The Blind Werewolf Princess (1st book of Werewolf Series)

Chapter 6

I moved away from Max at the party that was being "thrown" in my honor, even though John had asked me to stay near him. I couldn't because I was getting rather crowded with all the friends he had, making me rather uncomfortable.

I let out a sigh of relief as I made my way to the edge of the party, the smoke not bothering me as much as it had been. I didn't understand as to why they had thrown a bonfire as a welcome party, but... it drew a huge crowd, and I had a feeling that the whole community was here.

Laughter and shouts of joy filled the air, and my head started to hurt because of my sensitive ears and the fact that I could sense everyone's whereabouts. I understood that they wanted me to meet the whole community, but... it would have been easier for me to handle fewer people at one time and not get overly stimulated like I was.

I shook my head and scowled, wishing that I could go back to the house and lay on that soft bed. I would, honestly, rather do that than this, or talk to the person that was on their own. "Excuse me?" I asked when I was near, startling the person. "Can I sit next to you?"

The person was silent, and I could tell that they were looking one way or the next. They were trying to figure out who I was talking to, even though they were the only ones there. "Are... you talking to me?" the person asked, and I could tell that it was a male.

"I don't sense anyone else close by," I replied. I kept silent about the fact that I felt someone's gaze on my back. I could tell that my "brother" was watching and wondered what he was thinking about me talking to this person.

"Be- uh- Max is looking at you strangely, though," he said, "Are you sure that you don't want to run back to him? You could get into trouble if you are seen talking to me."

I shrugged, tapping my finger against my pole. "You are the only one by yourself," I replied. "And they are giving me a headache. Most keep asking me if I am blind or not and trying to make me drink that awful thing that stinks."

The male chuckled but stopped abruptly. His whole body was stiff, and I could tell that he didn't know what to do with me. "You should go back."

"Why?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm different."

"So? What d-"

"I'm gay," the male blurted out, interrupting me. He cleared his throat and looked away. "I am a misfit. I am not welcomed anywhere." There were this bitterness and sadness that broke my heart. He didn't have a friend to call his own, and I understood how he was feeling.

Well, I wasn't expecting that, but I could really care less. It sounded like he wanted a friend, but no one wanted to be his friend because he was gay. And honestly, I understood where he was getting at. I wanted friends when I was in school, but the "queen bees" made sure that I was counted as an outcast.

I blinked and raised an eyebrow. "Well, I am blind, so... what does it matter?" I gestured to the spot next to him. "Can I sit? It's not like you have cooties."

The man hesitated but nodded. "I'm Peter," he said, watching as I sat down. He held out his hand.

I blinked and took his hand, feeling him stiffen in surprise. "Carley," I replied. I bit back a smirk. "And, I became more aware of my surroundings using my other senses," I added, answering his unasked question. I pulled my hand out of his and faced the bonfire. "It's why I am over here and not over there."

"Did it get a little over-stimulating for you?" he asked, and I nodded. "It does that to me, too." He sighed, and I could tell that he was facing the bonfire. "I am not normally invited to these things, but since you are new here..." He shrugged.

"I would rather be on that soft bed back in my new room," I said, honestly. I shrugged. "I guess I would have been able to get a good night's sleep while on it."

"Have you ever had a good night's sleep?" Peter asked, and I shrugged. "How was living in the orphanage?"

"Horrible," I replied scowling. I hated how many people I had left there to fend for themselves. I had no idea what she was making them do and prayed that they would be alive until I could somehow get them out. "There are two groups there; the "specials" and the "outcasts." I was in the outcast group because I was different and redeemed "unadoptable.""

"But... Katherine adopted you," he said, and I shrugged. "She wouldn't have adopted you if she didn't think that you would "fit in.""

I gave him a look. "You do realize that I can't see, right?" I asked. "I think that counts as me not "fitting in.""

"Can you fight?" Peter asked. Shock filled him when I nodded. He let out a gulp, and I could tell that he thought I would hurt him. "How? When did you learn?"

"Not tellin'," I replied, sticking my tongue out at him childishly. "But, I was taught how to fight, duh." I leaned back, aware of no backrest. I looked at the fire, sensing both Max and someone else coming over. "Hello, Maxwell," I said, and he scowled. "Care to join in the conversation with your buddy?"

"What are you two talking about?" Max asked. He looked at Peter, and his heart skipped a beat before it started to beat faster. "Trying to tur-"

I pointed my staff at him, and he stopped talking and looked at me. "Don't bully him," I warned, narrowing my eyes at him. "I have gotten into many fights before and do not mind getting into some more."

The second male snorted, and I could tell that he rolled his eyes. "I don't think that you can fight," he said. "You are just as weak as him."

"Samuel, right?" I asked, and he nodded in confirmation. "Don't assume that because I am blind, I am weak and can't fight. I can and have fought before and will do it again. So, please do not test me. You will not like the outcome."