Blood moon

Chapter 32. Opening the gates

—I don't mind crossing the line, we've done that since the moment we met, I like the way we can connect— exclaimed the werewolf, with a sad expression on his face -I've shared with you something I've never done with anyone.

—Don't you share these stories in the city?

The man shook his head.

—Not really, it's a family custom. I know you've been through a lot lately, I deeply despise what that guy was able to do to you, Chris J. Anderson, he's a human scum— his voice was accompanied by a rage Andrea had never seen before, she had never felt that someone cared that way about her, not even her mother dared to have discussions with anyone because of her.

—We don't have to talk about anyone else. We are both here— then the human proceeded to take out the sandwiches she had prepared in the house —Let's eat first, because there won't be a good stomach to do it after I start with my narration.

Hunter was saddened by what she said, he could not imagine what kind of life she had to have lived for her to talk that way. Then the werewolf, all alpha, realized that his life was not rosy either, his father had beaten them a lot when they were children, he forced them to go further and further of their capabilities, he wanted to have the two best warriors in the state.

He constantly forced them to fight, one opponent after another. He had fractured his ribs two or four times, his femur, tibia, fibula, and forearm. Injured cruciate ligaments and shoulder dislocations. In her world, it was quite natural this kind of fighting, she didn't think about how it was for the other children, but looking at Andrea now, she thought about how difficult the other side was, humans didn't have it easy.

They ate in a pleasant silence for a long time, there was no discomfort between them. They were completely comfortable, immersed in their own thoughts, remembering how they had been raised, and the shortcomings they had experienced over time.

—I was an unruly child, my mother was too quiet, she always has been, people abuse her all the time because of that, then I was a child who fought for both of us, I would stand up to anyone to defend us, but my mother always thought it was too much— a sad smile appeared on her mouth, thinking about her rebellious times.

—So you were a bad girl?— the werewolf tried to tease her.

Andrea let out a laugh, she was glad he was the kind of man who could joke with bad situations.

—No, I was a troublemaker, I liked to unionize the kids so we would fight to stay longer in the park or organize strikes to stay out of school, my mother said I was one of the hardest things she ever had to deal with in her life.

—You're a good woman— exclaimed the werewolf appreciatively.

—When the disease became more evident, mom stopped hiding it from me, I would have been about ten or twelve when I understood what it meant, she could no longer hold down a steady job, food started to become scarce in the house, then things changed to a gray.

—What does your mother have?

—She has Osteoporosis, it has been with her since she was very young— Hunter thought it was losing bone density and was very painful over time, but he didn't know if there was a chance it would decrease a person's lifespan, he thought he would investigate more over time.

—Was it very hard for you?

—Hard...maybe at the beginning, I understood that my mother would end little by little, the pain in her hands was the worst part, moving things like pots or dishes was difficult, I started to help around the house, and then I started with work, I could not leave her alone, struggling with the bills.

—And your studies? You finished college— commented the werewolf.

—I worked three jobs to make ends meet. Shortly after we found a balance the doctors discovered I had Huntington's disease— Hunter had no idea what to say.

—Is that why you chose the Halland company?

Andrea Smith smiled. The man at her side wasn't trying to judge her, he had listened carefully to her point of view, even when she hadn't gone into much detail, just pointing out the facts, and that made her heart pound.

—That's one of the reasons— he nodded with his cheeks warmed by blushing —The other one was the flexible schedules, I could leave to take care of my mother when there was a problem, that was one of my conditions when I was hired in New York, then came the change of city.

—Why did you accept the change?— asked the werewolf with real interest.

—It's a small town, the living expenses were lower and it was the best way to keep my mother's medical care— his voice became more subdued —Harley allowed me to have a decent contract and benefits for my mother, these are things that other companies can't negotiate. Now she has a nurse to help her with things around the house, she has at least enough company to be able to talk.

—Do you miss your mother very much?— the question was an open door for the werewolf's feelings.

—All the time, I miss her a lot, but we talk whenever we can. She sends me audios, about the things she is doing and the nurse passes me reports about my mother's condition, so I feel calmer, now because someone is with her all the time- Andrea felt happy, but noticed that her partner had a downcast expression —Why do you have that look on your face?

Hunter had a sad expression.

—My mother died when I was little, I was about eight years old when it happened. My father became relentless after that, the fights, the alcohol and the hunting, made growing up difficult— the man looked away, but his voice gave him away, he was having a hard time talking about it —When you talk about your mother, you can tell how fond you are of her and she of you, I don't remember many things about my mother, my brother does, he says she was a peaceful woman, maybe that's why I'm so difficult.

—You are not difficult, you are a very sweet man— Andrea caressed his head, running her fingers through his silky hair —You have defended me, without knowing me well. You constantly fight for what you believe in, you are an excellent friend and you have very honest feelings, your mother would be proud of the man you have become— his words made her heart beat hard against her chest.