Nature's Destiny (10 page)
“I’m intrigued though. What happened when you found out you were a wolf?”
“For starters, I thought I was going crazy!” I said, remembering the not-so-peaceful walk I’d had in the woods. “Before I knew it my vision changed, my sense of smell increased and my ears popped louder than a car backfire.”
“Was it bad?”
“It was worse not knowing what was going on. It was weird, but I couldn’t help feeling paranoid. And to add to my craziness I thought a shower would help.”
I laughed at my stupidity. What had I been thinking?
“Soon after that, I felt sick and your lovely loud voice cracked into my skull,” I joked sarcastically. “And to add to my wonderful bravado, I passed out.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that on your own.”
I shrugged, it didn’t matter anymore. It was done.
“I wish it had been easier for you. I didn’t even know you existed until the alarm bells went off in my head.”
“Alarm bells?”
“Well it feels that way with the information booming through my thoughts.”
I sat in silence, thinking about what he’d said. Perhaps he’d suffered too.
“It’s not like I was expecting you to come galloping in to rescue me, Riley. I’ve been through my fair share of shit in the past, I can take care of myself.”
I didn’t want him to think of me as a poor, pathetic, little girl. I was much stronger than that.
“Speaking of your transformation, there’s still one more thing you have to do before it’s completed.”
My body filled with apprehension as I waited for him to explain. I didn’t want any more pain.
“You have to shift into your wolf.”
“Tonight is the full moon. You won’t be able to stop the transformation, but really it’s the best way for you to change. The sooner you do it, the better it’ll be,” said Riley.
I gulped. I hadn’t been completely foolish into thinking I wouldn’t have had to change at some point, but I guess I’d thought I’d have more time before it came to it. It still didn’t change the fact that I was terrified.
“What do I have to do?”
“I’ll explain later, but there isn’t much to it.” He squeezed my shoulder in an attempt to offer some comfort. “Usually we’d run together as a pack when a new wolf joins, but tonight it’ll be just you and me. The circumstances are different. ”
Relief washed over me. I was petrified enough without the pressure of an audience to watch me too.
“Thanks, Riley.” I was grateful for having a kind and caring Alpha.
“It’ll be fine, Luna. I won’t let anything hurt you.” He caressed my arm, and it warmed me completely. “You’ll see how easy it is, and you’ll enjoy it. There’s nothing like running on all fours. Have you spoken to your wolf much?”
“My wolf? I can talk to it?”
“That’s odd.” I watched him think for a moment. I was concerned that something was wrong with me. “Maybe yours won’t come to the forefront until you’ve shifted. The wolf is a part of you, nestled inside your head. You can have an entire conversation and nobody else would be wiser. It’ll probably feel a bit strange to begin with, like a trickle at the back of your head, but it’s still you.”
I had to deal with a talking wolf inside my head too?
“Is it like my subconscious?”
“You could say so. Wolves are very instinctual. They pick up on things before you would, so don’t be shocked if they register things before your brain does. There’s nobody else inside you, it’s just a different aspect of you.”
I took a few moments to let Riley’s words sink in. The sun was lowering in the sky, and I realised I’d had no idea how long we’d been outside for. Time was running out.
“Let’s go back to the house. I’m amazed I’ve lasted this long without any interruptions. If I know Faye and Lara they’ll be sorting out dinner now.”
“Do they always do the food?” I stretched out my limbs as I stood, feeling the pull.
“It’s their job, and I don’t mean that in the sexist way it sounds,” he rectified quickly. “Everyone has a job within the pack, and Faye and Lara cook and clean for their wages. Roxy helps too, but she’s been doing less as her stomach keeps growing,” he laughed.
“She used to work in a retail shop in town, but Shane was adamant that she quit the minute he found out they were having a pup together. I imagine I’d be just as protective.”
I smiled at the vision of little Riley’s running around.
“I also have patrol teams that check the perimeters daily and at night, there’s a
lot
of ground to cover. And then there are those that work in the teaching profession. They teach a variety from class studies to martial arts, and hand-to-hand combat classes.”
My eyes widened at the sound of that. I’d never been to a martial arts class, but learning new skills as a Werewolf sounded good.
Really
good.
“It’s imperative to learn how to protect yourself as a human as well as a wolf.” I was eager to learn a bit more about fighting. “The rest of the pack have jobs in town except for the retired of course. We work well as a pack and I’m very proud of every one of them.” He was grinning like a champion.
“Sounds good. Is there a job I can do? I have money, but I don’t want to be the only one not working. It doesn’t seem fair.”
I didn’t want to be seen as a slacker to the other members that didn’t know me. It wasn’t fair on them, and it wasn’t a nice portrayal of me.
“I haven’t thought about it. Let’s just get you settled in first. I have more than enough money.”
I knew he wasn’t boasting about the wealth of his pack, he was a genuinely nice guy willing to share his money with me. He had a big heart.
“Thanks. I’ll keep an eye out for any jobs going in town.”
We were within distance of the Alpha house, and it had only taken us nearly half the time as before to walk out of the woods. Talking with Riley skewed my perception of time, with him it always went too fast.
The sooner dinner was finished with the better. I didn’t know if I could stomach much, anxiety was creeping through my system which made me feel nauseous.
“Everything will be OK, Luna. I promise.”*
The house was eerily quiet as I sat with Roxy staring out of the windows in the games room. Dusk greeted the sky, and I waited patiently for everybody outside to shift and take off for their run.
Riley had thought it was a good idea for me to watch the others from inside. Though I’d already seen Riley change into a wolf before, it was different. It was like learning how to not screw up.
Roxy couldn’t change forms when she was so far into her pregnancy, and it irritated her a lot. “I can’t wait for this baby to pop out so I can finally go on a run again. It’s torture having to stay behind every month,” she pouted.
“I’d happily swap bodies with you Roxy,” I joked.
“Aww, you’re just saying that because you haven’t felt how wonderful it is! Trust me Luna, after tonight you’ll want to spend all your time running as a wolf. It’s exhilarating!”
I couldn’t muster the excitement everybody else had for my transformation, I was too anxious. After dinner, Riley had returned to his study. His whole demeanour had turned sombre after his briefing with Nick and Shane.
Like an orchestra following a conductor, the pack shifted simultaneously as the moon peaked in the sky. Their bodies contorting like an over-exaggerated trill on a flute.
I held still as they took off into the woods. I watched a mass of differing shades of brown, black and red cross the fields. It was fascinating, if not a little intimidating. There was a
lot
of wolves.
“It’s time, Luna,” said Riley.
Oh, man, he had that creepy, quiet, walk down to an art!
“Enjoy Luna, I’ll see you in the morning. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it,” Roxy winked, and left.
We walked into the garden and stopped on the cold, crisp, grass. I hadn’t bothered to wear shoes. I felt a weird pull at my body, like somebody was tugging at me. Was that what Riley had meant when he said I wouldn’t be able to stop it?
“Can you feel that, Luna?” he asked.
“Yes, there’s something pulling at me. Is that supposed to happen?” I squeaked.
“It’s the moon’s influence on your wolf. It’s awakening inside you. Magic is what helps us change from one form to another. I know that may sound odd to you, but when you’ve felt it you’ll understand. For wolves, magic is like our religion, it’s a part of us. Are you religious?”
It seemed like a crazy time to be questioning my belief system. I could barely hold myself together. “No. I prefer to
see
something if I’m going to believe in it, like science,” I answered honestly, I didn’t see the point in lying.
“Then perhaps magic will agree with you.”
I didn’t know what to make of that, but I was determined to keep an open mind.
“Will it hurt?” I asked, a little late.
“No, the sensations of your body changing will feel weird to begin with, but then it’s like an adrenaline rush. Stop worrying, Luna.”
I grimaced.
“Now, empty your mind and try to let your body do the work. If I have to, I can force the change on you, but I’d prefer if you try for yourself first,” he said.
“OK, empty my mind, shouldn’t be too hard, there’s not much in it anyway,” I said jokingly.
I was going into nervous-babbling mode. I zipped my mouth before it ran away from me. I hated it when I spoke too much, it was like a disease at times. I closed my eyes and tried to calm my running thoughts. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
I could feel my insides zinging to life, tugging me towards the moon. The feeling of my bones cracking, and organs shifting carried a sweet ecstasy as though I was drugged on morphine. I couldn’t feel any pain that was logically supposed to be there.
I felt alive, like I could take on the world. There was power surging through my body and I opened my eyes to see. I was closer to the ground than I should have been, and I could see fur on my arms. Wait, was that my legs?
I was covered in white fur. I’d done it! I’d turned into a wolf and it hadn’t hurt. And, I was still me, just like Riley had promised.
Of course you are, I’m not an evil beast you know. We are one, we protect each other.
My wolf was talking to me?
Duh!
OK, cut the attitude.
Will you stop acting so surprised now please?
I nodded to myself and looked up at Riley.
He was still in his human form with his mouth hanging wide open. He looked shocked, and I couldn’t help but worry that something was wrong with me.
There’s nothing wrong with us. We have transformed perfectly.
It was reassuring knowing it wasn’t me, though I couldn’t deny how weird it was to feel comforted by my own thoughts talking back at me.
I yipped at Riley to shake his stance. He shook his head, and transformed into his magnificent black wolf in one fluid motion. His emerald green eyes searched the blue of mine.
I had a strong urge to rub myself against him. I had to control myself, my natural, primal instincts were taking over from logic.
Riley caught my attention and turned towards the woods where we’d been during the afternoon. I followed him as he began with a comfortable run.
I picked up speed to see how fast I could go. I was terrible at running as a human, but as a wolf it was completely different. I understood why Roxy had said it was exhilarating.
Adrenaline flowed through my body as I pounded the ground faster. I passed Riley, testing him; I wanted to see if he could keep up. I gave everything I could and flew through the trees, and the vertical trunks became nothing more than a blur. I turned my head to see where Riley was, but I couldn’t find him. Where had he gone?
He couldn’t keep up.
I stopped by the waterfall and lapped up the water. It felt cool and satisfying as it slid down my throat. A few moments later I saw Riley across the lake. I looked up at him and smiled a big wolfish grin.
He replied by letting his tongue hang out. He looked silly which made me chuckle, except as a wolf it came out as a series of unladylike grunts.
He turned and ran off, and I chased after him. I was
not
going to be left behind. I caught up to him quickly and decided to let him lead. I didn’t know where I was, and I certainly didn’t fancy running into a tree head-on. That would definitely have been something I’d do.
Like I’d let you do that!
I smiled inwardly, it felt good having someone to talk to inside my head, even if it did seem crazy.
I followed Riley into another field and let him chase after me again. A mind-numbing howl called out and I stopped instantly, as dread washed over me. The strong weight of Riley’s Alpha authority took over my wolf’s senses. I had to obey the sudden howl regardless of what it meant. It was a command nonetheless. Riley rushed to meet me, and shifted back to his human form. I looked up at him confused.
“Don’t move, Luna. There’s a trap right by your foot. I’ll be right back.”
I stood as still as I could, unable to move from sheer terror. I watched as he walked through the woods, and his head swept from side to side. He was obviously searching for something.
I was terrified and considerably grateful that Riley had stopped me when he did. It showed how good his eyesight was. I hadn’t even seen it.
Neither did I, I was too busy having fun to pay attention. I’m sorry.
“I’m going to drop this into the trap to activate it. When I do, I want you to jump back as far as you can. OK?”
I nodded.
“On three then. One, two, three, jump!”
I jumped back the second he released the log into the trap. I listened as it snapped viciously, and clamped its teeth into the wood. I brushed myself against Riley’s legs as a thank you. I’d been too close to death.
“I’ll be right back.” I watched him pick the trap up, and his arms bulged with the weight, he was incredibly strong. He carried it to the border of the clearing; it was out of the way there.
“The patrols can deal with it later.” He dusted off his hands, he didn’t look happy at all. “I’m sorry Luna, but I’m going to have to get back to the house now.”
I shrugged, I knew Riley had to take care of business. Our safety had been compromised, and if I knew him as well as I thought I did already, he’d soon be worrying about the others running around. Finding a trap laid out on wolf territory was lethal enough without the added pressure of a full moon.
Riley shifted back into his wolf again, and he nudged me. We ran through the woods together. I knew Riley was eager to get back to the house, but I was just as happy to stay outside longer. I knew he was giving me extra time to enjoy, for which I was grateful, but I hated to leave so soon.
The house was in complete darkness. Riley transformed again and I sat staring up at him, shifting my weight from paw to paw. I didn’t know how to change back into my human, and I prayed that I’d be dressed. I didn’t know how it worked, but every time Riley had changed he was always clothed. I hoped it was the same for me.
I waited patiently for Riley’s instructions when I felt that strange pull at my body again. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath much like I had earlier. The tingling sensation disappeared as it ran the length of my spine, and I opened my eyes. I was staring directly at Riley again. He was such a looker.
I looked down at my body to make sure I was fully clothed before throwing myself at him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and thanked him for saving my life.
“Thank you so much, Riley. I was almost wolf meat!” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a tight embrace.
“It’s OK, Luna. I’ve
never
had to worry about traps before. I’m glad I saw it in time.”
“You and me both.”
I inhaled, and Riley’s scent wafted around me. He was a wonderful cocktail of aftershave, woods, and man. My taste buds watered at the thought of kissing him.
I pulled away from him slowly and looked into his eyes. Electricity flowed through my body as I held his gaze. He leaned his head down toward mine and gently kissed me on the lips. I kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck again.
He deepened the kiss, and I moulded my body into him as his arms held me tighter. I parted my lips as an invitation to his tongue. We matched stroke for stroke and our pace quickened.
I was desperate to taste every inch of him. I needed him to quench the fire burning inside of me. My body responded, and I wanted him to take me in every way possible. I moaned, and he did too. I was lost in the passion that invaded my body.
He pulled away and kissed me gently again, savouring the kiss before the happiness in his face faded to sadness.
“I have to get back to work. Are you going to be alright?” he asked, searching my face.
“I’m fine, Riley,” I smiled, I was more than fine. “I’m just going to take a shower and then go to sleep.” His eyes widened. I was glad I affected him as much as he did me.
“Goodnight then.”
“Goodnight, Riley.”