Forest Pack Community Book One (COMPLETED)

chapter 7

Once in Lissa pushed a button that locked the door and turned on the soundproofing. She then led her over to the couch and said, “Let’s sit here we’ll be more comfortable. Now tell me what’s going on. Start from the beginning.”

So. Felicia did. “Well Aunt Lissa…because you are the Luna I thought you’d be able to help more. I was going to ask my wolf but didn’t want to sound dumb (of course that’s when Azella perked up, dumb isn’t talking to me, I’m listening now), Oh great she just perked up now she’s in on this.” She said as she rolled her eyes. Lissa just smiled and waited knowing she’d get there cause it must be important if she didn’t feel like she could go to Joy.

“Go on dear.”

“Well, I didn’t want to feel dumb, and I wasn’t sure if my aunt could help…but I knew you were Luna and you should know or have a better sense about these things…you see Goldie, Niomi and I were coming from the seamstress from picking out fabrics and getting sized and OMG these dresses are going to be gorgeous!! But anyway, we were walking and started talking about shifting and one of us asked if the other two had shifted yet and none of us had. Someone said it wouldn’t be cool if we all shifted together! I said uh yeah sure but that we’d see. I asked when do you usually shift. One of the other girls said she heard it was between sixteen and 18. I got nervous because my wolf well…my wolf disappeared for two months so with those two months gone we didn’t have the same amount of time together as others did.” Felicia finished.

Lissa sat quietly for a minute and said, “Hmm. Have you learned how to let your wolf come forward to speak through you? Like giving her some control. Have they taught that yet?”

“Yeah, they did but I don’t seem to be able to do it. If I can’t seem to do the simplest thing how am I supposed to give over total control and shift into her?!”

“I can see how you would have trouble giving over control.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when your parents died. Did you have any control over what happened then?”

“Well, no…” Felicia said quietly.

“Exactly. I have a question now did the teacher ask everyone if they were able to bring their wolves forward the next day after the lesson?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you say?” Lissa asked already knowing the answer.

“That I had done it at home even though I had trouble in class.”

“Thought so. You know who else had trouble bringing their wolf forward?” Felicia looked at her quizzically. “Uncle Ben. Do you mind if I call him in? There’s a secret door that only he can get through even if I got soundproof on, and he’d only come in if I called. I think he can help here.” Felicia looked at her fearfully then nodded. She didn’t want to be the weird one.

While Lissa was calling Ben in. Azella spoke up. ‘Girl you are not the weird one. Like Luna said, even the Alpha had trouble! Plus, you could have come to me, we would have worked this out together. But I get it and I’m not mad.’ ‘Thanks, Azella, I love you.’

A minute later Ben came through the secret door and saw the two ladies holding hands. So, he asked, “What’s going on? Something wrong?”

Lissa said, “Ben dear pull up a chair and have a seat.” So, he pulled up one of the chairs that matched the couch they were sitting on and waited. To lighten the mood a little Lissa joked, “He listens so well!” they all laughed. “Ok back to business.” She squeezed Felicia’s hands to give her courage. “Felicia’s done a very brave thing Ben. She’s admitted that she’s having some trouble, and she’s also told me a fear.”

“Oh yeah? Who do I have to beat up? Is it Mick? Cause that’ll be fun!” Ben joked. Lissa gave him a hard look. “Sorry. What’s going on. Sounds sensitive.”

“Yes that’s why the room is locked and soundproofed.” Ben’s eyes widened and he suddenly leaned in and got serious. “When they taught the class on bringing your wolf forward. Felicia hasn’t been able to do it. Secondly she and her friends were talking and her friends suggested it would be cool if the three of them shifted together. Felicia is afraid because she’s had less time with her wolf so she will shift later. Especially since she can’t seem to let go of control enough to even bring Azella forward, let her have full control to shift, and yes Azella is listening and knows what’s going on. Right Felicia?”

“Yes, she’s already told me she would have worked it out with me but she’s not mad. I just don’t want to be the weird one.” Felicia said sadly.

“Now I see why you called me in.” Ben said to Lissa. “I too had trouble giving up control. Still do if you ask Lissa. But I can help. Lissa probably said this stems back to the crash right?” Felicia nodded. Ben continued. “Well, you have to remember, EVERYTHING that happened that day, was NOT your fault. Not a single moment. I know that’s hard to get through one’s head. But it’s true. Do you want to know what made me have a hard time giving up control? I also lost someone very close. My grandmother. I was very close to her. We were two peas in a pod. When she died, I felt lost and thought if I had done something sooner or maybe if there was something I could have done. Dear I played the ‘if’ game for a long time. Finally, my dad looked at me and said something that helped me a lot. So, I hope it helps you. He said, Ben what would your grandmother think if she were here and heard your thoughts? I looked at him like he had grown a third eye. Then he sat me in front of a mirror and helped me learn to give control over to my wolf Odin. It wasn’t easy and I didn’t get it right away. Lissa would say it’s because I’m a hard-headed man.” Lissa just grinned and shook her head in the affirmative. “But you Felicia are not hard-headed. You are soft-hearted and nervous. Lissa dear do you have a mirror we can use?”

“Yes I do. Let me go to my bathroom. I think is have a full length one.” She said as she stood up and disappeared through a door.

“Are you sure I can do this Uncle Ben? I didn’t want to go to my aunt cause well something told me not to go there. I was afraid to go to Azella.”

“Why were you afraid to go to Azella?” He asked while they waited.

“Well, I didn’t want to sound dumb. Cause I thought I should already know this stuff. Casuse it was supposed to be simple.”

“I see and it wasn’t so simple for you.” Felicia just shook her head. “That’s ok. Not everything in life is going to be easy, and you my dear, have been through more than most kids your age. So, it’s ok. You are one tough cookie. Plus, before Lissa gets back, I think you’re a bad ass!”

“BENJERMIN CONALL!” Lissa scolded as she came into the room. “Even if that is true, I heard you and I do not feel that is appropriate.”

“What?! She probably hears it at school anyway!” he said in defense.

“You’re probably right, but that does not mean the adults in her life need to use the same language.”

“Sorry dear.” Felicia giggled at how the Alpha was getting scolded by the Luna. But it made her feel better to know how they thought of her, and it put her at ease and more relaxed. Which was probably the whole intent anyway, but it was still fun to watch.

Lissa noticed it was nearing dinner, so she mind linked Joy, ‘Joy it’s ok Felicia is with me. We will try to be at dinner. But if we’re not, don’t worry.’ ‘Thanks Lissa for letting me know. FYI her friends are concerned.’ ‘Tell them it’s ok.’ ‘I will.’

“Ok I got the mirror We’ll set it right here so all three of us can see into it. As Ben had moved the table and his chair, he was facing the same way as Felicia.

“Are you ready? You can do this. Remember and I’m still going to use this phrase because I think it’ll help you cause it’ll stick out in your mind. Sorry Lissa dear. Felicia look at me. You Are A Bad Ass!” Lissa just rolled her eyes and smiled cause she knew he was right. “Now look in the mirror and say that to yourself a couple times. Out loud if you have to.”

Felicia looked at Ben and Lissa and they both nodded at her. Then she looked at herself and said, “Felicia you are a bad ass.”

“Louder Felicia” Ben said. Lissa just let him have control cause he knew what he was doing.

“You Are A Bad Ass!”

“Louder! Yell it if you have to.” Ben encouraged.

“It’s soundproofed right?”

“Yes dear, no one can hear you no matter how loud you get. Trust me Ben and I have had our share of spats right here in this room.”

This made Felicia smile. Then she squared her shoulders and yelled with all her might like she was trying to break through the sound barrier, “FELICIA YOU ARE A BAD ASS! YOU HAD NO CONTROL THAT NIGHT. BUT YOU HAVE CONTROL NOW. YOU CAN TRUST YOUR WOLF DUMMY AND YOU CAN GIVE HER CONTROL!!!”

Lissa and Ben cheered and so did Azella. “Great job Felicia. You said more than I expected but that was perfect. I think you did it. Do you want to try and let Azella come through? Then we can talk about shifting.” Ben said gently.

Felicia nodded. So, she did what she was taught in class. It wasn’t like she wasn’t paying attention. It was a control issue like they said. She took a steady breath, looked in the mirror, and allowed Azella to have control. Azella excited that Felicia was trusting her in a way that she hadn’t before came forward more than she meant to and they started to shift. Ben and Lissa noticed and knew that started there was no way to stop. Felicia screamed and so they talked her through.

“Felicia, it’s ok! We are here. We will help you. Ben, go get three of my towels. Felicia, keep listening to my voice, keep letting go. Give control over. Trust Azella. She is not doing this to hurt you. I know it hurts like hell the first time. But I Promise It WILL get easier. Plus, remember NO ONE CAN hear you. So, scream all you want. Let it come sweetheart. That’s it. You got this. Remember you are a badass! So, my sweet little Bad Ass, you got this.” Lissa continued to cheer her on.

Felicia relaxed as Lissa told her. Trusted Azella amid the cracking bones, tearing clothes, and shifting bones into different positions. Once the shift was done, she looked down through her wolf’s eyes and saw white paws. She looked up into the mirror and saw a white wolf. With piercing blue eyes. Whereas hers was green. Azella had bright blue. Felicia tried to look at all of herself but couldn’t turn well. She looked at Lissa. Lissa knowing what she was thinking said, “That’s one way to bring your wolf forward. You skipped right to shift. Congrats on your first shift. As for your color I do not see anything but white. Not even on your tail. Can you sit so I can see your tummy? So Azella sat and Lissa looked. Again, not a scratch of color. Ben had not come back in quite yet, so she called out. “Uh Ben dear, you might want to come in here..”

Ben came running in with only two towels saying, “I could only find two I’ll have to go to my bathroom to get…” He stopped when he saw the wolf in the office. “She’s white! And she has the sharpest blue eyes. Sorry dear I’m just stunned.”

“It’s ok Ben me too. Do we get Joy and Mick in here?” asked Lissa. “I think they should see her wolf first. Even though I coached her…Azella, Felicia what do you think?” after a moment Azella’s head nodded. Then she laid down. Lissa said here come over here so we can clean up the mess. Ben give me the towels, and you go get Joy and Mick now.” Ben left through the secret door so that they didn’t have to unlock or unsound proof the room.

‘Mick, bring Joy to my office and get here fast.’ Then Ben cut off the link and stepped out into the hall and waited, pacing back and forth. Mick and Joy ran down the hall to see Ben pacing. When they got to him, Mick said worriedly, “Ben what’s the matter?”

Joy jumped in saying, “Is it Felicia? Is she ok??” Mick just looked at his mate in confusion.

Ben first asked, “When is Felicia’s birthday?”

“July first” Joy responded. “Why?”

“Of course! That’s why she did.” Ben said. “Follow me. Today is July first correct?”

“Well yeah…” Mick confirmed…then it dawned on them, and they looked at each other. Today was Felicia’s sixteenth birthday even though the party wasn’t for another 31 days. As he led them to the secret door and through he mind linked Lissa ‘babe it’s Felicia’s birthday.’ Lissa mentally face palmed. No wonder she shifted.

Ben turned to Mick and Joy before totally going through the door. Prepare yourselves, you’re in for a bit of a shock and I’m going to say we didn’t plan this and neither did Felicia. Let’s say she totally trusts Azella now.” And with that they walked through the still open door. Azella turned her head at the sounds coming in. When all three were in. Joy and Mick just stood there slack jawed in surprise.

“Um wow.” That was all Mick could say. Who then got elbowed by Joy.

Joy, however, walked up to her niece. Bent down and got on her knees scratched Azella behind the ears and said, You are beautiful Azella! I love your eyes! They are the prettiest blue I’ve ever seen. Are you totally white?” Azella then rolled on her back to show Joy her tummy. Joy laughed and scratched her tummy which got her a wag out of it. “You are so soft too! Mick come here stop standing there like a cod fish.”

Mick came over and knelt down next to his wife. “It’s nice to meet you Azella.” As he also scratched her tummy. “Seems she likes belly scratches.” He laughed. Azella huffed at him and he put his hands up in surrender. “Sorry.”

Joy said, “Azella dear can we have Felicia back. We need to make sure she’s ok. I’m sure she’s probably freaking out. As this was her first shift looking at the spot she left behind.” Azella whimpered. “It’s ok you’ll be able to shift again. Maybe we can all shift as a family and go for a run. Ok?” At that Azella stood up, standing there a moment like she was talking to Felicia.

‘Ok girl they want you to come back.’ ‘how I didn’t even know I was going to shift in the first place!’ ‘They’ll explain more but first let me say happy birthday! Now I’m going to let you have control like you did me. I’ll shrink back and you’ll come forward. Shifting is all about trust.’

Joy saw the green eyes in Azella’s face and said, “ALL men face the wall. Lissa you got something Felicia can put on? I’ll help her through this shift.”

“Yes I’ll be right back.”

“Ok Felicia trust your wolf just like you did before except instead of letting her forward, let her sink backwards and come forward yourself. It’s like switching places. Now I’m going to warn you, you will be naked, but Uncle Ben and Uncle Mick aren’t looking, and Aunt Lissa has gone to get you something to wear.” As the shift continued bones started to crack again and Felicia started screaming as it still hurt and she wasn’t used to it yet. But once she had shifted back into human form. Felicia was on her hands and knees, naked just like her aunt said. “Good job sweetheart. I am so proud of you! Your wolf is so beautiful!”

The first thing Felicia said was, “What the hell! I was just trying to bring her forward like you did with Aliza. Not totally shift! That was supposed to be the next thing we talked about!”

“What on earth do you mean sweety?” Joy asked confused. So, Felicia sat down with her knees drawn up and said, “I came to Aunt Lissa cause I couldn’t bring my wolf forward like everyone else in class. And Goldie and Niomi thought I’d be cool if our first shift would be all together. Then Uncle Ben said I was a bad ass cause I’d been through more than most kids. Don’t worry Aunt Lissa already yelled at him, that was funny. But then I yelled at the mirror that I was a bad ass cause it stuck in my mind I guess, and that I had no control then, but I did now. That I totally trusted my wolf Azella. That was ok. Then everyone cheered including Azella, who I guess got a little excited and not only came forward but started to shift. Aunt Lissa continued to cheer me on and talk me through it, if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t have known what to do.”

Joy then said as Lissa came in with a fluffy robe, “Well dear once you start your first shift you can’t stop. Later on, when you have more control you can fight the shift but sometimes you’ll still shift depending on how much your wolf’s intent is. The reason you shifted today is because today is July first. Happy Sweet sixteen my love. Boys you can turn around she is at least covered. Though I will have to go and get you something to wear. Ben, I want to celebrate her sixteenth birthday. Felicia it’s up to you if you want us to announce that you’ve shifted. A totally white wolf is to be celebrated dear. This does not mean you need to shift in front of everyone. No one expects that and has never been asked to, but we do celebrate it. Think about it. I will go get your prettiest dress. You might want to tell your friends before we announce it if you choose that. You can talk to them while you wait and get their take on it. Ok?

“Ok. Thank you Aunt Joy.” Felicia smiled.