Forest Pack Community Book One (COMPLETED)

15

Ben got up took the computer, did some typing and said, “All set. I need your phone and bag. It’s the rules they want to make sure there’s no cheating. Not that anyone does, but obviously someone did. I also need to sit next to you so scoot. Let me grab a file to go over. While you take the test.” A minute later he said, “ok go.”

This time she didn’t rush as badly, kept her eye on the time and made sure to do it with precision. They had given her two hours for the test she finished in an hour and a half. “You’re done???”

“Yeah. I guess you were watching me.”

“Of course. Let me see what your results are. If you didn’t pass this time you have to wait till tomorrow.”

“Ok.”

“Ok I’m just telling you what we have to tell everyone.” Ben clicked a couple times and looked. His eyes went wide as he looked.

“What?!”

“Go get your dad and mind link your mom. I got to print some things.” Ben said standing up.

So, Felicia got up walked out past the open Luna’s door. She called out, “Did you pass?”

“I don’t know Uncle Ben told me to get my mom and dad. That he had some things to print out.”

“Hmm. I’ll meet you in there.” as she walked out of hers and into his she said. “Why won’t you say to that poor girl if she passed?

“Because her parents should hear this too. She got one hundred percent. She got eighty-five on the practice test.”

“EXCUSE ME??” Lissa said in shock!

“Yeah I could barely keep it to myself. So, I had to sound dead pan. I let my wolf show my excitement for me as long as he kept it inward and he did a good job.”

“So that’s what you’re printing?”

“Yes.”

Just then Felicia, Mick, and Joy walked into the office. “So why couldn’t you tell my daughter her results Ben?” Mick said angerly.

“Now, Mick don’t get angry we don’t know anything.” Joy said touching his arm. Which he promptly yanked away. He wanted to be angry now.

“Now calm down buddy. There’s a very, very, good reason. Lissa is it done printing? Please…before Mick knocks me on my ass for a third time.”

Lissa ran over to the printer. “It just finished love.”

“Whew. Ok. As Alpha of this pack, I want to announce that Felicia Winters passed the GED with an unprecedented one hundred percent.” At that Lissa held up the graduation certificate.

Felicia and Joy both screamed. Mick just howled as loud as he could and then said “THAT’S MY DAUGHTER! MY BABY GIRL GOT A HUNDRED PERCENT!!!”

With all the noise a bunch of people ran in wanting to know what was going on. Then they saw the certificate that Lissa was holding. Then everyone was celebrating. Even Marley heard them. So, she came running. When she got to the office she was huffing and puffing. “What is all this noise about?”

Joy who was still jumping around with Mick. Felicia ran over and took her hand and said, “Marley, I just finished my GED…I aced it. Like I got one hundred percent!”

“Don’t play with me girl. Did you just say you got one hundred percent?”

Felicia ran and got it from Luna and took it over to Marley.

Marley uncharacteristically said, “Well s**t look at that.” A graduation party for you tonight, put on by the kitchen. It’ll be buffet style Alpha; I’m giving the kitchen the night off.”

He smiled and said, “Yes Marley. You’re in charge.”

“Felicia come with me and help me plan the buffet food. Then you are free to meet up with Joe. I’ll need that certificate. You’ll get it back unscathed I promise.”

“I trust you Marley.” As they went off towards the kitchen.

Goldie continued to the Seamstress shop. She looked up at the name. Thinking to herself that maybe they needed a new name. That it didn’t quite fit anymore, she would have to talk to Juniper about it. See what she thought. She looked at the sign shape and started thinking about a redesign she could draw to show Juniper her thoughts. She had already thought about a new name. She just needed to redesign the sign. She started to go into the shop when Juniper came running out. “Stop!” Juniper said loudly.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I have a surprise for you. So, I wanted to have you shut your eyes before going in.”

“Oh, Ok. Well, then seeing you’re out here. I wanted to ask you about the sign.”

“Yeah it’s getting pretty worn out. We’ll have to get it redone.”

“Well, I was thinking it didn’t fit the shop anymore. Not with the changes we’ve made. What if I designed a new sign, but still in the same shape of the old.”

“What did you have in mind?” asked Juniper.

“Well, I was thinking that the new name should be…Designer Clothes. Because you’ve got a designer and I’m sure you designed you own as well.” Juniper nodded listening to her reasoning. Goldie continued, “Plus the clothes we make are looking more like designer clothes now. I think it will bring more people in. What do you think?” Goldie asked hopefully.

Juniper thought for a minute. She thought about the changes inside and decided that changing the sign too would be a good idea. “Ok, you draw it up, as it’s your idea and we’ll get it done. Now close your eyes and I’ll lead you in so you can see the surprise I have for you.”

“Ok. Can I tell you something exciting while we walk?”

“Sure. Well yesterday was my birthday, and they recognized it last night. Well, I found my mate! His name is Chris Hawker and I’m so excited. The only thing is I have never shifted before. But I haven’t tried either. I can bring my wolf forward, but I’ve never tried shifting.

“After the surprise you want to go out back and try?” Juniper asked.

“Sure. Chris said he’d help me. But he’d then see me naked.” Goldie said shyly.

“True. Then that’s what we’ll do. We don’t have anything pressing till Chris comes in at ten. He’s going to commission a suit or something for the party.”

“I have an idea for that. Goldie said so let’s do this.”

By this time, they were just inside the door. “Ok open your eyes.”

Goldie’s jaw dropped. “You, you, did this? When?”

“Yesterday, I had some help from Joe and Felicia in fact that’s how they met, Chris and a couple of other guys. Chris bought you a chair. But let me take you through. I want to tell you everything. It’s totally changed here. So, this desk and chair is from Felicia, this is your design table. The extra chair is for customers to explain commissions or designs they want. These seats are for waiting customers. This stand here is for the catalog you are working on. Chris chose and put the cloth on there. When he picked it, I told him that it looked like real gold. I think he was thinking of you.” Juniper said with a smile. “But that’s not all. Follow me.” Goldie was looking around, she noticed a few things were missing and some things had moved, she was about to say something, when the fully came around the corner and Juniper stopped. “Ok, so I moved something if you can tell and added others. The desk under the new sewing machine is from Beta Mick, he had an extra one, Chris picked out the chair and bought it for you. I got you the new machine. It’s just like mine that way I can show you things and we can do things together. Not having to take turns. The dressing rooms are more open now. The pining station is right behind the sewing machines. You also have lamps over your machine. Then going into the stock room is the piping and ironing stations. I’ve rearranged the fabrics by color and shade, so it’ll be easier to find. There is a spot of remnants or spare fabric over there.” Juniper said proudly.

Goldie was astonished. “Wow. I can’t believe you did all this! For me?”

“Yes, I wanted to give you your own spaces. As one day I’d like to make you a partner and then when I’m ready to retire, for you to take over the shop and continue it on.”

Goldie looked at Juniper, mouth open. “Really?!”

“Yes. You’ve become like the daughter I never got to have. You see my mate was taken from me too soon and the Moon Goddess decided not to give me a second chance mate. Which is fine, because she gave me you instead. I know you have a mom and dad. But my dear, you are a surrogate daughter to me.”

Goldie was tearing up. “I want to call my mom and dad and show them and tell them. Ok?”

“Sure. You know what needs to be done and I know you know how to manage your time.” Juniper said before going off and finishing the sewing she had started yesterday.”

‘Mom, Dad, come to the shop now please. I need to show you something and I have something to tell you too.’ She received an ok from them, and she got to work on the designs she had in mind. She had just finished drawing the new sign. When her parents walked in. They stopped abruptly.

Juniper hearing the bell, got up. “Mom! Dad! Look what Juniper did for me! So, she started to show them the shop, explaining things just like Juniper did. When they came back out of the back room. Goldie said, “Also, guess what not counting the new mother-in-law; I have two moms. Juniper explained to me that I am like a surrogate daughter to her, because her mate was taken way too soon. And was not given a second chance mate. So, some day she wants me to become a partner. Then when she decides to retire, I am to take over. She’s also letting me rename and redesign the sign out front. I just finished it when you guys walked in. Do you all want to see it?”

“Of course!!” they said in unison. Then they all laughed.

Goldie ran and got it. Holding it up for all to see. They all gasped. Juniper said, “Perfect. I like how you have a sewing needle that goes between the words ‘Designer Clothes’ with a piece of thread going around the whole thing, and through the eye of the needle.”

“Thanks. It, was what I was picturing before you came out.” Her parents each hugged Juniper and Goldie and said their goodbyes and left. After they had left Goldie sat down and drew something out for Chris. Simple black pants and suit coat. White shirt, gold tie and pocket square. Plus, he’d need black shoes. She put the catalog on its stand, took the sign drawing and gave it to Juniper saying, I’m not sure who you wanted to do this, so here.

“Thank you dear, I’ll get it done. Now sit down and finish your sewing. Don’t forget to thread your bobbin and needle. You should have supplies in your drawers.”

When she opened her desk drawers she found all the things she needed. She looked over at Juniper and just grinned. She got to work on Felicia’s birthday gifts. She really owed her a lot. Juniper also said, “We need a lilac tie at least for Joe. I don’t know if he’s wearing a suit coat or not.”

“If he’s not he’ll look funny next to her.”

“Oh, I didn’t think about that. We should find out if he needs a coat. Call him and ask him what he was going to wear.”

“Ok. I know He and Felicia are moving things into their house today. Felicia is taking her GED this morning and then is going to start medical school. She wants to reopen the hospital and gear it towards taking care of the mind, body and soul. So they’re going over to the house next to the hospital and seeing if it’ll work as a spa if the inside is redone a bit. Then moving into the one next to it so that she’s next to the hospital.”

“Wow. But that makes sense too. What about the mating ceremonies” Juniper asked as they sewed.

“Well seeing Felicia and Joe met first, they are having theirs on the twentieth of next month as it’s after Niomi’s birthday. Ours will be held on the twenty-seventh. Then Danny is smelling cherry blossoms around Niomi. Niomi thinks he’s attractive and has a slight crush but isn’t feeling the mate bond yet. So theirs will be on the fifteenth of October if everything goes as it has been going.”

“Wow a lot happened yesterday. I just went home after being scolded a little by the alpha.” Guess I should have gone to the dining hall instead of eating at home and licking my wounds so to speak.”

Suddenly the bell rang, and Felicia ran around the corner and screamed, “I aced the GED. Alpha used the words, unprecedented, when he was announcing my score. Which was one hundred percent! He wouldn’t tell me at first. He told me to get my parents. My dad was mad. But then he howled and screamed at the top of his lungs. We all screamed. We were so loud Marley came looking to see what all the noise was about. So, I showed her, and she told me that tonight is a graduation party, put on by the kitchen staff and it’s going to be buffet style, because they are getting the night off. Uncle Ben just said yes Marley, you’re in charge.” Laughed Felicia.

Goldie got up and hugged her friend, “Congrats! I’m so proud of you!!”

Yeah, I’ll start classes once Joe and I are in the house, and after the party and then the ceremonies. Uncle Ben said we were doing the mating and coming-of-age ceremony at the same time as we have both shifted and we are mates. Well, I must run. I’m meeting Joe at my old house which is Niomi’s now. It’s her rock carving shop.” Finished Felicia, as she ran out as fast as she came in.

Goldie looked sad. Chris has shifted and I haven’t even tried she thought. As she continued to sew. Juniper who seemed to sense her sadness much like a mother would. Said, “Come with me.” They both got up and she took her to the back room. Where now there was a wide space. “Wait here, I’m getting a mirror.” She went to one of the dressing rooms grabbed a mirror and brought it to the back. “Ok, take your clothes off. I will too. No time to be modest, it’s just us. We got the same parts, mine are just a little bit older.” Juniper chuckled at that and so did Goldie which helped put her at ease. So, the two undressed setting aside their clothes. “Now the reason we did that is because when you shift if you’re not almost naked you shred your clothes. Then you don’t have clothes to put on. So, to shift you very simply let your wolf have complete control. Letting her come forward all the way. Trust her completely. She will not hurt you purposely. I say purposely because the first shift hurts like hell and once you start you can’t stop. So, watch me.” Juniper spoke to her wolf telling her that they were teaching how to shift. Her wolf understood so it went slow. “Ok my wolf is going to go slow so that you may watch and understand.”

“Thank you” she said gratefully. Then watched as Juniper then let her wolf have total control. Her wolf started shifting slowly as bones cracked but no sounds of pain. Goldie then thought it must just be the first shift that hurts. Once Juniper had totally shifted there was a wolf where Juniper once stood. Goldie said, “You are a beautiful wolf.” The wolf wagged. Then shifted back into Juniper.

Juniper grabbed one of the larger pieces of remnant and wrapped it around her waist. “Boobs are boobs” they both laughed. “Ok, my dear your turn. If you need to look in the mirror to help you focus you can. The other reason the mirror is here is so you may see what your wolf looks like.”

Goldie stepped in front of the mirror and said, “Ok, we’re going to try this shifting thing. You know how to come forward into my eyes. Now you must come all the way forward and come out. I know this first one is going to hurt…”

“So will the second, maybe the third. But after a while it won’t hurt at all. Kind of like s*x. Just a little different type of feel good.” Juniper laughed at that. Sorry it was a joke; you’ll understand it once you go through the mating ceremony and finish the process in the bedroom.” Goldie looked at her like what?! “I’ll explain that if you want another time. But you should probably ask your mother. Now work on shifting.”

Goldie looked back at the mirror. “Come on let’s try this I know we can do it. I have faith in you and trust you completely.” Which seemed to be the one thing her wolf needed. Her wolf started coming forward, bones started to shift and crack and seeming to break. Goldie started to scream, not too loud. But just a painful scream.

Juniper talked her through it, “You’re doing it. Keep going. You can’t stop. Let her have control. Let her come out. You got this Goldie. Come on, that’s my girl.”

Goldie finished her shift. It seemed she had a high tolerance of pain because it did hurt a lot, but not as much as she had heard. She looked at herself in the mirror and she was a sandy colored wolf. Wow, she loved her color. She was somewhere between gold and sandy colored. She looked at Juniper her wolf smiling showing Goldie’s excitement. She looked back in the mirror and noticed her eyes were a deep chocolate brown. A sharp contrast but a very beautiful one. “Ok. To shift back, you and your wolf just switch back. Make sense?”