Sharp Edges

The Flip of A Coin

Skye's POV: 

I wake up in bed and stretch my sore muscles. For a moment I think I might have been dreaming, but then Zack is by my side. 

"Hey baby girl. How are you feeling?" He asks. The concern in his voice matches the worry in his eyes. 

Nope not a dream. 

Mentally replaying everything that happened I answer, "I totally passed out, didn't I?" 

"Yes, you did. You have been out for a while.”

"Where's Jules? She's probably blaming herself."

Zack chuckles before answering, "Your right. She is blaming herself, but she didn't want to leave until you woke up, and she knew you were okay. She's in the living room." 

He puts his hand on my cheek, and I lean into it. 

"Thanks for taking care of me." I say to him.

"Anytime baby girl." He answers, and leans in.

The kiss is short, but passionate. I can't help the breathlessness that follows when he pulls away. Yep. I totally just kissed a werewolf. Something must be wrong with my brain, but it felt right being with him. Zack and Jules are my best friends. Speaking of Jules. 

"I am gonna go check on Jules." I tell Zack while I climb out of bed. 

"Okay. I might jump in your shower if that's okay with you. It will give you girls a few minutes alone, not to mention I smell like dirt."

Before I can answer he is already stripping naked in the hall.

Damn. He is so fricken hot. If Greek gods existed, I imagine they would look something like Zack. They would for sure have his strong shoulders, and rock-hard abs. Not to mention the buns of steel. As if the body of a god isn't enough to make any woman go weak in the knees, he has those gorgeous green eyes that can read me like a book. Every time I think I am going to play it cool; those eyes bring all my darkest desires to the surface.

Zack's low growl brings me back to the present, "I can come back in there if you want baby girl?" 

"Sorry," I shake the mental images from my mind. "Y... Yes." I stammer.

"You want me to come back?" He asks. His playful expression turning hungry.  

"What? NO! I mean yes! When I said yes, I was talking about you using my shower. You know you don't even need to ask."  

"It's just good manners baby girl." He says while walking back to me completely naked.  "It is also good manners not to leave a lady wet, and horny." He adds.

Zack leans down, and whispers into my ear, "I can smell your need baby girl."

Oh... right... werewolf senses. I mentally palm my forehead for not having better control over my hormones. I would have to work on that, but first I need to understand this whole werewolf situation. 

"Well..." I look down at my bare feet, unsure of how to tell him that my body needs him, but my mind needs some answers... "that particular need is going to have to wait. What I really need is to understand everything that happened earlier." I reply.

"Of course. You must have so many questions." He answers. "Go talk to Jules. I'll join the two of you in a few." He kisses my forehead tenderly before heading back toward the bathroom. 

I take a moment to collect myself. To say today has been eventful would be an understatement. 

I find Jules in the kitchen, and the smell of breakfast overwhelms my senses. How long has it been since I've eaten? Suddenly my stomach growls, and I have my answer... Too long. 

"I hope you don't mind" Jules says before rambling in typical Jules’s fashion. "I heard you and Zack talking, and figured you would be hungry. I didn't think apology pancakes would cut it after what I did, so I made every kind of breakfast food I could find in your fridge. Don't worry I will replace everything I used right away. I am so, so, sorry Skye. I don't know what I was thinking. You were handling everything so well, and then I... well I... I'm just so SORRY. Tell me what I can do to make it up to you?!"She finishes in a rush.

"Well, you can start by breathing." I laugh at her. "I'm not mad at you Jules. I have no reason to be. I will take some of those pancakes, and maybe some bacon though. I am starved."

Jules looks at me like I have grown a second head before she turns and starts throwing food on a plate. 

"I shifted into my wolf right in front of you, which caused you to faint, and then made apology breakfast, and the only part your concerned with is the food.

Why am I not surprised?" She says, turning back to face me, plate in hand.

"Don't get me wrong, I have so many questions. I don't even know where to start. I just figured I would be in a much better head space when Zack has some clothes on, and I have some of this food in my stomach." I smile and shrug my shoulders at her while she is handing me my plate. 

Noticing that my attempt to make light of the situation did not work I continue, "It is exceptionally good logic if I do say so myself. How could anyone think clearly with a hungry stomach, and a naked werewolf walking around their house?"

The last part breaks through her seriousness, and she bursts out laughing as she follows me to the couch. 

"Is it all naked werewolves that cloud your mind, or just the sexy hunk of a beast currently using your loofah?" She laughs teasingly.

"Hum." I say in mock serious thought. "I wouldn't know. My apartment seems to be overrun with wolves nowadays."

"We can put it to the test if you want?" Jules replies, struggling to maintain her own fake serious composure. "I have absolutely no problem streaking around the house naked a few times." 

"Another time girl. Another time." I laugh. "I am seriously starving, and all this food is getting cold." I point at my plate; piled high with pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and even some fresh fruit. 

"Fine. Your loss." She teases and sticks her tongue out at me like a 5-yearold. I almost spit my orange juice all over her as my laughter erupts uncontrollably. 

"I wouldn't mind a strip tease if you’re offering to get naked." Zack says as he joins us in the living room. 

He has one towel wrapped around his waist and is using another to dry is shaggy dishwater blond locks. It takes every ounce of willpower I have, to tear my eyes away from his v-line. 

"Maybe next time babe. Skye has decided that, for the sake of keeping her mind clear, no naked werewolves are allowed until she gets some answers." 

"I can respect that." Zack answers, kissing Jules's cheek before going to find some clothes. While he is retreating down the hall, I hear him muttering to himself about "that's what he gets for leaving the girls alone by themselves". Jules and I share a look before we are both doubled over in laughter again.

Zack comes back fully clothed, and we fall into our normal routine, talking, laughing and just hanging out. It is almost like the last twenty-four hours hadn't happened, but they had, and I couldn't keep avoiding it. I am laying on the couch with my head in Jules's lap, and Zack massaging my calf muscles. Whelp here goes nothing. 

"So... you two are fricken werewolves... I did not see that one coming." 

"We will answer any questions you have." Zack replies, and Jules nods in agreement.

"Well why don't you guys just fill me in. From the beginning, because I honestly have no clue where to start?" 

"Well, I was born a wolf..." Zack starts. "...and I was born human like you." Jules adds.

"Born human, but how?" I let my question hang in the air. 

 "I chose to have Zack change me and become a part of his pack." Jules adds. 

"Does it hurt? It looked like it hurt." I ask Jules, shivering as the scene replays in my mind.

"For a human, the first few shifts are painful, but after that...  you just feel kind of itchy, like you have poison ivy all over, for a minute or two. The more you shift, the easier it is." Jules answers, shrugging. 

"What about for you Zack?" I ask.

"My body was always meant to go through the shift, so for me I guess you could say it feels like stretching muscles that haven't been used in a while." Zack answers, and lifts my leg for emphasis. 

"Interesting... So, are you like the alfa or something?" I ask Zack. 

"There are only two of us in this pack, so we do not have need for an alpha." He answers. 

Jules quickly jumps in, and adds, "A lot of what you've seen in the movies or read about in books has some truth to it Skye, but they got one big thing wrong. In real life the alpha of a pack is female, not male." 

I sit up and look at her; shocked. 

"So, you’re the alpha? Zack just said that there was no need for an alpha with just the two of you. He also said this pack. How many other packs are there?"

"There is really no way to know how many packs out there, or how many people are make up each of those packs. Every wolf can create more wolves. They can choose to stay in the pack with their creator or break off on their own. Our main goal is to blend in with the human population as well as possible, so the general rule of thumb is to limit the number of wolves that gather in one area. This means many small packs, like with Jules and I." Zack answers. 

There is a brief pause while they let me process then Jules adds, "As far as the alpha female thing goes, just because a wolf is the only female in a pack does not make her an alpha. Like Zack said, with such small pack sizes, an alpha is not needed for every pack. However, even though Zack was born, and I was bitten, I am female, and therefore... hold a higher rank so to speak."

"Okay." I reply.

A comfortable silence falls between the three of us. Zack goes back to massaging my legs, and Jules is braiding my hair while I am lost in thought. 

"Did you two tell me your secret because you want me to... to become... like you?" I ask them.

I couldn't hide the fear that was layered beneath the surface of my question. On one hand, if they didn't want me to be like them, would that mean I would eventually lose them? On the other, was I ready to truly let go of my past, and start a new life with my two best friends? I had run from my past but changing into a wolf wouldn't just close the door, it would burn the whole fricken house down. There is no way my life could ever go back to the way it was before.

If I am being honest with myself some part of me is still holding out hope that Jaxon and I will find our way back to each other. 

The thought of Jaxon causes me to begin replaying how he left me.

Heartbroken, confused, and hurt... Shattered. He left me shattered, and weak. The pain that usually follows these memories is now accompanied by anger.

I never want to feel that powerless again…even if the house must burn.  

Only a moment has passed since I asked the question, and I had gone from terrified of either answer, to hoping for a specific one. Like when you're indecisive about something so you flip a coin, and for the split second the coin is in the air you suddenly know which side you want the coin to land on. The question is my coin... One side the future... One side the past. 

"Well I for one want you to go through the transformation and become like us. I think it was always meant to be that way. I have been testing you physically for almost a year now. I know you can handle the shift." Jules answers.

"So, all that self-empowerment, stronger, smarter, better me, was all grooming me to shift into a werewolf?" I ask her.

"What can I say, I like to be prepared." She shrugs.

"Jules says she knows you can handle the shift, but there is no guarantee of that. It's not that I don't what you to shift. I am simply scared of losing you. I would rather have a human Skye in my life, than have you die trying to make the change. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but you need to understand there is a very real possibility that the shift could kill you." Zack adds.

 "Zack you're going to scare her!" Jules yells accusingly.

Zack snaps back, "She should be scared Jules! She has a right to know what she would be signing up for. I am only giving her the facts, just like I did for you, so she can make an informed decision about her life! Just because you decided it was worth the risk does not mean Skye will, and downplaying it for her won't do her any favors if she does decide to go through with this!"

I have never seen Zack get this upset. 

"Guys please don't fight." My voice comes out only slightly above a whisper, but they both turn their attention back to me apologetically. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice." Zack says taking my hand in his. 

"I'm sorry too Skye. Zack is right. I shouldn’t downplay it. The first shift sucks, and yes, it could kill you. However, if we are giving you all the facts, it is more likely that it won't. I have been physically preparing your body to handle the shift for almost a full year. I survived my first change with only a months’ worth of preparation. You are significantly more prepared for this than I was, and I made it through just fine. I AM NOT being reckless with your life by encouraging this. I have no doubt in my mind that you were meant to be a werewolf. Whatever events led you to this moment, they happened for a reason. You are a human who can feel the pack bond for crying out loud! Zack is protective, especially when he thinks we need protecting from ourselves. He was the same way before my first shift, but he will respect your choice. As will I if you choose to stay human. We will always have your back. Wolf or no wolf." Jules finishes. 

Zack looks at Jules then back to me before seeming to conclude that he had lost this round, and instead goes for a delaying tactic that fools no one. 

"It is not a decision you have to make right now, or anytime soon for that matter. All I ask, is that you weigh the pros, and cons of each option. You only just found out shifters exist. Take a beat to process. Let us fill you in on what it’s like. Both the pros, and the cons, because once it is done... it can't be undone baby girl." Zack says pleadingly. 

"Okay," I say to them, "Tell me everything." 

After a few hours of them filling me in on the ways of werewolves I decide it is time to get out of the house. 

"Come on. Everybody up." I say to them while I untangle myself from Zack's embrace and pull Jules to her feet. 

"What? Why?" Zack asks.

"Because we are going out." I reply.

"Out? It's barely noon." Jules states. 

"Sorry to burst your bubble Jules, but I did not mean out on the town." I say to her. 

She sighs "Okay, but you’re buying me coffee."

"Where are we going?" Zack asks. 

"You'll see. Now get a move on." I snap my fingers at them. 

Jules puts her hands up in surrender and starts gathering her things. Zack, on the other hand, pushes me against the wall. Pinning me there with his hands on my hips.

"You did hear me when I said I was a big… bad… wolf… right? You might not want to snap your fingers at me like that little lady. There may be repercussions." He whispers playfully in my ear, his attempt to match my southern accent making me giggle. 

"Don't tease me with a good time mister big bad wolf." I say, sliding my hand down to the front of his jeans.  

He instinctively moves his hands, from my waist to the wall by my head, giving me more room to work. He is already getting hard, and I smile; more to myself than to him. One rub along his length has him throwing his head back in pleasure. While he is distracted, I quickly duck under his arm, and sidestep away from him. I trot over to where Jules is waiting by the front door, before looking over my shoulder, and calling out to him. "Are you coming, or not big bad wolf?" 

Jules interlocks her arm with mine and opens the door.

"I'd follow you two anywhere." Zack answers. 

After a coffee detour for Jules, I drive us to my favorite new gym. I say new, but it is only new to me. In reality it's quite old. The gym itself is an old brick building that use to be some type of auto body shop. The color of the building is faded, and one of the front windows is busted out; replaced by cardboard, and duct tape. It is definitely lacking in curb appeal, but I had found sanctuary within its walls. I come here to train four days a week with Reggie. Reggie is 66 years old and gives off a Mr. Miyagi vibe. We clicked instantly when I started coming, but I have not told anyone else about my trips here. Zack, and Jules had shared their big secret with me, and this gym is the only part of my life that they’re not privy to.

When I pull into the parking lot, Zack asks me if I am lost, or need directions somewhere. I roll my eyes at him before parking my truck and climbing out. 

"Are you two coming, or what?" I call over my shoulder. 

They look at each other questioningly, but quickly hop out, and follow me inside.

"Skye, there you are." Reggie greets me. "You missed your session this morning. I was worried." He scolds me lightly. 

"I’m sorry Reggie. I would have called, but I got some shocking news. I simply got caught up trying to process. Instead of calling to explain I figured I would just come by. Maybe get in some sparring if that's okay with you?" 

"Of course, dear. You kids make yourselves at home." he answers.

"We will. Thank you, Reggie. These are my friends, Jules, and Zack. Guys this is Reggie." I introduce them. 

"Any friend of Skye's, is a friend of mine." Reggie greets my friends shaking each of their hands in turn, before shuffling off toward his office.  

Once he has disappeared, I turn to my friends. 

"How did I not know about this place?!" Jules asks excitedly. 

Zack drapes his arm around my shoulders. "Better question. How did we not know Skye has been spending so much time here?" He asks looking down at me with raised eyebrows. 

"Don't look at me like that. I’ve had a lot of stuff to sort out. This place helps me... well... sort." I reply with a shrug.

"I get it baby girl. No need to explain. I just like knowing you’re safe is all." Zack says kissing the top of my head. 

"So? What's the plan?" Jules asks. 

"Reggie is a great trainer as far as technique goes, but he’s kind of lacking in the physical opponent area. You said you've been preparing my body for a year… How’s about we put that preparation through a test run?”

"I don't know if that is a good idea, Skye. You could get hurt." Zack chimes in. 

"She can handle it, Zack." Jules tells him.

"Don't think you’re not included in this little sparring session too." I call Zack out. 

"Absolutely not." Zack states plainly. "Listen, Jules is one thing, but I am a whole other level Skye. "

"No, you listen Zack. I need this. So, when I show you that I can handle myself in there with Jules, I expect you to show me the same respect as Jules and put me to the test. What better way to see if I am ready?" I snap. 

I usually keep my emotions in check, but my frustration was laced into every word. 

"IF you handle yourself in there with Jules, I will also spar with you, but only if you agree to start slow and then build up." 

"WHEN I handle myself with Jules I agree." I roll my eyes before turning toward the locker room to find Jules and I some gear. 

In the locker room Jules has already found my locker and changed into a set of my sparring clothes. I shake my head, laughing as I join her. She takes the term 'make yourself at home' to its full potential. I grab a back-up set and get changed.

"This is so exciting!" She chirps in a high-pitched voice. 

I reply "I know. Thanks for always believing in me Jules. It means a lot. Now come on, the gear is over here." I lead Jules over to a small closet that is meticulously organized. We pick out equipment, and head back out to the ring. 

Zack is waiting, and Reggie has joined him. I take a deep breath. Here goes nothing. 

Jules and I touch gloves and begin to circle.

The world around us seems to fade away as I focus in on Jules's movements. Over eager as always, she throws the first punch. Her movement is faster than I had anticipated, and I barely dodge her. She smiles at me clearly impressed already. I use her moment of distraction against her and throw a punch of my own right to her ribs. When I make contact, she is clearly taken by surprise, and again I use that against her throwing my left towards her face. She recovered quickly from the first blow and dodges my second. I smile knowing I had landed the first punch.

Our sparring match continues, Reggie calling out tips as Jules and I go round and round... Jules is stronger, but it appears I am quicker, and she has a hard time making contact… Which is a good thing, because when she does land a blow, it hurts like hell. Damn wolf strength.

"Okay ladies." I hear Zack call out. "I think you have both had enough for now."

Finally. I think to myself. 

Sweat was practically rolling off my body in buckets, and even Jules had a good layer of sweat showing through her clothes. I find myself slightly smug about that because I have never seen her break a sweat before. Overall, however, I think she won our sparring match.

Jules throws her arm around me and says, "That was amazing Skye! I knew you had it in you."

"Thanks Jules. I appreciate the praise, really, but can you please take your arm back? I feel like I might collapse from the weight of it right now. No offense."

"s**t sorry babe." She says, removing her arm from my shoulders.

I jab her arm playfully "But thanks for not holding back."

We make our way over to the gate and climb down the steps. Reggie greets me first, "Well done ladies. It has been a long time since I've seen women fight with such strength and grace. You two should train together more often." He gives Jules and I a squeeze on the shoulder before heading back to his office.

"I'll admit you held your own in there Skye." Zack says.

"Our girl here is a bad ass." Jules replies.

Zack smiles. "Let me help you two out of those gloves."

We both hold out our hands. He takes Jules's gloves off, and when she turns to head toward the locker room, he spanks her ass with them.

"Don't forget these." He calls after her.

In typical Jules-fashion she flips her ponytail over her shoulder and continues without coming back for the gloves. 

I'm laughing at her when Zack turns back to me and starts removing my gloves.

"I'm assuming you want to save our sparring match for a later date?" He asks me.

"You assume correct..." I answer. Mentally hoping that he doesn’t that my arms are shaking slightly as the adrenalin, that has been keeping me standing, begins to dissipate. 

"I'm honestly kind of curious how much you have left in you baby girl." He replies.

The thought of going another round nearly made my legs collapse from under me. Jules had taken everything I had...and then some. 

When my hands are free, I turn, and retrieve Jules's gloves from the mat before taking mine back from Zack. He chuckles under his breath and follows me over towards the locker rooms. When we are almost to the entrance Jules comes dancing out with wet hair, and headphones in her ears. She looked refreshed, and full of energy. When she sees us, she takes out her headphones and smiles at us. 

"So, what's next on today’s agenda?" She asks. 

Shaking my head, and chuckling along with Zack I reply, "Well I definitely need a shower too, but I can wait until we get back to the apartment if you guys don't want to wait while I shower here?"

My two best friends look at each other then back to me.

"No offense girl, but you smell. We do not mind waiting if it means we won't have to stick our noses out of the window of your truck on the way home. We’re animals and all but...." Jules says, then winks at me before plopping down on the worn, black, leather sofa that sits between the men and women's locker rooms.

"Gee thanks babe. I feel the love." I reply. An idea pops into my head, followed by a mischievous grin making its way onto my face. "Speaking of love... why don't you come here, and give your girl a hug?" I say, making my way towards her.

"Oh no you don't!" She says pointing at me warningly.

When I don't stop my advances, she scrunches herself up small to avoid making contact with my sweaty form.

"Zack get your woman into that shower before she does something she will regret. You know my paybacks are brutal. Do you really want to watch her bring that upon herself?"

Zack, who had been watching us silently, finally chimes in. "Skye, she isn't lying. Her paybacks are brutal, and they come when you least expect them."

"I'll take that under advisement." I say, before leaning slightly further over Jules.

"Zack!" She calls out for help.

Next thing I know my feet are no longer on the floor as Zack picks me up, and tosses me, like a rag doll, over his shoulder.

"You will thank me for this later baby girl. I promise." He says making his way into the women's locker room, me in tow.

"Zack put me down!" I yell at him. "Jules! This isn't over!" I add.

"Just shut up and take a shower Stinky." She calls back, laughing.

I hear the shower turn on before Zack sets me down on a bench. 

"You two need your own television series. You could make millions." He teases. "Now. Up." He adds.

"Excuse me?" I ask.

"Arms up." He repeats. Zack bends down, and gathers the bottom of my soaking wet cutoff, before pulling it over my head.

"Zack." I protest. "I am perfectly capable of undressing myself."

“I know that match took more out of you than you’re letting on. Based on your shaking hands, and your heart rate that's still through the roof, I'm surprised you haven't fainted again." He says tenderly, while he begins un-tying my shoes.

"How did you...? Oh. Duh. Wolf senses. That is definitely going to take some getting used to." I reply, standing.

 The room spins so I sit back down.

 "Arms up." He says again.

Rolling my eyes at him, I comply.

He lifts my sweaty sports bra from my sides, pulling it over my head, and discarding it on the tile floor. Bear chested in front of him, I expect him to make some sort of s****l advance. Instead, he simply looks me over slowly. Longing clear in his gaze. Then he drops to his knees, and slowly peels off my leggings, and underwear; careful not to jostle me too much.

When I stand in front of him completely bare, he picks me up bridal stile, and says, "Just let me take care of you baby girl."

I sigh and rest my head on his strong shoulders before I reply.

"Just this once."