Broken Mate (MM) (COMPLETE)

Chapter Three

Knox Briggs 

Now

"You told him to come after class?" I ask my sister, as I lean against her desk. She glances up from her laptop. Her glasses resting on her nose, her blue black hair pulled into a messy bun.

"Yes Knox. You've asked three times now" she grumbles, and I start pacing the room. "There's still 20 minutes left in the last period. So sit, and chill the fuck out" she grumbles, contining her typing on her laptop.

I slip into a desk, in the front and pull out my phone. I respond to some emails for work. I'm an english professor at the local college. Twins and both English teachers. Whatever. I chew on the inside of my check while I type replies.

The last bell rings, and my spine stiffens. I glance at Liv, and then the door about five times before pushing to my feet. I slip my hands into my gray slacks, watching the door like a hawk.

The door opens, and Vanilla and spice hits me like a fucking bus. His eyes are down as he steps in, shutting the door behind him. But his head snaps up, my scent overwhelming him. His eyes lock on mine instantly, and his whole body stiffens.

"Xan..this is my brother, Knox" Liv says, and his eyes cut over to her. He swallows his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Wh-when did you find out?" his voice is rough, and he holds her stare. Of course that's his first question. But I answer for my sister.

"I told her not to say anything" one step to him "I needed time" i admit, deciding honesty is probably the best for us all.

Something flashes over his face, hurt? But he masks it, nodding. "I understand" his voice comes out broken, and my whole body tenses at that.

"I don't think you do. '' I start, taking another step towards him. He backs up into the door, so I hold my steps. "I lost my mate, years ago. I didn't know I'd get another chance after her. So I was coming to terms with everything. It wasn't anything you did" i keep my voice even, gentle.

"How did you find out? When?" his voice is harder and i nod clearing my throat.

"I found out three months ago. Luv- my sister, had your hoodie. I got your scent, and I knew then. But losing a mate, I lost a piece of me. I needed time to understand everything"

He nods, his body ready to flee. "I understand" he repeats his words from earlier, "So you're here to reject me? At my school?" tears prick his eyes, but he does his best to push it all down.

"What?" my brows crease, and it takes everything in my body to stay still. "I am not rejecting you. I would never, ever do that"

His eyes cut over to my sister, who is staring at me.

"Can we go get coffee? Or something? Talk in private?" I suggest, and my angel nods after a moment. My body relaxes, and I send my sister a small smile.

—

We've been sitting in the back of the coffee shop for a half an hour. He won't look up, and neither of us has broken the silence. We ordered when we got here, and I paid for his coffee. He said thank you, and that's as much as he's said.

He's playing with the ring on his pointer finger, twirling it around his finger as he stares off at a spot on the table.

"Am i what you expected?" he finally breaks the silence, and his hazel eyes find mine.

"No" I admit, and his face falls for a second. "I didn't know I had a guy mate, but I'm not disappointed. Just because you're not what I expected doesn't mean I'm disappointed. You're very, very beautiful"

His checks flush my words, and he shakes his head. "I suppose i asked the wrong question"

"Did you know your mate was going to be a guy?" I ask a question this time.

"Yes" he answers, his eyes falling behind me. "I knew for years now. Bran came out, and then I went to his room crying that night. Telling him I was gay. The next day he helped me come out. I have two dads, so of course they didn't care." he rambles on "They actually thought we were a bit ridiculous for crying so hard over it. I guess knowing so young is hard."

A smile tugs at my lips, listening to him talk. "Bran was very unlucky though. He ended up being mated to a guy he hated. Now they're so in love it's sickening. Lay doesn't have a mate, and she doesnt want one" he continues. "She is thriving without one"

"What about you?' I ask, breaking his rambling.

"I thought I didn't deserve one. Still do" he admits, his eyes glossing over.

"You deserve one. Everyone does. Are Bran and Lay your siblings?"

He nods. "Layla is the oldest, then Branson. Then me. I have a niece and nephew too. Willow and Ethan. Will and E" a smile ghosts his lips.

"I have some as well. Wells and Millie, my sister- Olivia's kids"

"How old? Will and E are twins, they're 3"

"Well's is ten, and Millie is 8"

"Why did you want to talk?" Alexander flat out asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I don't want things to be confused, I don't want you to think I don't want this. I do, very much Alexander. I just had my own thing's to get sorted."

"You said that already" he shakes his head. "Listen, I gotta go. We will talk later" he murmurs, before slipping from his seat. Before I can process what he said, he's gone. I could follow, maybe I will. But I wait a moment.

Why is he so worried about not being wanted?

A/N 

Chapters for this book will be posted Monday's and Thursdays! As always, early access and bonus chapters are on my patreon! I post daily there. Definitely check it out if you can! You can vote on bonus chapters and new story ideas :) 

I love this book, I love Xan and Knox so much. I hope you guys enjoy it!