The Alpha's Mate(MM)(COMPLETE)

Chapter Six

Noah Everett

It's been five days since I saw my mate. I let him walk away. I've gone to his house to see Layla, and everytime i do he's in his room the whole time. I didn't reject him, but I practically did. I don't know why I said okay, I don't know why I didn't say anything else. Or why did I let him walk away.

I don't know why I did anything, because I'm going crazy now. Layla says he hasn't gone to school, and he only leaves his bedroom to use the bathroom. Uncle Ze brings him food, and tries to talk to him. He's isolating himself. The only person I've seen like this so far is Alexander, so I don't know what to do about it.

I'm in training today, and he still isn't here. I'm not on top of my game, because I can't see him constantly throughout. Layla has me on my back and groaning in seconds because I'm not paying attention.

"What's going on Ev?" Layla asks, shaking her head as she helps me up. I huff out a breath, narrowing my eyes on her. We get back in stance, and I have her on the floor in a couple moves. A grunt escapes her, and she taps the floor. "Fine," she murmurs.

—

Day six, sucks ass.

Day seven, I'm starting to go crazy.

Day eight, I finally, finally went to his house.

—

"He's upstairs" Uncle Ze murmurs, and nods to the stairs. "He barely eats" he steps aside to let me in. "Won't tell me what happened" his voice is soft, and it makes guilt eat away further.

"I said something i shouldn't have" I slipped my shoes off "I'm going to go try and fix it" is all I mumble before I'm climbing the stairs two at a time. I'm at his door in no time, and I knock quietly. No answers, so I pushed it open. I see his body stiffen, likely my scent hitting him.

His scent of fresh berries hits me. My wolf relaxes, knowing he's physically safe. I step further into the room, shutting the door behind me. "Bran?" My voice is raspy, and I make my way across the room sitting on the bed. On the edge.

He is facing the wall, body tense as he stares ahead. I glance at my socks, "We need to talk" I murmur. His voice comes out broken, and hoarse.

"No, we don't" my wolf whines at his pain, his agony. He's scratching to be at the surface, but I use my years of training to keep him at bay.

"Yes, we do" I shift towards him, gently placing my hand on his arm. He relaxes slightly, but doesn't say anything. "I'm not good with words" my voice is gentle, and i clear my throat. "I shouldn't have let you walk away. I don't want anyone else. I want my mate, and I should've said that. I'm sorry" the words flow free from my chest, my heart. "We're not friends, and I don't know how to communicate with you. But I should've done better. Been better" I don't get a response, at all actually.

After sitting there for an embarrassing amount of time, I leave, and I head to the pack house to deal with some pack shit. Hours go by, and then I get a text from Layla. With a picture attached.

Lay: He came down for dinner

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It's a photo of my mate, sitting at the table with food in front of him.

—-

The next day at breakfast, Branson and Layla are sitting at a table. I make my way over, sitting beside my best friend and across from my mate. He has dark circles under his eyes, and he doesn't look at me.

He's pushing his food around on his plate, but he came out of his room. I start eating my food, as Lay starts talking.

"Training is going to be long today. Pops is so disappointed in everyone, so he's going to push us. He warned us this morning. He's making Xan go" She says, and my brows furrow.

"Yeah- I know. Xan is going to die. Pop's doesn't go easy on him, so dad will be throwing shoes at him by the time we get to mine." She shakes her head "Xan hasn't trained in weeks, pops is so over it. He obviously cares and is worried about Xan. But he's disappointed because when Xan feels good, he doesn't make an effort" She sighs, going on and on.

I love my best friend, and we work so well because she's a talker and I'm not.

"I just think it's silly. Xan just get out of his low, he needs time. Pops puts a lot of pressure on us, and I don't think he realizes. I try to tell him, but" she shrugs "Plus i don't want to make him feel bad-"

"He knows what he's doing, Layla '' Branson cuts her off, shaking his head. "He doesn't push Xan out of a hurtful place. He just doesn't want Xan to be at a disadvantage if something happens"

"That's what i'm here for" her brows furrow, and Bran sighs.

"No Layla, that's actually me. If something happens, you and Noah are the first to go and deal with the threat. I'm to stay back and protect dad and Xan-"

"You don't know that-"

"Yes, I do. Pops has been training me for years for it specifically. Why do you think I'm the best? Why do you think he trains me so much? I am to put myself on the line for them. That's what pops said" they cut each other off, but once Branson finishes his sentence my heart stutters.

What? He's not putting himself in danger.

"What do you mean?" my voice comes out deep, and dark. Branson tenses, and glances at me.

"We have a game plan for if we're under attack. They have to get through me before they'll get them. That's what I was raised to do '' he says, like it's nothing.

He has to sacrifice himself for his dad? His brother? Kill himself to save them?

"I-I didn't know that" Lay stutters, pure shock on her face. "Bran, that's not okay" She whispers, and he shakes his head.

"You're telling me I'm supposed to let them get dad?  Our little brother? It is what Lay is. But if they get through me, Xan needs some sort of training to save himself. Let's be honest, if he finds his mate he won't be able to be with them. He can't build relationships." he pushes his food away.

"You- You really think that?'' I asked, shocking myself. By the news he's so okay with being sacrificed? By the fact Can won't be able to experience the mating bond? I'm not sure.

He sighs, and gets up. He leaves without answering. Layla is looking at me, tears blurring her eyes. "He really thinks his life is so worthless- that he should have to sacrifice himself?" she asks me, like i know. I don't answer. I knew Xan was a mess, but I didn't know Branson was- Is?

Mental health is so hard, everyone struggles with it differently. And it's okay to be a mess, but it's not okay to be alone in it. Or to push your needs aside for someone else. Especially when it's not your kid, or your responsibility. It's Uncle P's job to protect his kids- his mate. Not Branson's.

I pick at my food, not very hungry. My mind is spiraling to him being hurt. I never cared before, hell i've hurt him before. Many, many times. We've gotten into physical fights all our lives, and now we're supposed to be mates? I don't know what to do with these new feeling's.

Either way, I think after learning that my perspective of Branson has changed. He didn't train hard for no reason. He trained hard to protect his family- he had to be the best to protect his family. 

A/N

The next couple chapters are posted already on my patreon if you want early access to them. Let me know what you guys want to see happen between them!