C18 Shift

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing and sleep distant from me, since Emily left, I was wide awake, unable to do anything. I just slipped under the covers, scared for my life. no matter how I tossed and turned, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled in my chest.

As the hours dragged on, I sensed a presence at my door. It was very subtle, but I had super sharp sense, more than the average werewolf so I picked it on. My heart pounded and I squeezed my eyes shut, pretending to be asleep. I heard the door creak softly, and the unmistakable scent of the Alpha filled the room. I felt him step closer, his heavy gaze on me.

I didn’t move at all, not wanting to be confronted with anything. I kept my breathing even, willing myself to stay still. He sighed and left the room, closing the door behind him. I exhaled, my body relaxing slightly. What was he doing here?

Morning came far too soon. The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I dragged myself out of the bed, feeling the weight of another sleepless night. After getting dressed, I made my way downstairs to go to Martha.

Today was certainly different because both Xander and the Alpha were around so, it was a full house. I haven’t eaten in the dining room since my first day here, because I didn’t see the need. I preferred it in the kitchen anyway.

The table was arranged, with both the Alpha and Xander seated. I nodded respectfully to the Alpha and beta of the pack Xander, then moved nearer to him, who had a mischievous glint in his eyes. Despite being my friend, his position as the pack's beta remained unchanged. I settled down, too unsure to meet the Alpha’s gaze. He exuded his usual aura of command and authority.

Emily came down and bowed saying her greetings and sat across me. As always, she was poised and perfect. She smiled sweetly at me and I couldn’t return it, I knew exactly what she is. she terrified me and I found my hands shaking.

I tried to pick up the spoon but I lost my stability and I dropped the spoon on the plate, resulting in a loud clank. chuckling nervously, I mumbled a “sorry” and tried again.

Emily scoffed and Xander placed his hands on mine, trying to calm me down. “Easy there, tigress.” And I could swear I saw smoke come out her ears. The tension was very obvious, I knew they had questions that I wasn’t sure I had the answers to.

As we began to eat, Xander turned to the Alpha. “I was thinking of taking Amber into town today,” he said.

“The young pups are having their first shift, and I thought it might be nice for her to see the pack members in action.”

“REALLY?” I couldn’t contain my excitement and definitely couldn’t suppress the loud bass of my voice.

The Alpha was silent for a moment before he cleared his throat. “….sure.”

Emily snickered, drawing everyone’s attention. “Funny, because do you know my dear cousin has never shifted or seen her wolf”? she said, her tone with a mocking concern.

My face flushed with embarrassment and anger. Before I could react….

“So?” Xander asked her his tone flat.

“urhmm I was just saying.” She chuckled in shame.

“That defines her, does it?” he raised his brows at her.

“No,,, noo. Definitely… I'm not trying to be insensitive.”

“That’s enough, Lillian or whatever your name is….,” I bit my lips, for me to stifle my laughter. You should definitely see her face, she looked like she was about to pass out. “We each have different journeys in life.”

WOW!!! Now this is a discovery, Emily being silenced? The daddy’s little princess flung off her high horses. The intimidator is being intimidated now this is what I’m talking about. Xander gave me a reassuring smile and I gave him a proud one. From the corner of my eyes, I could see the Alpha’s lips twitch a little. He doesn’t typically concern Himself with what doesn’t concern him and he’s not a man of many words. After that, everyone ate in silence.

………………………

After breakfast, we headed into town. The sun was high in the sky, the town bustling with activity, pack members going about their daily routine. Children ran and played, their laughter filling the air. Everyone gathered around the pack ground waiting to witness the first shift of the young pups. This was something I have never experienced in my life and I feel contented now.

We moved our way to the creaming where the pups would be shifting. “All hail, the king of kings, All hail to Alpha Zephyr.” “All hail, Beta Xander Lockswell.” An elder stood on the podium and chanted. The crowd followed chanting.

”A large crowd had gathered, excited murmurs and laughter filling the air. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation and celebration. I stood at the edge of the clearing, feeling a strange sense of longing. I had never experienced, never felt the connection to a wolf inside me. It was a part of me that was missing, a void I didn’t know how to fill.

Xander stood beside me ” It's going to be an exciting experience, he said twinkling with excitement. “The first shift is always special.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The young pups were lined up in the center of the clearing, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and anticipation. Xander stood before them, his voice booming as he spoke words of encouragement and tradition.

One by one, the pups began to shift. It was a slow, painful process, but there was something magical about it. Their bodies contorted, bones shifting and fur sprouting as they transformed into their wolf forms. The crowd cheered and howled, the pack’s energy feeding into the shifting process.

As I watched, I felt a pang of envy. These pups were expecting something I had been denied, something that felt essential to my identity. I glanced at Xander, who was watching the shifts with a proud smile.

“Do you ever wonder what it’s like?” I asked quietly.

He turned to me, his expression softening. “Every day,” he said. “But you know what? you’re still part of this pack, wolf or not. You’re one of us.”

His words warmed my heart. Maybe I didn’t have to shift to belong. Maybe there was a place for me here, just as I was. I have always wanted to “belong” but I realize it is something you can't force.

The shifting continued, and each pup’s transformation met with cheers and applause. It was a celebration of new beginnings, of young wolves stepping into their true selves. As the last pup completed their shit, the Alpha emerged and raised his head. He howled loudly, a call that was echoed by the entire pack. My eyes filled with tears, this was the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed.

For a moment, I closed my eyes and let the sound wash over me. It was a call of unity, of belonging. And in that moment, I felt a connection to the pack. ‘Connection,’ something I have never felt.

As the crowd began to disperse, Xander turned to me. “Come on,” there’s something more to see in the town.”

We spent the rest of the day exploring. Xander showed me the market, where vendors sold everything from products to handmade crafts. We visited the training grounds, a place I was forbidden to see growing up. Where warriors practiced their combat skills. Everywhere we went, it was greeted with smiles. Despite my insecurities, the pack accepted me.

In the afternoon, we returned to the clearing where the pups were now playing in their wolf forms. It was a joyful sight, and I found myself laughing along with them. Xander and I sat on a bench, watching the pups chase each other and wrestle.

“You look happy.”

I nodded. “Of course I am, this is so beautiful to watch. In fact, I have never witnessed anything like this.”

“How come?” he asked shocked at my confession. It is less likely that one has never witnessed shifting in their lives, and me being twenty-five didn’t help matters.

“Well, I was always in my room…… hiding.” I laughed nervously.

“You don’t do good with crowds?”

“It wasn’t like I had a choice. I wasn’t allowed to.”

“Why?” he asked curious, I knew that gaze so well. He knew something was definitely wrong and had a lot of questions but he never wanted to overstep his boundaries. And I wasn’t so sure I would like to share this trauma with anyone.

“Just because.” I looked away from him and focused on the pups in front of me.

“I get.” He sighed in defeat. “Whenever you’re ready.”