Chapter 3 - Holly

“You...” he grunted suddenly, making my stomach clench “You’d better not waste the chance I’m giving you.”

And then, as suddenly as he had attacked me, Bib Bud was gone, leaving me buried in the snow as he walked away. It took me a moment to convince myself that the danger had passed, but when I finally sat up, he was still there.

One of his hands was supporting his head, and I could only imagine that not even a giant like him was immune to the discomfort of such a high fever.

“Uh… There’s still a little bit of the herbal mixture I made…” I said, uncertain “It will help you have enough strength to get out of this snow and return to your family…”

"And what does it matter to you whether I die in this forest or not?" he asked, but something about his question seemed more like a challenge, though I didn't understand why.

“Because, uh… Everyone in a pack should always look out for each other’s well-being. That’s what separates us from humans and brings us closer to wolves, as the Moon God intended. Isn’t that what Alpha Kaia always says?” At least, that’s what I remembered; it had been a long time since my parents had let me leave the house to attend one of her speeches.

Fortunately, our Alpha's words seemed exactly what he needed to hear, as Big Bud appeared to relax a little. The frown was still there, but at least he seemed less angry as he leaned forward and began to sniff.

At first, I didn't understand what he was doing. Then I realized he was following the scent of the tree leaf that had served as a dish for my improvised remedy. This, however, only confused me even more.

Why did he need to follow the scent when it was right in front of his eyes? And why did his dark eyes remain turned in another direction, almost as if…?

"You're blind." The thought escaped my lips the instant it appeared in my mind.

His furious roar, however, echoed terrifyingly through the forest, making me wish I could swallow those words back.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude!” I stammered “I just… I’ve never met anyone of our kind who… I mean, I didn’t even know it was possible…”

“If you don’t stop talking like I’m some fucking circus attraction, I’m going to rethink my decision to leave your neck intact.” he threatened, making me shut my mouth instantly “And if you think I’m blind, why don’t you try putting your hands on me again? We'll see if they'll remain attached to your wrists.”

"So... You just see blurry?" I bit my tongue when I realized my mistake "Sorry. Uh... Let me help you..."

“I don’t need any help!” His fangs reappeared, but at least I had been able to place the herbs a little closer to him.

“Of course, of course.” I nodded, even though he probably couldn’t see “I’m sure you would have been fine without me. I only gave a minimal helping hand. I mean, look at your size. I wish I had just a little of your strength when I need to chop wood. I bet it wouldn’t take more than an hour to store enough for the whole winter…”

“You’re… A chatterbox.” He cut me off, and even though his eyes weren’t on me, I could feel his distrust “Why are you still here, anyway? I woke up. Wasn’t that what you wanted?”

“Oh. I… Yes, that’s what I wanted.” I blushed “I just… Well, I guess I like to talk. I just… Don’t get many opportunities for it.” I ran my fingers over the uneven skin of my face “Most people… Run away before I can even say a word.”

"Why would anyone run away from a harmless little thing like you?"

Instead of answering him, I just shrank back, somewhat grateful that he couldn't see my face and answer that question when he saw my scars. I was already used to seeing horror, disgust, and contempt on other people's faces, but…

There was a part of me that didn't want Big Bud to be one of them.

"Who are you, anyway?" he sighed, looking frustrated by my lack of response.

However, before I could even think about the best way to introduce myself, a voice interrupted us.

"Holly!" my mother's voice, shrill and angry, pierced my ears, even from that distance.

“Oh, My Moon…” I looked up at the sky, only then realizing I’d taken longer than I should have “Listen, I need to chop wood quickly and get back home, but… If you don’t have a house to go back to…” I murmured when I realized no one had come looking for him “There’s a cottage to the south. It’s right next to two pine trees, so you’ll probably be able to find your way by the smell. There’s not much there, but you can light the fireplace and warm up…”

“Are you doing this just because of what Alpha said…?” he interrupted me, the distrust returning to his face “Or… For another reason?”

“I think you could say yes.” I shrugged “My little brother… He was a warrior too. And, he was wounded in the war. If he had nowhere to go back to after that… Then I would like someone to offer him shelter. Even if it was a dilapidated shack.”

It was impossible to know what he was thinking through those cold eyes, but after a second, he stood up as well. With steps firmer than I expected, he passed by me. However, before I could tell he was going the wrong way, he bent down near the remains of a fallen tree trunk nearby.

And he ripped it out. With his bare hands. As if the mess of deep roots holding it in the ground meant nothing.

But, as if that wasn't enough, he plunged his hands into the center. And split it in two.

“Take it.” He huffed, almost making me fall when he put down that single half of wood that felt like it weighed a ton “Otherwise, you’ll probably end up standing here talking to the trees and freezing.” Big Bud grumbled, heading in the right direction toward the cabin this time “Now, go away… Holly.”

Hearing him say my name did something strange to my body. Or perhaps it was just the cool evening breeze telling me I really should go home. Either way, I didn't even have a chance to thank him before he disappeared among the trees.

Who would have guessed that Big Bud wasn't just grumpy and scary, but also... Kind?