by Unknown
He handed me a rustic looking journal with a cool symbol on it. I thanked him and took it realizing it must be older than I was. Then he walked out of the room and left me to my thoughts. Fridolf was always good at being there when you needed him but not being there when you don’t.
I wrote down a couple things I thought could help like refocusing on the transition as part of who you are rather than detaching. It’s kind of hard to put it into words but I tried my best. I left out my recent abilities to transition parts of myself rather than my entire body. I also left out my upright talent since Dad continues to insist I keep it to myself. I finished off with a few pointers about emotions triggering the change rather than the moon and closed the book. I hadn’t realized how much time went by but I went looking for Fridolf. I found him in the library looking through a couple books at the same time.
“Just set it down anywhere my boy, and I’ll put it away.” He said without even looking up from his book. “Come over here when you’re done so I can show you something.”
I walked over and saw he was writing something down in a language I’d never seen before.
“What is that?” I asked, curious at the mystery of it all.
“It’s an old mage book. It has a few spells but nothing life altering. I was trying to find out some things about the witch being used to help the rogue and I came across an entry that I wanted your help with.” He said with a gleam in his eye as if he were a child on Christmas eve hoping he would get the toy he had been hoping for.
“Sure, tell me what I can do.” I replied. I leaned over to see the book more closely and felt a weird pull towards it, so I took a step back.
“It says here that a wolf’s talents can be revealed with a drop of its blood onto a sheet of paper made from a white oak tree. There are a few other ingredients but that’s pretty much the gist of it.” He said while showing me the sketch in the book which was barely visible on the aged paper.
“You want to see what talents I have? Why? Does my Dad want you to? I mean, I don’t mind. In fact, I’m kind of curious too. It’s just I think this is something he would like to be here for.” I said hoping I didn’t offend him.
“Your father is looking into something that concerns you, but I’m not at liberty to tell you. I think this can help him figure out what we can expect from you in case he can’t find what he’s looking for. I won’t even know for now since I have to try to find the oak tree paper and some other things, but I can promise you that when I do, you and your Dad will be with me when I put this to the test.” He explained. “And I’ll let him know too just so you don’t feel like you’re doing something he may not approve of. I’ll go give him a call and you can go in the kitchen and grab my needle kit from the drawer and bring it back here.” He walked down the hall while I went to the kitchen to get what he needed; a bit anxious to get this done so I can go home and get my car washed for tonight.
When I came back he was waiting.
“You got the green light. Your dad said it’s ok.” He took the kit and within a few seconds had a drop of my blood in a tiny vile.
“Alright lad, you’re all set. Have a good time tonight and be safe.” He said walking me to the door and patting me on the back.
“Thanks Fridolf. Let me know as soon as you get everything you need. I’m kind of curious myself to find out what else I got under this wolf skin of mine.” I said while stepping out and shaking his hand.
Now it was time to leave the wolf at home and enjoy my night.
Amanda and I were the first to arrive at the movie theatre. I got everyone’s tickets since I knew Mike and Lexi were probably going to get there just in time to catch the previews. Amanda looked great in a turquoise blue shirt with a scoop neck, a pair of silver earrings, and a matching pendant. Her hair was down and it smelled like a flower field. I couldn’t help making our hug extra long when I picked her up.
“You are bewitching me.” I told her with our foreheads touching and my eyes focusing on her mouth. She kissed me and sighed letting her body go limp.
We talked so easily about one topic then another and before I knew it we covered like ten things on the ride there. She had a great idea to make a wager on how long it would take Mike to cave and ask Li to choose between him and Rollin. I was hoping we would both lose for Mike’s sake since I know Li won’t ever let him live it down if he did.
To both our surprise, Mike walked in with Rollin and a few minutes later Lexi and Li walked in.
“So why’d you hitch a ride with Rollin if you don’t like him moving in on your girl?” I asked Mike as we got the girls drinks from the concession stand.
“You really didn’t think I would let him pick her up at home and then drive her back after? That would’ve given him the chance to kiss her. Hell no! I asked Lexi to pick her up that way I can make sure they don’t get any alone time together.” He said with a cocky grin and all I could do was laugh at how smug he looked for devising such a plan.
We opted for an action film and after Mike and Li went through a round of where the best seats were, we settled in and watched the movie. I held Amanda’s hand and midway through the movie she rested her head on my shoulder and I forgot what we were watching. After the movie we decided to go next door to the pizza shop and I was really glad the night was turning out well. Li wanted to pick up her favorite candy at the concession stand before going over but I knew by her expression and raised eyebrow she needed to talk to me about something.
We told the rest of the guys we’d catch up to them and walked over to the line.
“So what do you think about Rollin? Honestly, do you think his intentions are honorable? Don’t laugh!” she said as I laughed at her choice of words.
“I like him. He’s been a good friend and if you are going to try to ask me about what you swore we won’t talk about I can’t answer those kinds of questions.” I told her looking at her with a scowl. “If you are wondering what I think he wants from you, I really don’t know.” I turned to buy her candy and looked back at her puppy dog face. Ughh.
“Ok, he never gave me the impression he was a player but then again my best friend is a player but also the most trustworthy person I know next to you.” Then I added,” Look I think you should follow your instincts. Sometimes we get focused on only one side of a person that we end up forgetting they are so much more.” I told her knowing I did my best pal a solid by placing the attention back on him.
“Ok, I get it and I’m glad you get me so well. I just wanted to figure out my feelings. Thanks for your honesty.” She said giving me a hug, and I knew we weren’t talking about Rollin anymore. We started to head towards the exit when I heard an interaction that brought a grin to my face…
Amanda liked Lisa, in fact she thought of her like a friend she would keep even after high school. Amanda’s own sister was already married and living her own life which didn’t really include Amanda. But despite all that when Connor stayed behind with Lisa something inside her, probably the fear of losing him now that she finally gave into her feelings for him, made her listen to the worse person when it comes to relationship, Lexi.
“Maybe Meg was the wrong one to keep an eye on. I knew something was up with the two of them. I mean sleepovers at this age are just not normal, you know?” Lexi said while Lisa and Connor walked away.
“Excuse me guys I’ve think I dropped my cell, I’ll meet up with you guys at the pizza shop.” Amanda said while walking back to the theatre and waving everyone else on.
When she walked in behind a big group she saw them standing in line and Connor was talking with an unpleasant expression on his face. She sneaked behind a free standing poster by the bathrooms and saw the talk seemed to turn more serious by the way they seemed to be in a little bubble undistracted by all the chatter and noise around them. The pang of jealousy hit when Li and Connor hugged. But the embrace brought him within view and Amanda freaked. Afraid to be seen, Amanda turned on her heals and rammed right into Mike coming out
of the men’s room.
“Hey Amanda, did you find your cell here in the men’s room?” He asked confused to see her at the entrance of the men’s room.
“Ha, of course not. I had it in my purse and just needed to wash my hands after touching that nasty floor in the theatre. I guess I didn’t realize which bathroom I was about to enter. Thanks.” And she walked over to the ladies room before anyone could see how red she got. This is the last time she’s going to let Lexi get to her!
By the time we were mid way through our pizza it seemed like the tension was thick. Li wasn’t as friendly with Rollin and she seemed annoyed at Lexi’s presence. Perhaps she finally realized the game Mike was playing and wasn’t amused. Mike kept making digs at Rollin while Rollin met him hit for hit. This was what it pretty much was:
Mike: Rollin, being that you are soo much older than me, what do you think is the best way to hook up with the older chicks at college, I mean do you remember college?
Rollin: Mike, so how did you get into the University of Oregon, cause as far as I recall they don’t give scholarships for panty chasers.
Mike: So how come you came to hang out with some high school kids tonight, I mean don’t old people stay in to watch news at 10?
Rollin: Mike, what kind of scholarship did you get? I know it wasn’t sports-based because I’ve seen you play.
Mike: Did you ever get over that size complex you had? I mean it’s no biggie Connor and I outgrew you when we were twelve.
Rollin: Mike, Did you get over your poor man’s complex? I mean hating on us rich guys is sort of pathetic.
And that was what pretty much had the ladies leaving together and me sitting there trying to keep the wolf inside Rollin from killing the smart ass inside of Mike.
Lexi took Amanda and Li home. I was hoping to have Mike leave and Rollin and I head to my house so I can make sure he doesn’t do something stupid. I started to notice Rollin’s eyes twitching and I knew I only had a couple minutes to get him out of there before his wolf surfaces.
“Mike, can you head by Li’s and make sure she got home ok? I know neither my dad nor hers is home. Take my car, I’ll catch a ride with Rollin.” I told Mike, knowing he wanted an excuse to see her.
“Yeah, that’s sounds like a perfect idea. Later guys.” And he pushed his chair, got up, and went to my car. I could hear him drive off and I pulled Rollin out the back hoping my aggression didn’t make him snap too soon.
We made it out into the back street between the pizza shop and the tree line that separated the community of townhomes from the plaza. I stood at a distance as Rollin began to battle his wolf who was creeping out. I began to think of how to get him out of here without anyone seeing him since it was obvious his wolf was coming out and it was coming out strong.
I decided the best thing I could do was shift and make for the tree line. I beat him to the shift and took a stance in front of him like I’ve seen my father do. I was standing similar to a lion with my head held up and my body taut. He was close to being finished and I brought myself close enough to get his attention so he could focus on me and follow me to the tree line. Then, he did the unexpected. He snarled pulling his lips and showing his teeth. I pushed up to a full stance with my head pointed at him and my teeth drawn, and then I heard the snap of tree branches. I turned to see a half dozen wolves coming towards us from the tree line. My first instinct was to protect my pack and right now that meant Rollin. He just completed his shift and was not at his strongest to handle the battle that was about to happen.
I stood ahead of him as they formed a semi-circle and I scanned them to see how I was going to take them down. There were two stronger looking wolves and from what I sensed they were unstable. The three others stood farther back almost timid and unsure. I knew if I could take out the two bigger wolves fast and hard the others would scurry off. I moved forward towards the smaller wolves knowing they would be more hesitant to make the first move. As I figured the two other wolves were struggling with a joint attack and I took the moment to whip to the side and dig my teeth into the side of one of the larger wolves. The wolf buckled trying to force me down with his weight which was pretty smart. I pulled with my hind legs and clenched my teeth even more and swung him around and into the other large wolf. Rollin was being encircled by the three other wolves so my strategy went out the window. I went in to help him and was able to get to two of the smaller wolves. I snuck up behind them and tore at one’s hind leg with my paw and then pouncing on the other. Little did I know I was being watched by the larger wolves. I got bit in the back and was being pulled by the two of them. The fangs in my back were sending a shooting pain from my back all the way through to my legs. My left hind leg felt like it was coming out of the socket as the other wolf was tossing it left to right as it clenched it between its fangs. They finally released me and loomed over me and I knew I had a battle ahead of me and I was only hoping that Rollin was ok. Their eyes confirmed what I knew, they were going for my jugular.
I heard a cry from the tree line which snapped all our heads around to see what was coming now with such force the trees shook. A honey colored, lean, and large wolf came crashing through the woods with blood streaked about its mouth. I knew my bodyguard was in her element!
Ula came charging in and leapt over me to snap on of my assailants neck. That gave me time to hobble up on my legs and take an attack stance towards the wolf that was readying to kill me. She moved on to the smaller wolf who was in a battle with Rollin. I was feeling crushed but I had the heart and the desire to tear this wolf apart. It pounced first aiming for my weakened leg but I rolled over to the side feeling the gaping hole in my back burn. Before I could fully stand again, Ula brushed past me to take out the wolf. She ripped through the wolf with an assassin’s precision. She rolled around and found her way on its other side just to tear through it again. It was brutal and I was in awe of her the whole time. Finally, they begin to scurry off and I read Ula’s intentions. I’m to stay with Rollin and she was going to chase them down so we have one to take back to the pack. Rollin was ready for the fight and he had tried to get involved but Ula was what made all the difference and why Rollin and I were still alive. We were hurt, me worse than he was but at least we were alive. I saw movement through the trees and Ula was dragging back one of the wolves who looked dead to me. When she got near she dropped the wolf down and walked behind a dumpster. A moment later she came out in human form and dressed. Thank God, cause I wasn’t ready to see her naked.
“Rollin stay here with Connor, let me get my truck and I’ll get you out of here. Don’t change back guys, it will only slow down your healing process.” And with that she walked out of sight and showed us both that if my father wasn’t Alpha she would be the first one to challenge the pack for the position.
Rollin was dropped off first and B.J. thanked us for taking care of him. I saw how much he genuinely cared for his son and I was glad to bring Rollin home safe and sound.
Ula took the rogue to my Dad at the campground. I couldn’t go home until I had more energy to shift back. I was being taken back too so I could heal and eventually shift back.
Besides I wanted to be there when they interrogate the wolf and reveal the obvious plot to kill me.
“Rafe, Vince, meet the coward who tried to jump Connor.” Ula said as she dragged the wolf in on a chain. She looked like a Nordic goddess bringing in her captive.
“Leave it to you to make a subtle introduction.” Rafe said patting Ula on the back in a show of gratitude that she did her job well. He tossed me a look that said he was worried but wasn’t about to show it.
“Ok Vince, take him and find out why he wants my son dead.” My Dad said handing off the leash to Vince. I wanted to ask what Vince was going to do, but seeing Ula wince at my father’s orders made me hold my tongue. If she reacted that way it must mean something bad.
Meanwhile my Dad took me into the council’s room and applied some topical stuff on me that made me feel a thousand
times better.
“Shift Connor. You can do it now. You need to do it so you appear strong to the others.” He said to me in a tone I wasn’t able to argue with even if I wanted to.
The change wasn’t as painful as I anticipated but it bled like a stuck pig and Dad had to bandage me. I felt sore and achy but I managed to walk back into the campground without showing it.
Vince came back after an hour with a devilish grin and said, “There is a plot to take over the pack. The plan to kill Connor is meant to be a distraction and possibly a way to weaken you Rafe. Apparently he said there are a mage, another dozen wolves, and the head wolf which he won’t say who it is. He said the wolf will skin him alive and nothing I do will come close to what the mage will do.” Vince said with doubt in his voice.
Apparently he would like the green light to try, but I know my Dad won’t be that harsh. But then again I really couldn’t say what my Dad would or won’t do. I’m sure there were moments he had to do the unthinkable. You don’t survive for centuries without being a bit ruthless.
After a long period of silence my Dad said, “I want to send him with a
message, Vince. Follow him till he delivers it. And then we go in and finish this.”
My Dad stood up and whispered something to Vince before he left. We headed back home and my father told me “I want you to make sure Ula knows where you’re going to be. Don’t argue with me on this one, Connor, but I want you to lay off seeing your friends and Amanda. These assassins won’t hesitate to take out your friends if you’re with them. And they won’t think twice to use them against you if they see you’re attached to anyone. Stick to the pack right now.”