In My Eyes

Chapter 3

Grace's POV

Chelsea ditched me. She found her mate after less than an hour, and she ditched me. I'm happy she found her mate, but I'm tired, and I don't know how to get out of here. I don't even know if Chelsea is still here. I don't know where Justin is either. I just want to get my boys and go home and get out of this stupid dress.

"Hey, Gracey," A familiar voice says from in front of me.

"Justin?" I ask just to make sure.

"Yeah. It's late. I just got a call that Brandon got sick, and we need to go get him." Justin says. I nod. Justin helps me to my feet and puts my hand on his arm to lead me away and help with my balance. Blind people really shouldn't wear high heels. Why did I let Chelsea talk me into this?

"Thanks, Justin," I say while laying my head on his shoulder as we walk. "What kind of sick?" I ask, concerned for my son.

"No problem. And I don't know, that's why we need to get him. Oh, and happy birthday." Justin says as we round a corner.

"Is it after midnight?" I ask.

"Yeah. It's a little bit before one." Justin says.

"Oh, it's late." I say to myself

"Ok, I'm going to open up the door to the nursery; all the babies are sleeping, so we have to be quiet," Justin says to me. I nod, then hear the door open slowly.

"Mommy." I hear one of my two favorite voices in the world, and he sounds upset.

"Oh, Brandon. Are you ok, baby?" I ask, reaching my arms out, and someone places my baby in my arms.

"He had a little bit of a tummy ache and threw up be he seems to be doing better since then." one of the nursery attendants says.

"Oh, no, baby. Did you get sick? I'm so sorry." I say as I put my hand on his forehead that's resting on my shoulder. He doesn't feel like he has a fever. That's good. "It's ok. Mommy's here." I say, kissing his forehead. I hear a growl from the hallway behind me,, causing me to jump.

"It's ok,, Grace. I'm right here." Justin says,, squeezing my shoulder,, and I swear I hear another growl. "I've got Olly."

"Take me home," I say quietly.

"I know we're going. It's just because the packhouse is so crowded, and some wolves get very possessive of their mates when they first meet. It's common,, and I'm not going to let anything happen to you or the boys." Justin says, trying to calm me down as we walk. I still feel like someone is watching me. But we do have a lot of other packs here, so I guess it's just people who've never seen a blind werewolf before. I feel the cool air telling me we are no longer in the packhouse. I still feel like someone is watching me,, though. I feel myself starting to panic.

"It's ok. Just breathe. I'm right here. We're just going to take the boys home and go to bed. That's all that's going to happen. It's going to be ok." Justin says. "Trust me?"

"Yeah." I manage to squeak out even though I feel like my throat is closing up.

"Hey, I'm right here. Feel this." Justin says, grabbing my hand and bringing it to his face. "And this, that's Olly," Justin says, making my hand gently touch his little arm. "And this is Brandon," he says, making me hug my little boy in my arms. "We're all here. We're all alright. Just breathe. We'll be home soon." Justin says calmly. I nod.

"Talk to me." I manage to breathe out.

"Well, it's a nice night out. There are lots of stars and a cool breeze. If it weren't so late, I'd suggest the boys and us go for a picnic, but I think they're about tuckered out." Justin says. I love that he knows me so well; he knows when I just need a distraction from my thoughts. Justin puts his free arm back around my shoulder and starts leading me as we walk. "You know, I think a lot of people had a pretty great night. A lot of people found their mates." Justin says

"Did you?" I ask with a voice crack. Justin doesn't answer me. "Oh, Justin, I'm sorry. I really wanted you to find your mate." I say honestly.

"Well, actually, I did," Justin says hesitantly.

"You did!?" I ask excitedly.

"Shhh, you're going to wake up the boys." Justin jokes. "But yeah, I did," Justin says.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask.

"I didn't know how you would take it. Tonight was a big night for you. You left the boys for the first time, and you went to the mate ball in the packhouse, and it's your birthday." Justin says. "I didn't want to stress you out."

"Justin, you know I love you and appreciate everything you do for me, but I don't want you to put your life on hold for me. You already put off taking over dad's position as beta. You do a lot for me, but I can figure out things on my own." I tell him.

"You're my baby sister. I'm not going just to leave you to fend for yourself," he says

"But I'm an adult now. I'm officially an adult. Even old enough to find my mate." I say

"But you're still my baby sister," he says.

"So, where is your mate now?" I ask.

"She--- uh... she might already be at our house waiting for us to get there," Justin says nervously.

"She is?" I ask

"It's ok. She is just waiting outside for us. Once I get you and the boys in bed, I'm going to hang out with her on the front porch for a little while." Justin says

"Outside?" I ask

"Yeah. I don't want her to feel like I'm pressuring her into anything. I also know that you don't like people inside." Justin says.

"Strangers, yeah. But she's your mate. Don't be rude to her. Invite her in..... but don't be offended when I put the boys and me in my room and lock the door. I still get nervous." I say

"That's ok. I understand." Justin says as he slows down our pace.

"Hey." I hear a girl's voice.

"Hey, Zoe," Justin says, and I can hear he is smiling. "This is my sister Grace and her kids. That's Brandon, and this is Olly." Justin says.

"Hi... I'm Zoe..... I -- uhhh- I'm a.... friend.. of Justin's." Zoe stutters.

"You're his mate. He told me." I nod

"Ok, good." she sighs in relief.

"Mommy tummy," Brandon complains in my arms.

"I know, baby. We're going inside, and I'll give you some medicine." I tell him.

"Here. Trade with me. You get Olly in bed, and I'll measure out medicine for Brandon."Justin says to me.

"Wow," Zoe whispers to herself.

"What?" I ask, looking around, getting nervous.

"You really are blind," she says, surprised. "I'm sorry. No offense. I've just never heard of a blind werewolf before. I just- I'm sorry." she rambles.

"It's ok. And yeah. I'm blind." I tell her.

"Well, can I help?" she asks as I hear the familiar squeak of our front door opening.

"Here, Brandon, go to Justin," I say, trying to hand him over.

"No! I wan Mommy." Brandon says

"Ok. Umm, Justin can you just put Olly in my room, and Zoe can you poor the medicine?" I ask

"Yeah," she says happily.

"Thanks," I say as I hear footsteps walking away, and Justin's voice sounds farther and farther away. "The medicine is over here," I say, leading Zoe into the kitchen. "It's in...... this drawer," I say, pulling out the drawer. I stick my hand in the drawer and feel around.

"What medicine are you looking for?" Zoe asks.

"Brandon's got a little tummy ache," I tell her.

"Ok. Let me look." Zoe says, and I back away from the drawer.

After a second,, Zoe hands me a little cup. "There's the right amount of tummy medicine," she says.

"Ok, Brandon. Can you drink all of that for me?" I ask. I feel his little hand grab the cup and pull it to his mouth.

"Yucky," he says

"I know, but it's going to make you feel better. So you need to drink it all up." I tell him.

"But yucky," Brandon complains.

"I'll get you some water afterward, then we can brush our teeth and the bad taste will go away," I tell him, and I rock my baby. "Drink it all," I say.

"Ahhh," Brandon says. I always know when he and Olly are done eating or drinking anything because they say ahh every time.

"good job Brandon." I praise.

"Nack," Brandon demands.

"Ok, you can have a little snack, but then it's straight to bed," I tell him. "He has some cheerios in the cabinet in the corner," I say to Zoe as I walk to Brandon's high chair and put him in it.

"Ok. Heeeere you go." Zoe says, placing the box in my hands.

"Thank you," I say,, opening the box and dumping some out on the little tray.

"Ok. Olly's in your bed passed out. Did Brandon get his medicine?" Justin says, walking back into the room.

"Yeah, but he wanted a nack," Zoe says,, mimicking Brandon.

"Oh," Justin says

"They really are cute," Zoe says.

"Thank you." I smile.

"Where's their father?" she asks, and I tense up involuntarily.

"Zoe..... no," Justin says, and I can tell he's shaking his head.

"Sorry. I was just curious," she says quietly.

"Let's go outside and get to know each other some," Justin says. "You good Grace?"

"I'm fine as long as I'm at home," I tell him trying to make sure my voice doesn't crack and the tears don't fall but I can feel my eyes burning and I know I'm not doing a good job.

"Ok. Night Gracey. I'll see you in the morning." Justin says hugging me and kissing the top of my head. "You looked really pretty tonight by the way. I don't know if I told you that or not but you do. And happy birthday." Justin says.

"Thanks." I blush. "Good night. Nice to meet you, Zoe." I wave in the direction I think she is.

"Same. Good night." Zoe says. I hear footsteps and the squeak of the front door then the sound of it closing.

"Ahh," Brandon sighs.

"All done, bud?" I ask. "Ok, let's go to bed," I say, picking him up out of his high chair.

"I put his PJs on your bed!" I hear Justin yell from outside.

"Thanks," I say in a normal voice because he's a werewolf he can hear me. I walk Brandon and me down the hall to my bedroom. I hear breathing coming from my bed and start to panic. Who is here? Olly! Oh, I told Justin I want the boys in my bed tonight. It's just Olly. I breathe a sigh of relief. Oh, Olly. I walk Brandon over to my bed and lay him down. It takes a few minutes for me to feel around on the bed to find his little PJs and change him, he's already asleep by the time I'm done.

I put some pillows around him and Olly so they can't roll off the bed then I work to get this dress off. Whose idea was it to put zippers in the back? I swear. I'll tell you who it was, someone that was in a relationship. Because a single girl for sure came up with the zipper on the seam under your arm. Ugh finally there it goes. I take the dress off and kick off the heels then get ready for bed. I put on some comfortable shorts and a tank top and crawl into bed.

"Yeah it's a lot of work but she's my sister." Justin's voice carries thru the walls.

"So was she always blind?" Zoe asks.

"No. That happened a couple of years ago." Justin says

"So today is her birthday you said?" Zoe asks

"Yeah. She all grown up." Justin says

"Oh, that's exciting. She can find her mate." Zoe says honestly believing that.

"No, Zoe," Justin says, quieter than before.

"What?" she asks

"Her wolf rejected her. I don't know that she will have a mate. And if by some miracle she does it would be another miracle for him not to reject her immediately once he finds out she's blind. Much less when they find out, she has two kids with someone else." Justin says sadly, and I feel the tears falling down my cheeks. "And frankly, I don't think we're that lucky."

"You can always hope," Zoe says

"Yeah. Just like when the doctor said he was hopeful that her wolf would be able to heal her once she turned 16 and was old enough to shift. But her wolf rejected her before she could even shift. Or when we were hopeful we could just put everything behind us but then we found out she was pregnant at 15 years old. With twins. Yeah, hope doesn't last long near us." Justin says.

"Who is the father?" Zoe asks.

"I don't want to talk about that. I want to get to know you." Justin says. I know the topic upsets Justin just as much as me. I cry more until sleep takes over as I listen to them talk some more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Next Morning...

"Mommy hungy" I hear as I wake up.

"Morning buddy." I yawn as I stretch.

"Hungy." Olly says again.

"Ok, Olly. I'm getting up. Let's get you and your brother changed, then I get you fed." I tell him as I stand up. It doesn't take a werewolf to smell the dirty diapers in this room. I pick Olly up and carry him down the hall to the boy's room, and put him down on the changing table.

After I change Olly and wake Brandon up to change him too I get them dressed and ready for the day. I set them both down on the ground and I walk to the door and open it. I hear little feet run out of the room.

"This way, boys. Let's have some breakfast." I say, walking towards the kitchen. "What do you boys want for breakfast?" I ask.

"You're not making breakfast." Justin sneaks up on me, making me jump.

"Justin." I sigh in relief.

"Sorry, I thought you heard me moving around in here. But you're not making breakfast. There is a mandatory breakfast in the packhouse the morning after the mate ball in celebration of all the new mates." Justin says.

"I have to go back there?" I ask worriedly.

"It's fine. I'll be right next to you the whole time." Justin says. "I got the boys. Go get ready; we're going to be late."

"Bu-"

"Grace," Justin says sternly. "Go get ready."

"Ok." I sigh and head back down the hall. I put on a soft, long-sleeved shirt with a hood. It's a hoodie! It's a sweatshirt. Ok, now let's find some pants... I search thru my dresser until I find some... soft long pants. Stretchy waist. Leggings! Perfect. Sweatshirt and leggings, great. Nobody is looking anyway, at least not that I know of. I change clothes and get ready really fast. At least with the sweatshirt, I can put up the hood and pretend I'm not there.

Justin and Zoe carry the boys while Justin uses his free arm to lead me up the packhouse. I can hear the chatter from the mass of people here. "It's ok. I'm right here. The boys are here." Justin says in my ear to calm me down. "It's ok."

"Hey, Justin. Hey Grace." A man says, and I tense up.

"Hey, Alpha. Hey Luna." Justin says, and I relax some.

"Hey, Alpha and Luna." I nod.

"Hey, boys." Luna Susan says excitedly. She's always loved, kids. "Who's this?"

"This is my mate, Zoe," Justin says.

"Oh, Zoe. It's nice to meet you. I'm Luna Susan, and this is my mate, Alpha Richard. We were friends with Justin and Grace's parents. In fact, their father was Richard's beta." Luna Susan says.

"Hi. Nice to meet you." Zoe greets them.

"I'm surprised to see you and the boys here, Grace." Alpha Richard says

"It's mandatory," I say

"Yeah, but that doesn't really mean you. I mean, you're welcome to be here. I love seeing you here, but I figured you didn't want to come. I told Justin that you didn't have to come if it upset you." Alpha Richard says.

"Justin," I say angrily as I slap his arm. "He said it was mandatory."

"Hunggy" Brandon complains.

"Well then, let's get you fed. Gimme him." Luna Susan says, and I feel Justin move some.

"I'm going to get Grace and the boys settled at a table, then I'll get them food. You know Grace doesn't like the boys too far away from her." Justin says. I like that he knows that and remembers that it upsets me.

"Ok. Let us know if we can help." Alpha Richard offers.

"Thanks," Justin says.

After a second, we start walking again, and the noise gets louder. The chatter becomes very loud. "Ok. There is an empty table right here. Here. Take a seat." Justin says, positioning me in front of a chair. Or at least I hope. I sit down. Thank goodness there was a chair that would have been so embarrassing. "Ok. We have the boys. I'm going to take them and get them some food." Justin says

"You're taking them," I ask.

"Just for a minute. It's a buffet, so I'm going to let them choose what they want. Then I'll bring them right back." Justin says.

"Ok." I nod. Then silence. The whole room falls into silence for a few seconds. Great, they're all probably staring at me. I go to put my hood up when I hear a familiar voice.

"Hey, Grace," Chelsea says, putting her hand on my arm.

"Hey, Chels." I smile. "How are you?" I ask

"Good. I'm ok." she says. "i'm ok." she says again, much quieter. "I'm so glad you're ok," she says, touching my arm again.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I ask nervously.

"No reason." she laughs humorlessly. "I just left you alone last night because I found my mate and got swept up at the moment. I didn't even think about it again. I'm so sorry. How'd you get home? Justin?" she says

"Yeah. He found his mate too, you know. She seems really nice." I say.

"That's good. That's good." Chelsea says.

"How's your mate? You must be so excited." I say

"I am. Yeah, he's umm... right here," she says. "Jake, this is my best friend, Grace. Grace, this is my mate Jake." she says.

"Hi," I say nervously, withdrawing some. I don't know where he is and it's making me nervous.

"He's right here on the other side of me. " Chelsea says making me calm down some.

"What?" I hear a guy's voice.

"Nothing," Chelsea says.

"Ok," he says skeptically. "I'm Jake. The beta of the Eclipse Pack." the man says.

"No no no don't shake her hand," Chelsea says quietly. "Just trust me don't"

"Wha-" he starts

"Where's Justin?" Chelsea asks in her normal voice.

"Getting food," I say. "Do you see him?" I ask

"Hey, Keaton," Jake says.

"Hey" A guy's voice I don't recognize says and he sounds angry.

"Hello, Alpha Keaton," Chelsea says sounding very formal. Oh crap, this is the scary guy she told me about. I sit up a little bit straighter and repeat what Chelsea said.

"Hello, Alpha Keaton," I say nervously.

"Hmmm" he growls and I shrink back into my chair as I feel my hands start shaking.

A second passes before anyone talks again. "Geez. Is he always like that?" Chelsea asks. I guess he walked away.

"His mate didn't turn out to be exactly what he was expecting," Jake says quietly.

"What does that mean?" I ask

"Well..... ugh....." Jake sighs, "It's you." Jake says.

What? No. I can't be his mate. I don't want to be his mate. He's so scary. And the boys. I feel my throat starting to close up as I have trouble breathing properly as the tears roll down my cheeks and I feel the panic attack set in.

"Grace?" I hear Chelsea distantly and feel someone shaking my arm.

"Grace!" I hear Justin yell as I struggle to breathe in.

"STAY AWAY FROM MY MATE!" I hear an angry man yell and then a loud crash with a lot of growling.

I start panicking more. I don't know where I am. I don't know where my boys are. I don't know what's going on. I can't breathe.

"Grace.... Grace focus on me ok?" Chelsea says faintly.

I feel more hands-on me only making it worse. The near-constant growling and loud noises aren't helping.

"Richard stop him!" Luna Susan says. "It's me, Susan," she says

"Get out of my way!" I hear Justin's voice growl.

"Break it up. Break it up." I hear scattered voices then another loud crash.

"Crap she can't breathe." is the last thing I hear before I pass out.