Shifter's Apprentice... {Closed for Blue Dolphin & I}

[LadyChance]

Name: Sasha Renolds
Age: 32
Race: Shifter {Lycan}
Forms: Wolf, Leopard, Hawk, Human female.

Female form, has blonde hair hanging down to hips worn freely, bright green eyes, honey colored skin tanned lightly from the outdoors. Slender firm figure, larger then hand size breasts tapering down into a slim waist and long legs. Very intelligent, stays mainly a lone and to herself in her home, in the forest.

Wolf form, silver in color with green eyes, standing just shy of 30 inches at the shoulder, five foot tip of tail to tip of nose. 80 Pounds of pure muscles, teeth and claws when pissed or hungry. Very protective of her domain, does not run in a pack, nor does she have a mate.

Leopard form, spotted coat standing at the height of 26 inches at the shoulders, weighing in at 140 pounds, with green eyes. Again does not have a mate, tending to stay a lone and away from other creatures.

Hawk form, rarely used... Only in case of extreme emergency, body length 18 inches, wingspan 48 inches.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning had dawned beautifully but then again Sasha had known it would, just like she knew it would rain a bit later that night. Her sense of smell telling her so, it was always that way with her she knew if it was going to be hot, or cold. Whether it would rain or be dry and muggy, thanks to her animals instincts she knew things that most humans wouldn’t know.

Dressing quickly in to a lightweight summer dress, made specially for easy removal, it had taken her a long time to find just the right patterns that fit the style she had wanted. But through long and tiring days of browsing the internet she had found it.

Living the way she did, she made everything simpler, but then again she had the money to do so. Her latest book had gone out on the shelves not two weeks ago and as usual it was a big hit, everyone wanted to know about animals. Their instincts, habits, mating patterns. etc.. etc.. Being a Shifter made that an easy life for Sasha, since she could get closer to the animals then most could. Yeah, life was really bad except one thing. Sasha loved life, not the fact that she had been changed but that since then things had been quieter. Moving out of the big city to the quiet area that she was in. Allowing for the change to take her completely when it came time, but always making sure that no one was on her property when it came. She didn’t want to take the chance that someone would be hurt, by her or something else out there.

Here lately something had been killing her animals, she thought it was another shifter. And it worried her greatly, she was a loner and didn’t need the headache of unwanted company. Sasha had been lucky to get this place, it was big quiet and beautiful out in the middle of the no where. With mountains on one side, and forest on the other, both just adding to the beauty and her needs. Though her editor hadn’t been happy with it, sense it took a good night and day to get even close to her property lines. It made for most unwanted visitors to think twice before appearing.

Stepping out onto the back porch carrying her cup of hot cocoa with her, taking a deep cleansing breath of the forest, mountains. Catching just the slightest scent of rain as it moves slowly towards her way. The sound of birds calling to one another in the distance catches her attention. Something was disturbing them, creating a ruckus with the rest of the animals around the area.

“Well shit.. So much for getting some work done this morning.” Sighing deeply, as she sets her cup down. Releasing the straps of her dress quietly, as the image of a wolf takes form in her minds eye. Crying out in the first initial change as her body starts to take the form. Sitting down upon the porch, as her legs change, where once there had been two very long legs fur and shorter stouter legs now came to be. Only now there were four instead of two, and there were paws upon the ends instead of hands. Her now wolf ears picking out the sounds more around her, and her muzzle reaches skyward testing the air. Scenting blood, the hairs on the back of her canine head lifting as a slow deep growl comes froth from her throat. One of warning, one that would scare most anyone if they did not know what they were facing.

The wolf form gave her the running distance, without tiring and if there was blood then something bad was wrong. Someone or something was hunting on her property, and she wanted to know why they were here and for them to leave... NOW! Bounding silently off the porch to disappear into the screaming forest, heading for the disturbance. Moving through the underbrush in a quick silent fashion, disturbing nothing with her passing.

OOC: See pictures below for ideas on forms, and how they would look. *smiles* Yes I know everyone knows what they look like but it helps just to picture it..

 

[Blue Dolphin]

OOC
Nathan Hawkes
age 34
Race Human(for now)

5 foot 9, black hair, curly and unkempt. Brown eyes
Average size body, that he has looked after, taking lots of exercise, and walking.
Nathan is on a walking vacation, and stumbled upon the forest the previous evening.
(NB< I am new to the "shifter" concept, and this is as much a learning exercise for me, as it is an SRP thread.)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I.C.
I feel cold, reaching out for the sleeping bag, to pull it up to my neck. But finding nothing. My body aches, and I is surrounded by damp, a dark, dank odour filling my nostrils. I try to rub my eyes, yet my hands will not move, nor my arms bend.

I am somewhere else now, almost like the deja vu I have heard people talk of. Looking down, I see myself, lying on wet leaves it seems, looking dishevilled, There is blood on my skin, my neck and my hand. "Am I dead?" I ask myself
"Is this it" The end for me, what happened, where am I?"

Everything fades to black.

Now warmth pervades me, I move my hand once more, feeling the earth beneath me. Eyes open slowly, then blink, at the strong sunlight that filters through the branches above me. I know that I must leave here, I feel danger, it is in the air around me. I try to get up, but fatigue prevents this, my weakened legs, useless, I wait.

Remembering, seeing the forest, find a place to set up my tent.

My tent? I look around, all I see is forest, trees, and the carpet of leaves beneath me.

I am weak, I want to sleep, even though I know that sleep may kill me.

I cannot resist

My eyes close

Peace beckons, at long last.

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

With her sensitive canine nose Sasha trailed slowly through the forest to finally locate the disturbance. A human man has ventured onto the property and from the looks of him he has been attacked. But from what she is unsure, and would not be able to tell in the form she is in. The scent around the area speaks of another like her, a wolf, then that of a large cat. But she was the only shifter in this area that she knew of. This was not good, if he had been infected as she had then he would have to learn the ways of a shifter or go mad from it. Those were the ones who killed for the thrill of it, experiencing only a glimmer of what it is to be a shifter in body as well as in spirit. Stalking slowly about the area, using her canine instincts staying mainly out of sight until she is sure that the attacker has left. But why would it have left if the body were still alive. Unless it had been frightened away, then again what could frighten a shifter, other then man himself. It was then that she caught the scent of the pack, they had taken to her forest shortly after she had bought the house. Growing in size, each time she would see them, first it had only been three of them and now it was eight or nine. They had made several appearances at her home, never once approaching her but time to time they would sit on her porch at night and howl at the moon. Singing to her their beautiful melody, their voices raised in phrase to the moon and night herself.

Looking about her she spots the tracks, they must have in time to stop this mans death. He was lucky, they had saved his life by interfering with the attacker/s plans. Stopping a good ten feet from the human male, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest indicates that his breathing though shallow is still keeping him alive. But knowing he needs help is the first problem to consider. Giving a shake of her canine head, frustration in the movements, this was not going to be a good day. The sky had started to darken and though it would only be a light rain, he did not need to be out in it. Sitting upon the ground Sasha concentrates on the form of a human female. Feeling the sensations pulse through her blood as one pair of legs lengthen and the others shorten. Where once there were paws now there is hands and feet. Her silvery fur now gone leaving skin, honey in color with blondish silk hairs covering her arms. Long legs forming, stretching as muscles reform upon her body causing a moan to escape her now human throat. Coming out as half howl half cry as the pain throbs slowly achingly through each part of the transformation process.

Rising carefully upon feet that must remember how to walk as a human again, Sasha holds out a hand to study herself before slowly making her way towards the man. Uncaring that she no longer has clothing to cover her body. This was the way of a shifter, most clothing never lasted anyways so why worry about it, or at least that was the way she had come to feel about it. Tossing her long blonde hair behind her as she kneels down to check the man’s pulse. Breathing better now that she can feel it strong and sure under her fingertips, for the first time actually looking upon the man.

He wasn’t bad looking, even though she couldn’t see his eyes, his hair was a sable brown and looked warm under the suns rays. His face wasn’t what she would like of as being angular but more to the soft gentle set, with lips that she thought must smile a lot from the looks of them. As her hands begin a slow soft exploration of his body she notices that though he is not overly muscular he is in good fit form. Must people of this day and age were either overweight or way to thin with muscles bulging everywhere making their bodies look bulky. She couldn’t tell exactly about what he weighed but that didn’t matter, with her shifters abilities she had a bit more strength then most normal men did. So getting him out of her wasn’t the problem, it was if she moved him where would she take him? Surely she couldn’t take him home, that was not even a possibility, she knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her status hidden if she did. But if he had been infected he would need guidance someone to teach him the ways.

“Well Damnation!” Sighing deeply with the realization that he would have to go home with her. There was no one else around that could teach him, or even for that matter care for him in such matters. She had gotten lucky, being as open minded as she had been, and her love of animals had given her the foresight to accept and continue making things simple. But this man, who knew how he would take to it, IF he was infected, but how she was to keep her secret from him she didn’t know. Deciding she would figure it out when the time came. Until then she would take it one step at a time, the first step being getting the man to her house. “This is going to be a long trip, so don’t move around much, I don’t wish to cut my feet to badly.” Speaking in a whisper to the unconscious man, as her small hands slip under him lifting slowly in a cradled position against her breast. Turning to see the Alpha male wolf standing a small distance away from her, staring as if he had been there to make sure she would care for the man. “Yes, I know I owe you for this one, Thank you brother, there will be good scraps for your pack in the future. Now show me the easiest way home please.” As if the wolf understood her, she watches as it turns moving slightly away from where she had come in at. Following at a slower pace being very careful of her feet as well as the precious package in her arms. Trying her hardest not to jostle him to much causing him anymore pain then she was sure he was already in.

Three hours later, the man was set comfortably in bed at Sasha’s home, in one of the many guest rooms through the house. His wounds bandaged, several of which had looked bad but once cleaned weren’t as bad as they could have been. The only one she was mainly worried about was his neck. It looked as if something or someone had bitten him, bringing her fears to the surface. Moving about in the room quietly, making sure that all was set for when the man woke up. She had made it home without incident, only cutting her foot once or twice but nothing bad. Bringing him straight upstairs and putting him to bed, before cleaning him up. Then she had gone down locating her discarded dress to once again be dressed. The wolves had set up a small camp of sorts outside her home, straying closer to the back door each time they seen her. True to her word, she had taken the steak she had thought to reheat herself for dinner out to them. Placing the meat, though cooked outside on plates. It would not have been good tonight anyway, she just wasn’t in the mood for anything that looked like the man’s chest had.

 

[Blue Dolphin]

Nathan

Even though I was effectively unconcious, in that any person examining me would have reached that cocnclusion, I was aware.

Aware of my surroundings, and of a presence, something, or someone was close by, and I did not feel threatened. It was strange, there was a serenity here now, my breathing became more regular, thoughts of impending death vanishing, and I knew not why. My eyes were still closed, my body stationary, and yet it was almost as though I could see again. I was different now, I did not know how, or why, but something deep inside me was acknowledging a change. The slow down in my metabolism had reversed, normality, such as it was, returning. My senses were definitely heightened though, my skin prickled almost, at the sensation, the feelings that I had, and did not doubt at all.

I became aware of a second presence, a non human one, watching me, and whosoever it was that was close by my body. There was anexchange between the two, and the tension eased perceptibly, as I felt hands, touching, and examining. Still unable to see, speak, or move, but intensely aware of the proceedings.

Again I try to remember, I was camping, and looking for a place in the forest, to spend the night. After that nothing, until I awoke, bleeding, and in pain. No matter how I tried, that was the sum total of my memories of how I came to be here. I was sure that I had been attacked, and that whatever did this, had been immensely strong. But it was to no avail, the memory was lost to me.

I was lifted up, and carried, feeling soft flesh against my body, the softness that is only purveyed by the female form. My spirit, or was it my soul I wondered, maybe even this new subliminal consciousbess, departed my body yet again. I could feel myself soaring, and looking down. My gaze resting on a large house house in the distance, then drawing back. I saw a lone wolf, it almost looked as if he was marking the trail. The trail being followed by the beautiful woman, the one that now carried my unconscious life form.


A voice, a feeling, I know not which, was telling me that I was safe now. I could return to my earthly form, and sleep. This same voice cast a warning also.

"Sleep now, for after this night, your life will be forever changed."

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Three days, it had been three days since she had brought the stranger to her home. She didn’t even know what his name was, though he had mumbled a lot in his sleep. She hadn’t learned much, Sasha had found herself drawn more and more to his room to watch him sleep. Making excuses that she was just checking on him to make sure he was comfortable, that he hadn’t opened his bandages and such. But the truth of the matter was Sasha found herself for the first time in a very long time attracted to a man. The bad part was she knew nothing about him at all other then he had gotten himself onto her property and got himself attacked.

Quietly moving about Sasha realized that soon the signs would begin to show up, IF he had been infected with the shifter virus as she called it. Though no one could honestly say what it was that caused it. And least that started it, just how it was transmitted and she was almost sure that he had been infected. His body temp seemed to have escalated several degrees in the last few days. And even in his sleep his hands had gone to itching his skin, leaving long angry red scratches along his body. After the first of that had started Sasha completely removed his clothing bathing him quietly and then covering him in a light sheet. Tucking it in under him so that his hands could not get to his body and cause more damage.

Of course during his bath she had viewed him without clothing and thought that he was indeed quiet nice to look upon and found that she really would like to know what color his eyes were. She wondered if they would be as beautiful as her fantasies had told her they would be.

As she stood looking out the window at the pack of wolves move about her yard, wondering if maybe they knew that soon there would be a new pack member to join them. Sasha felt the man stir quietly in his sleep, then the sensation of being watched came to her. She knew he was no longer a sleep, taking a deep breath before turning slowly to face him. Looking directly into the warmest chocolate brown eyes she had ever encountered, though they had a confused look to them they still held a touch of gentleness in them. Her heart seemed to leap in her chest feeling it tighten and squeeze the air from her lungs. How was she to tell this strange that soon his life was going to change and she couldn’t guarantee that it would be for the best.

Seeing him try to sit up Sasha moves quickly, more quickly then a normal human ever could to his side. Placing a restraining hand upon his chest to hold him down, “don’t try to move right now. You have been hurt pretty badly and it would not do you any good to tear the stitches a part and make it worse on you. You are safe, with me here in my home.. My name is Sasha Renolds, and I have a few questions I would like to ask of you when you are feeling better. But for now would you like something to drink maybe? Or some warm broth since it has been a few days since you have eaten I am sure you are probably hungry.”

 

[Blue Dolphin]

I knew that I was awake, and my senses had returned to me, but I was afraid, very afraid. There were things happening to me, I knew not what they were, but I could not deny them, not at all. My body was tired, almost as if I had run two marathons, back to back. Every muscle, every sinew ached, as though they had been stretched, and pulled for hours on end. My skin was on fire, burning, everywhere, I wanted to scratch myself, not just scratch either, I wanted to dig my nails in, to do something, anything, to take away this interminable need to placate the irritation.

And then there were the dreams, normally when I dream, they disappear at dawn, only snatches, moments being retained in my thoughts. Not any more though, I tried to work it out, why would I see wolves, sometimes snarling at me, sometimes, nuzzling, seeing the saliva dripping from their open mouths.

And not just wolves, I had seen a clouded peopard, on a branch, just staring at me, with eyes that seemd to pierce my inner soul. Trying to tell me something I had thought, but only God knew what. I had soared, high above thtrees, alone, searching, looking, but for what,? Myself maybe?

I heard movement, and slowly I peeked, trying to see where I was. I saw a woman, with her back to me, blonde hair down to her waist, and I started to rise up, trying to sit. She heard me, turning, and moving like lightning, she was by my side. Green eyes, full of caompassion stared into mine, as she pushed me back onto the bed, and spoke to me

“don’t try to move right now. You have been hurt pretty badly and it would not do you any good to tear the stitches apart and make it worse on you. You are safe, with me here in my home.. My name is Sasha Renolds, and I have a few questions I would like to ask of you when you are feeling better. But for now would you like something to drink maybe? Or some warm broth since it has been a few days since you have eaten I am sure you are probably hungry.”

"Where am I? Where is my tent? What happened......?

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Smiling softly down at the man before her, "well where you are is the easy question and that one I can answer for you. You are in my home, I call it Santuary, we are in the Carpathian Mountains. This property is private and you should not have been on it. Now please might I ask your name, and what is the last thing that you remember? Perhaps between the two of us we can piece together what happened, and maybe even figure out an idea where your tent went to."

Taking a seat next to the bed, Sasha poured a small glass of cool water to offer to him. Helping him to sit up enough to drink some of it before helping him to lay back down. Carefully pulling the sheet up on him once again, seeing his fingers beginning to scratch slowly at his skin. She didn't think he even realized what he was doing but she wanted to make sure that he did no harm to himself.

Listening intently as the man begins telling of his experience that had brought him to the point of his attack. There he seemed unsure as to what had happened, things just didn't make sense at that point of time. Which made Sasha worry just a bit more. Shifters didn't just attack unprovoked and she was almost sure that it had been a shifter, but for that matter neither did wild animals, so why had this man been attacked and by what. Seeing him begin to get a little upset with not being able to remember what had happened Sasha thought it best to take his mind off the happenings.

"It will be dinner time soon, and unforchantly I must leave you for a while. You will be safe here I promise the house takes care of itself, as well as the land." Thinking of the wolves sitting out in her yard, taken up resisdence on her front porch and back porch. None of them offering any problems each time she had stepped out for a minute. Actually the Alpha male had begun to sleep before the front door, only moving when she went to leave. And then he would follow her at a safe distance as if watching over her protectively. "I won't be long while I am out but I am out of some things and think its best that I let the authorities know that you are here and safe. Is there someone... a wife.. girlfriend.. maybe that I need to contact for you? I am sure someone is worried about you by now."

Sasha knew she was digging and that was impolite but at the same time, she didn't need anyone else poking around up here on her property. That would just do it in if someone else came here and got attacked as well. Then the world would be here and someone would find out what her secret was, then there would be no peace for her ever.

Standing she walked to the window again looking out, there on the ground just below the window she counted three wolves. All watching, as if waiting, he was infected there was no doubt in her mind now. They knew it as well, and they were the welcoming commity. Question was, how was he going to deal with being something that by any human thoughts shouldn't exist? Looking over her shoulder trying to sum up what she knew so far from him and what she thought his type would do.

 

[Blue Dolphin]

"It will be dinner time soon, and unfortunately I must leave you for a while. You will be safe here I promise the house takes care of itself, as well as the land. I won't be long while I am out but I am out of some things and think its best that I let the authorities know that you are here and safe. Is there someone... a wife.. girlfriend.. maybe that I need to contact for you? I am sure someone is worried about you by now."

I just lay there, looking at her, again wondering if I was dreaming. She was beautiful, and I could not help but wonder, "Why was she here, in the forest, and obviously alone? Did she have a dark secret, to which I was not yet privy?"

I knew that I should answer her question, and, watching, as she walked to the window, I thought about my response. I did not know where I was, who I was with, OK she had a name, but thatmeant nothing to me. I decided it might be best to be conservative with the information I offered to this Sasha person, as she had said she was called.

"My name is Nathan Hawkes, and I am an astronomer, but I have taken a year off, just to mooch around the world, and see how others live. And no, there is no one to worry about me, no wife, girlfriend, or family even. I was an orphan.

You say that you have to leave? Will I be safe here, in the middle of the forest, should I have a gun, or some weapon, just in case? It is a savage society that we live in, and a man has to pretect himself these days."

I decided that I had said too much already, and I was feeling tired again, my eyes growing heavy, and my limbs aching even more now. I could see her looking back at me, as my eyes closed of their own volition, the muscle power to resist desertme. I heard her moving, the sound gradually fading, and.........


Then came the dream, the horrible turgid depraved dream

I am in a whirlpool, on the outer edge. the water boils and bubbles, as I spin. faster, and faster. I see salvation, a face, a female face she smiles as she draws closer. Jetblack hair cascades around her face, and then I see it, the black lipstick, the dark eyes. She speaks, in a voice impregnated with evil, a horrible rasping voice.

"you are mine now Nathan, and I shall have you, completely"

I watch in horror, as her face changes, her nose growing out towards me, her hair changing to a bluey gray, she is becoming a wolf. I start to scream, my fists flying, trying to ward her off. I see her lips curl back, her mouth opens, fangs moving closer, I scream again, trying to throw myself away from her.

The whirlpool swallows me, and spits me out, onto a river bank. But is it a river,? Do rivers run red, with blood? I am paralysed it seems, unable to move, as I hear a rush of air above me. Vultures, circling. One descends, standing next to me, and then moves onto my chest. Talons digging in, drawing my blood, and again I hear it. That evil voice, hissing at me.

"So Nathan, do i peck out your eyes first, or your throat first?

I scream in abject fear, releasing the paralysis, slapping at her, trying to knock her off my chest. I am screaming louder than I ever thought possible.

Hands are holding my wirsts now, pulling them down. my eyes open, I see a woman, and start to scream again.
But this is different, it is not the evil one, it is Sasha, looking down at me, trying yto calm me. What the hell is going on I wonder? This is so fucking unreal. It cannot be, it just cannot.

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Sasha waited for him to fall asleep, his breathing going deep let her know that his body had finally found the rest that it needed. Moving over to where Nathan slept pulling up the covers once more before turning and leaving the room quietly. He would sleep the better part of the evening or so she hoped. Dinner would be simple this night, considering it was already in the oven and almost complete.

He had said his name was Nathan Hawkes, it was a strong name for what she was sure a very strong man. Hopefully it would be enough to get him through the trials he was to have soon enough. Moving away from the door and down the hall to her own room, grabbing the bag she kept there. It was another of her creations, one for a simple Shifters easy at carrying items while on the go. Strapping easily to around the neck, so that a wolves legs would not be caught on anything, or a leopard was able to complete its jumps, or even a hawk could fly with it.

Putting the item around her neck before moving to the front door of the house, she was sure the man Nathan would be safe enough. The pack would see to that, but she also knew she needed to go to town to inform the authorities about the possible situation of an attacker on her property. “Watch over him, I shouldn't be long my brothers and then I shall return.” Looking out over the front of her yard that the wolves had over ran, now she counted a good 10 wolves male and female a like. They knew that soon there would be another like her, another to join their ranks maybe. One who would need to learn how to hunt, or just to survive the wilds.

Sitting down upon the porch, concentrating on the form which she could travel the quickest in. Feeling the familiar burning as her muscles stretch and contort, closing her eyes and then opening them to see in a different light. That of a bird, her glossy feathers catching the last of the sun’s rays. Giving them an expert flutter before hopping to the table giving herself a lift off to the chorus of the wolves song. Screeching loudly in her birds song to match theirs as she lifts higher into the clouds. In this form she would cover the distance without to much disturbance from the ground or that upon it. Looking down one last time to catch the sight of the Alpha wolf streaking through the underbrush in her wake. She had a protector to guard her when she came back, for he would follow her to the edge of town and wait for her to return and she knew it.

The trip did not take long and before she knew it, it was time to come down out of the clouds. Feeling a sense of wonder as she glided slowly to the ground marveling at the ease that she landed. Flying was a different sensation all of its own, running through the underbrush gave a perfect sense of being one with nature. But flying that was different, it gave a lift to the spirit that nothing else could. To be a lone up in the clouds looking down upon the earth from a different point of view was beyond explanation there just was no way to express the delight of flying. Quickly changing back to her human form, grunting as her feathers changed to that of skin. The burning through her more pronounced now that she had to go from a smaller form into a larger form. That was the only draw back that she had found in bird form. Going large to small wasn’t so bad, but the going from small to large gave a lot of pain and she always needed a moment to rest and get her bearings before trying to move. Dressing slowly in the clothing from her bag, placing it over her shoulder like a purse Sasha looks over her shoulder once seeing the eyes of the wolf staring back at her. Nodding once before stepping out behind the old church, hoping that no one would spot her until she can make it to the street.

As luck had it she had made it to the store without actually being noticed, and then only by friendly hand waves, those who didn’t really know her but had seen her from time to time. That was the great thing with this town, no one really bothered anyone but they knew a stranger when they came to town. Gathering the items she knew she would need making short her purchases, answering to the simple questions of how her newest book was coming, things like that. Before making her way to the sheriff’s office, knowing this would take the longest. So far she had been gone from Nathan for almost an hour and a half, and this was bound to take another hour at least.

Smiling as she is shuffled in quickly at the police station, and sat before the sheriff to give her statement. Assuring the man before her that Nathan was indeed safe and no she didn’t need a nurse brought up to tend to him. Yes, it was ok if he would like to come and take a look around her property but that he needed to call before actually coming up. Making an excuse of being out surveying the local packs for her newest assignment, and not being at the house a lot. Then having to assure the man that indeed she was sure she would be fine with the stranger and no she did not have a gun, but that yes she felt safe enough not to have to leave her home. Checking the clock on the wall tells Sasha time is running out and that she really must start her trip back if she wanted to make it in time for Dinner. Giving her thanks to the man, as well as her cell number once again to him. Reaffirming that he needed to call her cell before coming up to visit, trying not to look to be in to much of a hurry Sasha makes her way out of the station.

Down the road she could here the call of the wolf, he was worried about her, she had been gone to long. Finding the old church once again, seeing the Alpha waiting on the fine skirt of trees. His calls becoming those of chastisement, feeling thoroughly berated for her length of stay. Sasha calls to mind her form feeling the need to be in wolf to move with the Alpha on her return trip. Going through the motions once again finally seeing out the eyes of a wolf. Joining the Alpha in the trees leaving civilization in the dust behind her, for the wilds of her world. This was what life was about, freedom to feel the foliage under her feet, the wind brushing through her fur, the smells of wild prey calling to her blood. This was life in its most perfect form. Feeling her muscles stretch pulling her along in a long lope behind the male, jumping and crouching trusting in the male ahead of her to show her the way. He would know the way home she was sure of it, just she was sure that there was danger the moment he stopped short in front of her. Placing his larger form in front of hers in a sign of protection, one of dominance. Peering over his shoulder Sasha spots the reason, a male wolf black then the night stands not twenty feet away. Hackles raised and teeth bared, growling low in the bottom of his throat a warning. Its eyes bluer then the sky, with a gleam of madness within them. Sasha watches his muzzle lift scenting the air, before growling once again. The Alpha with her nudges her to the side, trying to move her away from the other male, going quietly fear suddenly finding its way to the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong with this other male, he smelled of human and yet he was a wolf. Then it came to her, he was a shifter as well, one who had not taken the transformation as well as she had. So it was no surprise to her when it charged at the Alpha trying to bring the Alpha under his dominance.

The fight didn’t last long with the Alpha coming out the winner for now, hurt slightly from a bite to the neck. And limping on one leg, the other male had hightailed it back into the forest. He had looked to Sasha once during the fight heading in her direction when the Alpha had caught it square in the side. Knocking it off its feet, before it managed to get to its feet and running away into the forest. The rest of the trip was uneventful other then the slower going for the Alpha but each time she had tried to stray any he would nip her lightly on the shoulder putting her back into line.

Reaching the porch Sasha sees the rest of the pack standing at the door howling, calling to someone. Pricking her ears forward Sasha can pick up the softest of sounds, a man screaming crying out in fear and pain. “Oh, god what has happened!” This time the change seems to take her forever, she was so tired but mainly she wanted to reach Nathan. He was still screaming as she pulls her dress over her head at a run leaving the front door standing open. Making her way to his room, crying out as she sees him fighting his sleep, the soft fur against her leg lets her know she is not alone with Nathan. The wolves file in quietly as she heads for the bed, grabbing Nathan’s hands speaking softly, trying to stop him from flailing about in his sleep. It was the dreams she was sure, he was having the dreams that came before change. “Nathan, its ok your safe. Its Sasha, Nathan its ok I am here your having a nightmare. Nathan...”

 

[Blue Dolphin]

“Nathan, its ok your safe. Its Sasha, Nathan its ok I am here your having a nightmare. Nathan...”

I can feel the tears that are streaming from my eyes, tears that come from the fear that now haunts me. I look up ather, feeling her strength, as she holds my arms steady now, against my chest. The image is blurred, naturally, but I know that it is her. I am breathing rapidly, exacerbating the pains in my chest, from my wounds. She is smiling at me , obviously trying to calm and reassure me.

I try to breath slowly, long deep breaths, interspersed with little gasps and sobs. I have never known fear like tihs in my entire life. I look into her eyes, a puzzled look I guess, and she smile sagain, nodding to herself. as she releases my hands, and stands upright.

Closing my eyes once more, I rest a moment, trying to compose myself, and to find the questions that I need answers to. But, I get the strangest feeling when my eyes are closed, and I know instinctively that we are not alone. Turning my head, I see a wolf, and then another. I think that I am about to die, as is she, I speak as quietly as I can, trying to keep calm, but inwardly terrified.

"Sasha, there is a are 2 wolves right behind you, dont look, get a gun, please, before they kill us."

She looks at me, and then at the wolves, I could swear that she is communicating with them, but it cannot be possible, no one can do that, can they?

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Sasha had forgotten the wolves had followed her in, being more worried about the screams and Nathan. Now though looking into his eyes, she could see he was close to panicking, but along with it was a concern for her safety as well as his own. Feeling a tad bit of confusion at her realization, Sasha slowly turns to the wolves eyeing them quietly for a moment trying to decide how best to handle this situation. Actually two situations, one was easy enough she needed to teach Nathan what he would need to know to survive and then scoot him out the door. This thought had a strange reaction on her stomach though feeling it tighten, suddenly wanting to be sick. The other was how to explain why the wolves were here, how would Nathan take to the idea of being a shifter. He had been trying so hard to be strong and not let any of his fear show through. Which had earned some of her respect, she would have already packed and disappeared. Like she had when she had come to live here, in the middle of no where.

Eyeing the wolves, wondering if maybe she opened the door further if they would take the hint and leave the room. Shaking her head slightly walking towards the door, speaking to Nathan in a soft voice at the same time with her back to him. "Its ok Nathan they are actually here to make sure that my guest is comfortable and ok. They will not harm either of us, as long as we do not offer them any aggressive actions on our part."

Opening the door wider Sasha sees the rest of the pack arranged outside of the room in the hall. All eyes turning to her with a burning intelligence within them, she had to tell Nathan about the change and soon. But she was sure she still had a few days before he would change for the first time. Enough time to make sure that his wounds would be almost fully healed.

Feeling the light brush of fur upon her leg as the Alpha's mate leaves the room, then knowing instinctively that the Alpha was there. Sasha lowers her hand running her fingers through the soft fur, tickling her fingertips with the feel. Again speaking gently to Nathan from across the room. "You see they do not wish to harm anyone, just to see that you are ok." Looking back at Nathan over her shoulder, "let me put them outside. Then if your feeling up to it there is a bathroom just down the hall here. You can get cleaned up in there and then we can sit down to dinner." Giving Nathan a reassuring smile, "I would like to hear of your nightmares, my mother use to tell me when I was younger that if you tell what scares you then it no longer has any power over you. Perhaps it will help you if you talk about them. Just follow your nose it will tell you where the food is, trust in it."

Stepping quietly from the room closing the door behind her, Sasha looks once more to the Alpha. "Satisfied now that you have seen him? He is safe, I will not harm another Brother unless he is to harm me first. Now outside with the lot of you or he will not come out of this room." Speaking as quietly as she could unsure if Nathan's hearing had been affected as of yet. If it had then he would surely hear her, if it hadn't then she would not need to explain any of what she had just said. Hearing the gruff huff from the Alpha male Sasha smiles, "Yes he will be fine now come I will make sure he is safe inside the house."

Moving down the hall and through to the front door watching as each of the pack makes their out to the porch. Lounging quietly about and near the front door, before closing the door and heading to her own room. She looked a mess and needed a bit of cleaning and straightening of her own before dinner. Again confusion coming to her, she had never before worried about how she looked so why was she so concerned now?

 

[Blue Dolphin]

I watched in awe, as she spoke to the wolves, unable to hear her words, but certain that she was talking to them. Not only that, it was obvious to me that they understood every word.

Not in the sense of when she said "Go" they did go. More that they were communicating with each other, literally. I could see it in their eyes, and feel it almost. My skin prickled as I watched. My fear of these animals was easing, indeed, for some strange reason, I was beginning to feel an affinity toward them.

I still had no idea what had happened to me, except that I had been attacked, probably by a wolf. Whatever it had been, it bit me, and now something was happening. My first thought was that the animal was probably rabid, and yet, I did not have any symptoms for rabies.

It was something else, something that I did not yet understand, even if my conscious being, for want of a better phrase, was aware that things were happening to me. My body felt alien at times, and there were subtle changes happening to my mind set. I waited for Sasha to return, it was time for some answers, I needed to know what the hell was happening to me.

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Taking her time to move about her room, brushing her long hair and then slipping into a long white comfy gaze shirt coming down close to her knees. So it wasn't exactly what one would wear in front of strangers. But it was comfortable and she felt the need for some normalcy and this was as normal as things got to her. Wondering if she should at least tie the lace strings along the front of her shirt, and then deciding she couldn't have something that close to her throat she leaves them loose. Looking in the mirror before leaving the room, she looked like she had just left a man's bed wearing his shirt. Smiling to herself and giving a small shake of her head. Who did she have to impress, a bunch of wolves and a total stranger.

Then heading to the kitchen gathering the items they would use for dinner, placing it all on the trolly cart. Before making her way back to Nathan, she knew it was about time to tell him. He would be noticing the differences and the changes his body would be going through.

Upon reaching his room Sasha gives a soft knock upon the door, before stepping in once hearing his "Come in." He was now propped up in the bed, the sheet had fallen more so down to his waist. Knowing she was staring like a predator who hadn't ate in a while Sasha feels herself blush. Clearing her throat lightly and turning her head acting as if she was looking for somewhere to set up their meal.

"I think we should just leave you in bed, let me move the table over and you can just sit there. It would be best if you start moving about a little bit soon, so that the muscles in your legs don't forget what they are suppose to be doing." Saying this as she moves the table quietly over towards the bed, adding a chair for herself in the process.

Sitting down she notices Nathan watching her closely, almost to closely in her thoughts. Thinking to herself, he knows, I have to tell him now. He will need answers, he will want them. Will he go after the creature, or just accept and learn?

Looking about the room feeling like a animal caught in the head lights of an on coming truck with no where to run. Sasha opens her mouth to tell him or at least to start. Then realizing that he hasn't said anything yet she closes it, looking back to him. Concern creasing her lovely face, would he lose control, or just not accept what she had to tell him.

Speaking softly almost in a whisper to Nathan, "I have something to talk to you about and your going to think I am nuts. But believe me.... What I am about to tell you about isn't a fiction story its the whole truth. Please let me finish before you speak and then I will answer any questions you may have for me then." Thinking maybe if she were to tell him about anothers life he might ease more into his own better. Maybe if he could see that his life wasn't over but just beginning he wouldn't go insane.

Sasha could feel his eyes upon her once more this time more intense, how was she to start. She had never told anyone her secret before and now here she was going to tell a stranger. Someone who would think she had totally lost her mind along with her life so long ago.

 

[Blue Dolphin]

I watched as she sat down close to the bed, knowing instinctively that something was troubling her. It was only now, well into my recovery, that I began to appreciate her beauty also. I knew that this was probably wrong of me, she was my saviour, and I should not think of her as anything else really.

Then she spoke, very softly

"I have something to talk to you about and your going to think I am nuts. But believe me.... What I am about to tell you about isn't a fiction story its the whole truth. Please let me finish before you speak and then I will answer any questions you may have for me then."

I did not speak, I could not speak, some inborne instinct telling me that this was not the time. But I was fearful, knowing now that I had been bitten, by something, but I knew not what.

"Was she about to tell me that I was going to die?" I wondered.

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

“Eight years ago I was on an expedition researching wild wolves, they had moved close enough to a small town and had the villagers all in an uproar. One after noon while I was out just past dark, I had lost my way and ended up in a part of the forest that I didn’t know. The wolves that I had been researching had come to know my presence and didn’t seem to mind me being there. Although if I got to close they would growl or warn me that I was. But during that night, they kept a vigilance watching over me keeping all the other animals away from me. The next day I was looking for the way out of the forest, knowing I needed to get back to town.”

Looking up to see Nathan staring at her Sasha looks down at her hands, the past seeming to jump before her. Bringing the memories back clear as day as if she were there once more. Living through it all again, so long ago and things had changed since then, she was in control of her life now. Continuing on with her story, in a soft voice letting the memories speak for themselves.

“Somehow or another I came across this cave, it was big and soil around the entrance was disturbed but to the point that I found human foot prints as well as wolf. Which of course had me worried so I went in to check it out. Just incase what the villagers had been concerned for was true. I didn’t think of my safety and I should have, since what was inside that cave changed my life forever. I found evidence of human life within that cave but I also found more confusing things and evidence of something more. The more was the presence of what people today call Werewolves.”

Saying this Sasha waits and listens to the Nathan’s heart, the pulsing of his blood through his veins. Would he believe this next part she wondered, and even if he didn’t he would see soon enough. The evidence was there and soon he would shift, he would become that which she had become. The look upon his face would have been comical if she hadn’t known how he was feeling the thoughts that must have been going through his head. The disbelieve, and yet knowing its the truth, just not wanting to admit it until there was no other way.

“Before I could leave the cave this huge wolf, one I had never seen before came into the cave. Growling and snapping at me, his eyes were the bluest and there was an intelligence I had never thought to see within the eyes of a wild animal. He was at me before I could move, in the end he bit me tearing a large chunk of my flesh out of my side. Much like what yours looked like when I found you the other day. I thought I was dead and although I screamed and fought I knew this creature meant to kill me and there was nothing I could do to stop it from happening."

"Just as I felt my life slipping away and I felt sure they would find my body half eaten by this thing, I heard them. The wolves that I had been researching, they had found me. There was a huge fight the creature that had attacked me was killed. Not before it had taken out several of the members of the pack that had come in. I lost conscience the next thing I knew when I woke up I was in a hospital. The towns folks had found me on the edge of the forest half dead but, my wounds were almost healed. There was no way that I could have been in that forest long enough to be healed that much. Within a week I was fully recovered, but things started changing within my own body, I noticed that I could hear better, things seemed brighter to my eyes."

"Then one night I was out late after I had moved back home. I shouldn’t have been out as late as I was and on the streets a woman being a lone is what most consider her fair game where I come from. Needless to say, in my own self-defense I changed, the man who had tried to harm me tried to run. Now by my saying I changed it wasn’t just mental but my whole body changed. It hurt every bone in my body reformed and I became this huge wolf shape, with the abilities of a wolf. I smelt the mans fear of seeing me change and then he ran, my instinct was to follow him. Sort of like a game, hide and seek only now I was no longer the prey but the predator. But I could still think like a human, I knew why he was running, and I knew that I had become something out of a fairy tail.

"That night I realized what it was that had attacked me, and from then on I have stayed to myself. I bought this house and locked myself away. I have come to understand and learn what my new abilities are and how to use them. I am no longer afraid of them, nor am I ashamed of them, I am telling you this now. You will need to learn as well for your life is about to change as well as mine did. We are called Shifters not werewolves, the difference is I am able to change forms so far into three, a wolf, a hawk, and a leopard.”

Sitting there quietly Sasha looks up at Nathan seeing again the disbelief in his face but his eyes told her that he knew. He knew she was telling him the truth, his subconscious believed her and knew she spoke the truth but his mind didn’t want to believe it. It was all there for Sasha to see everything that she had gone through. Now all she could do was wait, Nathan now knew and it was his choice how he was to handle it, either he wouldn’t believe her and think she was nuts although he knew she spoke the truth. Or he would and then the learning would begin.

 

[Blue Dolphin]

I tried hard to remain calm, as Sasha`s story unfolded, it was not easy, and it was obvious to me that she was nervous. Nervous about telling me, and at what my reaction might be, which was understandable, given our present circumstances.

Her story about the wolf attacking her, sent a shiver through me, making the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. A feeling of deja vous, of having been there. Her words also went some way to explaining why I felt different, becuase now, I was different.

I soon realised that the best thing that I could do would be to remain calm, and try to think about this rationally. I had no reason to doubt her word, the attack so paralleled mine, and the feeling of change, of being different. The empathy was there, like a living thing, connecting us, and the animals that I had seen here. That alonew was proof enough for me.

I looked at Sasha for a long time, before I finally started to talk to her, in a quiet resonant voice, hopefully a calming voice.

"Thank you Sasha, for your courage, and your honesty in being so open with me.
Yes, I am shocked, and surprised by your words, but at the same time, I am resigned to what you had to say. The attack upon you, it bears parallels with my own situation. I have seen how the animals, the wolves, are around you.

I am an intelligent man Sagsa, and I am well aware that there are many things in this world, this universe, that mere mortals do not understand, or comprehend. You may well be wondering how it is that I can be so calm, after such revelations.

All I can say is that I was raised in an enlightened family, that is, a family for whom pshycic phenmena held no fears. I know, that sounds a little strange in this technological age, but it is true. As a child, I would listen to my Grandmother, telling me of things that had happened to her. Of how the latch on her door ratlled three times one night, each time she answered the door, no one was there. Until in the early hours a policeman came, to tell her thather son had been killed in an accident at work. Her daughter, my aunt, would now when her mother was around, long after she passed over, by the smell of freshly baked bread. She would smell roses if her sister was around.

There are many other instances that I could speak of, suffice to say, a phsycic medium informed me that I have healing hands, and should join a development circle, to use my powers for good.

So you see, in some aspects, I have been prepared well for this Sasha. The only question now is, what do I do? and, how do I prepare myself? I am hoping that the answer is that you wil be my guide, and my mentor. Am I correct?"

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Sasha couldn’t keep the relief that she felt from showing on her lovely face, or her body. Up until now she hadn’t realized how worried she had been about this whole thing of how Nathan would take his change. The fact that he was ready and understanding about it all made her feel as if he had more of a chance of surviving in his new world.

“I will teach you all that I can but you must remember that I am still learning things as well. The first thing you will learn is how to control the sounds and smells that I am sure you are experiencing already. The sounds are easy enough, the way I do it is I have this image of a turning switch. When the sounds get to bad for me I use that image to slowly turn them down to where I can handle them. The smells on the other hand you have to learn how to distinguish between them all.”

Sasha could remember her first experience with the smells and her stomach turned when she thought of all the smells the city offered. The build up of human waste and the cities waste for anyone with the keen sense of smell. That had been part of the reason she had fled and moved here to the forest, the smells here didn’t over ride everything.

“The shifting part all I can say is you will know when the time comes how to do that, it does hurt the first few times. I still hurt when I do it but, it does get easier with time and practice. I have seen others like us, some have gone mad and those are the dangerous ones the others have done like I have and found a place away from most humans. This way we keep our sanity and can be what we are without fear of our neighbors finding out our secrets. For this is exactly what it is a secret to be held quiet, if the population of the world was to know of the abilities we now have there would be more danger to us.”

Again Sasha felt the past come back to haunt her, the body of the man twisted and torn at her feet. The smell of his blood on her body, the face of the man as she had changed and became that wolf so long ago. It had taken her days to wash the blood off of her enough that she could not smell it no longer.

“The main thing to remember is this can be a curse or it can be a gift, the choice is yours. If you use it as a curse then you will always be a danger to yourself to those you love and care for, and to those others out there who upset you make you mad or whatever. If you think of it as a gift then you will survive and continue with somewhat of a normal life.”

His eyes had been watching her the whole time with a look of acceptance, something she wasn’t use to but it made her feel almost whole again. The thought of another who would accept her for what she was meant he was willing to accept her for who she was as well. Which gave her more pleasure then she was willing to admit at this point of time. She had never felt the need to receive someone else’s acceptance but for some reason it mattered to her about Nathan. But she didn’t want to look at her feelings on that to closely afraid of what she would find in the long run.

 

[Blue Dolphin]

“The main thing to remember is this can be a curse or it can be a gift, the choice is yours. If you use it as a curse then you will always be a danger to yourself to those you love and care for, and to those others out there who upset you make you mad or whatever. If you think of it as a gift then you will survive and continue with somewhat of a normal life.”

I watched her, as my mind went into overdrive, taking in the enormity of her revelations. As she had said, it would be a curse, as well as a gift, my life now irrevocably changed forever. Questions milled around inside my head, so many questions, where oh where did I begin?

"Difficult though all this information is to comprehend Sasha, I accept what you say. I have to, I know that I have changed, I have seen you with the wolves, and the communication there. I have even felt it, if you can understand that. But now I have questions for you, so many, it is hard to find a place to begin.

"When will the physiological changes happen? Will I have advance warning, and be able to control them? And pain, I expect pain, a lot of it.

Then there is what one might term my "normal" life, is that gone forever now? Will I be able to work, see my friends, have normal relationships, and make love even, and have children? If that is not too embarassing a question."

I looked at her, seeing the recognition in her eyes, and the sorrow.

"Sasha, will you hug me please, just once?"

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Sasha could remember what it was like just needing the comfort of someone to hold her and make things seem like they weren’t as bad as they seemed. Smiling softly and giving a small nod of her head, before moving slowly from her chair to the bed to sit next to him.

It had been so long since she had actually touched another person it was awkward for her to remember what it would be like. His scent was totally male slightly musky with sweat and a touch of woods about it. Making her think of the out doors and running free within the forest. Carefully placing her arms about him before laying her head against his chest giving him a hug.

When Sasha felt his arms come about her returning her hug she stiffened up, then feeling silly for it relaxed just settling in closer to him wanting to give him the comfort she herself had never had. His hold on her was light giving her to option to move anytime she wished it and for that she was thankful although she found she really did not want to move away from him.

Starting to speak softly Sasha begins to answer his questions that he had asked still holding to him, only now it was more her holding and needing that hug from him. Finding that she was indeed enjoying his hold more and more.

“You will begin to notice more, the wolves outside would like to know you and have you run with them when you are able to. But as to the rest of your questions I will answer as many of them that I can, the rest I am afraid we will have to learn them as we go.”

The way he made things sound he would be leaving soon and that actually bothered her, which confused her. She had never wanted anyone near her since the change but now she wasn’t sure she wanted to be a lone any longer. This man had changed that just by his being here and her realizing that just because she could accept her life as it was she was indeed lonely and in the end that meant she was not living.

“Your physiological changes have already begun, since you noticed the wolves and can feel when I communicate with them you have already taken the first step. It will be hard to accept once the changes of form starts to happen. More so if you try to rush it, then give it the time it needs to have to form properly for you.

Control yes, as long as you accept the changes and are willing to understand them then it should be no problem. Your thought pattern will become more basic you will want to spend more time out in the woods. For the first time probably in your life how the birds sound, the way the trees sway and talk to you telling you of the weather.

As for the pain, yes I am sorry there will be pain, there always is but it will get easier with each change. Its not that the pain goes away but more that you get use to it, and soon you just will accept it and brush it aside like I do. I find that I still feel it but now it is more to the back of my mind when it happens and I am able to move faster and easier as soon as I change then I did in the beginning.
Normal, well normal is never normal I am sorry to say, but if you mean will you be able to have a life. Yes of course, you will look like yourself as I do but the differences will be there to those who know you. Your eyes will become more wolf like if that is the form you use more then any, or bird like if you stay in that form to long. Its something that can not be helped but if you do not stay in those forms for but short periods of time then it will not happen as fast. A wife yes but I warn you I do not know about sexual activity.. Since I myself have never tried since the change.”

Sasha felt her face burning but was able to continue with just placing her head a bit lower upon his chest. Taking a deep breath before starting again, hoping that he would not notice how his touch was affecting her. She could already smell her own moistness, her body telling her of its want for this man. Was it only him she wondered or was it just the need for the touch?

“As for children I do not know if it will pass on to them I am almost betting not since I have not seen young ones in shifters. It seems that if you are changed they will be human but maybe with some of the shifters abilities. I am sorry I can not tell you anymore then that. But I truly and honestly do not know as I have not had much communication with others of my kind. I hope that helps you to understand that this is all basically going to depend upon you and your state of mind. It will be up to you how the changes happen but when you are ready I will start teaching you what I know. And until you wish to leave you are welcome to consider this your home.”

Moving to sit up and give Nathan a small smile, her arms still gently holding to his waist. Her eyes seeking his, to see if he understood all that she was telling him. “Your life has changed indeed but with your understanding and knowledge you should be able to live, love have a family, home as well as work or anything else you wish to do.”

 

[Blue Dolphin]

“Your physiological changes have already begun, since you noticed the wolves and can feel when I communicate with them you have already taken the first step. It will be hard to accept once the changes of form starts to happen. More so if you try to rush it, then give it the time it needs to have to form properly for you.

Control yes, as long as you accept the changes and are willing to understand them then it should be no problem. Your thought pattern will become more basic you will want to spend more time out in the woods. For the first time probably in your life how the birds sound, the way the trees sway and talk to you telling you of the weather.

As for the pain, yes I am sorry there will be pain, there always is but it will get easier with each change. Its not that the pain goes away but more that you get use to it, and soon you just will accept it and brush it aside like I do. I find that I still feel it but now it is more to the back of my mind when it happens and I am able to move faster and easier as soon as I change then I did in the beginning.
Normal, well normal is never normal I am sorry to say, but if you mean will you be able to have a life. Yes of course, you will look like yourself as I do but the differences will be there to those who know you. Your eyes will become more wolf like if that is the form you use more then any, or bird like if you stay in that form to long. Its something that can not be helped but if you do not stay in those forms for but short periods of time then it will not happen as fast. A wife yes but I warn you I do not know about sexual activity. Since I myself have never tried since the change.”

As I listened, it seemed to me that the warmth of her body had a calmomg effect upon me. This woman, or should that be this creature, was the only person in the universe who knew my predicament. Not only that, she understood it as well, having been there herself of course. I had to put aside my scientific training, and the constant quest for proof, within the context of what was happening to me. In reality, most would say these things were impossible, but now, I knew otherwise, this was happening, and what is more, it was happening to me.

“As for children I do not know if it will pass on to them I am almost betting not since I have not seen young ones in shifters. It seems that if you are changed they will be human but maybe with some of the shifters abilities. I am sorry I cannot tell you anymore then that. But I truly and honestly do not know, as I have not had much communication with others of my kind. I hope that helps you to understand that this is all basically going to depend upon you and your state of mind. It will be up to you how the changes happen but when you are ready I will start teaching you what I know. And until you wish to leave you are welcome to consider this your home.”

I listened quietly to Sasha, trying to inwardly digest her words, and not to analyse them too much. This was part of the unexplained, one of life’s great mysteries. Something that in some ways I had experience of, my own childhood, and my contacts with psychic phenomena. My astronomy training, and black holes, and the search for GUT. Things we knew existed, but could not explain fully.

Sasha eased backed a little, and smiled at me, once more speaking softly.

“Your life has changed indeed but with your understanding and knowledge you should be able to live, love have a family, home as well as work or anything else you wish to do.”

I smiled back at her, feeling a little re-assured, but still wary of things.

”I hear everything that you say Sasha, and I have no reason to doubt you, but, as I am sure you realise, it is a little hard to take in. You are correct about the changes that are happening; I know when the wolves are close, and when they move away. I also know when you communicate, especially with the one that you refer to as “Alpha” is it? It seems obvious to me now, why you live here, normal society, if there is such a thing, would never accept this “life”, for want of a better term.

As you know, I am an astronomer, doing most of my work through the hours of darkness. I wont make any jokes about the full moon, but, it has entered my thoughts, and not in a good way. Maybe I have seen too many movies. For me one question remains now, and it is a big one.

“How can I ever go back to my past life, carrying this big secret? Being afraid to form relationships, in case something happened,, and I changed. Always afraid to have children, just in case they turn out to be wolves. I am afraid that like yourself, I am now doomed to a life of solitude. Not only solitude, but in some aspects, a life of fear also, fear of being seen for what I truly am. Neither human, nor animal, but rather a cross between the two.”

I watched her as I spoke, looking into her eyes, feeling the growing affinity between us, and wondering. Was it based on fear, or attraction? Or maybe even acceptance that we were now two misfits? Alone in what had become an alien world for both ofus.

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

“No, do not get me wrong Nathan, I live here because it suits me. It gives me the freedom that I desire, to write my books, run with the pack if I choose or just relax. No one to breath down my neck about what I wear how I am or who I prefer to be. None judge me here, there’s no one to hate me for being different. Other then the animals outside and as long as I respect them and remember they are wild animals needing their space then we live happily together. Neither bothering the other, except maybe the wolves who have taken over my front porch. Once a long time ago I lived in a big city..” As Sasha’s voice trails off memories come back to haunt her of that night. The night she had found her change, that man’s face, the horror of what she was, the fear strong within his eyes. The excitement his fear had stirred in her canine instincts. Continuing to speak in a softer almost haunted tone of voice. “No I left for my own sanity, for me, not for anyone or any reason other then myself needing the freedom that I have found here.”

Shifting back from Nathan so that he would see the honesty in her eyes Sasha smiles softly reaching up to lightly brush her finger tips along his jaw line. Now why had she done that she wonders and then just puts it off to trying to comfort him.

"Once you have learned how to control your change and believe me Nathan you will. There should be no reason why you should have to say here or remain hidden unless you so chose."

"As for the full moon I think you misunderstand, we are not what some call Weres, but Shifters. There is a huge difference, the main one being is we can control our change, it does not control us. Yes, you will find the need to change strong but you can control when it happens. Unfortunately we do need to change, I have found that the longer you go the more the change hurts when it comes. But if you use it like once a month for at least a few hours the change isn’t so bad. Once night of running in a park or go hiking for a weekend, no biggie no one would know.”

Listening to herself Sasha knew she could never go back her world was here, and though she was alone she had brought that upon herself. It wasn’t like she didn’t have suitors even out here in the middle of no where. They seemed to find her once in a while and she would have to send them packing. Now though she found that maybe she wasn’t so happy about being so alone. Nathan’s presence had indeed changed something for her, but from everything she had heard so far, he was going to leave. She knew she would miss him and it would take time to get over being lonely but she would have the pack to keep her company.

Although Nathan’s words had hurt her she felt the need to make him more comfortable with his feelings. He hadn’t lost everything, it had just become more complicated, but that's what life was suppose to be about wasn’t it? Learning to adjust to anything that was thrown your way. Accepting who you were and living each day trying to increase your knowledge of ones self.

“As for going back, Nathan control is your key, always be in control of yourself and that which you have become. I know there are some out there who do and would accept you as you are now. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that will find that someone, who will understand and accept. I believe you can find someone like that if you look and trust in your natural instincts. There really isn’t any reason that you should hide yourself away if you do not wish to.”

Sitting there Sasha waited for her words to sink in, hopefully showing Nathan that he had not lost all. But just had become stronger, better for he would always have control, not only of his change but of all emotions. Outside the wolves set up to howling and Sasha listened to them. Looking to the window she notices that their talk had taken a while and the sun is now completely lost to them.

"If you feel up to it, I would like to move you out on the porch. The brothers outside would like to greet you. I promise they will not harm you but the outdoors may do you some good."

 

[Blue Dolphin]

Sasha`a comments were enlightening, to say the least, but they were also good for me. Easing the fears that I had, and almost making me think that my strength was returning. I knew that my spiritual strength was strong, now I needed to work upon the physical, in preparation for what was to come.

"If you feel up to it, I would like to move you out on the porch. The brothers outside would like to greet you. I promise they will not harm you but the outdoors may do you some good."

I smiled at her, wondering, "Had she been reading my mind", hearing my thoughts on the fact that I needed to establish a relationship, with these wolves, these canis lupus, to give them their Latin name. I followed Sasha, out onto the porch, and almost stumbled, as it hit me. The sense that they knew who I was, ewhat I was. There was no threat as such, just an understanding that if I did anything to harm Sasha, then I would pay dearly for it.

I looked at the pack, silent, all watching me, but I was aware of another presence close by. Looking all arouind, I could see nothing, but I knew that he was there, watching me.

Thew Alpha male, leader, and almost the King around here. There was no threat though, as I felt his vibes, his presence becoming stronger with every second that passed.

My body ached, and my skin tightened, almost stretching a little, I looked at Sasha, with what I suspected was horor on my face.

"Surely, not yet, its too soon, I am weak. Please tell me no, this is not happening, please."

I had never before in my life felt as vulnerable as I did at that moment in time, never.

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

His panic'd cry of concern spurred Sasha into motion. Slipping her arms around him silently using her own insincts to guide her. Pressing her body tightly up against his as she whispers softly into his ear. Quietly talking to him in a soothing or what she hoped to be a soothing tone.

"Nathan, relax your body when it happens let it come, don't fight it. Just take deep calming breaths please. Control will come later but you must for right now stay calm, your body is healed enough for the change. Your strength is more then you realize, I promise. Just trust in me, I will help guide you through this, I will not leave you."

Even with the situation as it was, Sasha found that she was enjoying the feeling of this man's arms around her. His scent strong in her noise, breathing deeply she took a healthy breath of him. With the feel and scent of him so close Sasha found her own body reacting to his, warming up at a rapid pace of speed. Her loins already moist as if calling to a lover, telling her of another basic instinct that she herself had thought never to experience again.

Nathan's body felt muscular next to her softer one, and though his strength had indeed grown. The way he now held her was gentle almost as if they were two lovers holding each other. Her thoughts of their own began to wonder what his hands would feel like exploring her body. How his lips pressed to hers would feel, if she would just melt right there or ravish him. It had been way to long since she had been this close to a man, and one that she was attracted to. Groaning softly, trying to brush aside her own thoughts as she hears his groans of despair. Later she would have to examine her thoughts but right now there was more important matters to take care of, the main one was that Nathan was changing. If he fought this and made it harder on himself it may scare him enough to drive him over the edge and she didn't want that to happen.

"Nathan, I want you to come and sit down on the floor of the porch with me. If you change it will be easier on you to be sitting on the porch rather then in a chair. Nathan do you hear me?" She had to ask since he hadn't made a move to do as she had asked. Then seeing the slight nod of his head Sasha gives a small sigh of relief. He was going to listen, this was going good, now if she could just keep him calm.

Using her own strength to help support him together they move slowly between his groans of discomfort and the stubbling motions soon they are both sitting on the porch. The wolves had formed a semi circle around then sniffing and huffing quietly as the Alpha male moves closer to them. His graceful motions bringing him in to reaching distance of Nathan and herself. Giving a small smile and gentle nod of her head Sasha looks back to Nathan.

"Nathan, look at the Alpha male, what I want you to do is take his form into your mind. Color does not matter, but the shape and size, the form of his body each and every detail. Then close your eyes, listen to my voice and take that image that you have and work it through your body. How his legs look, his paws, his nose the graceful line of his jaw. The way his back drops and then rises his chest, the way it looks so full. Every detail must be in your mind go through each one slowly, your body will follow what you tell it to. It will form your wolf form slowly, and yes the beginning process is tiring, and will hurt some. I am sorry for that, I wish I could take it away from you so that you wouldn't need to feel it, but I can't. It will get better with time and practice I promise, honest it does."

By now Sasha could see the fur starting to form along his arms and that his face had started to contort, whether he was ready or not his body was saying that it was going to happen and no matter what they wanted it was going to happen now.

"Keep your breathing slow, and relax. Let it take you slowly, this is your first lesson Nathan and it is up to you. It can be hard on you or easy, there is no two ways around it. The idea is to learn how to accept the change not fight it, if you fight then it hurts more, but if you accept the change will be easier and not so painful."

Sasha wanted to help him so badly but didn't know what else to do other then talk him through it. To let him hear her as the change took place, just to give him someone there who would give him some comfort in what was happening to him. Reaching her hand out quietly she begins a slow brush along his arm with her fingertips. Amazed at how soft the small fur upon his body felt against her skin, it was so fine and almost as soft as a babies hair is when just beginning to grow.

 

[Blue Dolphin]

All that I could do was to take Sasha`s advice, and look at the Alpha male.

I knew what was happening, hell fire, I could feel every movement, and stretch of my skin. My bones feeling as if they were being distorted. The pain was excruciating, and yet, I could not cry out. I just had to bear it, to deal with it. For this was now to be my life, my lone existence, as a sometime creature of the night.

I felt rather than saw Sasha`s hand on my arm, as my vision changed, becoming narrower somehow, but at the same time, much sharper. The strangest thing of all though, wa sthat I could hear the pack, untillegible sounds from them, but where they? I undersdtood them implicitly, evry single growl, whimper and intonation that they made. They were willing me to succeed.

I felt myself bend, my haunches changing shape, and being repositioned, again I tried to call out, but all I got was an almost gutteral bark. Now I was fearful, very fearful indeed.

What would I do if I could not reverse this?


Was I destined to be a human, in a wolf`s body, for all time now?

 

[LadyChance]

Sasha

Sasha could feel his panic rise and though he did not understand it she understood his calls for help. All she could do at that moment was stay with him by his side, and wish to help him. She needed him to change fully before she could change to be with him, to guide him into the change back.

She knew the pain he was feeling and that he couldn't understand her words any longer. But the touch he could feel, that she knew from her own experiences. Keeping her hand upon his arm she moved even closer to him placing her own body next to his as his change took him completely over.

Never before had she been near someone when they changed and as she watched in fasinated silence she was amazed by the sight. His skin took on the fur almost as if by magic, the once powerfully strong legs shortened into strong powerful hind and fore legs, that of a wolf now instead of the man. His torso of the man had been broad now was transformed into that of a wolf. His back arched with pain one moment then the next he sat quietly next to her fully changed looking at her with confusion plain on his canine face. At that moment Sasha hated herself for not being able to have stopped his transformation. Even though there had been no way for her to stop it she blamed herself for the pain that he had gone through.

Moving slightly away from him Sasha begins the slow painful process of her own transformation, knowing the wolves would watch over them both until she was once again able to be there fully.

Welcoming the pain of transformation Sasha let herself be guided by her instincts, feeling her own body twist and turn. Her legs shortened and her arms grew, both became muscular that of a canines. Her eyesight changed and soon she was looking out the eyes of her wolf form.

Standing on slightly weak legs Sasha moves towards Nathan sitting upon her hunches next to him. Looking into his eyes once more, if she could have cried in canine form she would have then for the sight that she seen. Even though he would never be the same, Nathan would never see the sight she did within his eyes. That of loneliness, sorrow, pain, confusion, even some of hatred not totally directed at her she could tell. But there was some, and that little bit only added to her own of herself.

"I'm so sorry Nathan, if I could have stopped the change I would have. Please forgive me, I would not wish this upon anyone, not against their will." Sasha knew that he words came out in gutteral groans of a dog, small whimpers and whines that made up the language of their new forms. But she knew now that he had completely changed he would understand everything she said.

"As for your fear Nathan it is natural, but the way to change back is to reverse what you thought before. Think of your human form, of how you were before but minus clothing. It does not hurt as much when you go from wolf to human, that I can promise you since your natural form will be human it is always easier to go back."

Shifting closer to him Sasha waited for his rebulk of her nearness, when he did not move from her she let out a sigh of relief. Maybe he did not hate her as much as she hated her self after all.