The Masked Wolf

Shifting

Ava’s point of view

"It's to make you feel more comfortable while shifting, silly. You don't want to shift in your clothes and go home naked," Gloria explained, clarifying why she had the blanket.

"Okay. How do I do it?" I asked, my hands and legs trembling uncontrollably.

I wanted to shift. I wanted to let my wolf Sage run free. I was still scared though.

"Well, first, what is your wolf's name?" Gloria inquired, excitedly.

Gloria always seemed so brave. I wasn't sure what made her so fearless.

"Sage. Tell her my name is Sage!" Sage, my wolf, insisted, pressing forward in my mind.

Sage was excited she had been looking forward to this moment for a long time.

"Her name is Sage," I replied nervously.

Not sure what shifting felt like made me nervous. All I knew was that it was painful.

"Aww, that's a cute name, Sage! My wolf's name is Electra! Okay, so you will let Sage take total control. She will instinctively know what to do, and you mustn't fight her, as it will only prolong the process and make it more painful. Trust her completely; she knows what she's doing," Gloria reassured me confidently.

I took a deep breath. And looked at Gloria who was beaming with excitement with her hair black beautiful thick hair pulled up into a messy bun.

"Are you sure that's all I need to do? And you'll be here forever, not leaving my side?" I asked Gloria, still trembling.

I still wanted to turn back and head home. I just knew if I was going to shift I needed someone I could depend on and that person was Gloria. So it was now or never.

"Yes, Gloria is certain I've got this," Sage, my wolf, chimed in, pressing forward in my mind again, eager for her chance to take over and experience freedom for a while.

"Yes, I'm sure. Electra, my wolf, agrees. She said Sage is an old soul and knows exactly what she's doing," Gloria reassured me, providing comfort.

"Okay, I'm ready," I said, nodding, and taking in another deep breath unsure of how to began.

"Great. I'll cover you with the blanket while you undress. Then, you'll lie down, relax, and keep the blanket over you so you don't feel exposed. I'll be beside you, and you'll let Sage take control," Gloria explained, holding the blanket around me as I undressed.

I neatly folded my clothes into a pile and lay down, with the blanket covering me and my best friend, Gloria, right by my side. With her close presence, I felt a sense of security and fearlessness.

"Okay, Sage, I'm ready," I said, smiling at Gloria.

A surge of pain coursed through my body as Sage took control.

"Don't fight it. Stop tensing up," Gloria reassured me from beside me.

I forced myself to relax, though the pain was still intense. I could feel my bones breaking and rearranging.

Opening my eyes, I looked down to see the skin on my chest transforming into beautifully brown fur. Finally, my shift was over, and it felt like I was in the back of Sage's mind. Gloria undressed in front of me, displaying a lack of shyness that most shifters possess. I couldn't help but admire her thin figure, wishing I wasn't so fat.

Gloria swiftly transformed into a stunning black wolf, matching Sage in size. Our wolves bounded into the water together, playfully frolicking like siblings.

I relinquished control to Sage, allowing them to take charge. Electra, Gloria's wolf form, led Sage into the forest for an exhilarating run.

They romped and played, displaying a deep affection for one another, much like Gloria and I shared. Suddenly, Sage scanned the surroundings, searching for Electra. Unable to locate her, Sage let out a howl of concern. Then, out of nowhere, Electra pounced on Sage from behind as if teaching Sage to be aware of their surroundings.

After allowing them to play for hours, I sensed a peculiar sensation in my head. "It's time to head back now; it's getting late, and your first shift will be draining," Gloria's voice resounded in my mind.

Electra guided Sage back to the car, and we transformed and dressed ourselves.

"Teach me how to mind-link!" I exclaimed eagerly to Gloria.

"I will. I'm grateful that the previous Alpha implemented the tradition of children inheriting their parent's pack allegiance. Can you imagine having to undergo a blood oath to establish that connection?" Gloria remarked, causing us both to wrinkle our noses in disgust.

We spent the car ride honing our mind-linking skills while Gloria emphasized the importance of permanently deactivating them to prevent unintentionally revealing our thoughts to others.

"Goodbye. You're truly amazing, and I love you so much," I expressed, embracing Gloria tightly.

"Goodbye. I love you, too. Perhaps we'll both find our mates, and they'll join us on our adventures together, Bestie," Gloria replied, returning the embrace.

I stepped out of Gloria’s car, only to be greeted by darkness so profound that it startled me. Realizing my phone was dead, I rummaged through my purse, hoping to find a charger. Curiosity piqued, and I wondered if Tom had sent me any messages.

Entering the pack house through the back door, I headed straight for the kitchen, driven by an insatiable hunger. Without bothering to heat the leftovers, I devoured everything within reach.

Satiated, I went to my room and plugged my phone into the charger. As I settled into bed, my phone began to ping incessantly with messages, all from Tom. Three in total. The first read, "I hope you're enjoying your day." The second one asked, "What have you been up to?" The third message revealed, "Well, the Neutral pack lands are secure once again. I can't help but envy your best friend—I haven't gone this long without talking to you."

"I'm sorry, Tom. My phone died, and I didn't have a charger. I did have a great time, though. I'm glad the neutral pack lands are safe now. So, our date for tomorrow is still happening," I responded to Tom, a smile forming on my lips.

"Oh, yes, it is. I can't wait to see you again, my beautiful. It's delightful to hear from you," Tom responded almost instantly, as if eagerly awaiting my message.

Curiosity sparked within me, and I couldn't help but inquire, "What did you do all day?" Hoping he would provide me with some personal details.

"I was occupied with ensuring the safety of the neutral pack lands," Tom replied promptly.

"Really? That sounds intriguing. Are you being truthful, Tom?" I questioned, my skepticism evident.

"Well, I suppose you'll have to get to know me better to find out," Tom replied, further piquing my curiosity.

With fatigue slowly overtaking me, I bid Tom goodnight, struggling to keep my eyes open. "Goodnight, Tom. I'll see you tomorrow," I managed to send before succumbing to sleep.

"Goodnight, my beautiful. I eagerly await tomorrow," Tom responded as I closed my eyes.