Finding Her Way Back

Chapter 2

As the three of us headed for the dining hall, Cecile wrapped her arm around me. She had done this 1000 times, yet today, for some reason, I felt like I needed to lean into it, so I laid my head on her shoulder. It was kind of awkward walking like that, but I felt secure and loved.

The Luna was a slender woman, with a soft sun-kissed complexion, her shoulder-length blonde hair was laced with brown accents, and right now in this moment, she held a smile that reached her stunning gray eyes. On my other side was the Alpha, he was a tall, muscular, scruffy man. He had a well kept dark brown, almost black beard that leveled off in the middle of his chest. His usually short-cut hair was a slightly lighter shade of brown, peppered with a few strands of silver, and presently just long enough to reach his eyes. I always wondered if the silver in his hair was natural because if you looked close enough, those same silver specks streaked the blue of his eyes.

" Are you excited for today? " Fredrick asked as he gestured for us to head down the stairs first, as he fell in behind us. " Honestly, I am nervous and anxious but Nyla is holding enough excitement for us both" I shrugged as Cecile shook her head and rubbed my arm." That is completely normal, just remember that while today holds potential for finding your fated mate, it is a celebration for you and Nyla, most importantly it is the day you two can truly bond with your first shift." I could feel Nyla buzzing with anticipation, like suddenly every nerve was vibrating, she couldn't help letting some of her excitement filter threw the wall that separated us, and I really couldn't blame her.

I was in awe looking at all the beautiful greenery and balloons that hung in the dining hall as we entered. I must not have been paying attention because I was suddenly jerked to a stop by Luna Cecile, causing Alpha Fredrick to slam into the back of me, throwing me off balance and almost sending me to the floor. "Ow, what was that for ?! " I said a little louder than I meant to. " I am wondering the same thing, Cecile dear? " I heard Alpha Fredick say.

We were both staring at Cecile now and as we began to follow the look of pure anger and hatred on her face, Nyla let out a growl so fierce, I would have thought it came from the Alpha if I hadn't felt it rip from my own throat. I felt a slight tingle in my eyes and stabbing pain in my hands as I looked down to see my claws had extended. I involuntarily staggered back as I honed in on just how sharp they were.

Everything happened so quickly, I didn't even have time to react. I was thrown to the back of my mind as Nyla took over, forcing my body to begin its shift. Panick settled in my chest as this shouldn't have been possible, the first shift is supposed to happen when the sun set and the moon rose. I heard Luna Cecile gasp as she removed her arm from around me and Alpha Fredricks replaced it wrapping me firmly in his grip and lifting me out of the dining hall.

Nyla growled again, "LET ME GO" she roared while trying to snap at Alpha Fredrick over her shoulder. Nyla was pushing harder on the barrier that separated us, causing the most intense pain to ripple through me as she continued to force the shift. As painful as it was, Alpha Fredricks grip on me was even more painful and preventing us from fully shifting. " Nyla! Stop it please ! What are you doing ?!" I screamed as I hit the barrier.

Nyla had pushed forward so quickly I didn't see what everyone else clearly did. All I knew was the hurt and betrayal oozing from my wolf, the hatred that burned in her soul and licked a dull flame in mine. In all the chaos it took me longer than it should have to recognize this pain. My heart dropped, and I felt faint as I realized the only thing that could cause this reaction from her, but it couldn't be, could it? Of all days, why today? I shook my head, trying to figure out what else could cause this reaction.

We were just about to step out the door and into the morning glow of the sun when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw them... my parents... and a man I had never seen before, standing a few feet inside the dining hall.