Page 21 of Eclipsed Legacy

“Here’s the thing— and I’m sure you’ve heard some of the wolves talk about it before, but it’s different when it’s you changing— you need to be prepared for some pain. The first time is the worst. Your body will instinctively want to resist, because you are not in control. Try to remain calm, relaxed. The more you tense up or try to resist, the more it’ll hurt.” This is what the others told me. My first change happened quickly and seemed very natural. I gave no resistance. “Okay?”

“Okay.”

“If you don’t change, don’t panic. Everyone in the pack is an experienced wolf, we’re not going to chase you or come after—”

“I didn’t even think about any of that.” Shit.

“Okay, well, good. That’s good... So, if you don’t change, you’ll want to walk back from the woods to Uncle Carl’s and call mom to come get you. We leave our phones in the cars.”

Michael nods and sits quietly.

“You all right?”

“Yeah,” he says quickly, giving me his attention. “I just can’t believe this is it. I just hope I turn.”

I smile. “Me too,” I say and give him a tight, sideways hug. “We should probably get going. Get your boots on and change into something comfortable.” He nods, and I head back to the kitchen where my mom is still frantically cooking. I knock on the archway so I don’t startle her. Again. She turns her head toward me, but her body still faces the stove. She still has that worried and sad look in her eyes, and it about kills me. It’s hard, because I realize that I do want Michael to be like me. I want to share this experience with him, but Mom wants the exact opposite. “We’re going to be leaving soon,” I say.

“Be safe,” she says, nearly void of emotion.

“We will be. I’ll call you when it’s over.”

“Thank you,” she says. “Look after him, okay?”

“Of course. I swear, I won’t let anything happen to him.”

“Tala!” Michael calls as he jogs down the hall. “Ready to go?”

“Absolutely,” I say with more enthusiasm than necessary. Michael is already walking toward the door. Before I turn, I mouth “I love you” to my mom. She smiles back at me and turns to continue her cooking.

It’s not long before Michael and I pull into Uncle Carl’s driveway. As I put my Honda in park, I ask Michael, “You ready?”

He nods quickly. “Oh yeah!”

“Okay, before we leave, take a big swig of this. And do not spit it out.” I hand my thermos to Michael, who gives me an unsure look. “It tastes like shit, but it’ll help.”

He takes it, quickly removes the cap, and chugs before pulling the thermos away from his lips. I watch as his face coils in revulsion. Just when I think he’s going to get sick or spew it out, his lips go tight and he swallows. “Yep,” he says. “Definitely tastes like shit. How will making me want to puke help?”

“It’ll help your muscles relax for the change.”

“Couldn’t you have just given me whiskey or something? This is a big rite of passage, right?”

“I’m not giving you alcohol. Besides, you’ll want a clear head.”

I open my car door, and Michaels asks, “Aren’t you going to have any?”

“I had some earlier. Now, come on.” I don’t tell Michael that I’ve never needed anything to help me with the change.

We get out of the car and begin our trek past the community building and into the woods. It’s getting dark, but I can still see the bright orange markers on the trees. I point these out to Michael, so he knows how to get back to the house. Over a half an hour later, we finally make it to the clearing. Most of the pack is there. Uncle Carl, Lizzy, Norman, Ricky, and so many more. A few others trickle in. Michael is standing next to me when Uncle Carl approaches. “Thank you for having me do this, Tala. I won’t forget it.”

“Of course,” I say. “Your experience as a wolf is valuable to the pack. After you’ve changed, fall into position. The other wolves will know what to do.”

Uncle Carl nods before turning to Michael. “What have we got here?”

“We’re almost certain that Michael will turn tonight.”

“There’s nothing like the first change,” Carl says. “Take it all in. The actual process may be rough, but it gets easier. Tonight, embrace it all. Your senses will take it all in like never before. You won’t ever forget this night. I still haven’t forgotten mine.” Uncle Carl chuckles.

“Really?” Michael asks.