Blind & Broken

Chapter Eighteen

I was both surprised and not phased by this information at the same time. It wasn't uncommon for humans to not know, especially because it's been so many years since the hunter situations and I think everyone would prefer not to scare the entire world population. So often if a human knows, it's because their grandparents told them about us, or they're relationally close to a shifter. So, that is why I'm surprised this friend is oblivious. I feel like a best friend should know important information like that, you know, like what species we are!

Kate must have noticed the shock on my face. "I just wanted to keep us safe at first, and then I wanted to keep her safe, and then. . . I don't know. . . I guess I'm afraid she'll see me differently or something. I hope to tell her someday, but for now, I'm leaving that subject alone."

"Okay." I say. I understand her hesitance, but I also feel a friend deserves to know. But it's not my place; I just hope Alexis doesn't find out in some awful, traumatic way.

"We won't mention it." Taylor promises from her spot behind us.

"Thanks."

And then it's quiet for the rest of the drive.

The trip is about twenty minutes in total. Kate explained this is because we have to go around when following the roads. If we were in wolf form, we could cut through the woods and get there in half the amount of time. The vehicle slows down as we turn and the sudden crunch of gravel beneath the tires is loud. After a few moments of gravel, we stop and Kate clicks the car into park. I reach for the handle, not waiting to be helped out.

In hindsight, I probably should have waited, because I wasn't sure what to expect and I end up sliding on the loose rocks beneath my feet. We're also on a slight incline, the rear of the car lower than the front.

"You okay?" Taylor asks and I jump, not realizing she has been right in front of me.

"I'm good." I'm more stable now that I've found my footing, but I still reach out for her because I'm not entirely sure where we're going or what the area we're in is laid out like.

I grasp her arm and she keeps me close as we walk. From the gravelly footsteps ahead, I know Kate is leading us. The rocks turn to a flat, straight walkway before we stop suddenly. After Kate knocks a few times, a gust of air that feels and smells different than outside tells me someone has opened the door.

"Hey guys!" This is a new voice, not quite cheery, but not dreadful either. She sounds more down-to-earth, no bullshit type of attitude. I like that. It's less fake. "You must be Indigo, it's nice to meet you!"

I lift my hand in a small wave, hoping Kate isn't blocking it.

We start walking and I assume the girl is inviting us in. "So, what do you want to do?"

Taylor's arm moved slightly in my grip. "We're up for anything, really. Indigo just needed to get out and about. It's not too cold today if we want to be outside?"

"Of course! I'll bring you guys out back where I can show you around. Obviously Kate's seen it, but Taylor, you've never been over!" I try to ignore the fact that I was just ignored.

Something soft brushes against my leg, my left arm fingertips grazing it. I jerk into Taylor, who makes an odd sound as she hits the wall. "Sorry!" I whisper. Whatever touched me wasn't necessary scary, it just took me by surprise and I'm not exactly sure what it is.