The Lost Princess (sequel to The Lost Alpha)

An Early Shift

A few weeks later, they were getting ready to celebrate Maxi's Sweet 16. Her birthday fell on a Sunday this year, which was perfect because it was the one day she and her family had to themselves.

On Saturday, they all worked hard to get their work done as early as possible. Maxi and Sandi only had to serve dinner that night. They did not have to clean up, so once dinner was served, the girls were able to eat their dinner and the rest of the night was theirs to do as they pleased.

Maxi's wolf, Aria, had been restless the whole day. Maxi kept trying to calm her down, but nothing worked. After dinner, the girls decided to go take a swim in the lake. Although it was 7 in the evening, the sun was still out, as it was almost summer and the sun was staying out late.

They enjoyed the water for quite a few hours before they tired out. They grabbed their towels and dried off for a bit before laying on a blanket they'd brought with them.

The girls talked for a while, losing track of time. As it got closer to midnight, Aria started to stir in her head.

What's wrong, Ari? she asked her wolf.

It's time to shift, Aria replied.

What? No, that's not possible, Aria. I'm only 16!

I know Maxi, but it's time, Aria said.

Maxi quickly linked her aunt and uncle. I need you guys to come to the lake. Aria said it's time to shift.

Her aunt and uncle were lying in bed when they received her link. They looked at each other in disbelief before they jumped out of bed and ran outside. They quickly stripped and shifted at the treeline and headed to the lake.

While Maxi was talking to her wolf and her aunt and uncle, Sandi was looking at her friend with worry written all over her face. She just knew something wasn't right. What she didn't expect was what Maxi said next.

"I'm so sorry Sandi, but Aria told me we need to shift," Maxi said, fear clear in her eyes.

"But, you're only 16," Sandi said. "You're not supposed to shift for two more years!"

"I know, Sandi," Maxi replied. She was scared beyond belief. To make it worse, Aria wasn't giving her any information. "I don't know what's going on, but promise you'll stay with me. Aunt Franki and Uncle Chad are on their way."

Two minutes later, Chad and Franki's wolves came bursting through the trees. Are you alright, my love? Aunt Franki linked Maxi.

Maxi looked at her aunt and just shook her head as tears came rolling down her face. "I'm scared, Auntie," she said. "Why is this happening to me?"

Franki and Chad shared a look before Franki replied. We will explain everything to you later, I promise. Everything is going to be fine. We are here and we will help guide you.

Maxi nodded her head and wiped her tears away. "OK, I'm ready."

Aunt Franki's voice sounded in Maxi's mind. Just breathe and try to relax. Focus on your wolf and let her take control. Whatever you do, do not fight it, no matter how painful. Just keep breathing.

Maxi nodded and focused on her breathing, which really did help to calm her nerves a bit. She knew she needed to strip first, even though it was just her bathing suit. She still didn't want to tear the few items of clothing she had.

"Uncle Chad, do you mind turning around please?" Maxi asked her uncle. He nodded his head and turned, giving his niece privacy to strip.

Once she was done undressing, she listened to her wolf. Get down on the ground, relax and let me take over.

Maxi continued to take deep breaths as midnight came and her shift started. She could feel every bone break and realign into its new form; she felt her fur sprouting out of her skin; finally, she could feel her facial structure breaking, her nose elongating, and everything realigning again.

The shift was so painful, but she just kept taking deep breaths through it all while focusing on her wolf and her new form. It seemed to take forever, but it was only ten minutes. When it was over, she opened her eyes.

Maxi looked first at Sandi, who was looking at her in awe. "My Goddess, Maxi," she said. "You're absolutely stunning!"

Maxi tried to stand up, but she was wobbly. Give me control, Maxi. I got this, Aria said in her head. Maxi instantly took a step back in her head and allowed Aria to step forward.

Aria stood up and walked over to the lake. She looked in the water and was proud of her reflection. Maxi was shocked at what she was seeing through her wolf's eyes.

Her fur was a pure white that shimmered in the moonlight. Her eyes were the same amethyst color as her human form. As she examined her reflection, she felt soft hands petting her fur. She turned her head to see Sandi running her fingers through Aria's fur.

"Maxi, you have a mark on your hind quarter," Sandi said. Chad and Franki's wolves walked over to see the mark. It was a rod with two snakes wrapped around it, adorned with wings at the top. The mark was lilac-colored and also shimmered in the moonlight.

Maxi saw her aunt and uncle staring at each other and knew they were having a conversation through their link. Aria knew that Maxi needed answers and that the only ones who could give them to her were her aunt and uncle.

We're going to shift back, Aria said. Focus on your human form.

Maxi focused on her human form, shifting back as Aria took a step back in her head. Once she was shifted, she grabbed her clothes and quickly got dressed before turning to the others.

"I think we should head back now," she said. Sandi nodded in agreement. The girls grabbed their stuff and headed back to the packhouse, with Chad and Franki following behind them.

Chad and Franki shifted and dressed before leaving the forest. The girls were waiting several feet away. "Maxi, I know you have so many questions," Franki said. "I promise you we will answer them tomorrow after breakfast."

"I'll ask Donavan if we can meet in his office, since it is sound-proofed," Chad added. "You girls need to get some rest. Tomorrow is sure to be a long day."

The girls nodded before giving their aunt and uncle hugs, then heading up to their room. Maxi took a shower, before giving the bathroom to Sandi. While Sandi was in the shower, Maxi thought about everything that had just happened. She was scared and she was confused. Unfortunately, Aria was no help.

Sandi came out of the bathroom and looked at her best friend. "Are you OK?" she asked, concern in her voice.

Maxi smiled gently. "No, but I will be," she said. She couldn't lie to the only person who'd been by her side, other than her aunt and uncle.

Sandi walked over and sat on Maxi's bed before giving her friend a big hug. "I'm so sorry you're going through this, Maxi," she said. It broke her heart to see her friend feeling so down.

After a few minutes, Sandi went to her own bed. The girls said good night to each other before shutting off their lamps. It wasn't long before Maxi heard Sandi's breathing even out, telling her the girl was sleeping.

Maxi had a much harder time. It was a few hours before sleep finally found her, and she was out like a light.