Blind & Broken

Chapter Two

Overpowering noise fills my ears as we step into the school: students shuffling along and their lockers slamming. Along with the never ending chatter as they greet each other.

My shoulder rams into a wall, a locker, and at least fifteen other people as Flicker attempts to lead me to my "class."

I say it like that because I don't sit in a normal classroom with the other students. I did when I was in Elementary School, but as I got older it got harder for the teachers, I guess. Instead, I sit in a room with a special tutor who teaches me verbally and by using brail.

I don't mind it, for I'm not a huge fan of people in general, anyway. And this way I'm not being made fun of all day and I can actually learn.

"Here we are." Flicker announces as we come to a stop.

"Thanks!" I grin and I feel her let go of my arm and then she's gone. I turn to the right, where I know the door is. I can feel the air flowing from my classroom, telling me the door is ajar.

"Indigo!" A delighted voice exclaims as I walk across the hard floor.

"Hello." I say, finding my usual seat. I'm here so much, I navigate the room all through muscle memory. If Ms. Tulkins moves anything around one of these times, I'm screwed.

I'm sure she'd find it funny, though. Not gonna lie, I would too, even if it would be embarrassing.

I hear Ms. Tulkins slide a plastic slab across the table and we get started with reading.

Because I'm blind, I'm pretty behind in academics. But being a werewolf, it doesn't matter a whole lot anyway. I just wish there was a such thing as a class to teach runts shifting without their mate. Once I shift, I hope the Pack won't see me as so small and useless. And who knows, maybe I'll get some crazy ability when I shift and blow everyone's minds!

I giggle to myself; yeah, right!

"Indigo!" Ms. Tulkins scolds, "Focus!"

I dip my head, "Sorry." I go back to lightly dragging my finger across the tiny plastic bumps. I know I'm not exactly super smart, but I've come a long way since starting the private classroom. I can tell from the energy radiating off of my teacher that she's pleased with my progress as well. I do wish I had other people to celebrate with, though.

When the lunch bell rings, my teacher leaves the room for about five minutes. When she returns, she has two trays of food and we spend the time eating and talking. As soon as the foods gone, we get back to my studies.

At the end of the school day, my teacher gathers the stuff and I can hear her putting everything away. She tells me I did good work today and then gives me a hug before sending me on my way. It's the same routine everyday, but that simple hug, that's probably meaningless to her, is the best part of my day. Even my own mother doesn't hug me like that anymore, which is incredibly sad when I think about it. So I don't.

I clutch my bag in my hands and head out into the sea of noise. I cringe, tempted to turn right around and hide in the safety of my classroom. But I know there's a reason Ms. Tulkins never lets me wait for Flicker. She wants me to learn to do things on my own. If only I knew how valuable that would be sooner than later.

But for now, I'm pretty lost. The noise of kids shouting, talking and bustling around is deafening, jabbing at me from every direction. It makes it hard to focus and know where I need to go. I end up turning in circles for a minute before I decide to take a step.

Bad move, Indigo.

I'm tripped and I tumble towards the ground. I brace myself, but I don't feel the hit. Instead, I strong hands wrap around my arms and I'm being pulled back to a stand.

"Thanks!" I gasp as I find my footing.

"No problem." A deep voice rumbles from above me, making me shiver.

I tilt my head towards the voice, desperately wishing I could see my rescuer. His hands let go of my shoulders and I can feel his hand accidentally brush against mine. Electricity ignites, and I leap back in shock.

Oh my gosh! Is the only thing going through my head as I realize my rescuer is my mate.

Praying I got his location right, I stick my hand out. "I'm —"

"Indigo!" A new voice comes out of nowhere, a voice I don't particularly enjoy. "What are you doing?" I hear the sound of a kiss and I try to swallow my hurt.

I glare in the direction of my twin's voice. "Talking to my mate."

Long silence meets my words. And then laughter. A high pitched giggling erupts from Ivory's mouth.

"I'm sorry, you're what?" She sputters, ending in another fit of giggles.

"My mate!" I tell her confidently. I know those were sparks I felt. I also know a small crowd of pack members has gathered around us, laughing along with my sister. Heat rises to my cheeks and I can feel tears glistening.

"Indigo, Don't flatter yourself so much!" Ivory snickers. "We all know you're not going to be the mate of an Alpha!" Her words sting, even though I know they're true. But nothing could brace me for what she says next. "Especially Colton, who already found his mate earlier today!"

I take a step back, glad I don't trip in the process. "What?" I squeak.

"Tell her, Babe!" Ivy says. "She's just a blind runt, she can handle being put in her place."

I feel a tear trail down my cheek and I duck my head so no one can see that my sister's speaking the truth. I am just a blind runt. I don't deserve the Alpha as my mate anyway.

Colton clears his throat, "She's right. I don't know what made you think were mates, but Ivory is my mate, and will always be my mate. I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourself even farther."

I flinch visibly at what he says, keeping my face to the floor. He can't mean it, can he? Did he really not feel what I felt? Had I imagined the sparks that flew?

I don't hold back the tears that stream drown my face, but I choke back the sobs. Had I just been rejected, replaced, and forgotten all at once?