Shifted

Playing Nice

My parents sat at the table and we ate in silence for several minutes until my mom finally broke the silence. “I know that Ashlynn is trying to help you come up to speed but there are a few things you need to understand. In our culture, women are respected but men are supposed to lead. They tend to be stronger and more protective. It’s what helps packs survive. Granted, we have to evolve with the times and as our pack has evolved, we allow female alphas to lead. Just because you are a female alpha doesn’t mean that you are above a male alpha or a ranking male.” I literally dropped my fork on the plate. Looking at dad as he stared at mom in disbelief that she was going here. “Let me finish. Right now you are just another ranked wolf, like Aspen and the others. Yes, you have alpha blood, which will come into play once you shift, who you mate with etc.” “Eww Mom! Can we not talk about mating while I’m eating?” “Actually, can we not talk about her mating…ever.” Dad asked. I laughed and mom just hung her head. “Guys, what I’m trying to get you to understand is that you have to learn to play the game until it’s your time. When you are alpha you can say or do whatever you please to whomever. Right now, though, you need to show respect to those in rank.” She pulled out a notebook and grabbed a pen. She drew a diagram to show the different levels. “Your grandfather is at the top because he is the Alpha. Uncle Eric is the future alpha, so he is alongside Beta Jackson. Then you have Gamma Silas and Gamma Espyn. They are in charge of the warriors and are the best fighters in the pack. Each of these families are due respect just like we are. That means that their mates and their children deserve respect.” “So you expect me to just let Aspen and his brothers be complete jerks to me and do nothing about it?” I asked. “No, you need to stand up for yourself, but when you speak to their parents or other ranked adults you need to be respectful. Your grandfather will not put up with disrespect, even if you are his granddaughter.” Mom got up from the table and took my plate with hers. “Why does this have to be so confusing?” I asked. “I think when you get your wolf it will be easier because your wolf will instinctively know if someone is above or below you and you will know how to act. Is that right?” Dad asked mom. “To a degree. Even if someone is “lower” than you, I expect you to be kind. We raised you the right way.” “Too bad not everyone has. Aspen actually spit on my shoes and told me I wasn’t worthy of my position.” I slid down in my chair and rested my head on the table. I felt someone rubbing my back. I smelled the sweet scent of vanilla and spice and instantly knew that it was my mom. “I promise things will get easier. Just hang in there.”

I helped clean dinner and excused myself to my room. I was exhausted and just thinking about getting up tomorrow to go train made me rethink my decision to come here. It’s not that I was afraid of hard work or sweat, it’s just I’m sure most of my classmates will be there and the last thing I need is for Aspen to see me fall on my face so he can use it against me. I washed my face and brushed my teeth before closing the curtains on my window. I looked out and the mountains looked majestic with their snowy caps peaking towards the sky. It was snowing and the ground glistened below. Movement to my right caught my attention and there sitting beneath the trees was the most beautiful wolf. I couldn’t tell what color he was, but I could see his bright blue eyes from my window. I waved and the wolf turned around and ran into the woods. I closed the curtain, wondering why that wolf kept watching me. I laid down about to go to sleep and I thought about texting Ashlynn and let her know.

E:You up?

A:Yep, what’s up?

E:I keep seeing a wolf around my house and it’s almost like its watching me...

A: ….

E: No I’m serious. First at the pool and then just now.

A: What color? Did you try to talk to it?

E: I know it’s dark but haven’t been able to get a good look. It runs away before I get the chance.

A:I think I should tell my dad.

E: ??

A: It could be a rogue, which means it is someone we don’t know. But I bet it’s just security duty to make sure everyone is safe.

E: Okay, ask your dad and let me know.

E: Night.

A: Night.

Great, just what I need is a rogue wolf who wants to do something to me. I really needed to shift so that I could have a better understanding of what was going on. I pulled the covers up to my chin and placed my phone on my bedside table. I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to take me.

Someone was calling my name but it sounded so far away. Elsie? Where are you? I turned my head towards the voice but I couldn’t move. I was in a dark room where I couldn’t see a thing. I could hear people moving about but there was absolutely no light. I tried to call out and my voice wouldn’t work. “I can’t wait. I have to find her. It’s almost time and she’s nowhere to be found! This is urgent!” The unknown voice sounded panicked but I didn’t recognize it. She sounded closer to me but I still couldn’t see anyone or speak. I listened harder, trying to understand where I was. I heard muffled sounds. “Where could she have gone? I left her for five minutes and I came back and she disappeared.” The person let out a loud breath. I tried as hard as I could to yell. Nothing came out. I could feel that this person, this person that was searching, was in fact looking for me. How could I help her find me? The noises started to fade and I had this calm feeling wash over me. The next thing I know, a soft body is lying next to mine and I feel so comfortable and warm. I curl into the warm fur and wrap my arms around it. I can feel the happiness radiating off the animal that I am holding. I am calm, happy, and at peace. I let my mind drift and I fell asleep.

Training

I woke up to my mom gently pushing my arm and saying my name, “Elsie, it's time to get up and get ready for training. I brought you some coffee.” I pulled the pillow over my head and begged my mom for more time. “You gotta get up so that you have time to eat. I made the mistake once of skipping breakfast and I ended up throwing up all over your uncle. He was not a happy camper. Come on! Up you go!” She was way too awake and cheery for this. I sat up and extended my hands so that I could take my first sip of pure bliss. I sipped the steaming hot concoction of espresso, sugar, and cream made just the way I like it. I could feel its happiness spread through my tired limbs and help open my sleepy eyes. I was going to need all the help I could get to muster the strength to get up and moving to head towards training. I went to get dressed when it occurred to me that I had no idea what training was. “Hey mom!” I yelled down the hall. “Yea, honey?” “What exactly is training?” I hesitantly asked. I could hear my mom laughing in her room down the hall, “it’s pure hell honey but you’ll love it. Now come on.” I sagged against the wall and slid to the floor. “Whhhhyyyyy” I moaned. Dad appeared in the doorway with a smile on his face. “Oh sweetheart, this is where you get to hit people and let all that sassy aggressiveness out and not get in trouble for it. You’ll love it. Plus, I made you chocolate chip pancakes, so come on.” Dad always knew how to cheer me up. He’s been making me chocolate chip pancakes since I was a little kid anytime I had a hard task to do. It’s one of the ways he shows me he loves me and I’m thankful for it. That and he makes a mean espresso.

Mom and I leave the house to head to the training center. Mom shares along the way that she started training at 7 but that Eric had started at 5. “Did it bother you that Eric was going to be alpha and not you?” “Not until I was older. I would get jealous that he would get to attend important meetings or travel to other packs and I didn’t. It took me a while to learn that I played an important role too,” mom explained. “Which was?” I asked. Mom looked at me like she was trying to decide if she wanted to continue or not. Staring back at the road she said, “Your grandmother was a wonderful person. She and your grandfather were fated mates. Meaning the Moon Goddess picked them and they had a mate bond. It’s something that is very special. It used to be very common but growing less and less as more packs are picking who they want to join alliances with. Anyway, your grandmother died and that left a big spot to fill. She was the Luna and cared for the pack in ways that the Alpha couldn’t. She was a strong leader and wonderful person. When she died and it became clear that Eric would be the future alpha, I took over many of her roles. This ensured that our pack remained strong and our members were cared for.” We were quiet for a few moments. “What happened to her? My grandmother I mean.” Mom let out a sigh, “we aren’t for sure. She just got sick and died.” “But I thought Ashlynn said that we can get hurt or sick but that our bodies can usually regenerate to heal us?” “That is true, but sometimes if you get sick enough or are wounded badly and don’t receive help right away you can die.” I sat there letting her words sink in. “It’s best that you don’t talk to your grandfather about this. When you lose your mate it’s almost like death itself. You never recover from it. He never dated or met a second chance mate. He’s been alone for a long time now.” I nodded in agreement and watched the landscape pass as she drove.

We followed the road down a winding path towards the mountains. The trees grew thick and the snow was untouched. I could make some animal tracks but none as big as a wolf would make. It must have snowed overnight and the ground looked beautiful. Mom pulled into the driveway of the pack house and the guard opened the gate. Ashlynn had explained that most members stayed at the pack house or close to it. Ranked members or newly mated pairs lived outside the pack house with their families. The house was big enough to house the entire pack if needed and held all sorts of rooms. This was my first time experiencing it as a member. The first time we were here it was to meet my grandfather and we were just led to his offices. Now, I was getting to see the entire house and everyone in it. I couldn’t help but smile with excitement. My mom must have sensed how excited I was because she took my hand and practically skipped us into the house.

The house was big and beautiful. Large couches sat by fireplaces for people to sit and relax. There was a TV room where you could watch movies and it even had a popcorn machine! The pack had its own kitchen where the omegas cooked all the food and everyone had meals together. Mom took my hand and led me through two massive wooden doors that opened up into the biggest library I had ever seen. Rows and rows of books with ladders and a spiral stair case that led to the second floor. My jaw hung open and I swear some drool fell on my shirt. “This is absolutely my favorite place.” I said. “Wait, until you see the rest,” mom grabbed my hand and started running me around the house, pointing things out as she went. I was never going to remember all of this and was thankful that I had my mom with me to help.

We ended our tour at the gym where everyone was beginning to gather for today's lessons. Mom showed me where the locker room was and we found our things and got changed. I was shocked to see that everyone was just getting naked right out in the open. Even my mom was getting in on the action. “Um, mom. Why is everyone just getting naked?” I whispered. Several laughs sounded around us and I became aware that wolves must have amazing hearing. I could feel my face blush. “Elsie, it’s a shifter thing. You will get used to it. In fact, nudity is a regular thing and I actually forgot about that. Your dad isn’t going to be too happy when he finds out that you are about to see a whole lot of everything. If you know what I mean.” She elbowed me in the side like it was no big deal. “Oh, my god mom. Are you saying that even guys will just rip their clothes off and shift? In front of people?” Now it wasn’t a secret what I was talking about and more people started laughing as they headed out of the locker room. Even my mom was laughing like it was no big deal. “Just get changed and meet me out in the gym.” She patted me on the back and headed out the door. I sat down on the bench with my uniform in my hand. Could this get any weirder?

I walked out into the gym where everyone else was talking and waiting for the training to start. I tugged on the form-fitting training suit, trying to adjust it. Why did it have to be so tight? I found my mom talking to a few other women. I joined them and the three women bowed their heads in my direction. I turned around looking for my uncle or grandfather and when I found no one I looked back at the four women who were now staring at me. “Elsie, these are some of my friends. We have grown up together since we were pups. These are Amy, Sarah, and Alice.” They all waived and the one named Alice pulled me for a hug. “I am so happy to meet you. When I heard that Emma was coming home and that she had a daughter, I was so excited.” “Thank you,” I said, taking a step back. “I’m Sarah. My son, Caleb, goes to school with you at Whitmore and won’t stop talking about you. He seems to think you hung the moon.” I blushed, “Caleb has been really nice to me since I started. I’m glad that we’ve become friends. I also know Seth and Max. They seem to be close. I’m actually surprised they aren’t brothers.” “Well, they might as well be.” The third woman said. “I’m Amy and Max and Seth are my boys. Sarah and I were pregnant at the same time when we had our pups.” “That makes sense now. Well, they all, including Ashlynn, have been so kind to me.” The women beamed. Mom even seemed happy. All a sudden, the room grew quiet. I wasn’t sure what was happening but it was as if a silent signal went out and everyone but me heard it and understood.

I looked to the front of the room and saw a Beta Jackson, a very large man, and a beautiful woman all standing together. Behind them was none other than Aspen, Carson and Barrett. What were they doing here? I turned to look at my mom, “what is happening?” She actually motioned for me to be quiet. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, wondering when someone was going to start talking. That’s when I looked around and realized that they were talking. Only in mind link. Well, that’s just great. I raised my hand before my mom could say anything. “What are you doing?” she hissed. The large man standing next to Beta Jackson spoke, “Yes?” I moved towards the front of the room. “Hi sir, um, I understand that you are talking to everyone via mind link but I don’t have access to that. So, I was wondering if you could please speak aloud so that I could know what was going on too.” I heard Aspen say something to his brothers and they laughed. The man turned and gave them a look. The boys stopped. “Ah yes, you must be Elsie Whitmore. I heard you were coming and Aspen told me you have quite a temper. That should be good in a fight, as long as you can keep control. You still haven’t shifted?” “ No sir.” I looked down at the ground but something in the back of my head told me to stand tall and keep eye contact, so I did. He smiled. “Very well then.” He turned and faced the pack, “ Until Miss Whitmore can access the mind link we will talk aloud. This will ensure that she knows what is going on. Any questions come and find me.” “Thank you.” I turned and walked back towards my mother. I heard a low growl and turned to see this man with anger across his face. “Lesson 1 Miss Whitmore. Never, and I mean NEVER, turn your back on your Gamma or any other ranked member for that matter, unless you mean disrespect. If you do mean the insult, then I suggest you be prepared to fight.” I gulped. “I mean no disrespect. I am still learning and we haven’t gotten to that part in the book.” Someone grabbed my hand and led me back into the crowd. I didn’t dare look back.

“That is Gamma Silas and you just insulted him in front of the entire pack. You will be punished and you will accept it or you will have further consequences when we get home. Understood?” I nodded even though I didn’t think it was fair that I should get a punishment for something I didn’t even know about. I could feel the tears well in my eyes but refused to let them drop. “We are going to pair you up to spar. For those of you that don’t know what sparring is or need a refresher, you will work with Aspen, Carson, and Barrett. Everyone else will be with Espyn and myself. Men with me and women with Espyn. Dismissed.” Everyone started to move and I grabbed my mom's arm. “I can’t be with Aspen. He hates me and I haven’t talked to him since I went off.” Mom smiled, “sparring will let you take all that frustration and aggravation out. Go have fun. You might learn something.”

I walked as slowly as I could over to where a few others stood waiting for the trio to arrive. I stood towards the back, not wanting to go first or even be in that group. I have never fought and didn’t think I ever wanted to be in a fight. The trio came over and stood before us like they were gods or something. Aspen spoke, “today we will go over the basics. This way, should you be attacked, you can cover and defend your weakest points. We will show you the moves and then you will repeat the moves until you get them right.” They had us spread out on the mats and we watched as the trio showed us move after move. Some were to protect our necks, watch for moves to take out our legs, and then what to do if someone took us from behind. We went over the moves and then tried to practice with one another. I could feel the trio's eyes on me as I went through the motions. I was really trying despite my experience. Barrett walked over and corrected my positions a few times, but other than that none of them spoke to me or paid me any attention.

Soon, I was paired with another young female who was an omega. She introduced herself, “Hi, I’m Megan. I work in the kitchen with my mom and sister.” “Hi, I’m Elsie.” She smiled, “I know who you are. We are so happy you are here.” “Stop talking and get to work. Take turns practing the moves on one another until you feel like you could do it in your sleep.” Carson snapped. I rolled my eyes and Megan laughed. “You want to go first?” I offered. I stood in front of her waiting for her to move. “Can you pretend like you are going to attack me?” “okay, but I’m not even sure how to do that.” “Just come at me.” I followed her suggested and lunged at her. Before I knew it, I flipped on my back out of breath and looking at the ceiling. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?” I laid there unsure what just happened, “Yea I’m okay.” She offered me a hand and I took it getting to my feet. “You’re good at that!” “okay, now you go.”

We stood facing each other and she lunged. I tried to keep her from taking my feet out but when I was distracted she went for my neck. “You’d be dead, Whitmore, if that were a real attack.” Aspen barked. I shot him a death glare and faced Megan. “Again,” I demanded. She shook her head.

We worked until our bodies gave out. I got a few good swipes but Megan was a natural. She took me down time after time. I was sweaty, disappointed, and hungry. “You did great,” I told her. “You got better as we went.” She tried to cheer me up. “I’m sure with more practice you will get even better.” I shrugged. I went to grab some water when I overheard Carson talking, “Did you see how pathetic she looked? You’d think having alpha blood would mean something. Guess it goes to show that it doesn’t matter.” Aspen laughed. Barret caught me looking and I just shoved my way past them and into the locker room, forgetting the water.

I was silent all the way home. Mom tried to talk to me but I just ignored her. We pulled into the driveway and I saw that Dad was gone. “Where’d dad go?” “He called and said that he went into town to grab a few things and would be back before dinner.” I went into the house and headed to my bathroom to shower. Mom called from the bottom of the stairs, “Elsie, I’m proud of you.” I didn’t know what to say so I turned and walked away. I don’t know what she was proud of, because everyone else thought I was a failure. I didn’t know what I was doing here. Just as I was about to get into the shower, my phone pinged. I picked up to find a message from Caleb and Ashlynn.

A: Hey! We heard you could use some fun.

E: You already heard?

C: Mindlink

E: Great, now everyone knows that I suck at this whole training thing too.

A: Come on. It was your first time. You will learn.

C: Let’s go to the party tonight. You need some fun.

E: But I thought it was dangerous?

C: It can be if you piss someone off, but I’m guessing everyone will play nice.

A: My dad is going to talk to your parents. Caleb, Seth, and Max have said they will stay with you.

A party did sound fun. I could use some time to relax and enjoy myself.

E: Okay, I’m in. What time?

A: I’ll come pick you up at 7. Wear something cute but comfy.

E: Cute but comfy. Got It.

Not sure what that means, but I guess I’ll figure it out.