Blind & Broken

Chapter Four

"Happy Birthday Colton!" I smile at the squeeze on my shoulder.

"Thanks, Mom."

She gives me a kiss on the forehead before going to stand behind me with my father.

The Alpha Ceremonies had already been completed and now it was time for breakfast. I grin as most of the pack sits down in the dining room with plates full of food.

Suddenly a plate of something that smells delicious is placed in front of me. "Here you go, babe; Happy Birthday and congratulations!" My girlfriend exclaims, sliding onto my lap and kissing me. And I let her. Sometimes I'm not really sure why.

Ivory isn't my mate, but we've been dating for several months. I've all but given up hope of finding my mate. I mean, it's been two years and we've even visited other packs in search for her with no luck.

Ivory likes to pretend she's my mate, and I almost wish she was. It would be easier that way. She's begged for me to just claim her and I've been tempted to multiple times. But what if my true mate has been staring me in the face all these years and I haven't noticed?

I'm brought out of my thoughts when Ivy pokes me in the side. I blink at her and she tilts her head in a cute pout. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Yeah." I smile and kiss her nose, making her giggle softly. "Thanks for getting me some." I keep one arm wrapped around her waist to keep her from falling as I take big bites. I know we'll be late to school, but what does it matter? I'm the Alpha now!

The plate has nearly cleared and Ivy looks ready to drift off with her head on my shoulder when a petite girl with brown-blonde wavy hair comes up to us. She taps Ivy on the shoulder, making my girlfriend sit up and glare at her. I decide not to notice that.

"What do you want, Flicker?"

Her slanted eyes dart to me, "Congratulations, Alpha." I nod at her and then she focuses on Ivy. "Have you seen your sister? I told her she needed to be here for the Alpha but I don't see her."

Ivory shrugs. "She's probably getting ready. I'm surprised you aren't up there helping."

Flicker's brown eyes widen. "Whoops." She whispers and shuffles away.

Ivory rolls her eyes and resumes her head position on my shoulder. I stare at her for a few moments.

"What?" She asks.

"You have a sister?"

She shrugs it off casually. "She's a runt, a nobody, Colton. We don't exactly get along, something we're both fine with."

I narrow my eyes at her response, but I don't push for more. I don't need to concern myself with her family issues.

I finish the rest of my meal and Ivy hops off my lap, keeping a hand around my arm. I briefly thank everyone for coming this morning and then head to the front of the house to my pick-up truck. I help Ivy into the passenger seat, and then we're off to school. Not my favorite place, but I've only got six months left, then I'm out of here for good.

Ivy and I walk into the building hand in hand and she gives me a deep kiss before we split ways; we don't have the same first hour. I know it's mostly for show, but I don't let that get to me. As much as my friends don't, I love her.

School passes by slowly, and uneventfully, until the last bell rings. I'm walking down the hall crowded with students when I spot a tiny girl staggering in circles. And by tiny I mean tiny — she's even smaller than Flicker.

I watch her take an unsure step, and then she's tripped by some idiot who thinks it's hilarious. Without thinking, I close the few feet between us and grab her skinny arms in my hands.