The Woodlands

The Beginning

I felt the rush of the air flow through my coat. The feeling of the wind bursting around me as I run through these familiar woods is the greatest feeling in the world. I absolutely love it. Nothing beats the feeling when I’m allowed out for a run. My father, being the tribe’s Alpha, is strict as to when and where I am allowed to shift, but recently he’s given me free range around the land. Today was different though; I had to leave the house. I couldn’t stand the tension at home after what he said. Running to the lake I felt the Moon call me. The tug was rare, but I knew she was trying to tell me something. Almost as if she were hesitating, the tug feeling disappeared.   

        I shifted back to human form and sat by the lake. Yes, I was naked, but no one was around and it’s not like I or anyone else would care. Being naked was normal. A normal thing after shifting therefore, being meaningless to be shameful. As I sat here, looking into the water of the lake, I thought about what my father told me and Aven. I can’t believe that such a thought crossed his mind. Let alone his reasoning as to why. Even if I had decided to speak against his words or protest his statement, there’d be nothing I could ever do to change his mind. What he says is rule—that’s how it is and how it always will be. I sit here and think.

        After what felt like forever, I finally ran towards the clothing house at the edge of the village and put on a shirt and jeans before walking home. I’ve finally come to terms with my father’s decision.  

        I walked back inside, my father, angry that I ran out of the house without his permission, walks up to me and smacks my left cheek with the back of his hand, demanding where I had been. I told him the truth, of course, but he was still angry.

        He begins to explain to me my responsibilities and how I need to learn to respect Aven and himself. He dismisses me, telling me he needs to speak with Aven in private. I open my mouth to speak but hesitate and say nothing.

        “Leave,” my father growls. I turn around and go up the stairs, but I stop from going in my bedchambers. I want to know what he’s going to tell Aven.

        I drop down to a crouch against the wall and begin to listen.

        “... I'm sure you understand why you are going to do this. The Sanguis Tribe has threatened me for the last time and I refuse for my pack to suffer any loss from it.” He pauses for a moment, “Not again.”

        “What about Gaia and Terra?” Aven asks in an even tone.

        “Gaia will take care of Terra,” my father says. “And you will take care of Gaia,” he adds.

        I scoff silently. He can’t possibly think Aven is the best suitor for me. And the next male Alpha.

        I’m snapped out of my thoughts when I hear my father say, “She can be… wild.” He pauses shortly and then says, “She can get out of hand at times—do not hesitate to put her in her place.”

        Aven, who I assume is taking everything under consideration, asks a question that I’ve wanted to ask since my father said he was leaving, before I ran out of the house. “When will you be returning?”

        There—the tension from before. “I won’t be,” he says. “I leave after you and my daughter announce you are each other’s mates to the tribe.”

        “When will that be, Alpha?”

        My father breathes out a growl, “By winter’s end.”

The next growl I hear is because of me. I get up and go inside of my room quietly. It’s late and I’ve heard enough.

                                                                                      .  .  .

        The next morning, I don’t bother getting all dressed up, I want to go for a run. I left from the back door of the house and went straight forward. I walked far enough into the woods and made sure no one was around.

        I know I said that it’s nothing to be naked. But that’s being naked. Not undressing. If someone is watching you as you undress then that would be wrong—unless it’s your mate. That’s a rule my grandfather made a while ago to protect any young girls from prying eyes.

        I put my clothes in between a few branches underneath a tree and shifted. I scratch the bark as a reminder. I run off to beyond my father’s territory, which I often do, and keep on running. I reach the land barrier. The land barrier is the wall bordering between humans and wolf-kind. When the humans found out about our race over half a century ago, they created a wall to barricade us inside and keep us locked away from the rest of the world.

My whole life I’ve heard rumors that there’s a way to get out, but I’ve never dared to try it. No one would, it would be suicide.

        When my grandfather was alive, as old and grey as he was, he told me the story of how all the packs almost started a war with the humans. It was mutiny—murder after senseless murder. Until some packs realized, all they wanted was to be alone. That’s when the Region Alphas stepped in and made a deal with the United World Organization to be left alone and never bothered by either side. A part of the world for us and a part for them. The humans have bustling cities and overpopulated countries, while packs live in villages and have a moderate population. That’s how we are, our packs are our tribes because our people are one.

        An obese, monstrosity of a people live behind these walls. At least, that’s what I’ve heard. “Sad, really,” is what my grandfather used to say. I try not to think about them often, but I can’t help it sometimes when I’m out here. I brush it off and head back to where I left my clothes.

        I could hear the footsteps of a wolf from approximately 100 yards away. The breathing was even, and their heartbeat was racing from running. I quickly grab the knife I keep in my boot. What damage is a knife gonna do on a self-healing, regenerative species? Not much but it’ll hurt, and I can have a chance to run home.

        Then I smell him, and my paranoia subsides.

        “What do you want, Aven?” I ask from behind the branch as I finish putting on my pants.

        “Your father is looking for you.” He says this as he shifts back to human form, a growl in speech but not from anger.

        “Is he now?” I say sarcastically as I put my hair back up and grab my shirt.

        He huffs, “He says it’s urgent.”

        “Does it have to do with us or him? Because I’m not really in the mood for either.” I go from behind the tree to in front of it, tossing my cardigan in his direction. “Might wanna cover yourself up.”

        “You’re going.” He tosses me the sweater, “Now.” He shifts back to wolf form and runs off. 

        As much as I’d hate to admit it, Aven is attractive. Especially when he’s demanding. He was always the older boy most girls around the village would fawn over. He’s got all the right chilled out features for a 25 year old Beta. Dark brown hair and a beard growing in that’s got just enough hair to say it is officially a beard. Youngest of his line to ever gain such a position. Of course, because he is my father’s Beta and not really having a lot of time on his hands, he’s never found the right girl he could be with while being in the high position he’s in. I suck up my pride and walk home lost in my thoughts.

        “How far did you go this time? You didn’t go past the territory, did you?” He growls as he waits for a response he won’t get. “I’m tired of you constantly running around doing whatever you feel like, Gaia! You have responsibilities now. You—you need to grow up!”

        “Says the man who’s running away from a fight,” I huff. My arms are crossed out of anger and impatience, though I dare not to look him in the eye.

        “When—where did you hear such a thing?”

        “The Sanguis tribe threatens you and you want to leave. What kind of a man does that—what kind of an Alpha does that?” With one step and one swat, I first feel my cheek heat up and then I feel the sting.

        “You need to watch your tone, Gaia. I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, but it needs to end. Right now! You will not act this way—this disrespect towards me,” he pauses and adds, “or Aven.” Stepping back, “Do I make myself clear?”

        “Yes, father.”

And he dismisses me saying, “You will stay within the village and go nowhere else.”

Rather than fight or protest I leave the house and go outside into the busy village, my ego is already hurt along with my cheek.

                                                                                  .  .  .

        My body pressed against the wall as he pressed his lips against mine. They were aggressive—almost hungry. His fingers trace my body like water over stones. My hands bring him closer. His kisses go from my lips to my jaw then to my neck. I felt his teeth gently pass over my skin and I put my hand against his chest slightly pushing him away.

        “What are you doing?” I ask.

        “Don’t worry,” he says, “I’m not doing that.” And presses his lips back against my neck.

        “Good,” I breathe out.

        He snaps his head back, “What do you mean good? I could do that whenever I feel like it.”

        “I don’t think I’d be comfortable with you doing that, Aven…”

        “It’s not like it would matter—we’re already halfway there.”

        “But then people would know. Do you really think right now is the best time to go around flaunting your mark on my neck?”

        “You know what,” He pulls himself away, zipping up his pants, “maybe your father’s right.” He lifts his shirt off the floor, “Maybe you are too much of a child.” He leaves the clothing house. Leaving me alone and half-naked.

        I don’t even know how to describe what has been going on with me and Aven. He’s been agitated and angry for a few days now and I’ve… Well, I’ve been me lately. Still, he hasn’t touched me—he’s barely even looked at me for over a week, but out of nowhere he’s filled with this “passion” of sorts, that’s just aggressive and honestly super sexy. Aven and I aren’t in any sort of relationship together but with our, sometimes, busy and hectic schedules, every once in a while, we… connect in a way that most young adults do…

        “Gaia! Gaia, are you even listening?”

        “What? Yeah.”

        “No, you weren’t,” she huffs. “I was talking about Reese. Reese Evans. Remember?” Terra pouts at my lack of recognition of the name.

        “N—oh yeah. That kid you were… talking about. He’s the one that… did… what exactly did he do?” She smiles and rolls her eyes, ignoring my failed recollection of whoever Reese Evans is.

        “He’s my boyfriend, remember? You and Dad met him a few months ago.”

        “Oh,” the memory of the tall boy practically chasing after my sister all through secondary school, “The curly haired boy with glasses.”

        “Yes, the curly haired boy with glasses.” Her face brightens, probably thinking of him and the goofy smile he gave every time he glanced at her when she introduced us to him.

        “What about him?”

        She kind of squeals to herself and then shakes me, grabbing me by the shoulders, “Ah! I think he could be the one.”

        “The one, as in, your mate?” I raise an eyebrow, “Has he chosen you? Or are you guys those couples that believe in the whole “mutual” thing?” I look down, picking at the strands of linen on my sister’s bed sheets.

        “It’s not a thing, Gaia, it’s called respect. How do you expect to spend your life with someone who’s only going to walk all over you?”

        “Well, I have no say in it. You heard about what Dad said on Monday, right?”

        “He told me he chose your mate. Which sucks, by the way.”

        “He chose Aven.”

        “Aven! Aven Mathis? Oh my goddess! Dad will kill him if he finds out you guys have been—” I place my hand over her mouth telling her to shush.

        “Someone could hear you!” I whisper, slowly taking my hand off.

        “He’s going to figure it out eventually, Gaia. There’s no point in trying to hide it. Especially with how the moon will be tomorrow.”

        “What do you mean?” I ask, trying to think back to our pack calendar year.

        “The Full Moon festival—it starts tomorrow night. What if he tries to mark you?” Damn, I completely forgot about the Full Moon Festival! How could I be so stupid!...

        Once a year we celebrate the full moon on the longest night of the year, which is December 21st. Tomorrow is the first day. We eat and play old village games and stuff, but just before midnight at the end of December 20th, we all go into the woods to shift. After that, we celebrate for two more days as the heightened emotions and feelings, given to us by the Moon, go away.

        “I won’t let that happen,” I finally say. Though, I’m not sure I’d trust my judgment during this full moon.

                                                                                       .  .  .

        I’ve gone through many full moons throughout my 20 winters of life, but to feel the sensation of a Full Moon Festival is completely different. It’s like the first time you shift, and you finally start this new chapter in your life. It’s an amazing feeling… like nothing else in the world matters. Last year for me was fine, nothing outrageous occurred. I mean, yes, I spent it hidden away in a cabin with Aven for three days but back then being with me was not about a new job title, it was just fun. Now it’s different between us and for all I know, the whole night could make everything different.

        This morning I woke up to my alarm clock blaring and smashed it against the wall. On a normal day, I would’ve just turned it off. But it is not a normal day.

        The village center is packed with busy shop owners picking out the best spot to sell food for the festival. While children run around wrestling each other as their mothers try to tame them to look good and respectful before the Alpha comes back from the men’s hunt.

        Every year on the day of the festival the young men over 21 go out on a hunting trip with their Alpha. Originally it was meant to show the strongest of men to lead the village after their fathers are old and grey. Now, they drive to a cabin in the woods and drink all day while competing with each other in “games” that are supposed to show not only strength but agility and strategic skills as well. Aven and my father are both gone so Terra and I have been left in charge along with Kurruk, our pack elder, a long haired, almost grey colored old man. Though Terra and I are just maintaining the peace while Kurruk and the rest of the village prepare the town for the party tonight.

        “What does it feel like?” My sister asks. We’re doing a final walk through the village to ensure everything is perfect.

        “A full moon on December 21st? You remember the first time you shifted?” Terra nods to my question. “That feeling you got of your senses getting stronger than it already was and your temperature getting higher.” She nods saying “yeah” and I continue. “It’s almost twice as powerful as that, except your wolf is fighting to get out. It doesn’t feel bad. God, it’s far from that. It’s almost like taking Opi for the first time, only your libidos are extremely high. Which can be awful for any person of chastity but it’s fine. It’s just our nature.” She thinks for a moment.

        “Wait, you’ve taken Opi?”

        “Yeah, like all through secondary school,” I laugh a little to myself remembering.

        Opi is not a human drug. For us behind the barrier, Opi is like the m*******a humans take, only stronger. And Opi isn’t smoked, it’s green and pink, dew-drop shaped and is eaten. It’s some pretty intense stuff, if my father were to ever find out about me taking it he’d probably have someone else mark me after Aven does, just to rip my bond apart. This is supposed to be a deadly process, I’m told. What I’m saying is that he’d probably kill me.

        By Terra’s reaction, she didn’t expect me to have ever done it. She’s too pure for that kind of thing. Which is why, I think, we’re so close. She is my opposite and yet she accepts me as I am. All kinds of effed up and she still hasn’t rejected me.

                                                                                  .  .  .

        “What time is it?” I ask. It’s getting late and the men haven’t returned. A storm of anger and worry swirls inside me.

        “Almost time. Where could they be?” Terra asks.

        “We need to get going, we can’t wait for them.” Kurruk then nods to me. He might be in charge but I’m the one who’s been having the final say in everything all day.

        Kurruk gathers everyone to the center of the festival, pulling people from their activities and food. “Today we honor the Moon, our goddess and spirit of guidance, on the longest night of the year. A hundred years ago, when I was a young man,” he jokes, and the tribe laughed with him, “the humans found out about us—severing the connection between us and Her.” He gestures to the sky, referring to the beautiful full moon above us. Again, as I look up at Her, I can feel a pull from inside me. It is possible it could be my body wanting to shift.

“But we cannot forget about Her. She is our source of life and tonight we will run through the land with the forms She has given us.” With that the speech ends and the people cheer and clap to his annual speech. Thankfully he is the one who says it. We’d be screwed if any other person had to.

        Now we will go into the woods, families going with families. Terra and I head our separate ways. She has Reese and I—well, I have the Moon.  

        I can feel the moon reach its peak of the night. Midnight. I shift by my favorite spot in my father’s territory, the lake. No one ever comes here because it’s at the land's edge. I feel my insides stir into the most exhilarating sensation in the world, my heartbeat gets faster and then I see myself. The reflection from the lake does no justice as to how my wolf looks. My fur is white even though my actual hair is dark brown, almost black in the darkness, but the moon highlights me. Though my eyes are grey they are light blue in my wolf form.

        I start to run. As fast and as far as I can go in the opposite direction of the Land Barrier. This time I can feel the moon pulling me somewhere—there is somewhere she wants me to go and I’m not going to ignore it—not tonight. With my clothes clenched between my teeth I run south. I knew by the tug, how far the moon wants me to go, so I had to take my stuff.

        About an hour later, I made my way to a cabin. The cars the young men took along with my fathers are all parked outside of it and I can feel the moon’s tug being the strongest I’ve ever felt. The men aren’t anywhere to be seen, so I take the liberty of getting dressed and heading out on foot to follow the pull.

        There’s a stream that flows in the direction that I’m going in and I can feel this pull and tug get stronger and stronger as I keep going. At the base of this river-like stream, I finally see what I’ve been looking for. I know this is what the moon has been taking me to because She lets me feel that it is. His coat is charcoal black and his eyes—they remind me of something, the way the hazel-green reflects when his eyes meet mine. Whoever he is, I can hear his spiked heartbeat. He’s being followed and by the sound of it, around seven wolves pounding their paws and the way the moonlight flashes of my father’s black and grey coat through the trees, I know by whom.

        From the other side of the shallow water between us, I see him looking behind him and back at me. He wants to keep on running away but maybe he felt this tug too and can’t leave.

        What confirms this is when my father’s wolf pounces on him from behind. Lone wolves aren’t welcomed on our land and I can understand the reason as to why they are attacking him but… there is something about his aroma that feels familiar. The only other full black wolf in the pack is Aven and he shifts on his way over to me.

        “What are you doing here? It’s not safe, Gaia.”

        “I—” I cut myself off before I tell him anything because I know he wouldn’t understand. “What’s going on?” I ask instead.

        “We found a wolf on the territory about two miles out. We haven’t been able to catch him—until now.”

        Then from where the pack of men are huddled around, I can hear my father yell, “Shift!” He’s in human form and from underneath him a pinned wolf shifts.

        “Oh my God.” My father gets off the young man.

        “Caiman?” Aven asks.

        “It’s been a long time,” says the familiar deep voice.

        The memory of Caiman Mathis comes back to me. Caiman Mathis, who disappeared almost two years ago —Aven’s brother has come back.