The Next Morning
Wednesday [10:37 am]
The back of my head throbbed violently, making it almost impossible for me to move. I wanted it to stop, to make it stop, but my body wouldn't move. And with the way tingling sensations spread across my entire body, a comfortable warmth keeping me rooted to the mattress, I don't think I want to.
"Stop moving Cammy.." Iris grumbled. "Fuck off..." I grumbled back.
I turned onto my side, pulling the whining girl into my chest. Her arms surrounded my waist as she dug her head further into me. I moved my hand up the back of her neck and tangled my fingers through her soft curls, lightly massaging at her scalp.
The previous throbbing had surprisingly gone down. It was still present but a whole lot more bearable.
I groaned when a knock at the door startles me from what was going to be my continued slumber. "Go. Away." I stated firmly, not caring for the growl that sounded as I spoke. "Cam. Cam, you can't stay in there." Meo semi-shouted.
"It's the full moon remember. You can't be on their land during your shift."
"What is he talking about..?" Iris asked, her eyes barely open as she tilted her head up at me. "Nothing, just—just get up. He's not gonna leave otherwise." I groaned, untangling myself from the girl. She whined in protest, her arms reaching to pull me back.
"You can stay in here if you want. It has my scent pretty much everywhere." I whispered as I leaned over the girl. She hummed and pulled my pillow into her chest. "You can leave now.." she muttered.
I rolled my eyes and picked out some clothes from my bags. I went into the bathroom, took my shower, changed into some new clothes, and headed over to the door. I unlocked it and stepped out the room, immediately making eye contact with Meo who stood, leaned up against the opposite wall.
"Finally. Been waiting forever." He sighed dramatically. "Shut up ya big baby." I chuckled.
He grinned and began walking ahead. I followed him downstairs, which had been completely empty, before making it outside. "Ok, so this is really creepy." I mumbled, looking around the buildings and the massive space in between. The once crowded area with the pack sitting around, sometimes even in their wolf forms, and kids running around was now void of any and all people.
"They're further into the woods, East." Meo answered my unasked question. "Why East?"
"There's a waterfall. It calms them, makes them feel 'at one with nature'." I nodded, that actually makes sense. No wolf would want to be trapped or stuck in a 'man-made' cage. They'd want to be out, running and playing or whatever it is that wolves like to do.
"But why's Iris still here?" Though as soon as the question is voiced, a body roughly shoved past me. "Seriously!" I exclaimed, watching as the figure darted towards the tree line. "Watch it Cammy!" Iris screamed back, not once turning to look my way.
I scoffed, she seriously did not just say that..
She bumped into me. I turned to Meo, an exasperated look on my face. "Did you see that?"
He nodded, "I did. You should probably watch where you're going next time Cameron." He said as he continued to walk forward. This time, an incredulous took over my face. "I need to watch where I'm going?!" I exclaimed, quickly trailing behind the man.
"That's what I just said." He nodded. Though with the girl behind him, he tried his best to hide the grin on his face.
Morning [9:38 am]
"Why are we here again?" I asked. Meo groaned as he turned to me. "Because we can't have a pack of wolves finding out that a newly bitten pup is a wolf-lycan hybrid!" He exclaimed, quickly growing tired with the amount of times he's had to explain to the girl.
He loved her but god was she annoying.
I huffed and crossed my arms, "I'm not a pup.."
"Then stop acting like one."
"Whatever.."
I looked around, he had taken me to a sort of clearing West of the woods. The opposite direction of the pack house and the pack itself. He told me that we were safe and that no one would find or seek out for us. I, having no choice, had taken his word for it and we've been here for almost an hour.
I hadn't taken my phone with me for two reasons; one being that I didn't feel like reading the onslaught of messages, calls, and whatnot from my family. And the second being that I was most likely going to be here all day. And if we're here when the full moon rises, I'll just end up breaking my phone or losing, neither of which I want to happen so I kept it in the safe confines of my room.
Meo had brought two tents along, some sheets, sleeping bags, and food. He said that he would start a fire when it got dark out, but that we ultimately might not even need it.
The food he brought mainly consisted of raw meat, meat that I definitely wasn't going to eat until after I shifted.
I was currently in my own tent, rolling around in the sheets he gave me while trying to rid away my throbbing headache. "This fucking sucks.." I muttered with my hands clenched around my head. I kept my face downward, trying to shield my eyes from the torturing sun.
The birds were loud, the wind was strong, the smells were— well they were heavenly actually. But everything else sucked ass. Before we had even set out, I worried that I would be bored while we waited for the moon to rise. But now I'm thinking that with this pain, it's all I can think about.
So really, I'm never actually going to be bored. And as much as I hate to say it, the only other thing I can really think about is Iris. I don't know what's been going on but it's like my brain can't stand her, which is how I felt before all this werewolf shit appeared.
But then my body feels calm and even, dare I say; giddy. And I can confidently say that has to do with my stupid beasts. - You're stupid.. -
"I Concur."
'Shut up.'
I growled, digging my head further into the sheets.
Hours. It's been hours, and yet it feels like years. The throbbing had gotten immensely worse and with how hot my body felt, it felt like my skin was melting. Sweat covered my entire body, soaking my clothes and filling the tent with must.
I had somehow managed to peak a look through my covers and checked the sky. It looked around mid-day, the somewhat orange sky giving me some kind of reassurance. Just a few more hours.
'Around 6 more to be exact.' Meo voiced, the first sentence he's said since we got into our tents, which was 3 hours ago.
'He's alive!' I snorted. Though just as quick as he came, he was gone. "Really! It's like that?!" I shouted, immediately wincing afterward. "Yeah, it's like that!" He shouted back, letting out a wince of his own.
I hurried out of my tent and over to a small brush of bushes. I emptied out my stomach with my hands resting on my knees. Rushed steps followed behind me before a hand found its place on shoulder. He pat me on my back in an awkward motion. "There..there. Let it out, let it all ou—"
"Shut the fuck up meo." I gagged, feeling a rough tug at my chest. I backed up from the puke bush before falling onto my knees. A scream ripped through my throat when my nails shoved from out of my skin. They weren't my usual pointed nails but actual claws. "Meo!?" I groaned, holding my hands for him to see.
"Shit.." he muttered, darting his head toward the sky. "You should have at least two more hours..!" His forehead creased.
Falling to the ground, I dug my hands into the dirt beneath me. I feel my teeth being pushed from my gums only to quickly be replaced by large shape fangs. Another scream left me when my hand snaps in an awkward angle. I shouted, horrified at the sight. Soon it was both hands, then it was feet, and then my legs.
They had all snapped and reformed before snapping all over again. Howling sounded off far into the forest, most likely the Willow Pack. But I couldn't focus on that, no. Not when my bones were breaking, healing, only to break all over again.
But that wasn't the worst of it. Right as the pain ever so slightly subsided, I could feel my spine snap. A guttural scream left me, a sound so ear piercing that it would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand and shiver. "You're doing well, you're gonna be ok." Meo tried whispering reassurances into my ear while also trying to maintain distance.
I knew he was just looking out for me, but god did I want to tear his tongue from his mouth. And I honestly don't know if that's me talking or my beasts.
My body burned all over, my voice now hoarse as I feel my body get bigger. I was hunched over, fur sprouting from my skin and my face now growing a large snout. My groans turned into growls when I finally stood, out of breath and slightly sore.
I towered over Meo, looking down at the man who stared at me with a sense of pride. "Look at you!" He exclaimed, his arms wide open as a grin followed by an excited laugh left his lips. Looking down at my paws, I followed up my arms and toward my sides. My fur was pitch black, single grey on my left paw.
I felt a bundle of energy surge through me, having the sudden urge to just move. To run.
I'm strung from my thoughts at the rough sound of snapping bones. Looking back where Meo previously stood, a wolf with a size identical to mine, hopped in his place. He barked happily, moving forward to nuzzle his snout into the right side of my shoulder blade. I moved with him. Feeling a strong sense of comfort from the small action.
The calming atmosphere was quickly replaced when Meo nipped at my ear before quickly jumping away. - Let's get him! - Dato exclaimed. And before I could do anything, my body was moving on its own. I feel my consciousness shift to the side, the familiar sensation giving me a sense of déjà vu.
I practically watched from the side lines as Dato took full control of my body. We chased Meo for what felt like hours, ducking through the bushes and weaving around trees. We had eventually caught up to the other wolf, rushing forward and tackling him to the ground.
We rolled around, stopping right as I, Dato, managed to pin him down. I was pushed back in control, the sudden change giving me a head rush. The momentary distraction was enough for Meo to quickly switch out positions. He now stood above me, his front paws pressing down on my chest as he gave what I'm assuming to be a wolfish grin.
His tongue flopped out to the side as he puffed his chest outward. He snapped at my face once more before darting off again. This time, with full control of my own body, I rushed to my feet and chased after the wolf.
I don't know how long we had ran around for, but I do know that this probably had to be the most fun I've ever had. I felt free. I can't think of any other way to describe it. The wind whipping past your face, the smell of the forest air, the hundreds of different sounds entering your ears.
But I think what made the moment most memorable was Meo. And although I wasn't the best with my words in the beginning of my transformation, he still tried. He was here.
The full moon cast over the forest with its bright white hues. We decided to take a break as we had been running and playing for hours.
'You'll need all the energy you can get for your second transformation.' Meo's voice entered my mind. We were lying down in a clearing, our backs pressed against each other. 'How do you know?' I asked, slightly turning my head towards him. It was quiet for a minute before he finally replied.
'Experience..'
I was shocked, 'you've shifted into your lycan already?!' He gave a short nod. 'What?! When?!'
'A day before I escaped the yellow coats. They had managed to create a formula of sorts and injected me with it, the change was almost immediate.' I completely turned to face him, nuzzling my head into his neck. 'I passed out and woke up as a large beast, and an additional voice in my head.' He spoke timidly.
'Jesus... I'm so sorry Meo..'
'It's in the past, let's just focus on the present.' He sighed, 'you don't have anything to worry about. It'll be over just as quick as it starts.' He reassured, lightly bumping his shoulder to mine.
'And speaking of..' he trailed off, directing his head upward. I followed suit, watching his eyes land on the full moon shining brightly in the sky.
A whine left my throat when a sudden throbbing pulsed through my head. I was crouched on the ground, the spot where Meo previously lied now vacant. He had taken multiple steps back, not wanting to be in the path of a possibly murderous lycan.
'Don't fight it! I did and it only made the transition longer and a hundred times more painful!'
' 'Don't fight it' ?! What does that even mean?!' A growl sounded. 'It means relax, find your breath.'
'How the fuck am I supposed to do that with every bone in my body breaking at the same time!'
'I don't know, ok! Jus-'
He's cut off by the loud snapping of a particular bone, which is then immediately followed by a sharp mix of a whine and growl.
I feel myself growl taller and bigger, my skin tearing from my body only to be replaced with a darker, thicker shade of fur. My paws grew into long, slim human-like claws and my arms stretched down to my waist. I grew taller and taller before slowing to a stop, finally reaching a certain height. Muscles bulged across my body, a sudden heat flashing through my veins.
Before I could move or even breathe, I inhaled and let out a thunderous howl. A sound that quickly muted the area. The chirping of birds along with the light cricket of bugs quit their sounds and noises.
It was eerily quiet, the way the forest had gone completely silent. My jaws snapped shut, the moment being interrupted by a low growl. I growled back and turned to my right, meeting the eyes of another lycan. While my fur was a mix of black and the slightest shade of purple.
Meo took a step forward, his arms raised, before swiping down at my chest. I just barely managed to dodge to the side, maneuvering into a roll before skidding to a stop with my claws digging deep into the dirt. Without a second thought I rushed forward, charging heavily into his side. We tumbled through the trees, knocking into a few.
Snapping my jaws at him, I tried pinning him down. But it always ended with him shoving back or landing a scratch somewhere on my body. I grabbed hold of his shoulders, spinning around before releasing my hold. He flew forward, his back colliding with one of the thinner trees.
The side of said tree proceeded to snap upon impact. But Meo kept going. He slammed into another tree, and another, and another before finally landing in a heap of bushes. It was silent, there were no movements from either of us, aside from the rough panting. I stood there, waiting. I knew I hadn't killed him, my beasts wouldn't have gone that far. Besides, I could still hear his ragged breathing and pounding heart.
'Get up you lazy old man.' I growled. 'Old!?' He exclaimed. Without a single word he launched at me, and without a thought, I ran. There was no way I was going to win against an angry Meo. He had the training and the experience. All I could do, with certainty, was run.
I ducked to my right, hearing a loud thud and took a glance behind me. Meo had lost his footing and slammed right into a tree. 'Shit!'
I only laughed and continued my run. The wind blowing through my fur and zipping past my ears. Dirt flew upward each time my claws left the ground. My heart pounded excitedly which only boosted my already high pumping adrenaline. I jumped over a rock that happened to be in my path. But with my newly discovered strength, I ended up high above the trees.
The moon was completely bare for me to see, the gorgeous stars shining all around it. I threw my head back and let another brief howl escape me. I caught myself on the tree branch's and swung back down to the ground.
I immediately struck back into my run when the smell of water enters my senses. But that wasn't all, it was then quickly followed by the heavy scent of pine and wood. Spotting a small clearing and the slight glimpse of water through a couple of trees, I dig my hands and feet into the ground and halted just before the clearing.
The sound of rushing water was barely heard over the growls and barking from the many, many wolves hanging around the place. I catch a familiar scent behind me when a body gently shoves into mine. 'What are you doing over here?' Meo asked, watching as the wolves play amongst themselves.
'I don't know..' I huffed, taking a tiny step forward before freezing in place. Not really knowing if I was even allowed to be here, I take a step back.
I opted to just observe, no longer feeling the strong urge to move.
Morning [5:57]
Thursday
Time passed quickly, hours flew by and it was just becoming day. The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon and the wolves seemed to be getting ready to head back.
I watched them the whole night. Which is weird considering they weren't really doing much. Just occasional dip in the water or the playful chase down. 'I think it has something to do with a certain Kensey.' Meo snorted as we made our way back to our camp site.
He had taught me to shift back into my wolf and strolled side by side. 'You do know that you were giving off major stalker vibes, right?' Meo snorted. I huffed and bumped my shoulder to his. He stumbled a bit, losing his footing before toppling into some nearby bushes. I burst into a fit of laughter as he lands on his side with his legs straight in the air, a small yelp leaving his mouth.
I was dying as he tried standing up. He yelped every time he took a step, 'Damn! I think those had thorns!' He exclaimed.
I managed to calm myself down, at least to the point where I was no longer cackling and heaving, and walked ahead. 'You can take them out when we get back to camp.' I assured.
It had taken a while, especially with a certain wolf stopping every five seconds, but we finally made it back. I stood on the other side of my tent and began to transform back. I could feel my entire body shrinking, tingles spreading all around my body as goosebumps spread across my skin.
My paws had formed back into my hands and all my bones snapped at once. Though instead of immense pain that I definitely thought I'd feel, it was replaced with a heavy sense of relief, like a giant boulder had been lifted from my back and shoulders.
I sat on my knees, my head thrown back while I took in the forest air. My vision had somehow gotten better, my nose picking up the scent of wolves all the way down at the pack house. And I could just barely hear their muffled voices.
I could feel the heat my body radiated, the cool breeze not once sending shivers my way.
"Hurry up and get dressed. You'll get hungry soon." Meo voiced from his tent. But just at the mention of food my stomach growled. I could feel my beasts hollering and growling and the thought of finally getting our bellies full. - Yeah. because someone wanted to sit and watch a bunch of boring pack wolves, we never got to hunt. - Dato growled.
I rolled my eyes and made my way inside my tent. "You weren't complaining when we caught Iris's scent. In fact, you wanted to lunge in there with hopes of seeing her." I scoffed as I put my head through my shirt. I grabbed a pair of jeans from the small bag I brought with me and put them on as well.
I pulled my curly, semi-dirty, hair into a back bun and tie on my old white and blue running shoes.
I exited the tent when I spotted Meo standing a few feet away. He held his dismembered tent in between his left arm and side while a camping bag sat on his back. "Right.. I forgot..." I trailed off, now directing my attention to my tent.
He sighed, "I'll help you out." Dropping his tent onto the ground and crouched to one of the nails holding the tent down.
He quickly pulled them out and dismantled everything. Once he had finished, we picked the rest of it up and made our way to the pack house. Getting back and seeing how cheerful everyone was out a smile on my face. It was quite creepy, and unnerving, how quiet and solemn it was just a few days ago.
Meo, guessing what I was thinking, spoke up, "that feeling you had, like there was an unpleasant, somewhat heavy, weight on your chest?" He asked. I nodded. "They've been feeling that way all week."
"It tends to happen on two occasions. If or when a full moon is near, or you haven't shifted in over a week. Which is why there is a pack law stating every wolf has to shift at least twice a week, otherwise they will face severe consequences and penalties."
"Are there a lot?" I asked.
"About 50." He nodded.
'I figured.' Walking forward and over to the main house. I couldn't help but look around, seeing their stress-free faces. Spotting a bunch of kids racing around before darting my way. I couldn't help but laugh when one of them stumbled behind, and eventually tripped themselves up landing face first on the ground.
She got a bit teary eyed, but seeing the rest of her friends still racing toward me, her initial shock was forgotten when she ran over with a small and almost unnoticeable bruise forming around her nose.
"Hey Cameron!" "Hi Cameron!" "Do you have any food?!" The kids all shouted simultaneously as they all yanked on my arms and clothes. "Guys, chill out! I thought you guys would finally calm down after shifting or something..!" I grumbled, grunting when I almost fall over. I had tried to continue walking when two kids decided to lock themselves around both my legs.
Meo had gracefully taken my tent bag, smirk plastered all over his face as began taking my backpack as well. "Wait! Where are you going!?" I shouted to the man as he continued what was supposed to be our trek to the house.
"No worries, I'll put your stuff up for you. Give you some time with the kids. "But— I don't—"
"Bye!" He waved. And even though I couldn't actually see it, I knew there was a giant ass grin on his stupid little face.
The little girl from behind had just caught up but was now heaving and her pale face had gone completely red.
"Guys! Why didn't you wait for me?!" She exclaimed with a somewhat nervous expression.
A few of the kids groaned, "because you'd slow us down!" A boy shouted, moving from hanging onto my arm to step toward the smaller girl. "Cmon guys, that's not-" I tried speaking up.
"Yeah! Why should we slow down when it's you who doesn't have their wolf yet!" A girl shouted. "Yeah, it's not our fault you're a late bloomer!" A chorus of 'yeahs' followed when the girl fell into tears.
"Hold on, that's not very nice!" I exclaimed, stepping forward and taking the girl into my arms. "You're saying it's her fault she's a late bloomer?" The girl trembled, a sudden wetness flooding my neck. I sat on the ground and pulled the girl into my lap. Turning to the others, I gestured them over.
"Listen. You guys can't say that to each other. No, you can't say that to anyone, ever." I stated firmly. "Why not? Mommy said that we should only play with other kids that have their wolves." One of the boys spoke up, earning a few nods in agreement from the other kids.
"Well your mommy's wrong, you can play with kids regardless of if they have a wolf or not. Otherwise, you're a bully. And I don't play with bullies." I grunted. The kids grew troubled faces, avoiding eye contact as their eyes grew glossy. I turned to look at the little girl, who now held her head up toward me. "What's your name kid?" I asked.
She wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks and spoke in a tiny, timid voice, "Max. My dad thought I was gonna be a boy and named me before I was born. That's what my mommy told me."
"Oh, well I love the name max. It's very pretty." I smiled. She gave a toothy smile back, now standing in between my legs with her hands on my shoulders.
"And there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a late bloomer. In fact, I have a friend— ermm, well, I know someone who's a late bloomer." I stuttered.
I went to speak when one of the kids burst into tears. "I'm sorry!" He cried, walking over with one his hands over his eyes. He grabbed onto Max and wrapped his arms over her shoulders. "I'm sorry, max!" He continued to cry.
It was like a chain reaction when the rest of the kids followed suit, tears pouring out of their eyes as snot trailed down their nose. "I'm sorry too!" It quickly went from a small 'bullying is wrong' talk to a crying fest as the kids surrounded max, trapping her in a group hug.
I decided to leave them to it, making my way to the main house.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
Word Count: 4573