Bro? It’s Malek. ...you okay?

I must really be bad if Malek has noticed and is worried enough to actually ask.

Rebecca might not want to be my mate.

A few minutes later I hear the distinct sound of wing beats outside. Another moment later and my brother barges into the room. Malek doesn’t say anything, he just walks over and sits next to me on the couch, laying his head on my shoulder. We’re clutchmates, which means we were all born from the same clutch of eggs. We grew up cuddling one another, needing constant warmth. It’s still a way we comfort each other when we’re down.

Vyn’s not here physically, but I can feel him grow alert through the bond. Rebecca doesn’t want to be your mate?

She said that she would think about it, but I don’t think she’ll be back. I can’t violate Rebecca’s trust by telling them the full story, but I can give some general explanations. She hasn’t really had anyone, growing up. I think… I think that it’s a lot for her to take in.

You told her we’d be the best family ever, right? Vyn teases.

Could you be serious for two seconds? Please? I’m not in the mood. I get that Vyn wants to help me by making this whole thing more lighthearted but really, this is life or death for me.

More than that… I love Rebecca. I love how blunt she is, and how prickly she can get, her wicked sense of humor. I love her strength and how she managed to get herself so far when life had given her nothing. I love how she was intelligent enough to figure out the truth about me.

It’s not just about losing a mate, or even my life. It’s about losing her.

There’s a long pause, and then Vyn says, it’ll work out, man. You just have to give her some time to think it over. It’s a lot to process, y’know? But I’m sure she’ll come around. If she’s your mate, then being around you makes her happy just like being around her makes you happy. Who isn’t gonna choose happiness, yeah?

Malek nods against my shoulder to show his agreement.

I sigh. Thanks, guys.

I know I’m no relationship expert, Vyn says, but you’re asking her to put a lot of faith in you with this. Even if you haven’t told her the specifics, she can probably tell that her whole life is gonna change. You’re asking her to step out into the unknown and have faith in you. I think that means you should have a little faith in her too. Trust that she’ll come back.

Why, Vyn, that was almost romantic.

I can feel Vyn rolling his eyes. Well what’s the point of a damn mating bond if it isn’t going to be good for something?

I wrap an arm around Malek and give him a bro side-hug. Thanks, guys.

It’ll work out, Vyn assures me. Trust me on this, big bro.

Vyn’s right. I’m asking Rebecca to take a huge leap of faith and telling her that I’ll catch her. I have to show her that I’m willing to do the same thing by trusting her now, and trusting in our bond.

Our bond makes us happy. Who in their right mind would walk away from that?

I just have to have a little faith for a little while longer.