the Blind Bond

Chapter 09

BETH

I put the sweet mixture in the oven and checked if the heat was properly set. Days were getting shorter and colder, the winter was knocking on the door to announce it’s entrance. But I didn't mind the cold. Werewolves were used to extreme weather and we loved it when the frozen snow was crunching under our paws. Therefore, I baked Pavlova mini-cakes today. It was a meringue-based dessert named after a famous ballerina. It had a crisp crust and a soft, light inside made of egg whites and sugar and it was usually topped with fruit and whipped cream. And it reminded me of snow.

Gaia, my wolf, was humming some romantic melody in my mind. She was quiet for a couple of hours. I assumed she was having a nap.

“Hello sleeping beauty. Did you have a good nap?” I greeted her and she started to laugh.

“Hello to you, too. Actually, I had a serious meeting with one handsome wolf.”

“Oh, don’t you tell! Aren’t you too old for dating?”

“Haha! No, silly, it wasn’t a date. And the wolf is too young for me.” Since our mate died, we didn’t want to have another wolf or man in our intimate life. We focused only on the living love of our life – our daughter Erin and her wolf Romina.

“What are you up to, Gaia?” I raised my brow and waited for her to explain this secret meeting.

“Nero approached me.” She said shortly.

“Nero? Is something wrong with our pack? Is it Erin?” My heart raced fast and fear ran through my body. It was hard to survive the death of my mate. He died in the war trying to protect our pack. If it was not for Erin, I would have followed him for sure very soon. When one half of the bond dies, the other can’t live long. The loss is too painful, sometimes even unbearable. But I had to be strong for Erin. She had no one left and was still a minor back then.

“No, Beth. Our pup is fine. Don’t panic. Nero asked for help. It’s about his and Nate’s second-chance mate.”

~*~

NATE

Days passed and I tried to avoid visiting the city center as much as possible. I even invited Samira to share the bed with me as I needed a distraction. Nero was furious. He stopped talking to me and I couldn't recall when was the last time I had such a peaceful time without all the annoying barking. Some time apart would do us good.

I fvcked Samira every day. It was rough and purely physical and I didn't care whether she liked it or not. She never refused my invitation. On the contrary, she looked grateful. That was low. How could any female feel appreciated when she was treated just like a piece of meat, an empty shell into which I could ruthlessly pump my d.ick and simply send her away as soon as I released my tension? I could never agree to make her Luna of this pack. Which made option number 1 from Zian’s candidates list crossed out.

Apropos, Zian… Since he found his mate he was busy all the time. Whenever I mind-linked him he was having intercourse with Erin. Seemed like they didn't do anything else other than fvcking. But if he was happy, I was happy too.

I asked him to arrange a meeting with Felicity, candidate number 2. When Samira learned about it, I could see the pain in her eyes. But it was none of my concern, she knew from the very beginning that we were not exclusive. And if Felicity proves herself as a Luna-material, I will do the right thing and end the friendship with benefits with Samira.

I was in the shower after another wild round with the caramel beauty, when Beth called for me.

“Nate, I don’t want to interrupt.”

“You’re not interrupting me, Beth. What’s the matter?”

“I wish to talk to you. Can I come for a visit?”

“You’re always welcome in my villa. This is your home, too. I’ll be available in an hour. Would that fit your schedule?”

“Yes, it’s perfect. Thanks. See you soon.” And she cut me off. I wonder what that was all about.

She arrived at my office at the agreed time and greeted me with a bright smile. Beth was like a mother to me and we kept our interaction informal whenever alone, so I did not hesitate and hugged her tightly.

“How are you? Have you spoken to Erin lately?”

She made a short but cheerful laugh. “My sweet daughter is AWOL these days, all thanks to your loyal Beta. But I am very excited she found her rightful mate and can experience true love. Tell me, Nate, how’s she doing as a pack doctor?”

“Oh, she's great. She has very progressive ideas and has already brought lots of positive changes. Pups love her, some of them may even have a crush on her.” She giggled at my words and I offered her the armchair that originally belonged to my father. It was a comfortable seat and valuable to me.

“Is there anything I can do for you, Beth?”

“Frankly speaking, I would like to do something for you.” She opened her purse and took out a small emerald box. She pressed the tiny golden button to open the box. Inside of it laid an elegant leather bracelet which I'd already seen but couldn't remember where.

“This bracelet belonged to your father. He gave it to my late mate shortly before he got killed in the battle with another Alpha. As you know, my dear mate was a general of the pack forces and his main task was to secure the protection of pack members. He ordered me to take all the pups and elderly people to a safe place and wait for all the battle to be over. This is not an ordinary bracelet. It’s filled with magic and whenever danger is coming, it will warn the one who wears it. It is my little secret that, only thanks to the power of your father’s bracelet, I saved the souls of the vulnerable ones. And it is only right for you to have it now. You are a great Alpha and under your leadership the pack is safe. Wear it as memory of your father’s legacy and of those who sacrificed their lives in the war.”

She tied the bracelet around my wrist and I let a single tear fall down my face.

“Thank you, I will always treasure it.” was the only sentence I managed to say and she nodded approvingly.