I wake up before the sun feeling well rested. I stretch before exiting my room. When I see no one else is awake, I sneak out of the cabin.
Rage? Let’s go on a walk. I suggest.
I’d rather run. We don’t have to be in wolf to enjoy a good run. It’s just more fun. She responds.
I smile and take off running, when I notice my increase in speed, and my body dodges obstacles better than I used to. Then I hear and smell another. When I see them lunge at me, my body moves on its own, doing a backflip and landing in a crouched position. Suddenly I realize its only my brother.
“Really Jay. Why?” I say, panting.
“I was testing your reflexes. It’s part of training.” He explains to me.
“I haven’t even completed my first shift yet.” I say, finally taking in my brother. He’s tall about 6’6”, jet black hair to match his wolf, about mid shoulder length, dark ebony skin, and heavily muscled, which is to be expected of alpha blood. He reminds me of dad.
“Val I’m testing to see how you and your wolf are bonding or uniting… at the rate you are going I’d say you will shift sometime today or tomorrow.” He says, full of pride.
“Rage… she’s my wolf and how can you be sure that I’ll shift that soon? Each of us is different, Jay.” I sigh, “Sorry about crying yesterday… I should be stronger than that… I guess lack of sleep messed with my emotions too…”
“To be completely honest, emotional issues are quite common among the females who are near the joining of the wolf to herself. Your calling won’t be complete until the shift is done. Soon even your hormones will begin to… intensify.” He explains.
“Meaning what, exactly?” I ask.
“I can’t believe I have to talk to my sister about this.” Jay grumbles, covered with embarrassment. “It means until you find your mate, every male that hasn’t found theirs will look like sex dolls to you. You will want just about any male.” He explains further.
“Oh… what about you? Have you found your mate? How will I see you? It’d be gross if I ended up wanting my brother… ewww.” I say with disgust.
“I’m absolutely positive that won’t happen, because your wolf, Rage, knows I’m your brother.” He states.
“That’s good I guess… but you haven’t told me if you have found your Luna, yet.” I comment.
“That’s… we are talking about you, not me” he mumbles.
“So, that’s a no then… Lilly will be happy to hear that.” I prude.
“Anyway…” he rolls his eyes.
“What else should I expect?” I ask eager for the knowledge.
“A first shift can happen at any time. Once that happens you will finally be one with your wolf. Hunting is always an added benefit. If you are in wolf form you can just eat, and not cook it, but I’d still advise you to cook your kill.” He explains.
“Shifting sounds painful… when you found me last night and shifted, I heard your bones cracking.” I cringe.
“That depends on how quickly the shift occurs. Usually, the first few hurt but in a very rare and special circumstances, the shift is instant and there isn’t any pain. I’ve never seen it happen. The fastest one I’ve seen is 2 minutes. There are stories about shifts that take 30 seconds. They refer to it as instant.” He explains further.
“I see…” is all I can muster to say.
“So… curiosity is getting the best of me, are you sure Kayzen is just a friend and not a boyfriend?” he smirks.
“Ewww… no. He’s one of the closest friends I’ve ever had. Lilly, Kaz, and I usually hang out, but Lilly is so obsessed with you that she’s not as fun to be around sometimes. No one else has even been on her radar. I have no interest in anyone right now… relationships are pointless until one finds their mate.” I express my feelings.
“Good, I don’t want to kick his ass.” He says looking like a hero.
“It’s a little late to be the big brother… I’m 16 now I can handle myself. I’ve never even kissed anyone before. So, stop with the big brother act.” I state.
“As your brother, it’s my job. It’s also the responsibility of the Alpha to watch out for the pack, which the alpha will soon be me also.” He grins evilly.
“That may be, but there is no guarantee that I will even be a member of this pack when I find my mate. You know that.” I sneer in response.
“Sounds like we have company coming.” He says tilting his head.
I turn to see Lilly and Kayzen approaching. I smile and give Lilly a tight hug. Lilly groans, “Not so tight, Val.”
“Oh, sorry, Lilly.” I say releasing her.
“Hey doll, how are you on this beautiful morning?’ Kayzen asks, putting his arm around my shoulders. I elbow him causing him to fly back a few feet.
“Oh… sorry Kaz. I’m still trying to get used to my newfound strength.” I hold out my hand towards him and he takes it, attempting to pull me down but instead pulls himself up. He raises his eyebrow and proceeds to circle me like a vulture.
“She has her wolf, Kayzen. Stop circling her like that, its creepy.” Lilly says.
“You got yours first! That’s awesome!” He tries to hug me, but I move and trip him instead.
“Easy, Kaz.” I say before lifting him to his feet again and giving him a quick hug. “Now you and Lilly need yours. That way we can train together.”
“Are these two always like that?” Jayson asks Lilly, and she laughs.
“That’s nothing compared to some of the things they do. One-time Kaz tried jumping on her, and she threw him face down in the dirt. She was strong before, but now, who knows, she might even end up stronger than you.” Lilly states.
“Lilly, I let her do that…” Kayzen states.
“Right, that’s why you kept your distance for an entire week.” Lilly says sarcastically.
“I had wounded his pride, so he was sulking around for that week.” I state.
“Oh, come on, guys…” Kayzen pouts.
“Are you sure you two aren’t a couple?” Jayson asks.
“I wish…” Kayzen says, and I roll my eyes.
“Poor Kaz has liked Val for a couple years now.” Lilly states, “But he never pushes the subject, which I think is commendable.”
“I have respect for Valyrie. She said she wanted to wait for her mate, so I won’t push it. If I’m lucky her mate will be me.” Kayzen smiles at the thought. “Besides she’s my best friend and that is more important than being her man.”
“Not to mention she’s the sister of the soon to be alpha. You don’t want to piss him off.” Lilly adds in.
I sigh, “Come on… that’s enough…”
“But it’s fun to tease Kaz.” Lilly puts on a pouty face.
“Put the pout away, it doesn't suit you.” Jayson mentions, “Anyway I will let you finish your run sis. Later Lilly and Kayzen.”
As Jayson walks away, Lilly says, “So handsome.”
“Go drool somewhere else, Lilly.” Kayzen says disgust on his face.
“For sure, that’s my brother…” I add.
“Why? You two want to be alone or something.” Lilly asks.
“Yes” Kayzen answers.
“No.” I correct.
Why not? He has a nice body. Rage pipes in.
Really Rage? Not going to happen. He isn’t mine. I respond.
Oh, but he could be. Rage purrs.
I ponder the thought of him being my mate. Then I say, “Eww. I don’t know if I could handle it if he was my mate… he’s my best friend.
That’s what makes it such a wonderful possibility. You are already friends. Rage comments and I roll my eyes.
“You sure you aren’t feeling something for Kaz. That sound that escaped says otherwise.” Lilly questions.
“It wasn’t me… it was Rage, my wolf… anyway, I’m going to finish my run that my brother so conveniently interrupted.” I grumble.
“But can’t we join you?” Kayzen asks.
“Hmph, if you can keep up.” I challenge before taking off at full speed leaving them in my dusty trail.
After running awhile, I found some brush and hide. When they finally come up the pathway, I duck down low to make sure I’m not seen. They stop near the bushes in front of me. I jump out saying boo, and they jump.
“REALLY VAL!” Lilly yells and Kaz laughs.
“Got you pretty good. That was kind of fun. I can’t wait for my first hunt with the rest of the pack.” I sneer, “I hope we all shift soon, but you need your wolves first I guess.”
“You will probably shift before us. You already have your wolf… don’t you shift right away?” Kayzen asks.
“It doesn’t work that way… when you get your wolf you will understand. I can’t give you any more than that it’s something for each one of us to experience. Jay seems to think I will shift sometime soon, but I’m not sure if I’m ready. It… scares me and excites me at the same time. I would never tell him that though.” I explain to the ever so curious friends of mine.
“What part scares you? It’s going to be fun.” Lilly asks.
“Never mind that… we should probably head back, I’m starved. Since I just woke up and started my run.” I state. They both agree.
Val hon, what’s wrong? Why are you so scared to shift? Rage asks.
I yearn to shift. I can’t wait, but at the same time, I’m scared that it will be way too painful for me to handle and that the shift doesn’t happen. What if things aren’t what they are supposed to be… what if they are exactly the way I thought, what if they aren’t… what if we lose control… I explain.
Do you trust me? Rage inquires.
Of course, I do. I answer.
Do you trust yourself? She asks me.
Yes… I trust us… I guess I shouldn’t let it get to me huh… we are one in the same. I state.
Exactly. I won’t allow the shift to happen until I know you are completely ready. We are close, that your brother was right about. You are the best one for me. You learn quick. I can sense your heart and what lay within. It’s just the same as my heart. The hearts are one with each other, as is our minds and body. What’s left is for our souls to unite fully. That will happen during the change. Our first run as a wolf. You need only trust in me completely. Rage explains.
I do trust you. You are my guardian and protector. I trust you to be there for me when I need you and you have been. I say grateful.
Then trust that I will know the right time for our shift. You are ready but the time is not right yet. She says full of confidence.
I trust you fully and completely. I state.
“Val, hello?” Lilly questions.
“Sorry discussing some things with Rage.” I say apologetically.
“You seem to do that a lot.” She complains.
“Wait until you get your wolf, you will understand. Now let’s go eat.” I say to her.
We all head to the dining hall for a little breakfast. Once finished we go our separate ways. Kayzen to train, Lilly to flirt and me to the cabin for a shower.
After my shower, I go into my room and get dressed. Then I lay back on my bed and hold my key necklace up to look at it. It has been a while since I first got this key. It looks like an antique brass skeleton key except the handle that attached to the chain is round and has red stones circling a black wolf howling at a blood moon. I smile at the memory.
It was a cool spring night. I was 6 years old. I had just found out that the one best friend I had, was moving. He didn’t tell me where he was moving to, just that he was moving. He said he couldn’t tell me. The night before he was to leave, he found me crying in the woods behind our pack house. He said things would be okay. He gave me this necklace and said we’d meet again… but it’s been 10 years since then, and though I still hold onto the possibility of seeing him again, I’m beginning to think otherwise. I tell Rage.
He must have meant a lot to you for you to keep it so long. She responds.
I guess you could say he was my first love. We had been friends since we could talk. He was always with me during his free time. I answer.
Does he have a name? She inquires.
Sadly, I don’t remember his name. I just know he meant a lot to me, and this necklace is my only way to find him again. I state.
Maybe he will be your mate. She purrs.
That would be ironic. I remember him telling me that this necklace is special and that it will adjust to the wearer so that it won’t break in wolf form. I explain.
“Val? I know you’re in there.” Kayzen calls. He must be done with training already.
“What is it now, Kaz?” I call back.
“Open the window and let me in… I want to talk to you in private.” He says back.
I walk to my window and open it and remove the screen. I reach out to him and help him inside, then close the window behind him. I move to the door and lock it as well. We both sit on the bed together.
“Okay, I’m listening…” I curiously say.
“I don’t get to talk to you alone much anymore. Lilly is always with you, and you now are in the same cabin… anyway… I was wondering, is it normal to have a dream about being surrounded by golden eyes before you get your wolf?” he inquires.
“Yes, did one come and howl?” I ask in response.
“It came up to me and howled, yes. Now I keep hearing a voice… am I crazy?” his concern is evident.
I chuckle, “It’s just your wolf calling you. Gallow what it says and soon enough you will meet him. I can’t really tell you more than that. This is your journey. Don’t tell anyone else, understand?”
“Okay, at least I’m not crazy.” He laughs shyly.
“Nope! Not at all.” I smile sweetly.
“Good. So, Rage is your wolf’s name? What does she look like?” He insists.
“We haven’t shifted, so I don’t know. I can’t wait to see her.” I say, full of excitement.
He grabs a lock of my red, amber hair, “I bet she will be as beautiful as you are. Oh, how I wish we were mates. Then I’d always be by your side. However, you being female there is that possibility that your mate will be of a different pack. Then you’d leave with him, and I’d get left and forgotten.”
I sigh, “Don’t remind me… I’d hate to lose my best friend again.” I twirl the necklace.
“You have been thinking about him again, haven’t you? You had no control over that. There wasn’t anything that you could have done…” He smiles brushing my cheek lightly.
“I know… but I might meet him again… he is our age, maybe he’s here.” I shrug.
“I guess it’s possible… we aren’t the only pack here… I just don’t want you hurt. We don’t know one way or the other. No one knows what pack he belongs to even, or if he will remember you or the key you have around your neck…” He states.
“I still have you. I will always be your friend, you know that, even if I leave. I should still be able to visit or maybe you could come with me…” I suggest.
“Val, darlin’ you know that’s not really the norm… there is only one way for me to leave with you if it came to that. Once you find your mate you won’t need me anymore.” He says sadly.
“How can you say that! You are my best friend… I will always need you.” I stand just to be pulled into his lap.
“Let’s worry about that when the time comes.” He says forcing me to look into his deep ocean blue eyes. “Forgive me.”
“For wha…” he cuts me off with a most passionate kiss that is returned unconsciously.
He breaks the kiss, blushing he says, “Sorry… I just wanted to know what kissing you would feel like… just in case I never get the chance again.”
“Don’t be sorry, one I liked it as per obvious response and two I was curious too… I was just… scared to try it.” I say shyly.
“You are so beautiful… but I think it’s time for me to go. We don’t want to do something we will both regret.” He says, licking his lips.
“My brother says our hormones will be in overdrive, so maybe it would be best…” I sigh.
“Doll, we are 16, our hormones will be that way even if we weren’t wolves. It’s just worse because we are part beast.” He clicks his tongue.
“I suppose.” I stand and walk to the window to open it enough for him to climb out of. Before he exits fully, he gives me a quick kiss before leaping out the window. I close the window. I notice its around lunch time but I’m no longer hungry. I lay down and sleep for a while.
ns 15.158.61.51da2
