.

When I got to the kitchen, only Elijah was awake, drinking his coffee at the counter. Easton was already at work, and the twins and Henry were still in their rooms.

Elijah looked up when I walked in, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're up early."

I shrugged. "Didn't sleep well."

His frown deepened, like he wanted to say more, but I didn't give him the chance. I moved toward the door, shoving the breakfast bar into my hoodie pocket.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Lucas' house. Diana's giving me a ride." I grabbed my sneakers.

That made him pause. "Oh. Okay." He hesitated, then, "You sure you're okay?"

I pulled my hood up. "I'm fine."

He didn't look convinced, but he let it go. "Alright. Just don't be late."

I didn't answer as I stepped outside, pulling my hoodie tighter around me.

The walk to Lucas' house wasn't long—only about five minutes—but the cold made my fingers stiff by the time I knocked on his door. I rubbed my hands together, trying to warm them up.

When the door opened, Lucas stood there, his blond hair still messy from sleep, his blue eyes blinking at me in surprise.

"Dude," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. "What are you doing here so early?"

I shifted my weight. "I... needed to talk."

Lucas' expression immediately sobered. He stepped aside, motioning for me to come in. "Yeah, of course. What's up?"

I hesitated for a second before stepping inside. The warmth of his house was a relief against the cold outside.

Lucas closed the door behind me, watching me closely. "Is this about last night?"

I swallowed. "Yeah."

We moved to the couch, and I sat down, burying my hands in my sleeves. Lucas sat beside me, turning to face me fully.

I exhaled. "It's stupid."

Lucas rolled his eyes. "If it was stupid, you wouldn't be here."

I stared at my hands. "Elijah yelled at me last night."

Lucas blinked. "Like... really yelled?"

I nodded. "He's never talked to me like that before." My voice was quieter than I wanted it to be. "It felt different."

Lucas was silent for a moment before sighing and shifting closer. "I think he was just frustrated. You said you weren't in a good mood, right? Maybe it just... built up."

I swallowed hard. "Yeah. But he's always on my side. And last night, he wasn't."

Lucas watched me carefully, then without warning he pulled me into a hug.