Petrichor ~ P.L.

Chapter Twenty

Blinking, I took in the shocked faces of my former friends before me.  They weren't cowering away in fear, they were more...surprised. I mean, fair enough, they did just see someone they have known for years shift into a giant wolf. 

My ears flattened as I realized what exactly I had done.  Would they expose me to authorities?  So that I could be poked and prodded and captured for my abilities?  Maybe I would have to flee into the forest, and remain as a wolf forever.  Never to see my friends or family again.  With the way Paul was looking at me, perhaps that would be best.  

His handsome, tan face seemed to not be able to settle on an emotion.  At first, shock filled his face.  Sharp jaw slack as he took in my wolf form.  Paul's eyes slid to the bite on my neck, currently gushing blood onto the ground and my white fur.  His brows furrowed in concern, then his usually warm eyes turned dark with rage, snapping his head to Jacob who still stood near the tree line across from me.  

Paul went to step forward, but Sam put a hand on his chest, pushing him back with an order to cool it.  

Panic settled over me as I took in the faces of the rest of my friends.  Varying displays of shock and confusion, but no fear.  

Shifting on my feet, not wanting to face them, I took a step backward towards the forest, ears flat against my head.  

Paul's attention snapped from glaring at Jacob to me, gaze softening. 

He took a step forward, "Adair, it's okay." 

It's okay? It's okay?  It's not okay! It's nowhere near okay! 

Shaking my head once, I stepped back another step.  How was he not terrified?  Not running away and throwing up in fear at the monster in front of him?  What about Jacob?  How the hell did he shift into a wolf?  Was it just in the Blacks family genes?  As my gaze shot from one person to the other, my stomach turned as a wave of realization crashed over me.  

The tattoos 

Disappearing for no reason 

Muscle gain 

Now, combined with the fact that they held no fear, only surprise at me turning into a wolf, and not Jacob.  

No fucking way 

I remembered Billy's words, about a pack.  How he asked if the pack helped me. 

I stumbled back, Sam approaching me with his hands out like he was trying to calm a wild animal.  Maybe that was what I was now.  An untamed beast. 

"Adair-" He started, but I was already gone. 

Pivoting on my back paws, I bolted into the forest, gritting my teeth to fight back the pain as blood gushed from my wound. 

How could I be so stupid? 

Of course, I wasn't the only one, not with how Billy reacted.  It was so obvious, how they shut everyone else out, they're cult-like appearance and mentality. 

Well, pack mentality I guess.  

I quickened my pace as I heard a set of footsteps behind me, a small whimper escaping me with a new rush of pain.  

The footfalls got closer as I sprinted through the forest.  I spotted a clearing ahead that might give me an advantage if I had to fight whoever was chasing me.  Though I doubt I would win with my neck gushing blood, and advanced healing not yet catching up. 

With another push of speed, I broke into the clearing, tripping over my foot from pushing myself too far.  

A high-pitched yelp escaped me as I tumbled through the moss and dirt-covered ground, sticks and rocks stabbing into me until I slid to a stop.