Blind & Broken

Chapter One

The sound of a door barging open jerks me awake. I groan, flipping over to my stomach and burying my face in my pillow.

"Indie, get up! We're going to be late for school!" I just groan again, recognizing my best friend's voice. "Indie, come on! Your sister is already upset that you missed the Alpha's birthday breakfast."

I lift my head, turning it to the sound of where Flicker is talking from. "And? He doesn't even know who I am." And if he does, he probably refers to me as "that blind girl." I add silently.

I hear Flicker's mouth open with a pop. "It's the Alpha's eighteenth birthday! He officially has the full title. It's a big deal, you know." I imagine she's crossing her arms all sassily and I roll my eyes.

"I'm sure it is. But no one even missed me there besides my sister."

"I did!" She fires. "You know what, whatever. Just be warned you're going to get scolded later." I shrug. "Just get up for school. I have an outfit picked out for you."

I huff, but sit up, tentatively sliding off the bed and touching the carpet with my bare feet.

"The room is clean," Flicker tells me. "There's nothing in your way."

"Thanks."

A bundle of clothes is dropped in my hands suddenly and I lay them out on my bed, feeling the textures of each piece.

I can tell immediately there were jeans, and the shirt feels like a soft cotton and I can tell it's long sleeved. Good choice, as it's November.

Not caring that Flicker is still in the room — as we are practically sisters — I peel off my shirt and slip on the one she'd handed me. I use the tag to tell the front of the shirt from the back.

I pull off my pajama pants and put on the jeans, finding that they are skinny jeans.

"Good?" I ask Flicker.

"Yup! Here's some boots."

Honestly, Flicker is more family to me than my own twin, Ivory. Flicker helps me throughout the day, like a service dog would. Except obviously she's not a dog. But we share a room to make things easier; Ivy's room is down the hall a little.

"Hair?" I ask and I feel her grab my hand and gently pull me through the room. I feel the floor change and know we've gone into the bathroom.

She stops and grabs my shoulders, spinning me around. "Sit." I obey, plopping down on what I assume is the vanity bench.

She starts raking the brush through my long hair, humming a little as she works with it.

I've been told my hair is a dark chestnut-like brown color. I don't know what that looks like, but Flicker told me it's really pretty. I've also been told my eyes are a bright, icy blue with a dark blue ring around the edge. Apparently you couldn't even tell I was blind unless someone told you.

"Done!" Flicker says suddenly, breaking me from my thoughts. "I did a little half braid. It looks nice, if I do say so myself!" She explains, as she does everyday. I like to have at least somewhat of an image of what I look like!

"Thanks, Flicker!"

"Mm hmm." I stand up and feel her elbow touch my side. Knowing what she wants, I link my arm through hers and she leads me out through our room and into the hallway.

"Stairs." She warned and we stop for a second, letting me test the first step. Then I lead the way, keeping her at my pace.

We make it to the bottom and I freeze, remembering my book bag is all the way back in the room.

Sensing what I'm thinking, Flicker says, "Our bags are in my car already. We're good."

I let out a breath of relief and let her lead me out the front door, down the concrete steps and to the car. I hear her open the door and step forward, feeling for the seat. When my hands touched the familiar fabric, I climb in.

Flicker shuts the door for me and I hear the other side open a moment later. She climbs in and starts the car, thankfully turning the heat on as well.

As far as I know, it hasn't snowed yet, which is strange since we live in the Rocky Mountains. But it sure is cold enough for it!

I am part of the Snow Crest Pack. It's not very well known and was several times smaller than our closest neighbor: the Silver Moon Pack. Because we're so small, our first Alpha didn't feel the need to go with tradition and name our Pack after the moon. I personally love our pack name. It's very unique.

We live in the Arapaho National Forest, in the state of Colorado. I've been told the area we live in is gorgeous, but what would I know? I can't see any of it!

I really hope I'll be able to see it all when I meet my mate and can shift into wolf form. It's not guaranteed that my wolf will be able to see, but I'm crossing my fingers as hard as I can.

I feel something hit my lap and I blink at Flicker. "What is this?"

"An egg sandwich. You need breakfast."

"Where'd it come from?" I ask, bewildered.

"I just got it at a gas station for you. You were kinda zoned out. I didn't know if you were asleep or not. So I threw it at you."

I laugh. "Thanks."

I fumble with the wrapping, finding the tape on one side and ripping it open. The amazing smell of egg, cheese, sausage, and biscuit hits my nose and has my mouth watering. I hadn't realized how hungry I am.

I dig in, finishing the last bite just as I feel the car slow down and pull into a parking spot. I brush my hands off and sigh, leaning back into the seat and staring straight ahead at nothing.

Hooray for another day of school. . .