Shifted

The Party

20 minutes later, I was out of the shower and drying my hair when I heard a knock at my door. Mom came in and saw me doing my makeup. “I think it’s great you’re going to go to the party.” I should have known that they would already know. “Ashlynn and Caleb convinced me. Plus, Seth and Max have always been nice to me. It will be nice to have some fun.” “What are you going to wear?” mom asked. I looked at her confused, “this is what I was going to wear.” She frowned. “What? I like it.” I was wearing my favorite jeans, a worn but stylish t-shirt with Sublime on the front, a dark green hoodie, and my Vans. “First of all, you are going to be outside, so you need to wear boots. Wear these dark skinny jeans and tuck them into your boots. If you are set on the hoodie, the dark jeans will look nice with it. Wear your cream hat.” “I wasn’t going to wear a hat.” “I think you’d be surprised at how many people will have hats on. It’s cold. There will be a bond fire but once you move away from it you will get cold. Others will be okay because their wolf helps keep them warm. On second thought, maybe you should just wear a coat.” I huffed, “okay, I get the picture. Now please leave so I can get changed.” She smiled. “okay, but last word of advice. If someone shifts, don’t scream and don’t overreact to them being naked. It’s natural for us.” She left and shut my door behind her.

My phone pinged.

A: Be there in 10.

I hurried and changed my clothes and checked my make-up one last time. I ran out the door and grabbed my cream colored hat just in case. Right on time, Ashlynn pulled into the driveway, “ your dad let you drive?” I asked, surprised to see her behind the wheel. “We are on pack land and there won’t be drinking. Well, actually there might be drinking, but I don’t drink, so he trusts me. I usually shift and show up, but since I’m taking you he said I could take the car.” “Well, thanks for the ride. I appreciate it.” I got in and buckled my seatbelt. Ashlynn stared at me. “What?” “You just look really pretty. That color brings out your eyes. Also, wear the hat. You’re going to want it.” “What is it with you all and the hat?” She laughed. “It’s Alaska silly. I’m actually surprised you didn’t bring a coat. I have an extra in the back and blankets just in case.” I smiled, “I guess my mom really does know what she’s talking about.”

We drove back towards the pack house but instead of going through the front gate we went around to the back. I could see the shadow of the flames flickering on the trees. The smell of freshly burning wood filled my nose and I breathed in the woodsy scent. I loved the smell of fire. It reminded me of marshmallows on a warm summer night with friends. I missed Sophie and my friends back home, but maybe this party would help me make new ones.

Ashlynn parked and grabbed the blankets from the back. I followed her down a path that led to a clearing behind the pack house. We were sheltered from the wind from the surrounding trees and a massive bonfire blazed in the center of the clearing. There were logs around the fire where people could sit and other areas spread around in the clearing where people could hang out. A few tables held snacks and drinks. This was amazing. Music played from somewhere but I couldn’t locate who was playing it or where the speakers were. Some people were dancing while others hung out by the fire. “Come on! I see the guys.” We hurried over to where the guys were sitting. Caleb smiled upon seeing me, “Hello beautiful.” I blushed. “Hey guys.” Max and Seth motioned for us to join them and we all found seats around the fire. It was a clear night and I could see so many bright stars in the sky. “The stars are beautiful. I’ve never seen so many before.” “Really?” Seth asked. “Yea, the city lights dim them so it makes it very hard to see.” “Wow, that is actually sad.” Max added. “If you think this is cool, wait until we take you to the lookout.” Ashlynn suggested. “Oh yea, that is a definite must. You won’t believe all the stars you can see and, if we are lucky, you can see some shooting stars.” I smiled and was actually excited at the thought.

The music played and more members showed up as the night progressed. A few people stopped by to say hi but no one lingered. We laughed and talked and I was relaxing. Ashlynn grabbed my hand and exclaimed, “I love this song, let’s dance!” We headed towards where everyone was dancing and I joined in. Ashlynn and I were laughing and enjoying ourselves when Caleb appeared behind me. He grabbed my hips and started to dance in rhythm with me. I decided to enjoy the moment and dance along. The next song came on and suddenly the mood changed. You could feel the tension in the air and I looked around. Ashlynn must have felt it too because she looked around in confusion. “What’s going on?” Caleb had stopped dancing and stood in front of me. Ashlynn took my hand, “We need to get out of here now.” Max and Seth appeared at my sides and with Caleb in my front, I was boxed in from all sides. “You guys are scaring me, what’s going on?!” Ashlynn spoke, “Elsie there is an unknown wolf on the perimeter. We need to get you out of here. The trio is on the way.”

We started to walk towards where we were parked, when out walked the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen. A deep calm washed over me and I tried to step toward it. Caleb held me back, “what the hell are you thinking?” “I’m not sure how I know, but he won’t hurt me. I've dreamed of him.” Max grabbed my arm and the wolf growled. Seth and Caleb shifted into massive wolves. I was shocked at how quickly it happened. Max kept his hand on my arm and I tried to yank it away. The mystery wolf stayed where he was but continued to growl. “Max, he won’t hurt me!” I yelled. I yanked as hard as I could and I fell over, hitting the ground. The wolf whimpered. “What the hell?” Max whispered. “See, I told you. He will protect me.” I pushed Caleb aside but he walked next to me. I slowly approached the wolf and put out my hand. The wolf snapped his head to the right and let out a growl. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes before bolting into the woods. A few seconds later, I heard thundering paws and saw three massive wolves, bigger than I had ever seen, chasing after the mystery wolf. Before anyone could stop me, I ran after them, Caleb at my side. “STOP! Don’t hurt him! He won’t hurt me! “I screamed, hoping that they would hear me. I stopped and looked at Caleb. “Please, Caleb, please tell the others that the wolf won’t hurt me or anyone else. I dream of him and he won’t hurt me. I can’t mind link them or catch up with them. I know that he’s supposed to be here.” Caleb’s eyes glazed over and then he shifted. I couldn’t help but roam his body as he stood before me completely naked. He had broad shoulders and sculpted abs. He smirked, “Like what you see princess?” I looked him in the eyes, trying to concentrate on his face and not on his nakedness before me. “I’m sorry,” I blushed. “Nothing to be sorry about. We shift in front of one another all the time. Let’s go find me some clothes.” He walked towards one of the massive pine trees where a chest was laid next to it. He opened it and pulled on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. “Did you tell them not to hurt him?” “Yes, they will run him off pack lands and then they want to talk to you.” Great. We headed back towards the bonfire where the others waited for us.

When I sat down, I noticed no one said anything. “What’s up?” I asked. Ashlynn turned to face me, “We were trying to protect you and you disobeyed us. We were sent to make sure that you stayed safe and when there was a threat you just did what you wanted to. That’s not the pack way. You need to listen and work together, that’s how we survive.” Instantly I felt horrible. They were willing to fight to protect me and I didn’t care. “I’m really sorry.”

I stood and walked to the refreshment table, trying to distract myself from the crappy feeling in my chest. Why did things have to be so hard? I keep disappointing everyone and making mistakes. I grabbed a coke and a Snickers and grabbed a few other candy bars to take to the guys. Chocolate always made me feel better, so maybe it helped them too.

I handed out my peace offering and they happily accepted. Max spoke, “you know you’re pretty strong when you want to be.” “You also have some alpha tone in your voice when you are angry. I almost wanted to submit to your demand,” Caleb added. I smiled. “Wanna dance?” Ashlynn asked. “I think I’d like to just sit here and look at the stars for a bit but you guys go ahead.” They headed towards the dance floor and I sat and enjoyed the fire. I laid one of the blankets down where someone had cleared the snow. I laid down next to the fire and stared up at the vast sky. It was hard to believe that just a few weeks ago I lived in a bustling city and now here I was living in Alaska with wolves.

I heard them before I saw them. Boots surrounded my head and I looked up to find three intimidating boys standing over me. “We need to talk.” They said in almost complete unison. I sat up. “Okay, let’s talk.” I motioned for them to sit down but they ignored me. “Not here.” Aspen commented. I looked around, “Dude, there is literally no one paying any attention. I’m not going anywhere with the three of you. So, we can talk here or we don’t talk at all.” His jaw ticked. Barrett sat down close enough to me that I could see the specks of gold in his brown eyes. “Look, we need to speak to you where no one can hear. Just because you think they can’t hear us doesn’t mean they can’t. Wolves have very sensitive ears and I’m pretty sure people can hear us. Not to mention people are going to be paying attention that the three of us are interested in you.” I looked at the other two and noticed that Carson looked shocked and Aspen looked pissed. “Fine, but I’m telling Ashlynn where we are going.” “She already knows.” Aspen growled. “Oh yea, wolfy ways.” I said as I grabbed another blanket and pulled it around me.

I expected them to take me towards the woods, but instead, we walked towards the pack house. Well, in this case it worked out to my benefit. I don’t think they would try to hurt me with my grandfather around to hear about it. We walked in silence other than the crunching of our boots in the snow. Aspen opened the door to the patio of the house and let me inside. I took off my boots and placed them by the door. They looked at me oddly, but did the same. I followed Carson to one of the side rooms where he opened the door and motioned for me to move inside. I glanced around, wondering if anyone other than these three knew I was here. “Thank you for opening the door for me,” I spoke loudly and over exaggerating the words as I spoke in hopes that someone would hear. Barret rolled his eyes before following into the room.

The room was cozy. There was a fire going in the fireplace and several leather couches or love seats for people to sit on. I picked one of the smaller seats hoping it would discourage one of them from sitting next to me. The three of them sat across from me on the couch. Aspen folded his arms and Carson stretched out like he needed more room than necessary. Barrett stood behind them completing the trio. “So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked. Aspen sat forward, “How did you know that wolf?” All of them were staring at me with such intent I was afraid they were going to pounce if I said the wrong thing. “I just did.” I answered, making sure I didn’t break eye contact. “But how?” Carson pushed. “I dunno. I dreamed about him. It was the same wolf that helped me.” I fiddled with the edge of my sweatshirt hoping they didn’t sense my discomfort. “What do you mean he helped you in a dream?” Barrett asked. “Seriously, I don’t know. I have these dreams and things happen. That wolf is in them and he’s never hurt me, okay? Satisfied?” The three brothers looked at one another. Aspen spoke, “Are there other wolves in your dreams?” “Sometimes, it just depends.” I shrugged. “Do any of your dreams come true?” Carson asked. “Well, the wolf you chased off helped heal me when I got hurt before in the ignition ring.” The three brothers looked at one another again and I could tell they were having a conversation.

“Look, if you guys aren’t going to talk in front of me, I’m gonna go. I’ve told you all I know and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t run the wolf off next time. I’d like to know who he is.” I stood and headed for the door. I opened it and followed the path that we came I slipped my boots on when I heard my name, “Elsie, are you okay?” It was Megan. “Yea, I’m okay. Are you headed to the party?” I asked. Megan looked down at her feet. “Omegas aren’t really invited to group parties. We have to clean and prepare the meals for the next day.” “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know. For what it’s worth, I think you should be allowed to go.” Just then she noticed that I was putting on my shoes. “Why did you take your shoes off?” she asked. “I didn’t want to track snow and dirt inside. We always take our shoes off when we go into the house.” She smiled, “You truly are different. No one takes off their shoes. It’s our job to clean up after all the pack members. Thank you for thinking of us.” She turned and walked away.

As I found my way back to the party I couldn’t help but think about how such a little act, like taking off my shoes, was a big deal to Megan. Why is it that just because she has the title of Omega does it mean she is less than me? Why should they have to clean up after us? If I were alpha I’d change that. “You’d change what?” Caleb asked from out of nowhere. I jumped, “Where the hell did you come from?” I exclaimed. He just laughed, “I saw you coming back down and thought I’d see if you were okay after your encounter with the trio. You good?” “Yea, they wanted to know how I knew that wolf. I don’t think they believe me, that I don’t actually know him but that I just dream about him.” I looked down at the path as we walked in silence back towards the fire. Before we reached the end of the path, Caleb stopped me and took my hand, “Elsie, you need to know that dreams mean something to shifters. The Moon Goddess is known to bless wolves and its important that until you figure out what’s going on, that you don’t share that information with anyone. I’m actually worried about what the trio will do now that they know. Just be careful.” Ashlynn jogged up towards us and checked me over, probably to make sure that I was in fact okay. “I agree with Caleb. You need to talk to your mom and dad and let them know. It can be a big deal and if word gets out that you’re an alpha and blessed, that would be huge.” I looked at them and anxiously pulled at the hem of my shirt. They must have sensed my discomfort because Ashlynn pulled in for a hug and Caleb joined, embracing us both in his massive arms. “It’s just that my mom already knows. In fact, the Alpha and some of the council members know. My mom took me to see them when she found out about my dreams. That wolf was at my house watching me.” Caleb let out a breath and rubbed his hand through his hair. “What?” I asked. “I hope that they know what they are doing. If you are truly blessed and you emerge, the entire pack will need to be prepared to protect you. This is something that other packs, heck other Alphas, will want to have. I bet Alpha and your uncle are already trying to think of how this could help them.” “Don’t talk like that!” Ashlynn snapped while throwing Caleb a look that could kill. “What? You know its true. Do I think they want what is best for the pack? Yes. But do I think they’d do whatever it takes to make us stronger? Even if that means sending Elsie to another pack to form an alliance.” I looked at Ashlynn worried that what Caleb said was true. She just looked back towards the fire. “Come on, let's just try to enjoy the rest of our night. We can figure something out tomorrow. I doubt that wolf is coming back any time soon, so you’re safe.” I followed them back towards the fire even though I knew that wolf didn’t want to harm me. I didn’t understand why or how I knew that but I just did. Now I just needed to figure out how to get everyone else to believe me.

We took a seat next to the fire and someone had brought out mashmallows for roasting. I grabbed a stick and joined the others as we talked and enjoyed our snack. I noticed Emily had arrived while I was gone and her gang was in tow. Did they always go everywhere together? Caleb caught me looking, “you aren’t jealous are you?” “Me, no. I was just curious why they go everywhere together. It’s like they are joined at the hip or something.” He laughed, “well, they practically are. A lot of us have grown up together since we were pups. They have been friends for years and Emily is the leader. She has her moments where she can be nice, but usually she just wants something from you.” I watched as the three went and got drinks from the cooler and then headed to another spot where a smaller fire was burning. She went and sat on someone's lap and I noticed it was Aspen. I hadn’t noticed they had arrived and now the three of them were sitting around the smaller fire laughing and drinking what seemed to be beer. Emily sat on his lap with her arms around his neck and he seemed to be enjoying himself. His smile was genuine and seemed less than the asshole he usually is. Carson was talking to a girl I didn’t recognize and Barrett was on his phone seeming bored. I continued to watch them, wondering what it would be like to be part of that. Suddenly, Aspen’s eyes shot to mine and he knew I was staring. I looked away ashamed that I had been watching them. I could feel the heat spread across my cheeks and down my neck. “I’m going to go grab some water. Anyone want anything?” I stood and walked away before anyone could answer.

I went to the coolers that were lined up at the back of the field. As I searched for a bottle of water, I heard the snow and ice crunch beneath someone’s feet. I ignored whoever it was and continued my hunt. I opened the last cooler and unfortunately there was no water left. I shut the cooler lid and the voice behind me spoke, “Didn’t find what you were looking for?” The deep voice was husky and caused goose bumps to crawl along my flesh. Barrett stood watching me, his eyes almost seeming to glow in the dark. “I was looking for water.” “Here, let me help.” I bounced back and forth on my heels not sure where to look or what to say. He just stood taking me in, not saying a word. “So, are you enjoying the party?” I asked, trying to break this awkward silence. He smiled and I thought my knees were going to buckle. Sure, they were hot and made me think about kissing them, but they were also assholes who weren’t kind to me or anyone else. He took a step closer to me, “Parties aren’t really my thing. I come because my brothers like it and it’s expected of us.” “Wow, poor you. Being forced to come to a party where there are drinks, food, and hot girls swooning all over you.” He actually laughed out loud. “You are different, you know that? No one speaks to us that way and you just let it all out. Whatever you are thinking.” “Am I supposed to be afraid of you or something?” I asked. He took another step towards me, crossing his arms as he entered my space. “Are you?” he smirked. “No. Or your brothers. You are just a bunch of assholes who try and rule over people you think are less than you.” Just then Megan came up to us carrying a case of water. She was out of breath and handed the case over to Barrett. “Did you mind link her and tell her to bring water to the party? The party that she can’t attend?” I yelled. Barrett stepped back and had a complete look of shock on his face. I noticed that I must have yelled pretty loudly because others had stopped what they were doing and were staring in my direction. Aspen and Carson were on their feet staring me down. “Yea, you wanted water so I got you water” he said. I looked at Megan, “I’m so sorry. If I had known that was how he was going to get me water I would have come and gotten it myself.” Megan’s eyes grew wide and she didn’t know what to say. She simply nodded and walked back up towards the pack house.

I turned my back on Barrett, eliciting a growl from him, but I didn’t care. I walked straight over to where Ashlynn and Caleb were watching, “I want to go home please.” Ashlynn went and picked up the blankets and we started walking towards her car. “Is it always like this?” I asked. “Like what?” “Where everyone is separated by their title? People thinking they don’t have to treat others with respect or kindness just because they are from a different family?” Ashlynn was quiet for a few minutes. We reached her car and got in. She started the car and as we started driving she spoke, “Elsie, you have to try and understand that we have an order for our pack. There are reasons behind why it is this way. Everyone has a role to play and most are happy to do it. Did you know that everyone in the pack has a job or responsibility once they become of age? The omegas are actually well taken care of and paid. They live in the pack house, and have all the clothes, food, and healthcare they can want. Plus, they are paid to do the jobs they do. They aren’t slaves. You are making judgements based on things you don’t fully understand. You embarrassed Megan in front of Barrett.” “How did I embarrass her? She shouldn’t have had to bring me water.” “Elsie it's her job. Her role in the pack is to take care of us. Have you even thought of asking her if she is okay with that or, heck, if she even likes it?” I blinked back tears. “No. I’m just not used to having people do things for me. We’ve always had to work together and be responsible for our own things. It seems wrong.” We drove the rest of the way to my house in silence.

Ashlynn pulled into my driveway and turned off the car. “Thanks for the ride. I had a good time tonight. Thanks for taking me.” She nodded and I opened my door. I felt the prickles along my skin. I knew he was here. I quickly shut my door hoping that Ashlynn wouldn’t know. I slowly walked towards my house and, instead of going through the front door, I headed towards the back to where the pool was. I quietly opened the gate and slipped inside. I sat down on one of the lounge chairs that overlooked the woods next to the pool. I saw his yellow eyes glowing from the light of the moon. “Hi,” I said. I watched as he sat looking at me. “I wish I could know who you are. I know you don’t want to hurt me.” He bowed his head and then looked me in the eyes. I stood having made up my mind that I was going to him. I took a step towards the gate when my back porch light flicked on. Mom opened the door, “Elsie it’s time for you to come inside.” She tried to hide it but I could tell she was scanning the woods. So she knew about tonight then. Damn mind link. I can’t wait until I can do that so that I know what everyone is thinking or saying. I headed towards the door, not looking back towards the woods. I knew I’d see him in my dreams tonight and I’d have to tell him to be careful. Everyone was aware now and I didn’t want anything to happen to him. He protected me and I’d have to figure out a way to protect him. Even if it’s in my sleep.