A New Era

I'm Coming Out

April’s POV

I didn't even have a chance to wake up completely. I was still half in a dream when my room was suddenly full of my family. "Happy Birthday, little panther-wolf," they all shouted in unison, their faces alight with smiles. I was so excited I couldn't help but grin. My inner panther, Sky, was jumping around in my head, unable to contain her excitement. She couldn't wait to shift. "I love you all, but can you please give me a minute to get dressed?" I laughed, trying to shoo them out the door. Once everyone had left, I quickly cleaned up and dressed in a comfortable pair of sweats and my favorite Chucks. I then headed to the dining room for my birthday breakfast.

As I walked into the hall, everyone began to sing "Happy Birthday." I felt my heart swell with gratitude as I made my way to the table, where, one by one, everyone came to give me a big hug. Just as I took my seat, an omega came over and placed a plate in front of me. "French toast and bacon," she said with a warm smile. "OMG! My favorite!" I couldn't help but exclaim.

With my day off from training, I decided to give myself a spa day. With the significant shift coming up, I knew it was essential to take some time to pamper and relax my body. I spent the morning in a blissful routine of hot baths, scented lotions, and a face mask. The quiet time alone gave me a moment to breathe and mentally prepare for the changes my body would undergo. My inner panther was still restless, but the calm atmosphere helped to soothe some of her excitement.

By evening, I was completely relaxed and ready for dinner. My mom came into my room with a beautiful peach-colored sundress for me, which I paired with some simple sandals. I could barely contain my excitement because I knew tonight was the night I would shift for the first time. Heading to the dining room, I saw that it had been completely transformed. Streamers and balloons were everywhere, and on the table sat a giant cake and a pile of presents. Music filled the air, and I knew it was going to be a night to remember.

For dinner, the pack's omegas brought out a feast: steak, baked potatoes, turnip greens, corn muffins, and mac and cheese. The smells alone were enough to make my stomach growl, but I knew better. I didn't want to risk vomiting during my first shift. "I think I'll just stick to the steak and a baked potato," I told my mom, whose eyes were filled with concern. Mich, my prankster brother, overheard me and gave me a sympathetic look. "Don't worry, little pea," he said, clapping me on the shoulder. "I'll have a plate set aside for you. "The first shift is known to drain all your energy, so you'll be starving afterward." I thanked him, and we all dived in. I didn't know who enjoyed the meal more, my brothers or Alpha Fredrick's son, Jacob. They were all in a competition, at least that's how it appeared to me and Mom.

After cutting the cake and some dancing, Mom and Dad thought it would be a good idea for me to open the presents, as it was getting late. I had a feeling that Dad didn't want a lot of the pack around once the moon was full up. All the gifts were nice, but there was one that stood out the most. The box was huge, and as I opened it, I found smaller boxes nested inside, like a puzzle. I looked over at Mich, who was grinning mischievously, and knew he was behind it. Finally, I got to the last small box. Inside was a beautiful, handcrafted necklace. Holding the stone up to the light, you could see four wolves sitting under the moonlight, watching over a panther cub. The silver chain was delicate, and a small, polished stone hung from it. My mother explained that it was spelled to allow me to wear it during a shift, protecting it from being destroyed when I transformed.

People continued to party and enjoy themselves; however, the alpha family, as well as mine, traveled towards the distant gardens. It was time for my shift. Alpha Fredrick stationed guards around the entrance area that led from the packhouse. This was going to be a private affair. Stripping down to my undergarments, I bent down on all fours and allowed Sky to take control. A deep, guttural growl rumbled in my throat, a sound I had only ever heard in my dreams. The pain began almost instantly, a blinding, fiery agony that ripped through every cell in my body. My bones began to break and reform, the sound a symphony of cracks and pops in the otherwise silent garden. I screamed, the sound tearing from my throat as my human body contorted into a new form. Through my blurry vision, I saw Dad step in front of me, shielding me from the others, while Mom knelt behind me, her hand a comforting weight on my back, a silent anchor in my storm of pain. My brothers and Jacob shifted into their wolves, their massive forms looming around me. They were there, connecting with Sky through our mindlink, offering their strength and coaching her through the torturous process.

After what felt like an eternity, but was only about forty-five minutes, the transformation was done. The pain subsided, replaced by profound exhaustion. I looked around, my new silver eyes taking in the sight of my family, all of their mouths open in shock and awe. Fear, cold and sharp, gripped my heart. Had something gone wrong? Had I shifted into something other than a panther? It was then that Jack's voice entered my mind, a soft, loving whisper that cut through my fear. "Sweet pea, you're beautiful and special. You're white with silver eyes."