Christian (bxb)

A step forward

(Christian)

I took a deep breath as I walked down the hallway, feeling as if every step echoed louder than the last.

It was as though I were on a journey that I hadn’t asked for, one that demanded everything of me before I even knew what I had to give.

But now was the moment, the next step I had been dreading and anticipating. Greyson, Mason, and Jaxon were waiting for me.

My heart pounded against my chest, and nerves shot up my spine as I got closer to the living room.

I could still feel Pop’s hand on my shoulder, his gentle squeeze, and Dad’s firm grip on my arm when I’d said I wanted to do this alone.

Their support had given me the courage to walk down this hallway and face what lay ahead, but I was still scared—scared I’d disappoint them, that I wasn’t strong enough, or that they’d see how much I doubted myself.

When I finally stepped into the living room, the three of them looked up at me.

Greyson’s intense gaze, always so focused and unyielding, softened just a little when he saw me.

Mason gave me a small, reassuring smile, and Jaxon nodded as if he sensed every ounce of fear vibrating through my body.

I rubbed the back of my neck, searching for words that would somehow capture everything that I had been carrying.

“So… I wanted to talk to you guys,” I started, my voice sounding smaller than I intended.

They waited in silence, giving me the space to go on. I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm down.

“I know I’ve been… distant,” I admitted, looking down at my feet.

“And it wasn’t fair to any of you.” I forced myself to look up, meeting each of their gazes one by one, even though my throat felt tight.

“The truth is, I’ve been scared. I don’t even have my wolf yet, and I don’t know what that means for me or what it means for us.” Greyson opened his mouth, probably to protest or reassure me, but Mason put a gentle hand on his arm, stopping him.

“It’s okay, Christian, you don’t have to explain if you don’t want to,” Mason said softly, his voice calm.

“No,” I replied quickly, then took a breath.

“I want to. I need you to understand.” My hands fidgeted, fingers twisting together as I tried to find the right words.

“I feel… different. You’re all Alpha kings, and I’m…” I trailed off, shrugging helplessly.

“I don’t know my rank. I don’t even know if I’ll ever have one. And because of that, I feel like I can’t measure up to you.” Jaxon shook his head firmly, stepping forward.

“That’s not possible,” He said.

“The goddess didn’t pair us together because of what rank you’d be, Christian. She gave you to us because of who you are. Because we care about you.” His words felt like a remedy for an open wound, easing some of the ache in my chest.

But there was still more to say, feelings I couldn’t just ignore.

“I need… space to figure myself out,” I admitted, glancing down before looking up, letting my gaze rest on Greyson.

“I want to go to college and have a chance to live a normal life, even if it’s just for a little while. I want to be able to do that without anyone watching me or telling me what to do.” Greyson’s brows drew together, his gaze turning serious, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Christian, you’re vulnerable without your wolf. You’d need protection.” Frustration flared in me, a response I hadn’t expected.

“Greyson,” I said, my tone firmer than before,

“I need this. I can’t just sit around waiting for a wolf or a rank that may never come. I need the chance to figure out who I am on my own, to know what I’m capable of without being watched.” Mason placed a calming hand on Greyson’s shoulder, holding him back.

“It’ll be alright, Christian has a right to his own life, Greyson.” He murmured.

Greyson’s jaw clenched, but he finally nodded, though I could still see the reluctance in his eyes. He was used to being in control and protecting those he cared about.

It was part of who he was. But so was this moment for me, and I was grateful he was willing to give me that chance.

I looked at each of them, feeling the fear and excitement mixed in a dizzying rush.

“I want to give us a chance,” I said softly.

“I want to see where things go. But I’m not ready for anything big right now. I need us to go slow. I want to be sure of myself, and until I figure that out, I need you to treat me like I’m just… me.” Jaxon grinned, his face lighting up with an infectious warmth.

“Well, if that means spoiling you until you can’t stand it, I think we can manage that.” Mason chuckled, reaching out to ruffle my hair as he had done so many times before.

“Whatever you need, Christian,” He said softly.

“We’re here for you.” Greyson took a step closer, his face still serious but with a warmth in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“You’re not just enough for us,” He murmured, placing a strong hand on my shoulder.

“You’re exactly what we want. Nothing less.” His words were firm which broke down the last of my walls, and I  found myself smiling, a genuine smile that came from somewhere deep inside.

Before I could think too much about it, they were all pulling me into a hug.

I let myself sink into the embrace, letting go of the last bit of hesitation and allowing myself to trust them fully.

Being wrapped in their arms, I felt the warmth of their promises, the strength of their commitment surrounding me like a shield.

Greyson’s heartbeat was steady against me, a constant rhythm that seemed to say, I’ve got you.

Mason’s calm breathing soothed me, and Jaxon’s gentle grip anchored me, as if they all held different pieces of me together, reminding me that I didn’t have to do this alone.

“We’re not going to let you down,” Jaxon whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

“We’ll wait as long as you need. We’re not going anywhere.” Mason nodded.

“You’ve got us, Christian. Whatever you need. However long it takes.” Greyson squeezed my shoulder, his voice a low, comforting rumble.

“You’re ours, Christian. And we’ll be here, every step of the way.” I felt tears prickling in my eyes, but this time, they weren’t from fear or frustration.

I let myself lean into them, breathing in their scents and allowing the strength of their promises to settle deep within me.

For the first time, I felt like maybe… just maybe, I wasn’t just enough for them. Maybe I was exactly who they wanted.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion, letting myself feel the full depth of their words and their presence.

They held me tighter, and I let myself believe, in that moment, that I wasn’t alone.

I had people who wanted me, who cared about me, and who would wait as long as I needed. And for now, that was more than enough.