Snow White and the Big Bad Wolf

Our First Shift.

It was a stupid dangerous plan. No one had seen the man who attacked the pack in over 18 years. Did they have any leads in where he could be? “You’re really doing this on your own?” I asked bringing my hands together. “Look she’s scared already, just go back inside outsider. Let the big wolves handle the dirty work.” The blonde frowned and gave me a pointed look.

“I never said I was scared. I want in too.” I folded my arms determined to plant myself in the soil, unaware I looked like a rambunctious child. The boys looked at each other and Mason gave me a toothy smile. “Well you gotta at least learn the basics of self defense. This will be no walk in the park you know. Hey guys let’s start out with a run yeah? She was supposed to go out for her shifting ceremony. I think now is as good as ever.”

“It’s no use, she won’t even answer me anymore. I doubt she will come out-“ I started but Talas presence creep back from the corners of my mind. It’s not a terrible idea, we could be freed from his shame. Her voice ran and I took a deep breath. “Nevermind that... how do I begin?” The boys looked at each other and took a few steps back. “It’ll be the most painful thing you’ll ever experienced but you’ll learn to get used to it after a couple times. Just let your wolf become more than the voice in your mind. Let her have control over your mind and body, she’ll find her way out.”

Honestly I was a little skeptical about letting her have control. She blocked me out so easily before and I just met her... what if she didn’t let me back in? I’m sorry for that Aella. I was just as shocked as you were to hear the news. But I promise... You can trust me. I’m with you all the way. Her words of comfort did manage to sway me and I took a deep breath. I knew if I wanted people to see me for me then it was important I take my life into my own hands. “Okay...” I muttered and immediately I felt Talas warmth spread over me until it was an overwhelming burning sensation. My breathing got caught in my throat from the sudden pain and I looked at my hands as claws grew from my fingertips. I felt my bones break in my ears as a long snout and pointed ears forced their way through my skull. “AGGHHH!!” was the last thing I could pass through my mouth while I ripped the clothes off my body. My skin felt as if it were on fire as fur rapidly sprouted everywhere, even my face. The boys all waited for me to be done howling and screaming in pain but once all of it was done there was a dull ringing in my ears and they did not say a word. Even my vision was blurred as I tried to focus on a single blade of grass but everything seemed to move on its own. They were nothing short of amazed when I finally finished my transformation, they didn’t mention at all that it takes a new wolf at least an hour to shift and the recovery took even longer once it was done. Instead they held back their comments but Masons face was undeniable, he definitely had concerns.

A pure white wolf, as expected from my natural hair color, lay against the grass like a new born puppy but none of them them dared to come too close despite my wolf’s whining. They all knew the damage a new shifter could do once the first shift was done. Many were known to snap and become uncontrollable from all the pain, which is why the first shift was monitored by stronger and more experienced members of the pack to ensure a smooth transition. Lucky for me I had Mason... and three other guys I never met. This could’ve went really bad..

Tala was panting with blood staining her tongue and her body trembled as she tried to stand. “Whoa now take it easy!” Mason approached us carefully and she snapped her eyes up at him. It was the strangest feeling, it was as if I was watching someone else through their eyes! Was this what Tala felt like watching through me? Tala you’re beautiful! I exclaimed. She managed to glance down at her body after glaring at Mason. We are beautiful little one. She responded fondly and all I could feel was happiness and again I couldn’t distinguish who’s feelings it belonged to. “We are going to get changed now, just stay right here for a minute. We’ll be right back.” Mason assured us before taking off with the boys, we watched as they ran into a group of trees near the fence. It was just enough to hide their bodies from view. Why didn’t they just transform right here like I did? Man still has pride. I suppose they didn’t want you to witness them naked. If I were in my regular body my whole face would have lit up brighter than a fresh tomato. And you just let me change right in front of them?

You people are so sensitive about not wearing clothes! Look at us now, I don’t wear any clothes and there’s not a problem.

You have fur dammit! Tala giggled shook out her fur deciding to save our argument for later. A couple of stretches later and the rest of the guys emerged from the shadowy corner. It was easy to identify Mason, his wolf was bigger than the rest and he had dark brown fur and black paws. Even his fur curled a bit like his hair and he had a thick tail. The blonde boy I saw earlier had a lighter color fur, almost like he rolled in beach sand. The other two matched with black fur with hints of silver along their stomach and one had a white spot on his chest. They were all still very massive wolves. Mason led with a grunt and mind linked me immediately except it wasn’t Masons voice. It was deep and animalistic. I am Echo, these three idiots are Gunner, Kiba, and Loki. Stay on our tails and you’ll be fine. Oh and try to relax Aella. Your wolf knows what to do. What was that supposed to mean, I asked as if I were speaking aloud. I forgot Tala could hear my thoughts as well. It means you can trust me. You’ll be tired from the transformation so you can easily tire us both from exhaustion. Just allow me to move and we will be fine. I mentally took a deep breath and followed her directions. It was so easy to feel like I could sleep, the pain of changing was still there but fading quickly. Was I finally growing into our shifter powers?

The wolves and I left quickly but didn’t notice the Beta and Alpha watching from a nearby window. We were only in the backyard as all of it happened and it was easy to jump the fence leading back into the forest as a wolf. “Did you see how quickly she changed?” The Alpha muttered once we were gone from sight. “She’s going to be special. This means we have to start moving quickly.” The beta rubbed his chin and focused his glare on the spot of grass I was laying on.

“Right. Begin her training as soon as possible then. I’m leaving this up to you.”

“Yes Alpha Romeo.”

Hours flew by and the sun was starting to rise again. The other three wolves went their separate ways and Echo led us back to the pack house. You held out longer than I expected. Mason mind linked with me again. Tala tilted her head at his comment but I ignored him as I had been for many years. I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or sincere. How are you feeling? Tala nudged me gently within my mind and I followed her attention. Oh I’m perfectly fine, that was a great run. I felt like I needed that after the day I’ve had.

I don’t feel tired at all and it’s nearing your school time. We should change back before you’re late. Tala looked at Echo who was just standing there looking at us. Tala huffed and kicked her feet against the grass. You’ve already had your fun the first time. Do you mind giving us some privacy? I managed to get through to Mason and his wolf turned to retrieve his clothes from wherever he transformed at but he quickly came back with one of the shirts the guys were wearing. I had realized that I ripped out of mine while I transformed and there was no return for any of that. The transformation back was almost just as bad as my first shift, everything had to reposition itself and it left me in a sweaty broken heap on the ground. When Mason returned he saw me quivering and shook his head as he picked up the shirt. “In a normal ceremony there’s people to help you during this process. Getting dressed and all that. You did well for your first time Snow.” I held onto my arms as I tried to steady my breathing but Mason ignored my shyness and gently put the shirt over me. Surprisingly he stayed by my side until I was able to stand. “Are you good to go by yourself?” He asked me in a whisper. Both Tala and I were baffled by Masons new attitude, it was definitely unsettling and I didn’t know how to approach it. He’s tricked me like this before, acting nice to knock me on my ass later. He was not going to trick me again. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Mason frowned when he noticed me staring. “It’s nothing.” I tried to reassure him by looking away and standing straight. It seemed to work for now and I took a few steps before stumbling over... right into Masons arms. “Are you stupid or something?” I quickly tried to stand but I noticed the tips of his ears turn red and he avoided looking at me too. “S-sorry!” I pushed off him and I instinctively went to brush my hair away, my...nonexistent hair. Instead I rubbed the back of my head to play it off. “You can go first I think I’ll hang out here until I can get myself together.”

“Alright, I won’t wait for you if you’re late.” He shrugged and jogged back to the house. As soon as he was out of sight I exhaled deeply. “What the hell was that all about?” I asked aloud, to no one in particular but I could hear my wolf snicker in my mind. Maybe he likes short haired girls? Her snide comment made me roll my eyes and I sighed. “You haven’t seen all the girls he’s been with, they are ten times better than me. Maybe he just feels sorry for me like everyone else.” Even I knew that probably wasn’t true the moment the words left my mouth. He’s been your arch nemesis since you were ten and all of a sudden he’s showing you some kindness? He’s the only one that’s been upfront about his dislike of you so far. It still didn’t make sense and I wasn’t going to sit in the grass the whole morning trying to figure it out.

Once I was able to walk and get to my room I took one more shower. Stepping out the hot water I wiped the mirror and took a good look at my reflection. Something was different, not just my new hairstyle. It was as if I got more muscle and my young teen features seemed sharper, more adult and even animalistic. For once I saw myself as beautiful and I couldn’t take my eyes off. Once we shifted we truly became one, what you are seeing now is the combination of the two of us. I smirked and wrapped my towel around my body. “Well thanks to you I got a major improvement. No wonder Mason was acting that way.”

He was acting that way before you even shifted. Tala retorted and I shook my head leaving it alone. For school I wore a black turtleneck sweater, some burgundy skinny jeans and dark brown boots. It was the end of October so the temperature would start to drop soon but wolves did not get cold easily especially after shifting. Some girls would even dare to wear miniskirts in the snow. Before leaving my room I stopped and looked at the old hair wraps I used to wear, a part of me wanted to hide what I did yesterday but Marcys words echoed in my mind. I had to show the people that I was not my biological father. I was me and I was definitely going to show them. “I’m leaving now!” Masons mind link nearly made me throw myself out the door. Good thing Tala caught a small doe during our run or else I would’ve been upset for missing breakfast.

Mason and I avoided glances at each other during the ride to school. Since he turned seventeen the Beta got him his own car and I was fortunate to be able to ride with him. Sometimes though he would leave early and I’d have to walk to school or use the public bus since I didn’t get a car. The tension was obviously there and I could barely contain a swallow from how quiet it was. It was the longest 15 minutes of my life. As soon as he parked I shot out the car and booked it to Savannah who was waiting for me at the the stairs of the school building. “Whoa!” She exclaimed catching me as I almost ran into her. “Is Mason picking at you again?!” She looked behind me and just saw him getting out of the car chuckling. “No! No... I just really needed some air-“

“Holy s**t your hair!” As soon as Savannah shouted people looked in our direction and a symphony of whispers and gasps crowded us. “Yo! Great hunt last night Aella.” The blond boy came up to us. During the hunt I found his name was Tyler. My face was bright red already from the attention but his smile was nearly breathtaking. I even saw Savannah fixing her clothes from our collision. Most of the boys in our school were model worthy anyway but something about him... well let’s just say he’s always nice to look at. “You shifted last night? So is that why you cut your hair?”

“I’ll explain it later.” I whispered to her quickly and Tyler just looked confused.

“She was totally badass. Her wolf nearly took down a bear.” Even I was surprised at that, it must’ve been when I rested and let Tala take over and from the way Talas waves of pride washed over me that was indeed the case. “Well miss badass, how can I fit into your schedule. My wolf wants to run with you now.” She joked. Mason walked passed us without a word but I caught his glance towards me and I looked down at my feet. “We would love that.” I told Savannah before the starting bell rung. “Let me know when you guys go out. I want to come too!” Tyler beamed childishly and he waved goodbye so he could catch up with Mason. I’ll admit he did leave us a little starstruck. He was an upperclassmen and hung out with the most popular boys in school, that group so happened to include my arch nemesis. “Did that really just happen?” Savannah caught her breath finally and looked at me with a wide grin. “I saw your googoo eyes too missy. What’s going on with you and Mason all of a sudden?”

“If I could explain it I would. I’m just as confused as you are. Ever since the Alpha told the truth about me-“ I blinked rapidly as she grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into a tight embrace. My arms dangled at my sides and she snuggled the top of my head. “Aella! I get it and you totally don’t have to explain it to me. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” My voice was muffled in her shirt and she pulled me back for air. “Sorry!” For a 6 foot something she wolf she was awfully motherly at her young age. I always admired her for her bravery and looks. She had her flawless chocolate brown skin and natural dark red hair, to me she looked like a goddess. Her wolf Belle was equally beautiful, a reddish wolf with dark brown markings and golden eyes. They complimented each other well. “I wish I would’ve known a little sooner, I’m gonna have to reevaluate my life plan.”

“Still plan on leaving when schools over?”

“That’ll never change.” I smiled and we hooked arms to walk to class together. “Well when you get a phone and everything you better call me everyday. Even when you find your mate you better not forget about me!”

“I highly doubt I’ll have a mate, if you don’t find yours I’ll just have to come back and marry you instead.” Savannah laughed and held out her pinky. “Promise?”

“Promise.” I wrapped my pinky around hers and we grinned at each other. “Too bad I think I already know who my mate will be. But we will see~” I looked at her surprised. At 16 we begin to feel our mate pull, it’s when we start feeling the attachments of a mate bond before turning 18. It’s not as strong as when discovering your true mate but you can’t stop thinking about them and you grow more and more attracted to them over time. I was told it’s like having a crush but a little more intense. Both people would feel it even if the other is years older. I started to wonder if I had a mate pull with anyone around. People avoided my eyes anyway as I did to them so it would be kind of hard to identify. As I looked my eyes fell on Mason who was already looking at me before I walked into my first class with Savannah. I didn’t tear my eyes away this time. I waited until he looked away when a really skinny girl came up and wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him down for a very sloppy kiss. By the time he looked back in my direction I had ducked into class with my heart hammering against my chest.