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“Sort of, but also because I believe them. I don’t know how to explain it, really. I mean, I think I saw a dude turn into a wolf. Then I remember you said something about Bennett being like that. It has to be some sort of delusion, but it actually sort of makes sense. So, yeah. I think I’m crazy.”
“I think we can help you understand.” Lori sat in a chair nearby and began to explain.
Stephanie listened in fascination as each of the women took turns, patiently talking about their own pasts and experiences and answering all of Annie’s questions. Dawn had been born like this, just like her mother, Joan. They carried a responsibility toward their pack that they took very seriously. Lori, as she’d already briefly mentioned to Stephanie, had believed she was just a normal human being until she’d met her mate, Rex. Her entire life had changed, but only for the better. Robin’s transformation had been an accident, but it had brought her into the happiest time of her life. Angela recounted how she’d been changed to save her life, which seemed particularly relevant to Annie’s case.
“That’s where we come back to you, my dear,” Joan said as she ran her fingers along a strand of purple beads around her neck. “If you’d had the knowledge and capability to shift right away, you wouldn’t have needed our healing powers and perhaps not even stitches. You’re recovering well, and even that is due to the wolf that now lives inside of you. Can you feel it? Almost like another voice or another consciousness inside you?”
Annie had been holding Stephanie’s hand as they listened, and now her grip tightened. She stared down at her lap for a moment before she looked up at Joan. “As much as I can’t believe I’m saying this, yes.”
Joan gave her an approving nod. “Good. That’s a great start.”
“We’d like to help you learn to shift. I know it seems very soon, but it’s the best way we can help ensure you heal. Could I get you some food first, though?” Lori asked.
Annie pressed her free hand to her stomach. “I don’t think I could handle any food right now. Thank you.”
“No problem. We have plenty whenever you’re ready. We should move these sweet dogs back to the kitchen. This might freak them out a little.” Lori stepped to the door and clicked her tongue.
Stephanie prepared herself to help wrangle them, but it was quickly apparent that her help wasn’t needed. The dogs responded to Lori the same way they had to Bennett. Stephanie picked up vague signals from them and understood that they saw the shifters as leaders, like big dogs but with special powers and authority.
Dawn leaned forward. “Do you think you’re ready to try?”
“I’ll do my best,” Annie said with a shrug. “I’m not going to say I don’t believe all of you, but I’m still not sure I really will unless it actually happens.”
Robin laughed. “That sounds pretty reasonable to me! We’re going to start by getting you in touch with your inner wolf. You said you can feel it, so right now, you need to really pay attention to it. Close your eyes and explore it. Let it expand within you and be itself. Don’t try to hold it back.”
“Most humans are raised to keep their emotions in check and hide the parts of themselves that they don’t want the rest of the world to see,” Angela added. “It’s hard, but you have to change the way you think about that.”
“Now we need to work on some breathing techniques.” Joan had the same maternal vibe as Lori, and her voice was soothing.
Annie, still with her eyes closed, smiled. “At least that’s something I’m familiar with.” She squeezed Stephanie’s hand again.
In some ways, Stephanie had worried she was losing her daughter. Annie had grown up so fast, and even though she was proud to see the brilliant young woman she’d become, it was hard. At least some element of her time with Stephanie was still relevant to her new life as a shifter. Stephanie had guided her through calming and meditative breaths many times.
Lori had returned from the kitchen. “When you breathe in, envision your wolf strengthening and growing larger inside you. When you breathe out, imagine that your wolf comes right out of your lungs and into the room.”
Annie did as she was told, her chest rising and falling, but she still looked entirely human.
“Be patient with yourself,” Robin advised. “Relax as much as possible and know it will happen in its time.”
It was so hard to watch. Stephanie knew this needed to happen, but she wished she knew more about how to help. Annie would need to learn how to work this new part of her life, and she was fortunate enough that she had all the right people around to help her with it. The Glenwood women were so gracious and kind.
Annie let her breath out through her mouth, and a line of thick fur erupted on her arm. She jerked her head upright, her eyes snapping open, and let out a yelp of surprise when she saw it. With a shaking hand, she reached over and touched it. “Holy shit.”
“That’s wonderful,” Joan encouraged. “Great job.”
“It shows you’re doing everything right,” Robin added. “Just keep at it!”
“Okay.” Annie nodded. She closed her eyes again and worked on her breathing. She relaxed into the couch as she took several more breaths, but nothing happened.
Then Annie’s body jerked forward. She nearly fell off the couch, but Dawn caught her by the shoulders. Annie spasmed, several gasps and strange noises escaping her throat as her new inner wolf took over. Wolf ears poked up through her hair as it retracted into fur. The entire shape of her body completely transformed. It was only a matter of a few seconds, but Stephanie watched in fascination and horror as her daughter became a wolf.
“Perfect!” Joan exclaimed, clapping her hands. “You’re beautiful, dear!”
“It’s going to feel strange for a while, but medically, you’re probably going to feel much better,” came Dawn’s clinical assertion.
“Once we know it’s safe, we’ll take you out in the woods so you can really feel what it’s like.” Robin smiled and clasped her hands together. “It’s absolutely amazing.”
Angela laughed. “You’ll definitely need that training, and don’t feel ashamed about it. I looked like a baby deer when it first happened to me. But you’ll get the hang of it.”
