Fighting Instincts

Chapter Five - Feeling Human Again

Naked skin laid flush against the cool floor. I knew then I was human once more. I rose to sit while Xena clapped cheerfully. “You did it! That was fast, great work! I brought some clothes. I have an older cousin, they are a little older, so it's okay if you stretch out the top, she isn't as gifted in the chest; its an old shirt. I figured you were less likely to be as comfortable as everyone else walking around naked."

“It isn't exactly proper manners to be unclothed in front of someone other than your husband and even that should be left to the bedroom,” I snapped. “It seems almost...” I failed for a proper term to use without insulting the girl.

“Barbaric,” Xena finished, “or animalistic? Yes, well, we are part beast. Plus, it is much easier to shift if you don't have clothing to worry about removing or ripping through. Otherwise, we go through quite a bit of clothing. Would you like something to eat now?"

My stomach growled on queue. I didn't know how many days it had been, but I was famished. Xena did not seem bothered when I finished off not only the steak stir-fry in the first container, but also the roast beef sandwich and began on the roasted chicken. I noted all the dishes were heavy on meat and less on veg and starches but didn't complain. It was fabulous. Of course someone could have fed me a roasted squirrel and I likely wouldn't have turned up my nose.

“Thanks,” I gushed after dabbing my mouth with the facecloth I saw and reached for the bottle of water.

“How long were you out there?” Xena asked. I looked up and stared into the curious orbs. The tan colour was so playful looking but now sadness. I frowned, looking at my lap and the fingers intertwining together, not sure how I should answer. “Has it been since the attack?”

I nodded. Clearing my throat, I looked back to the girl who seemed a little younger than me but seemed to have the wisdom of a woman twice my age. “It was the last full moon,” I answered. “I changed, and I couldn't change back.”

“It's about a week till the next moon,” she said carefully. "Wolves don't seem to understand time in the same way. We can sense the full moon coming. Some feel it a week before and others a couple of days."

I nodded, not willing to tell her I could feel it only a couple of days before. Yet at the same time, at least in my human form, I was always aware of it. The countdown till I caged myself only to restart it once more. There wasn't anything I could add, so I sipped at the water and tugged my legs into a cross-legged sit.

"They are going to want to talk to you. Something is going to have to be done. I know I overheard them talking about what was going to be best for you. Let humans think you are dead or report you have been found. It isn't easy because they will want to question you, and we don't know what evidence they have to determine if you would be seen as innocent or not. Knowing Zen it's a matter of time before he finds out all he can."

“Why are you guys helping me?” I blurted suddenly.

Xena shrugged nonchalant. “Well, you're like a baby in this world. You clearly don't know much about werewolves. Plus you were on our pack lands. We likely have some rouges on our hands, and it is never good to let them get away with such antics, because then other rouges will think they can do the same. Zen has said there is something about you. You smell different. I don't understand what he is talking about, but the Alpha agreed and until the mystery is solved they want to help you."

“To keep me close for their on curiosity? Do I get a say in this?” I asked angrily.

“Not likely.”

“Why not? It's my life,” I demanded.

“Uh... it's just the way it is. We respect the alpha's wishes and right now he wants to ensure everyone is safe. The situation is to be handled in a way to best keep the pack safe."

“No offense, I am not a part of this pack.” I am a human. Beasts belong in cages not running freely in forests. My parents would roll in their graves if they saw me now.

“Syl. Can I call you that?” Xena gave me a look over and continued as if the question was rhetorical. "I mean your name is beautiful, a little long for everyday use. Besides, friends give each other nicknames. I am sure we can find something more suiting to your personality later. Anyway, what was I going to say? I seem to have lost my train of thought. Oh, rogues or lone wolves never last long. You need a pack. It is better than family. They watch your back and ensure you stay safe, especially if things get a little out of hand. The downfall being we have yet to get a connection with the police force.”

I looked to my lap. I shook my head as I tried to process her words. “No, I am no animal. I am not a wolf, lone or rogue. I am human. I don't need help.”

“So then you can control your wolf? Can you hold off a full moon shift?”

“Is that even possible,” I snorted.

“It is, but it takes a powerful wolf and lots of training. I can't do it, both the Alpha and Zen can.”

Training powerful wolves? Why, so they can become more of a beast. No, thanks. I smiled and decided to drop the topic. “When can I go home?” Did I really want to go back to the scene of the crime. Why? To see my parents bodies? I swallowed and cleared my mind. I didn't belong here and it left home as the only option.

“Alpha and Zen have requested a meeting. You can discuss it with them then, I imagine. I can't say for sure, but it's the best bet. For now, let's enjoy a girl's day."