His Blind Mate

Chapter 22 Maples And Strawberries (Part III)

The soothing motion of my hair being brushed back gently nudged me from my sleep. My mate was seated beside me, her features softened like a mother caring for her pup.I held her wrist to stop her then brought it to my lips.

“You’re still here,” I breathed.

“I said I was staying,” she said. “I meant that.”

I sat up on the bed then pulled her to my lap. I hugged her gently, careful not to lean on her too much. “Thank you,” I said as I kissed the top of her head. “I mean it.”

We sat there for who knows how long, with her combing my hair and sometimes touching my face. She liked to trace my sideburns, then giggle to herself like there was a joke in her head. I just let her do as she wished, an odd calmness taking over my mind. It was peaceful; Kai was relaxed and enjoying her touches instead of sharing his intrusive thoughts with me.

“What made you want to stay?”

Luan sighed then leaned on my chest. “Lots of things.”

“Hm. What do you plan to do now?”

“I still want us to take this slow,” she answered, taking my hand in hers and tracing my fingers with hers like there was something interesting about them. “I’m not ready to be your Luna, Kyhan.”

We both agreed on it. There was no point in rushing towards the inevitable when she wasn’t ready yet. Kai seemed to be on my side since he kept silent. “I understand.”

She poked my cheek then giggled. “Aren’t you happy I’m here?”

I knew for a fact that she was safer at the Circle because the pack was tense with her around. My high ranks weren’t mentally stable right now and I was afraid it would worsen the more she hung around during this time. But … I suppose the Goddess has her ways of doing things. “A lot of us are happy you’re here, Luan. And a lot of them would like a chance to speak with you. Is that okay?”

Her movements froze for a second before she resumed, now tracing circles on my palm. “I told you I wasn’t running. I’d like to start tomorrow though. Too many things have happened today.”

“Who’d you like to start with?”

“Hm. Raph. As Yula’s friend, it’s mandatory that I stick up for her.” She grinned mischievously.

“The poor guy,” I chuckled, shaking my head. Her stomach suddenly grumbled, making me laugh. “Come on. I’ll make dinner.”

Luan stood to her feet and flashed me a smile, her hands behind her back. “Actually, I … made us dinner.”

“Really?” I asked, raising a brow.

Baby hair stuck out from her hairline, curling around the edges of her face. She brushed them back but they wouldn’t stay down. Sporting a high ponytail, she had her slender neck and nape exposed, the soft skin inviting.

“I can feel you staring, you know. Cut it out.”

“I should stare. My mate’s too beautiful.”

“As if,” she scoffed.

“You don’t believe me?”

“You’re my mate. I could be the ugliest around here and you’ll still see me as the most beautiful girl around,” she responded.

Luan yelped when I swept her off her feet and carried her down the rest of the steps. “Kyhan!”

“Don’t look down on yourself like that. I’ve always found you stunning since before we were mates.”

“What?” Her brows furrowed. “Where have we met before?”

I sighed. “Can you stop asking me? It reminds me how you forgot about me.”

“Fine,” she mumbled. “But you’re telling me someday!”

“When we’re old and gray.”

“That long?” she gasped.

I heard no objection. Luan was unexpectedly heavier than she looked, but it was no hindrance as we went downstairs and into the kitchen. “What did you cook in here?” I asked as I sniffed the delicious aroma of chicken, milk, and spices. Wait. “Where did you get food?”

“Raph came over to talk to you, but you were asleep. I asked him to get us groceries,” she answered as I lowered her on her feet. She sauntered over to the dish cabinet and began to take out soup bowls for both of us then spoons. That was another thing I had to thank him for. “You had nothing in here.”

“Nobody lived here,” I defended. She’s really starting tomorrow, huh. “There’s no point in storing food that’ll only spoil.”

“You could’ve at least put some non-perishable food in here for emergencies.”

“Name a single emergency that would require that.”

I watched as she moved around the kitchen with ease. She’d take measured lateral steps, ensuring that she close to the smooth edges of the granite countertop. I had only been asleep for three hours at most, and she already had the layout of the kitchen memorized. Satisfied, I sat myself down.

“A starving mate?”

I was definitely the i***t between us. “Give me a pass this time. I won’t let you starve again.”

Now that I remember it, the basket was gone. Has she eaten all of it already?

As expected, she scooped the soup into the bowls without scalding herself one would think she wasn’t blind. Nothing about her gave it away, unless one was to closely observe her face. Would she open her eyes someday?

Luan set the bowls down then sat beside me. It looked milky and thick, with a pinkish tint. The unfamiliar soup made my mouth water.

“I was kidding. The strawberries kept me full,” she said with a smile.

My chest felt warm. Picking strawberries, taking a stroll, sleeping together, eating together – the day hadn’t ended yet. I didn’t want it to. I could get used to this normalcy and the warmth of happiness seeping through the bond.

“Eat up. I won’t let you waste food.”

I hummed then tasted her cooking for the first time. The broth was thick and creamy. The macaroni paired nicely with the shredded chicken, diced vegetables, and strangely enough, diced hotdogs. It was scorching outside yet here I was eating delicious soup. Was I even hungry in the first place? There was no use bothering about it now when I couldn’t stop eating.

“I’m glad you like it,” she said, breaking the silence.

“I’ve never had anything like it. You’re cooking’s delicious, Luan!”

“You’re pretty weird, aren’t you?”

“Weird how?”

“It’s like 35 degrees outside and here you are enjoying soup.”

I almost choked on my food when she said that. Aren’t you the weird one here then?

I was about to ask for seconds when a scratch in my mind garnered my attention.

“Alpha,” said the shaking voice on the other end; it raised alarm bells.

“Did something happen, Margo?”

“Your father asked for you, Alpha,” she said. “He wants you to come right away.”

My wolf growled at the thought of having to stand in the same room as him. I kept my voice steady to hide the uneasiness that man always awoke in me. “I see. Tell him I’m busy.”

“Alpha … please don’t keep him waiting for long,” she replied, voice now laced with worry for me. Because she and I knew the consequences of disobedience. Granted, the last time I spoke to him was during the Alpha ceremony. He didn’t bother to check on his son when he was close to killing himself from losing his mate, from learning everything that his parents and pack did to his mate. He was simply not that kind of man. He was the most practical of Alphas – toughened to the point that no emotion could pierce through his veil. “I worry for you, Kyhan –” she paused, and I knew what she was going to say before she said it, “- and your mother. Please meet with him now.”

Mom. Her actions towards my mate, I considered as betrayal. I told her everything, including the weird affection I had towards that little girl. She knew how much Luan meant to me before I did, and yet instead of standing up for her like the Luna that she was, she played a part in the whole thing. Her silence was unforgivable.

“Please, Alpha. I won’t be able to stop him if – if …”

If he starts beating Mom again. As much as I wanted to deny it, I still cared about the woman who gave birth to me. I knew her to be kind and compassionate. She always had a smile on her face and comforted me even when her mate’s beatings were bad, hiding her pain from her pup. How many times had I almost lost my life to my injuries? If it wasn’t for her care, I would’ve rotted in the dungeons early on in life. I would’ve never met Luan.

“Your dad loves you, Kyhan,” she would always say then. Even at five, I knew it was a lie to keep me from hating him. He never loved me and he never will. I was a puppet for him to control – to dance when he told me to in the way he wanted and to stop when the order was given. I used to do everything I could to gain his approval. Over the years, I came to realize that I’d always be worthless in his eyes.

“Tell him I’m on my way.”

Margo sighed in relief. “Thank you, Alpha.”

“Do you mind staying with my mom until after I leave?”

“Not at all, Alpha. You know I’ve nothing better to do,” she answered, laughing.

“Thank you, Margo.”

I couldn’t forgive my mom. At the same time, I couldn’t bear the guilt of making her my dad’s punching bag again because of me. I should be the only outlet of his outbursts.

Luan’s cheeks puffed as she blew a spoonful, thin steam rolling into space. The mere thought of physically hurting her even with the tiniest scratch made my chest ache. She’s a gift, a prayer answered.

“You’re staring again,” she grumbled, turning to face me. “If there’s something on my face, just say it.”

“There is nothing there but beauty,” I said, voicing my wolf’s words. We watched in satisfaction as her cheeks turned pink again. Honesty markers. I leaned forward to kiss her right cheek gently, making her blush deeper. “I have a meeting with your brothers. Do you want me to call Yula to keep you company?”

“Hm?” She shook her head. “I’ll be fine on my own. Let her spend time with her mate. What time will you be back?”

“Feeling lonely already?”

Luan returned her attention back to the food. I had a feeling she would’ve rolled her eyes at me.

I smiled. “I’ll be back by evening,” I said, taking my bowl and dumping it on the sink. “Go to bed early. Lock the door and don’t open it for anyone, except for your sister, Raph, Rose, or Margo. I’ll send any of them to you in case of an emergency.” Whatever that may be.

“Okay,” she answered, joining me by the sink.

“Anything you want me to get for you?” I asked, wrapping my arms around her waist to bring her closer.

She smiled and rested her hands on my shoulders. “None.”

“I have a question though.”

I hummed. I’d only be gone for a few hours, but I felt like a child who didn’t want to leave the candy store. I wanted to be here with her.

“Are there maple trees around here?”

“Maples?” I repeated, confused by her question. “There are a few surrounding the Alpha’s house. They sort of burned down about a year ago, but the trunks are still there. Why?”

She bit her lip nervously before speaking her mind. “I think it’s weird.”

“They’re just trees.”

“Within the territory, are there maple trees only near the Alpha’s house?”

“I don’t take account of which tree grows where, but to my knowledge, yes.” Kai tilted his head to the side, unable to figure her out. “Where are you going with this?”

“Nothing,” she sighed. “It was a strange question.”

“You’re weird, cupcake.” I grinned. “I’ll make you waffles first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Th- Thanks,” she said sheepishly.

I touched my forehead with hers then inhaled her scent to soothe me. I’m the Alpha now. “Just ask, cupcake. I’ll get you anything you want.”

“Then … lasagna.” She crossed her arms and looked to the side as if avoiding my gaze.

The first and last I cooked for her. I hadn’t made it since then, but there was no reason to keep it off of the menu now. I tipped her chin up and turned her head to face me as I leaned forward. “Okay,” I responded then pressed my lips on hers. I kissed her forehead before dropping my arms. “Wait for me.”

“Okay.”

I trudged my way out of the cabin, jogging over to the Alpha’s house to get this over with. The mansion loomed before me not before long, the green and flowery landscape grand and inviting. I remembered when I was young, I was small enough to hide in some of the bushes. It was dark and raining, and my mind was too young to keep up with the gravity of my situation. The quick decision was a stupid mistake. I only used those bushes as an escape once – my dad found me right after stepping out of the front door. As punishment for attempting to escape, he tied me to a maple tree and left me there until the next evening, forbidding anyone from the pack to help me, including my mom and my friends.

An Alpha doesn’t run. It’s shameful and disgraceful to an Alpha. It makes him appear weak in the eyes of his enemies and the pack. This lesson had been ingrained on me since that night.

Speaking of maple trees, did Luan remember anything about it? I don’t recall her being near the Alpha’s house whenever I was around to actually notice anyone lurking around. It’d be pitiful if she saw me that night.

I doubt it. It rained heavily – neither her parents nor her brother would’ve allowed her to go outside.

The door opened by itself. Margo stepped aside to welcome me inside with a forced smile.

“He is in his office, Alpha,” she said in a low voice.

The foyer led to a spiral staircase to the next floor. Pictures of every Alpha and their families hung on the cream painted walls. Walking up the stairs was like going through a part of the pack’s history. The last one ended just before the last step, showing a photo of my parents, with my mom holding me when I was a baby, wrapped in a sky-blue blanket. It was probably the only family photo we had. I had no recollection of the three of us ever taking one.

The glass windows allowed ample illumination the inside of the mansion. Carpets silenced every step. The hallways were lined with displays of valuable ceramics. Everything about this place was lavish, showing off the pack’s wealth, but there was nothing about it that felt like what a home should, at least in my fantasies. Unlike the warmth and comfort of the humble cabin with Luan’s presence, this place was packed with painful memories, dread, and dullness. I was merely inside one big room with smaller rooms within it.

I reached his office faster than I expected. Kai growled lowly to inform me of his presence. I’m the Alpha now. I can face him.

“Come in,” he said before I could announce my presence.

I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, then wiped off all emotion from my face. “You called for me,” I said as the door clicked close behind me.

He stood behind his desk, facing a glass window covered with white cotton curtains. It allowed light to seep through, but the room was dimmer compared to the hallways. His voice was as firm as his posture, a hint of his unyielding character. “I heard that you have chosen your Luna,” he said without facing me.

“Yes. I have found my mate.” I took not a single step, standing directly in line the door.

“There is talk that you have given her the Luna’s ring. Is this correct?”

“Yes. As my mate, it is rightly hers.” The Luna’s ring was a symbol of status among every pack. My mom had given it to me the day I departed for training at the Circle. If I had to guess, it was so dad wouldn’t take it from her. The Alpha’s ring, which was supposed to be mine since my appointment, was still worn by him.

“And your mate’s name is Luan Laister of the Red Circle of the Red Claw Pack, correct?”

“Yes.”

Silence fell over us for a few seconds. He already knew. He knew but wanted to hear from my mouth the opposition in order to validate whatever course of action brewed in his mind.

“Reject her,” he said calmly.

Kai growled from displeasure. “No. She is my mate.”

“Alpha Turner have sent word that he will be absent during the coming mating ceremony. You understand what this means, don’t you?”

He slowly turned to face me; face marred with deep lines from old age but his eyes as dark as they had always been, resolute, and cold. Silver blended with his black hair, which he kept cropped short at the sides and back and trimmed at the top. Wrinkled hands poised themselves elegantly on his wooden cane, the round smooth handle nestled beneath one palm. My dad carried himself with an air of authority, his confidence springing from an unmistakable strength, power, and a certain degree of cruelty in utilizing them.

I maintained a stoic face in front of him, unwilling to show that my nerves were rattled. It had been years. And yet he still held the chains to the fear he instilled in me. It coiled around my insides like a snake, poisoning what resolve I had strengthened coming here.

“The engagement is off. Luan is my mate and I won’t take anyone else but her.”

His lips curled into a grin, features softening like a father about to talk his child into doing something the child didn’t want under the pretense of “for the child’s own good”. “You would plunge this pack into a war with our oldest ally for your selfish reason? I taught you better than this, Kyhan. An Alpha prioritizes his pack no matter what.”

“I’ll find a way to settle this without causing dispute,” I insisted. “Blood will not be shed needlessly.”

The smile fell. The tapping of his cane on the floor echoed within the walls as he drew closer to where I stood until he was inches from me.

“Alpha Turner has been looking forward to his daughter’s coming of age. We’ve already taken his land in exchange for this arrangement. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that without their cooperation, Alpha Lynall wouldn’t have allied with us. We are in good graces with the Red Claw Pack because of this!”

Alpha Liam isn’t like him. Our pack would’ve died off from rogue attacks if it hadn’t been for the Red Claw. My Dad allied with a man similar to him in order to save the pack. But it was my time as Alpha; it was my turn to lead. I steeled myself for a rebuttal. “We can –”

“Have you forgotten this pack’s history, Kyhan! Kneel!” he ordered, his voice booming with anger. My heart pounded in my chest as I felt the weight of the Order on my being. Kai howled painfully loud in my head, gnashing his teeth in an attempt to recoil from the strings that sought to bring him down. One after another, they tied around his legs and soon he was on his side, eyes raging and murderous. Obsidian black eyes hovered above him, arrogantly looking down upon him, upon us. I gritted my teeth as the order repeated itself over our link, demanding our obedience. I will not be humiliated! I –

I fell to one knee despite my resistance. Every muscle in my body burned as I fought to stand, to keep my other knee from meeting the floor. I am an Alpha! A scream tore through my throat from the pain that wracked through me. Kai was still fighting, biting through the strings to free himself. My fist landed on the floor to keep myself from completely humiliating myself in front of him. The sharp pain on my knuckles brought control over my arm and in one swift motion, I grabbed hold of the doorknob and forced myself to stand – to raise myself from this position and face him with pride.