the Blind Bond

Chapter 05

NATE

“Yes, Alpha.” She couldn't hide the tension in her voice. My enhanced hearing could hear her heavy breathing, even though we were about 15 meters apart. I didn't need any other words to be said. It was crystal-clear Erin knew about that human in town and didn't tell me on purpose. To act behind Alpha's back was severely punishable in our pack. But I tried to be a fair leader and always allowed the guilty ones to defend their actions.

"Who is this human and what is she doing here?" I used my alpha voice, though I didn't think Erin would try to trick me.

"Her name is Amelia. Alpha, she's completely harmless. Besides, she's blind, so she'll never figure out who we are." She bared her neck as a sign of respect and submission.

"You didn't answer the question. What is she doing here?" The silence was so thick it could be cut into pieces. Erin hesitated to answer. She was afraid of me. Well, she should have been. It was obvious she'd done something I wouldn't agree with. That was not the best start for a future pact doctor.

"She moved in less than two months ago." Her voice was just a tiny whisper, as if she hoped to make me less angry. Instead, I was in a rage.

"What?!" I roared and ran towards her direction, my eyes full of anger, my lips pressed into one thin line. My blood already boiled and the veins in my neck were pulsating rapidly. Yeah, I had a short temper. I had to control myself not to punish her right away. As a matter of fact, it would be a horrible decision in the presence of a human. Wolves often choose physical beating as a punishment because they can heal faster. But humans are sensitive and emphatic creatures and do not know much about our species. They usually consider the pain level as high as it is for them, although it’s quite the opposite.

Back to the point. A human, living in a town full of werewolves, and I (!) only found out when randomly driving by. Erin lowered her head even more. My aura was radiating around the entire neighborhood and she was as pale as a sheet.

"Please, Alpha, don't be mad. Mom and I didn't think it would be a problem taking into consideration her… condition.”

I clenched my fists. There was a dog accompanying Cinnamon and it was barking at me like a rabid one. Nero took control, showing his long canines and claws, and the dog automatically withdrew. My wolf was very dominant and didn't tolerate it when lower animals did not respect the hierarchy.

"Erin please..." Her sweet voice softened me and my soul was suddenly at ease. When I put my eyes on her, Nero gave control back to me. Seeing how her body shook out of fear stabbed him right in the heart.

"Take her out of here. I’ll have a conversation with Beth.” I commanded, and entered the café.

Beth was quite calm, despite the fact she must have felt my presence outside as well as her daughter's tension. Still, her friendly face demonstrated a peaceful smile.

"Alpha Nate. Welcome. May I offer you something to drink or eat? Today's special is apple-cinnamon muffins." Hmm, cinnamon. I'd love to take a bite. I had to shake that thought off real quick.

“Cut the s.hit, Beth. Why is a human in the town? If one comes, others follow. You know that.”

She sighed, but the smile still clung to her. Beth was considered the Elder of our pack, and she also had alpha blood in her veins. That was why my p.issed-off mood didn't sway her that easily. She wouldn't even bare her neck unless I used my Alpha voice directly on her.

"It is highly unlikely that more humans will come. Amelia has a very disturbed soul, affected by personal tragedies, and has come here to hide from the outer world. Besides, she has a handicap, which, as unfortunate as it is for her, safeguards the secret of our existence. We don't have to worry about her discovering who we really are. But to make sure it stays that way, I try to be close to her. That is the reason why I asked Erin to keep an eye on her. Amelia will have a friend who’s going to make sure the secrets stay well hidden." She held her gaze without blinking as a sign she stood by her words and had no further agenda. But I still wasn't fully convinced.

“I spoke to Mr Roberts, the owner of the apartment where she’s staying. It needed renting and, as you are aware, this town is not the most popular Airbnb choice. We are quite isolated and not many tourists visit us. Nevertheless, the town needs money and here comes the opportunity. Amelia signed the rental contract for one year. She may be gone by next autumn.”

"I don't like it. She shouldn't be here. It can be dangerous." I ran my fingers through my light brown hair and a tired sigh left my lips.

"Who can it be dangerous to?" This old she-wolf was very wise, she suspected that there was something more behind my words. She handed me a cup of black coffee into which she had already managed to stir a spoonful of brown sugar. Just the way I liked it.

"To our pack."

"I doubt that."

"What if she wanders in the woods and gets lost? What if she meets wolves from other packs, or even worse, if a rouge crosses her path? You really think that an ordinary dog of hers can protect her?"

She took one of the apple-cinnamon muffins which were placed behind the glassy sneeze guard, unfolded the paper muffin cup and took a bite, making a quiet moan to demonstrate how delicious the muffins were. Alright, I had to taste it as well. As she could just read my thoughts, her hand was offering a small plate with a single muffin. And it was indeed delicious. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, my taste buds dancing joyfully because of the flavor of apple and cinnamon and all I saw in my mind was her. I shook that image off and returned to reality.

"Nate, even if someone k.idnaps or tries to harm her, she's only a human. We have no obligation to rescue her. She's not important to us because she’s not a member of our pack. Or am I wrong?"

Nero growled angrily, and I barely managed to keep him at bay. I knew Beth was just testing me. She would never allow any unnecessary harm to other species, humans included. What a minx. I tried to keep my poker face and acknowledged her words, showing zero emotion.

"Exactly. She's not important."