“Wait, please,” he said, grabbing my hand. I yanked it back immediately, and he looked hurt. “I didn’t come here to defend her or argue with you.” He said quickly. “I just wanted to spend some time to get to know you.” My mouth hung open. Xander wanted to take the time to get to know me? So why did I feel like he had ulterior motives?
He doesn’t. Dash said softly in my head.
How do you know? I asked hesitantly. Dash snorted with laughter.
You think I wouldn’t talk to my mates? She had a point. I grabbed the tv remote and turned on Netflix. Hunting for a movie or even a show, I spotted The Office and started it. Xander left the room and came back a few minutes later with a couple cans of cherry coke and a large bowl of popcorn. Sitting on the other side of my bed, he handed me a soda and set the popcorn between us, taking a handful and shoving it in his mouth.
Once the popcorn was gone, I set the bowl on the cart and snuggled into my bed, exhausted. I was almost asleep when Xander pulled me against his body, my frame fitting perfectly against his, and his scent was comforting to fall asleep to.
Thursday finally rolled around, and the day rushed past as I looked forward to going on my first run. Dash was aching to be free, and I was excited to see what she looked like. Running to my car after school, I started it and rushed home, eager to finish my homework and training before my first shift.
At around 6:15, I started getting ready for training. As I putting on my shoes, there was a knock on my door. “Come in!” I yelled, tying my laces. I looked up as the musky scent of forest flooded my nostrils, and smiled.
“Hey why don’t you skip training and take a nap?” He said, tugging on a piece of hair that fell out of my bun. I smacked his hand away.
“Why would I do that?” I huffed, crossing my arms.
“You’re going to need all the energy you can save.” He shrugged as if it was obvious. “The first shift always takes a lot of energy. But don’t worry, Xander and I will be by your side the entire time.” I didn’t want to skip training. In fact, I felt like I had too much energy.
“I’ll skip training, but I’m not tired enough to take a nap.” I said, flopping on my bed and kicking my shoes off. Wyatt smiled at me and sat next to me.
“That’s okay, we can just hang out here.” I looked at him, shaking my head.
“No, you’re going to training.” He looked at me, shocked. “You think the pack isn’t going to think it’s weird that both of us are missing? Shawn basically already knows.”
“Shawn knows because he’s future beta. Sherri’s parents know as well.” I whipped around in shock and he laughed.
“That’s funny cuz Sherri knows, too.” He nodded, staring at my wall lost in thought.
“Fitting for the future Gamma.” I gasped. “She’s the only one capable enough. She should be beta, but Shawn is on a higher level then her right now, so that’s why he was chosen. Besides the fact he’s the Betas child.” I smiled, sitting back on my bed and grabbing my reading book.
“Alright get out and go to training.” I said without looking at him, flipping through my book. He laughed, the door clicking softly behind him. Good. Now to wait out the next however long until training was over.
I felt myself being shaken awake and looked at my alarm clock. It was only 10. I looked up at Sherri, who smiled at me.
“Wake up sleepy bones, it’s almost time for your shift!” She said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. My first shift!
Yes, time for me to shine! Dash yipped excitedly. I jumped out of my bed, noticing Shawn behind Sherri as I grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank top and running into my bathroom to change. Coming back out, I sprinted down the stairs without waiting for Sherri and Shawn.
Where to? I mindlinked Wyatt.
Follow Sherri and Shawn. He turned off the mindlink and I almost tripped over my own feet trying to stop myself. Sherri walked out of the house, rolling her eyes, Shawn snickering behind her. They began walking towards the left, to a thicker part of the forest. I was confused. How were we going to run through this dense of a forest?
As we walked a little further, the trees started thinning out into a clearing. Wyatt and Xander were already waiting for us. As soon as they heard us, they stood from their seats on the grass and smiled.
“Are you ready princess?” Xander’s smile widened, and I nodded.
Yes I’m absolutely ready! Dash sang in my head, making me giggle. “Good. We’ll all be here by your side.”
“It is going to hurt. A lot. Just relax and don’t fight it.” Wyatt said while stretching. Sherri and Shawn each ran behind the trees, coming out a few moments later. Sherri’s wolf, Amelia, was gorgeous. She was a little larger than normal, but not as large as Shawn. Her fur was a chocolatey brown, with honey flecks over her snout. She snorted at me and I laughed, enjoying my friends presence.
I turned around and noticed Wyatt and Xander had already shifted. I knew they were supposed to be large, as Alphas they’re obligated to be the largest in the pack. But Theo and Rex were absolutely massive. I noticed Xander’s tail had two gray stripes where Wyatt had one. Otherwise, they were absolutely identical.
Placing my hand on Wyatt’s forehead, I was surprised at how soft he was. He closed his eyes, nuzzling into my touch, seeming to enjoy it. Xander whined softly behind me, making me giggle. I patted his chest, rubbing his fur in different directions. His tongue reached out and touched my arm, leaving slobber all over it.
“Oh gross.” I said, making a face and wiping my arm off on the grass. I sat down and stared at the sky, leaning back on my hands. I was unsure of what was supposed to be happening. I didn’t feel any different, and nothing appeared to be changing. I waited a little while longer before sighing and standing up.
Now. Dash growled.
What? I don’t understand.
Now. I stood up, taking deep breaths and relaxing. A sharp pain ran through me and I dropped to the ground, screaming. Wyatt brushed against me and I gripped his fur, pulling as I was hit with another wave of pain. He growled softly, nuzzling me to roll me over.
I felt my bones breaking, elongating to make space for Dash. My face bones felt like they were shattering as my nose turned into a muzzle, my teeth elongating. My hands and feet turned into paws, and I was so itchy. After a few more moments, everything was silent. Xander whimpered, pushing me with his nose.
Princess? He whispered through the mindlink. I looked up at his and was awestruck. Everything was so much clearer. I sniffed the air, smelling many more scents that I normally would.
Did it work? I asked quietly. Rex snorted in laughter and nodded.
Ready? Wyatt asked, and I nodded.
Where are we- Sherri’s sentence was cut short as Wyatt took off, crashing through the trees.