Broken Mate (MM) (COMPLETE)

Chapter Twenty One

Knox Briggs

Alexander said he's ready for the next step, and I am beyond excited to take it with him. I was worried about all this being too much, but something has shifted with him.

He's more confident. He seems stable. Like the medication is helping. Like I'm helping. Some sick part of me is feeling the loss of the codependency. I miss him needing me that much, but it's not healthy. It's not what I want for us.

I'm so proud to see him do what's best for him. He still has some rough days, or moments. Everything isn't just jolly and perfect. But it doesn't seem like the world is ending. He's been going to training too. He isn't the strongest, but he's going and showing up.

He's smiling more. It's so different from the guy I first met. I know smiling doesn't mean you're healed and happy. But for him it means something.

Somehow I got stuck with Peyton, Noah and Branson. Zeke, Xan, Callie and Layla are in the kitchen making food. I'm sitting on the couch watching some movie. Peyton's a pretty chill dad. He doesn't say too much, but you know he will listen if you need to talk.

Noah is a moody fucker, and Branson is like a golden retriver. He's all over the place, and loves everyone.

Willow and Ethan are playing on the floor together. Ethan will randomly come over to me and hand me stuff, so I have a pile of toys beside me. Willow will climb in my lap, babble and crawl away.

She's making her rounds right now.

"How are things with Xan?" Branson asks, as he sits on the floor with his son. Noah has Willow, and he's talking quietly with her.

"They're good. He's doing really good" i nod, taking a sip of my beer. It's okay, but I'm not a big drinker. The only reason I am is because Noah gave it to me. Grunted, and walked away.

"Dad said he's been doing better too. When are you guys going to complete your bond?" Branson sounds slightly worried, and my brows crease. "You still plan to, right?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I pick at the label on my beer bottle. Do they think I'm gonna just leave him?

"Well.. he's doing better. He isn't relying on you anymore"

"Bran" Peyton sighs, running his fingers through his hair.

"My point is, just because he's doing good doesn't mean he can handle being rejected. He wouldn't survive it" Branson tone is harsher, and he shakes his head. "So if you think just because he's doing better he can take it, he can't"

"I don't think you give him enough credit for what he can or can't take," i snap, shaking my head. "If I rejected him, he would be okay. He's strong. But I'm not going to reject him. I don't know what got in your head that i am. I care about him a lot. I want to be with him. I plan to be with him"

"Then why haven't you completed the bond? Are you embarrassed?"

"For fuck's sake Branson" Noah huffs, running his fingers through his hair.

"He's my baby brother. He deserves to be flaunted"

"We weren't ready yet" I shake my head. "I don't see how it's any of your business if or when we decide to complete our bond though. We will, when the time is right. But that's between him and I"

"I just don't-"

"Enough" Peyton snaps, his voice the loudest I've ever heard. "It's none of our concern, Bran. He's stuck by Xan's side through everything. He doesn't deserve to be grilled about anything. Leave it alone"

"Okay.. Sorry" Branson looks down. "I just don't want anything bad to happen to him"

"Neither do i" i add, drinking the rest of my beer. "I care about him"