The following morning dawned bright and clear.
Golden sunlight streamed through the curtains, warming my face until I reluctantly opened my eyes.
For a few peaceful seconds I simply lay there, staring at the ceiling.
No shouting.
No banging on my door.
No list of chores waiting for me.
Just birdsong drifting through the open window.
A smile spread across my face.
Yesterday hadn’t been a dream.
I really was free.
I stretched beneath the soft duvet before climbing out of bed and getting dressed.
As I headed downstairs I could already hear voices outside.
Peter stood near the entrance with his face tilted towards the sun, taking a deep breath of fresh morning air.
“Oh,” he sighed happily.
“What a wonderful day to wolf out.” Jace laughed.
“You’ve been waiting to say that all morning.” Peter grinned.
“I absolutely have.” Nelly rolled her eyes.
“You are such a drama queen.” “I prefer the term professional enthusiast.” Tony chuckled as he walked past with a steaming mug of coffee.
“Just don’t break anything.” “No promises.” The four of us headed towards the western side of the Compound.
Morning dew clung to the grass, sparkling like tiny diamonds beneath the sunlight.
Birds sang overhead while squirrels darted through the branches, after stopping to wave at Peter of course.
Eventually the trees opened into another clearing.
Along one side stood a neat row of small wooden huts.
Each one had its own little door and number.
I frowned.
“What are they?” Nelly pointed towards them.
“The changing huts.” “The what?” “When we shift.” “You leave your clothes inside, go for your run, then come back afterwards and get dressed, tjere’s even a little doggy door on the other side.” she giggled I stopped walking.
“Oh…” I hadn’t even thought about that.
A wave of relief washed over me.
“I was honestly wondering how everyone managed that.” Peter burst out laughing.
“Were you planning on running back naked cus wolves would look a bit silly wearing clothes now wouldn’t they?” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I…
maybe?” Jace folded his arms.
“I was waiting to see how long it’d take before you realised.” “You knew?” “I might’ve forgotten to mention it.” I narrowed my eyes.
“You keep forgetting to teach me important wolf things.” He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
“I’m trying.” Peter nodded seriously.
“I’d like to file an official complaint.” “You?” Jace laughed.
“You aren’t even a wolf.” Peter dramatically placed a hand over his heart.
“That hurts.” As every one began walking towards the huts, Peter slowed.
Then…
He stopped altogether.
His cheerful smile faded ever so slightly.
“You guys go ahead.” Nelly looked back.
“You alright?” He shrugged.
“Yeah I’ll wait here.” Something about the way he said it made me stop too.
“You don’t sound alright.
” Peter shoved his hands into his pockets.
“I guess…” He looked towards the forest.
“…I’ve always wondered what it feels like.” “What?” “Running…..Really running.” “Not on two legs.” “On four.” He smiled faintly.
“I’ve watched wolves do it my whole life, i can talk to every animal on the planet but you guys actually get to be one.” “You all come back looking so…” He searched for the word.
“…alive.” His voice became quieter.
“It must feel amazing.” Nobody spoke.
Even Jace looked sympathetic.
Peter quickly forced another grin.
“It’s alright.” “I’ve got talking to animals.” He chuckled.
“The robins keep me entertained, Jaspers hilarious.” “I just…” His eyes drifted back towards the trees.
“…sometimes wish I knew what it felt like.” My chest tightened.
For the first time since meeting him…
He looked lonely.
I walked over without thinking.
Then wrapped my arms around him.
He froze.
“You know…” I smiled.
“I’ve only known you a day…but I think you’re more special than you realise.” He laughed softly.
“Optimistic.” “My gift is talking to squirrels.
and robins.
Don’t forget the robins, they’re very offended when people overlook them.” I laughed.
“I mean it…I’ve got a feeling…..whatever you’re meant to become….it’s bigger than talking to animals.” He looked down at me with a warm smile.
“I hope you’re right.” “So do I.” Peter stepped back and clapped his hands together.
“Right.” “Enough of the emotional stuff.” “I’m going to stand here looking heroic while you lot become giant dogs, pass me my spear.” he joked.
“Wolves,” Jace corrected.
“My apologies, very majestic giant dogs.” Nelly laughed.
“You really are impossible.” “I’ve been told.” Each of us headed into our own changing hut.
I folded my clothes neatly onto the wooden bench before taking a deep breath.
This was only my second shift.
Unlike the first time, there wasn’t fear.
Only excitement.
I closed my eyes.
I pictured my wolf.
Warmth spread through every part of my body.
Bones shifted.
Muscles stretched.
My senses exploded into life.
It barely hurt this time.
Seconds later…
Four paws rested on the wooden floor.
I opened my eyes.
Everything was sharper.
Brighter.
More alive.
I nudged the door open with my nose.
The forest greeted me with thousands of scents all at once.
Pine.
Fox.
Rabbit.
Fresh earth.
Running water.
Peter.
Jace.
Nelly.
Standing outside, Nelly turned first.
Her wolf was a beautiful dirty blonde colour with astonishing pink eyes.
She stared at me.
“Lilah…You’re beautiful.” I looked down.
My fur was darker than midnight itself, almost absorbing the sunlight around it.
Only my eyes stood out.
Bright white.
Almost glowing.
Like tiny moons.
Nelly slowly walked around me.
“I’ve never seen eyes like yours.” “And yours…..they are pink”!
A moment later another wolf emerged.
Jace.
His coat was sleek black, just like mine, except for the distinctive curls that where in random places throughout his coat.
they matched his curly hair in human form.
His eyes shone a brilliant golden yellow…..the colour of alpha blood.
I’d seen his wolf countless times growing up he was an early bloomer, wolfed out at just twelve years old.
But this time…
Our wolves met as equals.
He walked towards me slowly before gently touching his nose against mine.
Warmth flooded through me.
Family.
Peter smiled as he watched us from outside the huts.
“I’ll admit…You three look pretty awesome.” He folded his arms with an exaggerated sigh.
“Still wish I knew what it felt like.” I looked towards him.
One day, I thought.
One day you’ll surprise us all.
Jace looked towards the forest before opening the mind-link.
“Well…” His yellow eyes gleamed mischievously.
“What are we waiting for?” Without another thought…
He launched himself into the trees.
I took off after him.
And for the first time in my life…
I truly understood what freedom felt like.