the Blind Bond

Chapter 08

AMELIA

I usually drink only one cocktail but tonight I already had two. Those daiquiris were so good and sweet. At first, I had the impression that I got the virgin version, but then I was pretty sure it was not alcohol free. Not at all. My cheeks were burning and I was getting bold. The shy and quiet girl suddenly forgot how to use the filter between the brain and mouth.

These mountain people talked funny. For instance, they didn't use the most common expression “oh my God” but they referred to some Goddess. Which was fine by me because I fully supported women's power. The couples couldn't keep their hands off each other. They were always together, touching, kissing, moaning like a bunch of horny rabbits. I often felt like being in a soft p.orn movie and this was the only occasion I was glad to be blind. But it was still acceptable and didn’t bother me much.

What shocked me the most, were the Greek alphabet titles they addressed to one another. I mean, who does that? Was this community some shady Sect?

Erin acted weird when the Beta guy came to our table. I only hoped she knew what she was doing.

"Why did the guy introduce himself as Beta of the pack? It's like we're in some Australian grotesque version of the Twilight movie. So weird. Hopefully, he’s not some psycho who plans to bury Erin in the woods." I chuckled at my own words while finishing the second daiquiri. Anyway, who was I to judge? Maybe he was hot and she'd at least get some. I can't recall when was the last time I had s*x with anyone. Well, it was for sure with my ex-boyfriend Dominic. Such a handsome and charming guy. I fell in love with him after the very first date and believed he was the one and only. I truly wished to marry him one day. How naïve. Well, my dream of the perfect family was no longer valid.

I sensed another person standing next to me. I could recognize it was a man.

"And who’s the other intruder? You know, I may be blind, but not deaf. You breathe louder than my fluffy friend over here." Yeah, two drinks. I was definitely getting bold.

"Hello. Your friend somehow occupies my bar stool now, so I wonder if it’s OK to sit with you guys." The intruder said in a firm voice. Jeez, that voice was sexy. If only I could see him. Damn you, blind eyes.

"Of course. Please, take a seat." All of a sudden, Caleb sounded completely sober. Hm, this intruder must be intimidating. Or he was a well-known person. Secret billionaire hiding in the mountains searching for his destined love. Or a cult leader managing all those beta gamma epsilons. Ah-ha!

"You still haven’t introduced yourself. At least not to me." I used a strict tone of voice.

"I’m Nate. I have a small real estate company operating in Yukon territory. And what is your name, Ms strawberry daiquiri? I see you need a refill." He touched my hand which was holding the empty glass and I flinched.

"It's Amelia and no! Trust me, I had enough. To be honest, I’m a bit tired and should get going. It was nice meeting you, Nate. Lou, Cal – have a great rest of the night." I took a twenty out of my purse and left it on the table. The alcohol made me dizzy when I stood up and almost lost my balance. Two big arms were holding me in less than a second, my back pressed against a very strong chest. Holy moly! The intruder must be as muscular as a Greek God. Maybe that’s why they were so obsessed with beta gamma titles. It felt nice to be in someone’s embrace. Hmmmm…

I pulled myself away from him. Jesus Christ, Amelia! You drunk i.diot. Letting strangers hug you.

"Uhm, thank you. And bye." I tried to hide my blushing face by turning away from the crowd and gently tugged Daria’s leash to signal her we needed to leave asap.

"Wait." He grabbed my hand and I literally froze. What did he want from me?

"You shouldn’t walk alone at this hour. It’s dark and…" I could hear the mental facepalm he gave himself. Yeah, mate. This is not the brightest way how to get into blind girl’s knickers. What a j.erk.

"Dear Nate. Darkness doesn’t scare me. Not sure why I’m so fearless. Maybe, but only maybe, it has something to do with the fact that I can’t see. I mean, I can’t see at all. I thought you'd have noticed already, but perhaps you’re more blind than me. Anyhow, you don’t need to worry. I am never alone. I have a brave furry friend. She’s always reliable and finds the way home. Now, please excuse me.” I rushed outside and stopped, only to breathe the fresh air. Deep inhale, long exhale. I was ready to continue my walk when a familiar voice caught my attention.

"I am sorry, Amelia. I didn’t mean to be rude."

"It’s OK. You don’t need to follow me. Get back inside and have fun."

"I would still prefer to accompany you. Not because you need my guidance in these streets, but because I want some fresh air too and it may look bad - me walking behind you like a creepy stalker."

Interesting. I sighed with resignation and just waved my hand to him. "Alright. Do as you please."

~*~

NATE

“Challenge accepted!” Nero grinned inside of my head. He was very hyper and I didn't get it.

“Huh? I don’t understand you.”

“She said we shall do as we please. And my personal wish is to please this feisty woman. I like she can speak up her mind. She will make a strong Luna.” Oh my Goddess, not this crap again. I agreed to catch up with her outside because of his unbearable whining and I didn’t want Cinnamon to think of me as some kind of jerk. My comment regarding darkness equals danger was not a smart move.

“You should let me speak next time. You still have a lot to learn how to treat a lady.” I shoved him in the back of my mind. Mr know-it-all should learn how to be more humble and appreciate his host.

“How did you end up in this place, Amelia?”

“Well, let’s consider it a new chapter in my life. I lost my sight two years ago and had some hard time getting used to it. I learned how to read in braille, how to use my other senses, but the big city somehow overwhelmed me and I mean it in a negative way. All that noise was just too much for me. I had various panic attacks and lost any interest in living my life. I have no close family left, my boyfriend broke up with me and I lost my job. My friends tried to cheer me up but I could feel the pity which radiated from them. I decided to leave my old life behind and just move to the most rural place possible.” She said with a sadness in her voice and I knew she was trying to hold back the tears.

Without thinking it through, I gently grabbed her shoulders, turned her small figure to face me and hugged her tightly. She stood still, astonished by my sudden move. Yet she did not push me away, instead she buried her head into my chest. We were just standing there without speaking, in the middle of the night, in the middle of an empty street, and the only sounds that could be heard were soft wind playing with her long dark brown hair and two confused beating hearts.

Nero purred happily like a satisfied little pup. I closed my eyes and I lost track of time. The dog licked her right palm and she slowly pulled away.

“I’m sorry. This is inappropriate. We don’t know each other.” She said awkwardly, and even in the darkness I could see her blushing cheeks.

“I am the one who should apologize. Sometimes my actions are impulsive.” A small smile appeared on her beautiful face and I wanted to kiss it. But I couldn't. I had to control myself. I mustn't fall for this human. It wouldn't be right. I shouldn’t have come to the pub, I shouldn’t have talked to her and I definitely shouldn’t have hugged her.

“You are overreacting. She is our mate and it’s only natural to have feelings for her. Don’t fight the bond, Nate. Open up your heart.” The wolf was trying to manipulate me into the mate-trap and I had to resist. I decided to block that strong pull I was feeling and not to get involved with her anymore. This was the last time we would see each other. Nero released a low howl. He was sad. Sooner or later he'd understand.